Light Mountain Biking in the Leominster State Forrest

Light Mountain Biking in the Leominster State Forest

The Ride….
Have you seen all those videos on the GoPro channel with those Dudes doing all that crazy stuff on their Mountain Bikes, well we won’t be doing any of that. This ride gives you a chance to get out on your Mountain Bike to gain some experience. The pace will be slow and we'll be stopping anytime its needed.
For this ride we’ll be sticking to the gravel roads that run through the area including Rocky Pond Road, Parmenter Street, Brook Road, Hells Highway and Wolf Rock Road. The loop is about 6.7 miles with many opportunities to venture into some intermediate terrain if the group feels up to it. The roads are wide and provide a novice rider an opportunity to develop a feel for what they might expect on more advanced rides.
When you are ready for some single track riding, the Spooky Forest holds all sorts of mysteries, and there’s Jane Fonda’s Workout for those who might be worried about their motor in the back of their Honda. There are many other intermediate (Blue) trails and a few advanced trails (Black) too.

Overview of Leominster State Forrest;
From hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and fishing, the Leominster State Forest has everything for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike a segment of the 95-mile Midstate Trail or take a dip in Crow Hill Pond. In the winter, break out your cross-country skis or snowshoes.
From hilly rugged single-tracks, to flowing smooth trails, to difficult technical single-tracks, Leominster has everything that a mountain biker could desire. A ride here will acquaint you not only with a variety of riding conditions but will serve to showcase a lot of Wachusett NEMBA\'s trail work, including bridges and trail stabilization projects.
Leominster State Forest, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is a 4,500-acre parcel of forested land, located in the five towns of Westminster, Princeton, Leominster, Fitchburg and Sterling in North Central Massachusetts. The forest is conveniently located off of Rte 2 (exit 95) and is an easy drive for local residents, a quick convenient ride from the MBTA Wachusett commuter rail station, and other Boston and Worcester communities. Parking is available along Rte. 31 in several areas.

https://www.mass.gov/locations/leominster-state-forest

Parking and other considerations…
We will be parking at the Rocky Pond Road Trailhead lot off Rte 31. Parting can be tight on a busy day. If space becomes an issue we can park up the street at the state park and bike down to the trail. The lot sneaks up on you so watch for it. Also, there are no bathrooms or any other services in the forest, however there is a service station at the Rte 2/31 interchange.

Here is a link to the biking trails:

RECOMMENDED BIKE TYPE(s):
Mountain Bike (Front or Full Suspension Suggested, Disk Brakes) or a very rugged Trail Bike for a more experienced rider. No exceptions! The main route consists of loose sand, gravel, washout, and other tricky conditions.

NOTE 1: In order to take advantage of as much daylight riding as possible (especially as we get closer to September/October), the posted ride time is the START/DEPARTURE TIME of the ride time, NOT the "show up at the meeting location" time. The ride will depart at the start time regardless of who is not there at that time.
You must arrive ahead of time to prepare and make any last minute adjustments to your bike as early as you think you need (the earlier the better) to be ready to leave at the start time.

NOTE 2: You MUST have a helmet, and a bike bag containing:
-at least one spare tube in case you get a flat (We’re less than 5 miles from the parking lot at all times, you might want to walk it out if you blow a tire)
-a patch repair kit or CO2 cartridge(s) and inflator (or have a small bike tire pump on your bike)
-tire removal tool(s)
You should know how to either repair a flat or replace the tube.
It also is highly recommended you have at least one front light in case it gets dark

NOTE 3: You must have some type of GPS on your bike to be able to ride the route turn by turn (in case for whatever reason you get dropped or lost somehow). If you don't have a GPS, you must have some type of printed cue sheet you can refer to. Riders who don't have these will not be allowed to ride the event.

NOTE 4: As a condition of attending this Meetup event, you agree to hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risks associated with this meetup. Cycling poses inherent risks and dangers. Participation is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

NOTE 5: Rain or threat rain or other bad weather may require cancellation and possibly rescheduling this event. I will keep attendees posted as the event date gets closer.

If you need to reach me on the day of the event, call or text Jason L at (978) 855-0844. I will not be checking the messages in the comment section of the event on Meetup.