Got my Maine.gov OHV Trail Map... (Paris, Bethel: upkeep, live)

[Shuffler]

Well, the OHV map came in the mail and it is disappointing, since there are no trails near where I'd consider moving.

Even more of a buzzkill: what's with the "ATV Only" trails, i.e. no dirt bikes allowed?

In 20+ years of riding, I can attest that ATVs do far more damage than a dirt bike ever could...twice the damage, in fact (2 tracks vs. singletrack, and more likely to attempt precarious terrain).

So besides discrimination against motorcycles, what's the logic here?

[7th generation]

I finally felt better today to hike up Mt. Zircon to see what, if any damage the bear hunters and trappers had done to the snowmobile trail that crosses two of my properties. (I give written permission)
With the rainy summer and the 3 inches of rain we just had, all in all it looked pretty good.
ATV clubs are finally getting a foothold in the area and are working with the private landowners to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the trails.
Far greater damage is done to our trails by pickup trucks, followed by ATVs and close behind are dirt bikes which are able to leave the established trails and tear up the woods. Because the footprint of bikes are much smaller, they are able to get off traditional trails, where ATV's can't.
Landowners have a right to determine the use of their property.
We have 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails in our great state, a lot of these are shared by ATVs, and only 2% of this number are on public lands. It is imperative for ATV/snowmobile clubs to work closely with the landowners to ensure growth and responsibility of the sport and it's members.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Shuffler

Well, the OHV map came in the mail and it is disappointing, since there are no trails near where I'd consider moving.

Even more of a buzzkill: what's with the "ATV Only" trails, i.e. no dirt bikes allowed?

In 20+ years of riding, I can attest that ATVs do far more damage than a dirt bike ever could...twice the damage, in fact (2 tracks vs. singletrack, and more likely to attempt precarious terrain).

So besides discrimination against motorcycles, what's the logic here?

Are there organized dirt bike clubs that maintain trails similar to the snowmobile and ATV clubs?

[Shuffler]

Originally Posted by 7th generation

Far greater damage is done to our trails by pickup trucks, followed by ATVs and close behind are dirt bikes which are able to leave the established trails and tear up the woods. Because the footprint of bikes are much smaller, they are able to get off traditional trails, where ATV's can't.

that's subjective and very dependent on the skill and mental capacity of the rider...

There are idiots across ALL user groups. Responsible riding and respect for private property are paramount to keeping trails open.

The mantra of COHVCO here where I live is "Stay the Trail".

So let's assume everybody is a responsible rider....I'm trying to understand the logic of keeping dirt bikes off of ATV trails. This makes no sense.

[Shuffler]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Are there organized dirt bike clubs that maintain trails similar to the snowmobile and ATV clubs?

Not in my research...seems like 'quads are king' in Maine

[7th generation]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Are there organized dirt bike clubs that maintain trails similar to the snowmobile and ATV clubs?

There are 4 dirt bike parks in our area.
All it takes is one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch girl.

[Shuffler]

Originally Posted by 7th generation

There are 4 dirt bike parks in our area.
All it takes is one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch girl.

And where would those be? Any info is appreciated.

Besides the tracks on Mainedirtbikes.com, I'm not finding anything much.

[mainebrokerman]

at what age can a youth ride an atv alone?? is it 16?? (without an adult)

how bout dirt bikes....are there any age restrictions?? ive seen many a 12-14 yr olds on dirt bikes riding alone,,,,
maybe thats the reason,,,not only with increased users, but younger users,,,without supervision, it increases the risk of accidents and injuries

[7th generation]

There's one in Woodstock, another in Abbot Mills, West Bethel has a small one and another in West Paris.

[7th generation]

Shuffler, here is the track in Abbot's Mills. It is maintaned by locals, who ride every weekend in the summer.