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MTB - Bradley Palmer State Park

rocojerry

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Jan 7, 2008
Messages
808
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Location
where its snowing
First MTB tr ever here on AZ--

I was looking for some trails around the local bike shop (biketops) where I want to demo a 29er, maybe a Kona or Giant. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be open on Sunday's--- I'm not sure about Saturdays, nothing on their website or phone voicemail when I called... not quite sure whats up with that... I would assume that most folks that can afford a new bike these days predominantly work M-F ....

So there were a few options for trails, but Bradley Palmer (I keep thinking about Arnold P) seemed to offer some easy trails for my folks (they were on a tandem Trek), and some more challenging trails to at least try out the bike on some climbs... this trip I was on my older Giant Yukon and she held it together for the most part alright.

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My first time there, not a bad park for begginner MTB's, but in general not sure I'll go back unless I'm with my wife or folks again... or that bike shop is open and I can shoot over there for a quick test drive.

Website

I have a few pics, but nothing really that great aside from the Ipswich river shots...
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I started with some brief learning what the trail symbols on the maps meant, paved, double carriage, hiking trail, accessible -- the paved and handicap accessible trails(smooth gravel) were the smoothest and great for my folks.
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Other trails had obvious signs of horseback riding, and ruts to go along with it. Some of the area had a nice grassy Windows XP background grassy field feel -- with some trails that provided some rocks and stumps. We circled the perimeter of the park, and then started inner circles and cuts through the middle. Between 36/42 and around 48 offered the best ascents/descents of the afternoon--
Trail map

Ended the day with a visit to the Clam Box in Ipswich! Nothing like burning calories then getting some fried goodness to undo the workout.
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