Which trails?

[Crowing]

Hey everyone, new guy here. I'm a freshman at UMD right now so Hartley is just a few minute ride away. Now, I guess I could be considered a newb, since I've never been on an actual MTB trail before...just some general-use trails in the woods at our lake cabin. I used to BMX though, so I'm pretty comfortable with controlling a bike.

Anyways, I was wondering what trails at Hartley would you recommend that are fairly easy to start out with? Are the trails marked with different difficulties or do you just have to ride them to see how hard they are?

Thanks in advance guys!

[mtnbykr]

Anyways, I was wondering what trails at Hartley would you recommend that are fairly easy to start out with? Are the trails marked with different difficulties or do you just have to ride them to see how hard they are?

Thanks in advance guys!

here's a map--
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/mtnbykr/hartley%20trailwork%20maps/hartleytrailmap.jpg

you can ride anything except the ski trails, the superior hiking trail [sht] and the foot trails [not the main road/trail] that go from #1, the nature center, to the pond.

the guardrail loop is the main outer singletrack loop. it's probably an intermediate trail. the easier trails are around the pond and in the pines south of the pond [tunnel trail]. the inner loop is the hardest trail.

the trauils aren't marked, except for the ski trails and the sht.

stop in at the nature center and pick up a map. or find some locals to ride w/. i'm out there several times during the week. i ride a orange niner ss.

[Crowing]

Alright, thanks a lot. I don't think I'll be out there anytime this week because it'll be about a week before my helmet comes in but I'm really itching to get out for a ride soon.

Oh and I almost forgot, I ride an '07 Haro Escape (http://harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/escape_sport.php).

[Crowing]

Alright, so I went out there for the first time today, without a helmet(I know, I know...I made sure to take it easy through the trails). I printed out a map beforehand, also. Anyways, I entered where Old Hartley Road comes out on the south end...and started riding on what I thought was Old Hartley Road. I started riding down the trails and a ways in, I come to a spot where there is a no bike sign and so I go to a trail to a left and about 20 feet later, I come out on the actual Old Hartley Road. :banghead::banghead:

I think I got confused at the entrance over there because the ski trail looked more used than OHR and there was a map there that I did not notice was only for XC ski trails. Sooooo, I finally figured out my mistake and figured out where I was.

It ended up that I was at the spot right by Hartley Pond where the ski trails connect to OHR.

So I passed Hartley Pond and where the trails forked, I accidentally started going on a hiking only trail(this time for only like 10 feet) before I figured out I was on the wrong one and turned around.

After that, I went on the correct trail and rode up to the rock lookout. It was pretty cool.

So, I went back down and headed back out on OHR and got passed up from behind by another biker...I don't know if it was anyone on here?

Also, Kurt, now that I read your post I think I may have seen you today right as I was coming out of the trail there. There were two bikers and I believe one of them had an orange rigid. Possibly you? I was in a black shirt & tan hat.

So, that was my maiden voyage to Hartley. Made a few mistakes, learned a few things, and had a blast! :D

[mtnbykr]

Also, Kurt, now that I read your post I think I may have seen you today right as I was coming out of the trail there. There were two bikers and I believe one of them had an orange rigid. Possibly you? I was in a black shirt & tan hat.



glad you had fun...thanks for not riding the sht and the ski trails.

i was in hartley today. had the bob trailer and a chainsaw with. cleaning up the downfall from yesterdays wind.

when you want to ride more, email me.

[xterrabuzz]

It would be nice to have some trail markers and signs. Only the locals seem to know the trail, pretty much get lost every time I go out:banghead::D

[mtnbykr]

It would be nice to have some trail markers and signs. Only the locals seem to know the trail, pretty much get lost every time I go out

signs/markers aren't gonna happen, unless you'd like to pay for them.

maps might show up some time this year.