Casper
New Member
For a great change from our NJ trails, read on...
The wife and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary at the Emerson Inn & Spa in Mount Tremper, NY. The town neighbors Woodstock; where I pursued the Overlook Mounting Bike Shop for local technical trail suggestions. Special thanks to my wife for letting me take a 4 hour solo ride on our anniversary. She's a sweetie!
I just wrote the following review on MTBR:
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-new-york/trail/PRD_169305_4566crx.aspx
Let me begin by stating that I'm an XC rider, and have four years biking experience. I ride mostly in NJ and PA.
Park at the cul-de-sec on the right side at the end of Jockey Hill Road. The left side is residential. I stayed a few days in Mt. Tremper and the boys at Overlook bike shop (in Woodstock) suggested Jockey Hill. They're a good bunch over there and nice to tourists. Or, could have been that I bought pair of chamois and a few Hammer bars, as I forgot mine at home.
I wasn't sure where to park, since there are no 'parking signs'. But, Jockey Hill Road is the place. I met the quarry owner who owns part of this land. His name is Sean, very nice. I took a right at the fork, on Jockey Hill and found my way to the quarry. Sean explained that we're not supposed to be on the trails, but everyone rides there.
After finding the trail head past the chain barrier, I quickly got onto "Close to the Edge". [Stay left at the pile of tires]. Great tight technical single track. Thick roots and sharp rocks. You feel deep in the wilderness. It's quiet in there. Be sure to stack your rock cairns methodically, as there are many decisions to make. :hmmm: The trails become web-like (especially for a newbie). Wear some elbow armor, as you'll be checking some trees on the tight switchbacks. 😱 Loads of white knuckle fun when picking-up speed on "Close to the Edge". Oh! A full squish will do you best. Leave your hardtail at home, if you want your taint in tacked. There is few line picking, as the trails are tight. My 29 ate-up this trail!
If you like mushrooms, then take your camera. It's pretty trippy to see Smurf-land. No great lung busters, but it has a nice flow. A quick bridge that needs a bit of work. The late summer rain must have taken it's toll on it. Don't forget your flat tire accoutrements.
All in all, a little bit of everything (roots, rocks, bridges, small drops, tight switchbacks, good flowing stream crossings), but nothing too over the top. Simply put, pure mountain biking fun!
BTW, get your bearings before you start. Take a GPS, map, extra food, deet, and water. Make sure your batteries are charged. It's easy to get lost and if you're by yourself as a first timer to this trail, well, just plan on getting lost for an hours time.
Last;y, hats off to Fats in the Cats for keeping this system clean and flowing.
The wife and I just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary at the Emerson Inn & Spa in Mount Tremper, NY. The town neighbors Woodstock; where I pursued the Overlook Mounting Bike Shop for local technical trail suggestions. Special thanks to my wife for letting me take a 4 hour solo ride on our anniversary. She's a sweetie!
I just wrote the following review on MTBR:
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-new-york/trail/PRD_169305_4566crx.aspx
Let me begin by stating that I'm an XC rider, and have four years biking experience. I ride mostly in NJ and PA.
Park at the cul-de-sec on the right side at the end of Jockey Hill Road. The left side is residential. I stayed a few days in Mt. Tremper and the boys at Overlook bike shop (in Woodstock) suggested Jockey Hill. They're a good bunch over there and nice to tourists. Or, could have been that I bought pair of chamois and a few Hammer bars, as I forgot mine at home.
I wasn't sure where to park, since there are no 'parking signs'. But, Jockey Hill Road is the place. I met the quarry owner who owns part of this land. His name is Sean, very nice. I took a right at the fork, on Jockey Hill and found my way to the quarry. Sean explained that we're not supposed to be on the trails, but everyone rides there.
After finding the trail head past the chain barrier, I quickly got onto "Close to the Edge". [Stay left at the pile of tires]. Great tight technical single track. Thick roots and sharp rocks. You feel deep in the wilderness. It's quiet in there. Be sure to stack your rock cairns methodically, as there are many decisions to make. :hmmm: The trails become web-like (especially for a newbie). Wear some elbow armor, as you'll be checking some trees on the tight switchbacks. 😱 Loads of white knuckle fun when picking-up speed on "Close to the Edge". Oh! A full squish will do you best. Leave your hardtail at home, if you want your taint in tacked. There is few line picking, as the trails are tight. My 29 ate-up this trail!
If you like mushrooms, then take your camera. It's pretty trippy to see Smurf-land. No great lung busters, but it has a nice flow. A quick bridge that needs a bit of work. The late summer rain must have taken it's toll on it. Don't forget your flat tire accoutrements.
All in all, a little bit of everything (roots, rocks, bridges, small drops, tight switchbacks, good flowing stream crossings), but nothing too over the top. Simply put, pure mountain biking fun!
BTW, get your bearings before you start. Take a GPS, map, extra food, deet, and water. Make sure your batteries are charged. It's easy to get lost and if you're by yourself as a first timer to this trail, well, just plan on getting lost for an hours time.
Last;y, hats off to Fats in the Cats for keeping this system clean and flowing.
