Conference noted::bicycle

2672.0. "MTB Mecca in Methuen, Ma. (Don't tell anyone)" by AIMHI::LARSON () Wed Sep 08 1993 20:55

    I was fortunate enough to have a friend bring me to what I consider MTB
    heaven.  I don't remember the name (although it has one).  We parked by
    Macdonald's and the next thing I new we were on some of the best
    singletrack I have ever experienced.  The guy that made them is called
    "Old Joe", some mason who is a true craftsman.
    
    I have been into MTBing for 3 years.  I consider myself advanced.  I am
    fortunate to live in a hilly area to train, however, there is mostly
    just rooty, rocky, rutty, gasoline powered vehicle abused jeep trails.
    I thought this was great and all till I went to Methuen.
    
    The
    trails were a perfect match for me.   They were techincal enough to
    require 100% concentration but not so tough that there were parts I
    couldn't ever make.  Jeep trails, power lines and a custom set of
    "Bicycle only" trails.  I say this because they are so tight and twisty
    that even a motorcycle wouldn't be any fun.   There were custom rock
    obstacles, perfectly banked berms, off camber turns, switch-backs,
    jumps, heart stopping downhills.....everything in one place.  After 2
    hours I was mentally exhausted (though not physically).  A very unique
    place to ride.
    
    
    I am hoping that someone reading this knows about this mecca.
    
     1. What's the name of this place and does anyone know about "Joe"?
    
     2. Does anyone know any books or other ways I can learn a bit about
       how to construct  a local network of singletrack?  (The only rule I
       am using now is: Bring your bike everytime you work on the trail so
       you know the section is makable).
    
     3.  Any other places that people think are "The Meg'" here in New
         England.
    
    Can't wait to go back to Joe's Mecca,
    
    Mike
    

    Mike, please give us the directions to this wonderful place. It sounds
    great!!
    
    Bill

I think his is talking about Pie Hill near the power lines next to the Methuen
Mall.


Dave

    Any confirmation on this will be riden by me!!
    
    Tim

    That's it!   Pie Hill.  I'll try to get directions but I think my
    friend is sworn to secrecy.  I know that when we took RT 93 South, took
    RT 213 thru Methuen, went by the Mall, then 213 had a right hand kink
    in it.  If you look straight ahead, you are staring at a sick downhill
    on powerlines.  That is the powerlines I mentioned. 
    
    We got off some exit and parked at Micky D's.  Even if you get to the
    entrance, there are so many trails out there that you may never get to
    the unique singletrack.  Maybe we can organize a ride someday.
    
    
    Mike

A bunch of us  from the shop usually rides there on Sunday 5:30 after work in
the Summer. It use to be for motocycles but the Power company closes it off
because of complaint or something.
  
Dave