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    single track or hiking routes?

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    22 Comments

    2. OakleyTheAussie on

      Looks normal for me in New England. Lots of dense forests like this with significant shallow root fields and exposed rock gardens. There’s definitely been a few instances where my bars need to be angled to pass by trees.

      Edit: first pic is a little bush wacky but that happens with infrequently used trails.

    3. un_poco_lobo on

      I wouldn’t call this ‘normal’ (compared to what I normally ride in the Mountain West) but if it’s a legal yet unpopular MTB trail, yeah trails can look very similar to this and nothing I see in this picture screams ‘hike a bike’. The first picture doesn’t look very fun to bike up though.

      One of the most satisfying feelings in MTB is biking a section clean that you once had to hike, so keep at it!

    4. tbmadduxOR on

      Lots of hiking trails are open to bikes. The second and third photos are definitely well-used trails. The first looks like it could be an animal path that not many people have adopted yet.

    5. Emotional_Fun2444 on

      Those trails look 100% normal for trail riding on the East Coast. These look like trails I ride in PA. Make sure they allow bikes on those trail but to me that looks like a maybe a moderate blue trail.

      You just need more time on the bike riding that kind of thing and some gear management experience.

      The rooty sections look clearable but also difficult to ascend. Descent they’d be a blast. The rocky single track should be clear-able with some cardio, power and correct gear selection.

      If that trail is a bit too advanced for you try to find something near you that’s easier to ride come back to it later.

      Spend some time watching people ride the trails you’re riding, see how they choose lines and how fast they take a trail. Watch some videos on MTB skills.

    6. LudovicoInstitute on

      HA! Looks like normal New York State chunk to me. Many are shared-use trails. Hike, bike and horse.

    7. myairblaster on

      Nothing unusual about that. Looks like a pretty easy trail to ride. Was there any signage to indicate what sort of trail it was? Mixed use, bike primary, bike uphill only?

    8. Mrjlawrence on

      Normal for trails in my area in GA. But those roots can definitely be challenging. I’ve hiked plenty of sections.

    9. Number4combo on

      Looks like a hiking trail since one of the pics has couple wood steps and kind of wide. Plus you would see bike tire tracks and a line where riders would be picking more.

      That said it looks rideable and I would def try riding it both ways.

    10. uppermiddlepack on

      most trails are multi-use, and simply ‘hiking trails’. This is certainly not a purpose built mtb trail, but what you showed is what I prefer

    12. very-edge-of-space on

      The biggest tell would be a clear roller/berm/lip built into the trail. That looks plenty of trials I ride, but it’s hard to tell if it’s sanctioned from the pictures

    14. Friendly-Fig-4307 on

      Could be a tough up or lots of fun for the right person but definitely not the first trail you should go on.

    15. AvgExcepionalPanda on

      In some parts of the Alps every hiking trail can be a bike trail. So yeah, that would just a random trail where I live. Also, if you have shared trails, be nice to hikers!

    18. SubmarineScreenDoor9 on

      Assuming you live in the mid Atlantic or NE, roots are unfortunately a part of the experience. That said…these photos do not look like a good time for a new rider.
      If you’re brand new walking is also a part of the experience. As someone who is not brand new but still sucks, I can tell you it does get better the more you ride. One day the little things start clicking and you’ll clear some roots like that second pic and be super happy. You may fall over 3 seconds later…but that’s just what happens.
      Download TrailForks. It’s not the greatest but it will give you an idea where trails are and what color rating they have.
      Get out. Go ride. Don’t give up. Have fun.

    19. negative-nelly on

      I don’t know what it is, but it doesn’t look as if it gets much bike traffic.

      but yes this could be a bike trail, and don’t worry, they get way worse…add a bunch of rocks to those Rooty sections.

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