Conference noted::bicycle

    Jim,
    
     I mt. bike in the big "Q" as much as I can. It is a very beautiful and
    LARGE place. I don't know where you are, but I live in Athol which is
    at the northern tip of the "Q". I have ridden in at almost every gate
    up at this end of the Quabbin from gate 29-34, 26, 27, and 41. If your
    able to come up to this end, I would reconmend you try the "Womans
    Federation Forest" off of route 122 in Petersham. There is some great
    single track in there. Also try gate 41 in Hardwick, this will offer a
    large area of dirt roads to explore along with some old foundations and
    an old village common. Aword of caution here, bring a map, as you can
    get lost very easly. I have some stashed away somewhere if you would
    like a copy...drop me a line.
    
     DISCLAIMER: I have read that ONLY english style bikes are allowed on
    ONLY the paved sections of roads. I have never had any problems with
    the authorities and only a minor discussion with a hiker, who seemed to
    see it our way after we described what we had seen, where we've been
    and offered him some suggestions on other gates he might enjoy hiking
    in from.
    
     PM

�     DISCLAIMER: I have read that ONLY english style bikes are allowed on
�    ONLY the paved sections of roads. I have never had any problems with
�    the authorities and only a minor discussion with a hiker, who seemed to
�    see it our way after we described what we had seen, where we've been
�    and offered him some suggestions on other gates he might enjoy hiking
�    in from.
 
What do you mean by "english" style bike?  As in no Mountain Bikes are 
allowed?  Even if you rode them just on the pavement.  Of course who's
to say that you stayed on just the pavement...right?

- Ed

I believe the official rule for Quabbin is biking on "paved" roads.  I believe
this means the old roads that are all beat up.  Due to the low number of people,
I have not heard of problems riding in there, however if the volume of people
increase and trash is left around (whether or not it's from bikers" the state
will probably put an end to it.  Personnally I have ridden all the dirt roads,
but have not done single track.  Perhaps these dirt roads are considered "paved"?

Due to the large area, I would suggest a map and perhaps a compass on cloudy days
especially for novice riders.

steve

    Does the Quabbin have good single track? and if so does anyone have a
    trail map? If anyone could fax a copy of a map I would appreciate it.
    
    Send mail to Nqops::Thibodeau
    
    Thanks
    
    Alan 

    
    I've never done any biking (mtn biking) in/around Quabbin, but I have
    done some hiking there. I was told (a few yrs ago) that the dirt trails
    were for hiking only...and that the old paved roads were for biking.
    If this is no longer the case, where/how can I get a trail map for mtn
    biking?
    
    Pete
    

    To get a map of the Quabbin (I have one and it's great!) just go to
    your local EMS store (EMS in Greendale's mall, Worcester) and buy it.
    Call first to make sure.
    
    Also, if you're going through Gardner, MA. (I know - where's Gardner?),
    Oneill's bike shop (rt 68 through Gardner) carries them.
    		Cindy
     

    Thanks Cindy !
    
    Jim

    
    
     Also see John's Sport shop In "Gard-a-ner", Thats where I got mine.
    It's on semi-water proof paper and is fairly durable. If you have the
    need for "topo" maps, you will need to get at least 6 perhaps 7 to
    cover the entire area.
    
    pm