DAMN Riders - No rules, Just ride!

RM250Guy posted this on a thread i started over on TT.com.

I don't know if I can make it out there. I hope some of you can. We need to show the DNR that responsible riders do exist and we need a place to ride.

New Trail Open. Next Ride Day is the 17th.

DNR Announces Opportunity for ORV Trail Evaluation Rides in Savage River State Forest

The Department of Natural Resources will be holding ORV Trail Evaluation Rides on the proposed St. John’s Rock-Red Dog Road ORV Trail in Savage River State Forest on the following dates: November 17, December 15 and December 29.http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/orv.asp

Here's the latest, Thumpertalk! Paul Peditto, leading the ORV Program in the DNR, has opened St. John's Rock as a test to see if there's interest in doing it the new way (which is getting a green sticker, and registering each day to ride). It's FREE, but by registering for the day they know what bikes are coming in and out of there. Just an extra step - no biggie. Because the DNR hasn't done this in over 35 years, they are ASKING riders to come and evaluate their first trail (in Savage River SF). What I suggest is overwhelming them with numbers. Could you do that for me? I live in Central MD or else I'd ride there all weekend. I went on the first evaluation ride and it was fine 'cause we got to haul ass on the big straightaway (there may be a speed limit posted by now - how would I know).

Go to the Link. Register for the ride. Get your green sticker or whatever. Ride all day. Come back and let us know how it went (and let DNR know what you thought of the trail, too - that's really the point). I'm mostly focused on getting motocross tracks open a ways East of there so I'm not that in tune with the trail situation but I'll post more when I hear it. Ping Ken at DAMN Riders also!

Wind
The Motocross Council

I encourage you to go but be prepared, it is a gravel road. But as you ride, think about side trails. The MD OHV Alliance has been working this with Paul for 2 years. Our end-state that we are working towards has wide-track (ATV width) trails through the forest.

All gravel road? How long?

I'll have to check the calendar, but if I can make it out there, I'll do it no matter what it is just to show interest and numbers in spending money in the local economy.


~Patrick

7 miles one way. Pretty boring. A few locals I know say you can hit 80 MPH and get some killer jumps off the water bars.

Make comments about what it could be if side trails are added.

This is very close to Deep Creek Lake correct?

Sign up quick, as only 15 riders per day are being allowed.

"The Trail Evaluation Rides are limited to 15 registered ORV vehicles each day, and will be accepted on a “first come, first serve” basis.
To register, a completed Trail Evaluation Volunteer form must be completed and submitted to the Savage River State Forest office at least five business days prior to the ride date - for example, to participate in the November 3 Trail Evaluation Ride, applications must be received by no later than Monday, October 29. Additionally, all ORV’s are required to be registered with a DNR ORV annual permit."

They say it's free, but you still need to purchase the old permit. If you don't have a valid permit (and no one does since they closed the trails) then you need to pay for one at $15.

It's a 4 hour drive from my house. Doubt if I can do it for a day trip. As much as I would like to see the trails.

I hope they sell out each time. That shows demand.