Friday, September 18, 2009

For Great Biking Fun, Travel to Maine

By PJ Walker

Most of Maine is wooded and rather hilly. This makes for some very fun and challenging biking. There's also plenty of gorgeous scenery in this state to make your ride even more enjoyable! The following trails are some of the best that Maine has to offer.

The 26-mile run not far from Bar Harbor is pretty much a day-long trip, but it's also nice easy riding because it's entirely paved. Called the Acadia Park Loop, the challenge lies in making it the entire 26 miles-at least for beginners. But you don't have to rush, as there is a lot of great scenery, and there are attractions along the way that make it perfect for taking a break, so this trail is great place to head for a family bike ride.

Not far from Freeport, you can check out the Bradbury Mountain trails. With more than 20 miles of biking routes to select from, you'll find trails for everyone-beginning riders and experienced riders alike. Advanced bikers will love tackling the trails going up the mountain, while beginners will appreciate the easier trails on the other side of the road. All of these trails are well maintained and great riding! There is a $3 fee to ride on these trails, but it's worth it!

City Forest near Bangor has many trails to choose from. The trails are not well-marked so be prepared to explore. Many of these little side trails are not well-traveled so you don't have to worry about heavy traffic interrupting your ride. Beginners will find easy dirt trails, or for the more advanced biker you can treat yourself to challenging rocky, root-ridden trails. There's something here for everyone.

If you travel in the vicinity of Parsonsfield, you can also find a 12-mile route called the Cedar Mountain Loop. It starts out rather steep, but once you get to the top, you'll absolutely love the view and it will be worth all your hard climbing. Adventure awaits on the way down, too-with streams and water to navigate and cross. Maps are available to make your ride fun and adventurous according to your appetite for excitement.

Perfect for riders from beginners to advanced, the trails at Mount Agamenticus offer a primary paved trail beginners will love and lots of offshoots that incorporate technical challenges such as steep inclines, rapid descents, and rocks to navigate around. It's a really cool location close to York Village, but the one downside is that there are no maps available and it can be easy to get lost if you wander off alone.

For a sometimes muddy run that's lots of fun, travel toward Westbrook to ride on the 10-mile route near the Westcott Junior High School. Lots of side trails make it fun and exciting, and some of these offshoots are hilly and perfect for making jumps. You'll also find wooded trails, rocks, and other technical challenges to keep you on your toes.

Nature lovers will definitely want to check out maps of the state and find some trails along the coastal areas of Maine. Have your camera ready because you never know when you'll top the next hill to see a breathtaking view of the ocean! As always, be safe and happy trails!

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