Arcadia or Big River?

[talisman]

Which do you prefer and why, Big River or Arcadia? I have never been to Big River, but always enjoy my rides in Arcadia. I like the size of Arcadia unless I get lost close to sunset. The variation of trails, flat, hilly, sandy, rock gardens, single track, double track, swamps, bridges, stairs and the tunnle of flowers keeps me coming back.

I would like to try Big River. Which is your favorite?

[Shubnigurath]

Niether is, in my opion, better than the other. I haunt both locals frequently, so heres my synopsis of River...
Not nearly as technical as Arcadia...if you just cant live without mile long sections of ridiculously hard rock gardens than Big River probably dissapoint.
Large and spread out, fast single track, with a smattering of moderatly technical sections and downhills. Not alot of superdifficult steep climbs...but what doesnt go up....doesnt get to bomb its way back down with a huge grin either ;D.
Terrain does not run the Gammut like Arcadia.. being mostly hardpack, not much sand or other annoying substances. Best of all..no freaken pine needles..hate those things..
Do you like mud??...do you crave mud??..than youll be in mud puddle heaven there. Big River serves as a sort of geographical annomally by being able to stay muddy even seven months into the worst regional drought the northeast has ever seen...I hear scinetists are out there now trying to figure it out.
Lastly..BERMS,BERMS....and MORE BERMS. Arcadia has a sever lack of these most funnest of all trail obstacles..but theyre around practically every corner at Big River. Whats cooler than cruising round a tight corner and hanging a berm around an all too big and deep ...you guessed it..puddle of mud. :-X
Myself and Carsion ride there all the time...be glad to crank it out there with you..just let us know when 8)
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[talisman]

I enjoyed your review of Big River. Really need to get over there and check it out. Berms are a blast and fast single track is always welcome.

What's up with you and pine needles? They smell better than dog poo when I spank.

[Shubnigurath]

....err..yes, i would have to concour that riding through pine needles would be much more preferable to poo. Aside from that however, while pine needles may masqeraude about as a pleasant, wonderfully oderiferous trail abstraction who would lead one to believe that thier sole and selfless role is to provide a gentle cushion to those whom fall from their bikes...I warn you!!..underneath that fascade lies the insidious truth. In fact, pine needles serve as tiny woodland vampires who love nothing more than sucking the life out of unsuspecting bikers, laughing with glee as they cause tires to washout on steep climbs (thier favourite hangout), and forcing us to expend more energy plowing through them than most other terrain. (although I've never heard them actually laugh, i do suspect it). Thats my deal with pine needles.
Anyway, ill be riding Big River Sunday, sometime after 11 am, and possibly monday and tuesday as well. I drive a black Grand Cherokee (rockshox edition :D) and a blue/white Giant AC Air Lite..if you happen to be there.

[Carsion]

I am looking forward to riding Big River this Sunday also. Pine Needles and all.....!
I am thinking that 1pm will be about the time that I will be arriving there.
I have a little green Hyundai with the Phish stickers and the Fuji Diamond Light-2.
My issues are not with the pine needles so much as the MUD! :P I expect to see plenty of puddles there this sunday.

[Sylvan]

You guys have fun Sunday!

I am probably what would be called a slightly above-novice rider, and I enjoyed our couple of rides at Big River, even if I was/am the slowest in the bunch. Definitely look out for those puddles though, and make sure to be close to your car near dark. Trying to navigate around a puddle just after dusk, I hit a stump (that I couldn't see in the dark) and ended up soaked, hoping my kneecap hadn't just imploded...

[AGENTGRAPE]

ARCADIA ALL DAY MUCH BETTER TRAIL CONDITIONS. IT DRAINS BETTER THAN BOG RIVER. ITS BIGGER AND BADDER.THE PARKING IS LARGER ITS PATROLED BY NEMBA

[Dawgee]

I love Arcadia. Big River is a nice change and is fun in its own way. (I like riding over the downed trees)I really need to ride in Lincoln Woods more and learn the trails there. Sylvan you hurt yourself quite a bit huh? j/k The one thing a hate about Big River is the mud. That nasty stinky black mud. You get that on you the smell never comes out LOL

[Sylvan]

Dawgee, I don't do nearly as badly riding as I do at working on comps. Getting skinned up on a ride is Carsion's department. He has that avatar for a reason. ;D

As for Arcadia, I got to ride there one time. The hills were a little tough for me, but like I said, I'm no expert. I enjoyed the dips at Big River, the dry ones. It's like a little roller coaster or something. ;D

[livetoride369]

I am up for Arcadia any night after work and before dark. I have lights but did not bring them. I have never been and don't know the trail. I would like to tag along with anybody going in.

Anybody interested in letting me tag along?