SMBA Trails in Saratoga Springs, NY, are pretty damn cool. They are well created and maintained by the Saratoga MTB Assoc. and really well utilized. Even today, on a ridiculously cold morning, there were numerous groups of varying abilities all around. Interestingly we pretty much crossed paths with them at the lot, then never really saw them again. Lots of stuff to ride.
The trails are rooty, rocky, technical and flow very well. Lots of pines and monolith rocks and spines, shelfs and jumps galore. The ride is very similar to Waterbury, VT without the elevation, for those who've been there. Interestingly, there are lots of beaver dams there and a lot of big ponds which the trails creatively skirt. They do a lot of "beaver maintainance", chopping dams and releasing water to stop excessive flooding. Reminds me of the battles that go on in the valley. Speaking of which, nearly the whole trail system was leaf blown and frozen solid. Being the northeast, there is a pretty substantial mud season that comes with the spring, and people generally stay off the trails until it is firm. I would like to see it then before judging, but that's the way it's done here and things are not excessively eroded. They don't get nearly the amount of traffic LV trails do, either.
If you guys are ever travelling up through the NYS Thruway, be sure to check it out. Bob Preistly at Blue Sky Bicycles is a good friend of mine, and he'll show you the lines. They ride a lot.
For trail info, maps and rides, check out www.saratogamtb.org
SMBA Locals
Bob Priestly used to rep for Gary Fisher, and has ridded Sals a few times. Massive beaver pond on his right.
This is how it is. I joined on the spot
Yeah, it was cold up here this AM
