Exercise R Us

Question:

>If you want a ride closer to DC try the Marine Corps >base at Quantico – a local bike shop can help you out.

Unfortunately, this is no longer open.  DC area trail cyclists had a good thing going with the Marine Corp a couple of years ago.  Every Sunday, they would let us use their training facility at Quantico.  It was criss-crossed with tasty singletrack. They even had a race thru it each year.  But then folks decided they needed to ride it during the week too.  One such pair caused a training exercise to be interrupted.  Alas, no more riding at Quantico. Dan Hudson

Response:

>> Wanted to get some information on any good moutain biking sites > in Maryland or Northern Virginia >There’s supposed to be a good mt.bike trail at Fountainhead Regional >Park (I think that’s in Manasas, or close to it)  It’s next to the >Occoquan somewhere, but I’ve yet to search it out. >If you want to do some downhill type of stuff, go and make the trip to >Whitetail Ski Resort (about an hour from DC).  I’ve never been there >either, but as long as they don’t have any big races, it’s also supposed >to be pretty good.

The absolute mecca within 2 hours of DC is Frederick MD. Ride in Gambrills State Park. Ride in the City Watershed. Ride in Cunningham Falls. There is no place better nearby. Trust me on this one. If you want a ride closer to DC try the Marine Corps base at Quantico – a local bike shop can help you out. — Dave Blake http://www.keck.ucsf.edu/~dblake/

Response:

> Wanted to get some information on any good moutain biking sites in Maryland > or Northern Virginia > Look forward to any info..thanks. > Brian Sullivan

There’s supposed to be a good mt.bike trail at Fountainhead Regional Park (I think that’s in Manasas, or close to it)  It’s next to the Occoquan somewhere, but I’ve yet to search it out. It only opened at the end of March, and doesn’t have too much in the way of trail lengthwise (only about 4.5miles), but it’s supposed to be very technical, and it was made by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. The cost is free!  I should be heading out there this weekend, so If you weren’t planning on going before then, I’ll give you an update. If you want to do some downhill type of stuff, go and make the trip to Whitetail Ski Resort (about an hour from DC).  I’ve never been there either, but as long as they don’t have any big races, it’s also supposed to be pretty good. BJE

Response:

Wanted to get some information on any good moutain biking sites in Maryland or Northern Virginia Look forward to any info..thanks. Brian Sullivan

Response:

>Wanted to get some information on any good moutain biking sites in Maryland >or Northern Virginia

Check out the book "Mountain Bike America – Washington/Baltimore" by Scott Adams.  Lots of good rides.   You also might think about joining one of the many local groups like MORE (Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts) http://apollo.gmu.edu/~chain/more/enter.htm MORE is doing maintaince at Fountainhead Saturday 7/12 at 9:30am.  Come on out and chop up a few logs with us.  People will reccommend all sorts of places to ride, and Fountainhead itself is great. Fountainhead Regional Park    From Washington D.C.: take I-95 South – Lorton exit; At the stop sign, turn right heading west on Lorton Road – right on Furnace Road – right on Ox Road – left on Hampton Road – left to entrance of the park Bring hiking/work boots; a hammer; work gloves; eye glasses; water Clif Bars will be provided courtesy of Kali SportNaturals and IMBA — Mike

Response: