Best riding in the MId-West

[ericsbandit]

I'm looking for somewhere to ride this summer. I live in Des Moines Ia, and willing to drive 6-8 hours to ride for 3 days or so. I haven't signed up for Dirt Week yet, but am considering doing so, there already is a big group from Iowa already. So, where can you guys recommend for me this summer.

Thanks

 

[James980]

If you're looking for three straight days of riding, you'll need something relatively big. Big riding areas like what they have out West simply don't exist here, but there are some that should fit the bill for three days. I'd consider Hatfield-McCoy (www.trailsheaven) in West Virginia or Wayne National Forest (http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/recreation_sites/monday.html) in Ohio. There's also St. Joe State Park (http://www.mostateparks.com/stjoe/trails.htm) in Missouri.

Hatfield-McCoy is the biggest and probably will have terrain the most different from what you're used to, but it'd also be the longest haul for you.

James

 

[winter_rules]

I agree with the Hatfield-McCoy area. I'm not sure how far away it is for you, but my uncle takes a 12 hr trip every year down there because he LOVES it. He's always comparing parts of local trails to that area (aka "there's a trail like this down there, but it's twice as steep and twice as fun..."). I haven't been there myself, but I have yet to hear a complaint from him (except that they got caught out in a nasty thunderstorm with hail and had bruises for the next few weeks:P). Good luck and have fun! *Winter Rules*

 

[motometal]

what type of terrain do you like? woods, hills?