[Doomed offline]

I rode the FOMBA Trails here in NH and found them not all that great. They received stellar reviews here on ST but they are extremely tight and twisty will alot of technical rocks and roots with 90 degree turns through 2' tree gates with rocks in the middle and such. Is there something wrong with me? Shouldn't I have enjoyed them much more? I suspect that because I am a Clydesdale +, 6'4" 250lb, I had a tougher time with the tight and twisty along with the technical nature of the trails . Any thoughts?

[CFM offline]

There's certainly nothing wrong with you if you're out mountain biking! I suspect that the character of this trail did not mesh with the expectations that you had when you went out for a ride. Having never been on this trail myself I can only go by your description but it sounds like the trail may have been built for advanced riders who relish in the technical challenge of tight trails with a lot of obstacles. You may have been looking for more of a gently flowing, open singletrack experience when you went out the door that day. I suspect that there are other trails in that area of NH that could give you that experience. Perhaps you can contact FOMBA for this information. Anyway, keep a mental note of this trail tucked away for the future. There will come a time when you are looking for a more challenging trail experience and this one will be waiting for your return.

[mtbgreg1 offline]

There are all different styles of trails: some fast, some slow, some open, some tight, some technical, some smooth. It's the variety and the character of each trail that makes our sport an interesting, life-long adventure!

[skibum offline]

I learned to ride out west then moved out east. At first, I really didn't like riding out there--everything was so tight and twisty and I missed my wide open screamers, 3k ft climbs and descents, slickrock, big rock rollers, etc. I found the constant roots, small rocks and narrow turns annoying and constraining.

Then I realized I could substitute the technical challenge of the tight and twisty for the big rock challenges out west. That's what makes mountain biking so cool--there's always a challenge, even though those challenges may differ from one place to the next. No matter where you are you can turn any ride into a big game--just leave expectations at home in the garage and welcome whatever you find on the trail!

[Doomed offline]

Thanks for the encouragment. I tend to like to concentrate on the technical stuff at speed and there was no getting any speed on these trails for me. I just wasn't expecting trails this tight. My Bad. After these trails I wen to another location to get my confidence back and it was a blast. I will have to file these trails in the " If I ever get good" file and take the hit.

[fat_billy offline]

Doomed, you're not. As a Clydesdale I can understand your frustration. Please understand that the tight stuff with roots and rocks are part of the game. Remember our largest advantage. Yes the Polish astronaut Mo Mentum kicks the skinny guys asses on the downhill. Got the nickname Downhill Bill in the past. You can go into corners faster and exit faster, no pedaling, a Clydesdales dream. Just work on the hard stuff and enjoy the downhills. Later,

[PHRANQUY offline]

There is a trail local to me that gets a lot of negative feedback from riders who aren't as familiar with it as well. It's not as technical as what you're describing, but easy to get lost and has a bit more of a raw feeling than some of our more traveled local trails. I've been to trails myself that have gotten good reviews and I wonder why. Its all in what you like, but as mentioned keep a mental note of it in case you're looking for a challenge in the future.

[fleetwood offline]

Regardless of the trail, the individual experience is a result of the individual perspective. And trust me, your perspective will change. You might just find yourself loving these trails in the future, but if not, that's okay too.

[lovemountainbiking12 offline]

i am also a big guy 6'2'' 240 pounds i've found to treat the technical stuff like a flowy trail and you can overcome rocks and logs easier with some more speed, if you concentrate too hard on maintaining balance and other things you find yourself creeping then stalling over obstacles. and like the other guy said bigger guys are much faster on the downhill section i had to wait a good 30 seconds for my buddy to catch up hes about 6 feet tall and 170 pounds...i've also found getting better on the pump track helps with going over obstacles and improves your overall riding

[Fitch offline]

Doomed, I've ridden FOMBA and yeah, it's got a bit more technical riding than many of the places in New Hampshire (except maybe Ft. Rock). Certainly more rocks and a higher technical workout with, as you mentioned, rocks and such. I'd like to go back to see more, but the trails, especially the opening one to your left, can be rough!

Try Musquash and Bear Brook for smoother rides up there. New England riding is much different than the rest of this country due to the techincal nature of the terrain, where roots and rocks are huge elements to all of our rides.

You can certainly learn to love both styles, though! If you need any good New England ride recommendations, drop me a PM.

[Doomed offline]

Fitch,
That first trail on the left is Lady Slipper and it was the first one I rode. I have ridden Bear Brook and it is one of my favorites so far. I hit Stratham hill and Mt Aggie in York Me. alot and Aggie is a very technical area but you keep speed going through the technical sections. I will look into Musquash and have been thinking Pawtuckaway, Nam, and Kingdom trails for next Summer. Keeping MTB things local for awhile and riding my 'cross bike 'til it starts snowing.

[Fitch offline]

I will look into Musquash and have been thinking Pawtuckaway, Nam, and Kingdom trails for next Summer. Keeping MTB things local for awhile and riding my 'cross bike 'til it starts snowing.

I can put you in touch with a good friend who rides Musquash frequently (he's out of Nashua), and he really knows the place for some good loops and loves keeping his speed up.

Kingdom Trails is the best MTBing in New England - you'll have a blast! Plan several trips. I come out of central MA, and I'm disappointed if I don't get 2 KT trips a year. Vietnam is REALLY cool, but not a lot for XC-style riding. It's got a lot of technical features - big hits, skinnies, hucks, etc - that make it cool to see, especially if someone gives you a tour.

Check out the NEMBA Facebook pages and forums for riders in that area; most are happy to meet up and give tours, myself included!