Anywhere not too far from Boston recommended this weekend?

[Jodebane]

Are there any places that are recommended for this weekend?

REQUIREMENTS

No more than an hour and a half away from Boston
Not too challenging for a beginner like me
In good condition (Not all muddy)

Thanks for any responses

[antonio]

I'm in Boston also. After today's rain, and with the next few days of sunshine and winds, I'm HOPING that a lot of nearby trails will clear up in time for this weekend.

I'm actually in the mood for a xc type ride, and would love to hit up Great Brook or HP, but am reluctant to head north of the city, as those trails tend to take a bit longer to dry up.

With that said, I'm thinking of giving Wompatuck a shot on Sunday morning. It's south of the city, so it should have accumulated less snow over the winter and thus should dry up sooner than other trails, plus I've never been. If you (or anyone reading this) is interested in joining, let me know.

Also, if anyone can give an update on HP or GBF, that would be much appreciated, too.

Ant

BTW, I'm sure Otis is a safe and fun bet, but it's about 1.5 hours south.

[leebo]

It's going to be at least several weeks before we can ride off road, at least N of Boston. The top is mud and below that is still frozen. Please be patient and don't ruin our trails for the whole season. It has to thaw and then drain. Maybe the cape is looking better. Try a (gasp) a road ride. Great cross training for the dirt season. Had a nice 28 mile paved ride on Sat.

[antonio]

It's going to be at least several weeks before we can ride off road, at least N of Boston. The top is mud and below that is still frozen. Please be patient and don't ruin our trails for the whole season. It has to thaw and then drain. Maybe the cape is looking better. Try a (gasp) a road ride. Great cross training for the dirt season. Had a nice 28 mile paved ride on Sat.

I don't think anyone is advocating riding on muddy trails (if anything, I think concern for the trails is being advocated), but I understand why you're concerned.

The cape should be fine, me thinks. Otis was fine two weeks ago, and didn't get too much snow in the last wave.

[bdee]

Areas further south comprised of sandy soil drain quickest as a general rule. What is true for the northern trails doesn't always hold in southern NE. We're usually back in the woods by the next week or so at the latest. You'll know real quickly if you should or shouldn't be riding as it will be no fun due to your tire riding an inch or so IN the ground as opposed to ON it.

Burlingame in RI will likely be in good shape by this weekend. Lincoln Woods may be fine assuming the ground is done heaving. Bluff Point in CT should be OK in certain areas, probably a mess in others. I would shoot for the Cape (Otis, TOT) for ideal conditions by Sat/Sunday. Locals to each area will hopefully chime in with conditions..

There's nothing wrong with a road ride either!

[Longshanks]

Cape trails (Otis or TOT) will be in great shape this weekend, and both days look to be perfect for riding.

[bikdav]

I'd avoid Harold Parker for the time being. I'm in the area and when I last checked, it still had scattered snow and ice patches_ not to mention quite a bit of mud.

[Jodebane]

Isn't there a place called Hale Reservation in Westwood?

Is that reccomended?

[AA]

This will probably be the worst weekend all year to ride. Read this:

http://www.nemba.org/Articles/SoftRiding.html

[Jodebane]

Oh yeah, Hale doesn't allow biking at this time of year

[Nomad]

Otis, but be prepared 2 walk a bit if u got new legs

[bikdav]

This will probably be the worst weekend all year to ride. Read this:

http://www.nemba.org/Articles/SoftRiding.html

Yep. This is the very issue that I raised about Harold Parker. That's why I figured that it would be best avoided.

[kgoldswo]

I walked parts of HP today. There is still lots of packed snow & ice on many of the trails. Definitely will be messy this weekend.

LDT & GB probably have similar conditions.

- Kirk

[splat]

Come Join us at otis!!! ( see otis for idiots thread )

[specialk]

Any reports on other places in Massachusetts being rideable for the weekend?

I was thinking about heading out to Borderlands on Sunday. Anyone been there lately?

Going south of the city seems like the way to go.