Cyclocross - CX capable trails in maryland

I know people ride at rosaryville and i heard most of the sections in Schaeffer were ok too. I was wondering if anyone knew of any other places where riding a cross bike would be enjoyable. If anyone knows of places near annapolis that would be great too. Thanks :thumb:

I ride my cross bike mainly on the road these days:

http://twitpic.com/show/full/uz6j1.jpg (http://twitpic.com/uz6j1)

...but, someday I'd like to put some fatter tires on it, lower the gearing, and do some cross biking off-road.

The C&O canal is perfect for a cross bike if you want a scenic, non-technical, dead flat ride on dirt/crushed pea gravel. And let's face, sometime you do.

It starts in DC, by the Capital Crescent Trail, and runs west. Once you get past Bethesda, the crowd thins out.

@noracer i'm definitely looking forward to my first ride at rosaryville on my cross bike. You should give it a go! really nice place to ride if youve never been there. Smooth flowing singletrack like i like.

@spongedad - a nice scenic trail isn't a bad thing at all. Have you ever ridden the NCR? Definitely hope to give C&O a ride this year.

Hi,
Cross the bridge and check out Tuckahoe state park. It's pretty much the best place on the shore. The parts around the arboretum are fun too. Also on Kent Island there is a short trail at Terrapin Park, and you could ride the whole Cross Island Trail (paved) to get a little more of a workout. But Tuckahoe is the best over here.
Have fun.

@noracer i'm definitely looking forward to my first ride at rosaryville on my cross bike. You should give it a go! really nice place to ride if youve never been there. Smooth flowing singletrack like i like.



If you're up to a -looooooooooooooong- ride--you can join me on a ride up the NCR. You can meet me in Essex or White Marsh and ride from there or meet me at the trailhead on Ashland Rd. Then we can ride up the NCR to Glen Rock.

I'll probably be leaving Essex at about 8am, passing White Marsh at about 8:45am, at the trailhead by about 9:45-10am.

Cedarville is a little farther but should be ridable on cx too.

In VA down by Woodbridge most of the loops at Lorton are good for CX, most of Wakefield (Braddock Rd. exit off of 495) should be fine on CX too.

I found this little jewel on Friday:

http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/32157

If you're up to a -looooooooooooooong- ride--you can join me on a ride up the NCR. You can meet me in Essex or White Marsh and ride from there or meet me at the trailhead on Ashland Rd. Then we can ride up the NCR to Glen Rock.

I'll probably be leaving Essex at about 8am, passing White Marsh at about 8:45am, at the trailhead by about 9:45-10am.

Here's the blog/ride report from this ride on the NCR/York Heritage Trails (3 parts):

http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/32177
http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/32178
http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/32179

I found this little jewel on Friday:

http://bimactive.com/ba/journal/post/10783/32157

@NoRacer - I just saw this post! awesome! Do you think it would be good for a beginner, im thinking about taking my gf there, looks more fun than the ncr or ba trail.

@NoRacer - I just saw this post! awesome! Do you think it would be good for a beginner, im thinking about taking my gf there, looks more fun than the ncr or ba trail.

Yes, it would be perfect for a beginner. There's nothing very technical about the trails for the most part.

ever ride any of the trails in gunpowder? Im wondering what to expect and which one to go to

ever ride any of the trails in gunpowder? Im wondering what to expect and which one to go to

I know there was riding at one time at Gunpowder park just south of RT 152 on the east side of the park, but I'm not sure of it's status these days since MD Parks and Recs have started patrolling some areas.

You may want to check out this link for current discussions:

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/index.php

thanks noracer, i didnt realize that the gunpowder trails might be bike unfriendly these days.

thanks noracer, i didnt realize that the gunpowder trails might be bike unfriendly these days.


I'm not saying that they are. I just don't know. Personally, I spend 99% of my time on roads, but there were issues about mtb'ing in the Loch Raven reservoir area due to trail run-off into the reservoir. I'm not sure if the Gunpowder is being looked at for the same.