North Shore NEMBA will be participating at the National Trails Day Celebration at Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield MA, Saturday June 5. The event is located at the Bradley Palmer headquarters area. Map

NSNEMBA will be building a section of new trail and associated boardwalk in the morning from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. The project is located on the Willowdale Mill Reservation managed by Essex County Greenbelt Association. Read the rest of this entry »

Join us for a cooperative Trail Work Day with Andover Trails Committtee. Project is repairing several wet areas on the “Great Swamp Trail” in between Grey Road and Tucker Road in Andover MA. Read the rest of this entry »

NSNEMBA’s new trail in Harold Parker State Forest is complete and ready to ride. It features some flowing singletrack and some optional technical features not typical for HP.

To find the trail make your way to the Bay Circuit Trail, marked with white blazes. Follow the BCT toward 114, crossing Middleton St. near the picnic pavilion and the entrance to Andover Sportsman’s Club. The sound of gunfire from their firing range is often heard and can get you headed in the right direction. About ½ mile north of Middleton Rd. Lock ‘n’ Load starts by heading west on an old woods road, marked with blue arrow blazes.

After gaining some elevation, the singletrack starts. Soon you will find some rolls and drops, some with multiple options. Do look at some these features closely before attempting to ride them.  There are easy lines around anything serious (if headed north stay left for the tamer lines). While the trail works in either direction, south to north makes best use of the terrain.

From the northern end of the L ‘n’ L, you can loop south through the backyard trails and the Ledges Trail back to Middleton St. or head out toward 114 on the Bay Circuit.

The trail was mostly built in 2 work days with 14 volunteers each day. Countless additional hours were put in by a core crew in preparation for the trail days and final completion of remaining details. Thanks to all who contributed to the creation of another great trail in Harold Parker.

Read the rest of this entry »

We had a great ride lead and narrated by Lee, and meeting was productive. Thanks to Lee for hosting.

The trail work day planned for Tompson St. Reservation this coming Sunday May 2 has been postponed. We hope to get a project organized for Sunday June 13. The warm and dry forecast for the weekend should make for good riding conditions, so get out and enjoy. Next trail project is in Andover Sunday May 16. Then National Trails Day at Bradley Palmer State Park June 5.

There will be a chapter meeting and ride on Thursday April 29, 2010. It will be at Lee’s house in Wilmington. The rides for all abilities will start at 5:00 and 6:00, and will include trails in the Wilmington- Burlington area. The meeting will follow at 7:30. Lee is looking for a couple of more ride leaders so we can break in to smaller ride groups. Anyone who knows the trail system or would like to learn before should contact Lee.

Directions to Lee Hollenbeck’s House:

5 Mill rd Wilmington MA, cell # 617-510-1862

From rt 38 in wilmington, take Butters Row over the 1 lane wooden bridge. Follow to the end and take a left onto Chestnut St. Take second right onto mill rd. Lee’s house is the first driveway on the right past Fernbanks rd.

“Lock and Load” is the unofficial name for the latest NSNEMBA addition to the trail system at Harold Parker State Forest. Picture winding your way though some of the most challenging HP trail features yet with the sound of gunfire from the firing range to keep you moving.

It’s a pretty ambitious effort, so we have 2 days back to back April 10 and 11, with a good possibility of a 3rd on April 24. 2000′ of rocky sidehill to traverse with new singletrack (lots of benching and rock work), several boardwalks to haul in and construct, rehab an old woods road. With plenty to do, we are hoping for a lot of help.

Joe and some slackers have been out getting it all ready.

roll or huck?

When: Saturday 4/10 and Sunday 4/11, 8:30 AM start to about noon – 1PM.
Where: Meet/park at the DCR Picnic Pavilion, Middleton St., North Andover MA Map
Bring: Sturdy footwear, work gloves, your own digging tools, bug spray, water bottle
Contact: Dan Streeter  trailwork@nsnemba.org  978-618-8596
Lunch will be provided and a ride will follow, weather permitting.
Only heavy rain will cancel. Cancellations/updates will be posted to mtb-northshore email list and the NEMBA forums. Call if lost or you have questions.

Hope to see you there.

Starting May 3rd our chapter, in cooperation with the Massachusetts DCR, will be hosting a novice ride at Bradley Palmer State Park / Willowdale State Forest on Monday nights. Rides will continue through Labor Day. This ride series is for new riders and people looking for a relaxed pace. Improve your mountain bike skills ,learn the trail systems of Willowdale SF and Bradley Palmer SP, and meet a new riding buddy..

RSVP to president@nsnemba.org or arrive at the lot prior to 6pm. All abilities are welcome. The only requirements are a working bike, a helmet, water and a fun attitude.

When: Ride Starts @ 6PM Ends @ 7:30

Where: Willowdale Meadow Parking Lot, Ipswich Rd, Topsfield, MA

See The Essex County Greenbelt Associations’ Willowdale web page for driving directions

Contact: president@nsnemba.org

Our 2010 Calendar is posted. We’ll be updating it with more events as the season gets rolling.