NJ Mountain Bike

My half day spent at Hartshorne was unexpected. What started out as a poorly planned day at Holmdel Park turned into a wonderful experience at Hartshorne that left me craving more. I convinced my riding partner Doug (against his better judgment mind you) that we should go check out Holmdel Park. Well it turns out that the park has nothing to offer an eager mountain biker. To make matters worse we got to the park at bit early and had to wait for the park to open to find this out. Oh well, you live and you learn.

After chatting briefly with a park ranger he suggested we take a short drive over to Hartshorne. Determined to make a day out of it we headed right over. Our mountain biking fortunes changed quickly because Hartshorne is a mountain biking utopia.

The park is located in Middletown along the banks of the Navesink River. The park is home to a 17-mile trail system within its glorious 786 acres which also includes 3 miles of paved paths and incredible views. The views of the Navesink and Shewsberry Rivers are fantastic.

The trails are a mix of dirt, sand, small to medium rocks, roots and pavement with something to offer every skill set. I found the trails challenging as well as rewarding with beautiful views offered. I really only scratched the surface of the trails and need a few more days in the park to really get to know it better.

I can easily see Hartshorne Park being a frequent destination.

Overall: 9 of 10

Aerobic: 8 of 10

Technical: 9 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie

I had no ideas about what to expect from Shark River Park when I set out early on Labor Day. I left a little later than usual (around 6:00) to get to the park about 6:45 only to find all entrances locked for an 8:00am opening. This was a first for me but a lesson learned. In the future, I will always check for park opening times. Fortunately, the Ranger opened the park a bit early and I was able to get the early start I like.

The park is beautiful, which is how I have described all of the parks in Monmouth County I have already visited. The Park is slightly over 93 acres along Shark River in Neptune and Wall Townships with over 8 miles of trails. The Park is immaculate. There is a stocked lake, a really nice playground with shuffleboard and horseshoes, a picnic area that has plenty of grills for a family outing.

Most of the main trails offer little challenge but the switchbacks are full of fun. The main trails are wide and rolling hard packed sand, dirt, and grass. There are a few patches of fine same but the trails were in great shape with one exception. I would recommend skipping The River’s Edge Trail which is better suited as a hiking trail. I wound up off my bike most of the trail climbing up stairs besides the fact it is extremely narrow and overgrown.

I definitely had a great time at Shark River and will make another trip back soon. Next time I want to explore all of the smaller unmarked trails which were so much fun.

Overall: 6 of 10

Aerobic: 6 of 10

Technical: 5 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie

Clayton Park has quickly become one of my favorite places to ride. It is a pristine park. The trails are well maintained and in great condition. It is nothing but really fast single track and leg blasting climbs that attempt to beat you into submission. Over the past weekend we went to Clayton twice, and it was awesome.

Clayton is located in Upper Freehold on 421 acres. There are 8 miles across several trails for biking, hiking, or horses. I really enjoyed all of the trails. Did I say it was fast? Clayton sports several long rolling descents that are bliss. If you have a need for speed you can achieve insane bike speeds on the down. The rolling hills also provide a challenge with two spots that resemble a giant winding half-pipe.

I also learned that I really enjoy the challenge of the climb. Clayton Park has some nice long climbs and my Hoo Koo E Koo ate it up. My riding partner Doug called me “Superman” as I blasted through all of the climbs. My strength and cross (running/swimming) training have really improved my riding and I feel like I am starting to get my stride.

Clayton Park has a lot of fun obstacles throughout the trails. This is where Doug’s 29er had a serious advantage. Those extra large tires power though anything in its way. Doug demonstrated this by going over a mountainous log and challenged me to do the same. Of course I didn’t make it but at least I didn’t fall which was a bigger personal accomplishment. I am actually getting much better getting out of the pedals.

The bottom line is that Clayton Park is fun and will look forward to coming back.

Overall: 8 of 10

Aerobic: 8 of 10

Technical: 6 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie

Allaire Park is a great place to ride a mountain bike. A picturesque landscape and a mix of trails with varied skill levels, and there is more, not only is Allaire a great biking destination but it is also rich in history. The Historic Village at Allaire is a living museum of a 19th Century bog iron producing community. In addition to the Village there is also The Pine Creek Railroad which dates back to 1951 and is among one of the oldest continually operating narrow gauge steam preservation railway exhibits in the country.

There are four marked trails for over 22 miles of single track but there is so much more in unmarked trails. I have now made three trips to the park and have not even come anywhere close to seeing it all. The orange trail is a great ride once you clear the sand. It is deep forest trail that circles to the back of the lot. It is beautiful at the lowest point of the trail where it follows a quaint stream.

I admit I did not have it in me to do some of the steeper drops but I absolutely expanded my perceived limits. I got a great adrenaline rush even though I dabbed a number of times on some long steep down hills lined with giant roots and sand that tested me. I did wipe out for the first time during a large rooted down-hill in the back of the park like a champ. I went right over the bars and into quick face-plant in some soft sand after my front tire mired down in sand and root. I was definitely a bit timid with the clips but went after the rest of the trail inspired.

The one downside in my opinion is the sand that makes west of the parking lot really annoying and varies from hard packed to beach-like. If you go north there is miles and miles of unmarked trails some of which are simple insane for my skill level.

I think Allaire has something for everyone. I had a great time there and have now made several trips back to the park. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to get back.

Overall: 6 of 10

Aerobic: 6 of 10

Technical: 8 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie

Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a beautiful and well maintained grounds. The fields, orchards, and woods are surrounded by a beautiful farm which makes for wonderful scenery. The history and historic landmarks make the park more interesting than just an average trail ride.

The full trail is approximately an 11 mile straight run. While there are a few loops it can be fully explored by bike in about a day. The trail is a easy cruise through woods and around the main field. I would categorize this as an easy run with a few of the switchbacks in the smaller loops being slightly more challenging but for the most part the trail is fairly tame.

If you are looking to hammer it down some twisted hills this is not the park for you. However, I think it is worth the trip just to get a history lesson and gave a great day in a beautiful park. Don’t forget to stop by Battleground Orchids for some apple cider donuts and a pie. These were the first trails I rode when I first got my bike and quickly out grew it. While not technically challenging I did have a lot of fun here and still ride here occasionally because it is so close to my home.

Overall: 4 of 10

Aerobic: 3 of 10

Technical: 3 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie