The Equipment:
2006 Yamaha Banshee SE
2007 Yamaha Wolverine
2006 Arctic Cat 500
The Location:
Marlborough Forest
The Hosts:
None.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Expert (the main areas would be fine for a junior rider).
Gas:
Yes, in Merrickville.
Food:
Yes, in Merrickville.
The Trail:
Always a favorite, Marborough just opened. A series of fire roads maintained by the city of Ottawa. Open to hikers, bikers, hunters and more. Marlborough always has a wide assortment of critters. Talk about an awesome network of trails in Ottawa's backyard. Launch from any number of locations, including:
O'Neil Road
Roger Stevens
Dwyer Hill
Padon Road
and more...
Here is a map to help.
View Larger Map
We got rolling around 10:00AM and launched from the O'Neil road location. Entering what is referred to as "Marborough North" we ran alon the fire roads trying to avoid the massive, but shallow puddles. At the beginning of any ride, it seems we always try and stay dry, but by the end, we're drenched. The trails are mainly flat, but they are a blast. They're wide enough for a vehicle to drive down and wind through hundreds of acres of forest.
Be very careful, as you will likely find other people on the trails as well. There are lot's of "shortcuts" where more experienced riders can try there hand at some mean swamps and mud holes. There are also split offs where you can ride beside your pal, but on a different trail. This is, of course, a blast. While in Marlborough we did notice some garbage that people had thrown out. Please respect the trails and nature. As a rider, you have a responsibility to set an example and ensure that the trails remain open for years to come. Don't ruin it for other people. I have run in Marlborough for over 10 years and I recall snowmobiling deep into the forest and making a stop at a cabin that was built for people to stop at and warm up. Some idiot burnt this cabin down and as a result has ruined an experience for many people in the years to come. Anyhow, I think I make my point and if you've read this far, your likely not the type that would do any of this anyway. So, as I was saying, the trails are great and you definetly get the feeling you could get lost, which is what this is all about.
Shown below is our route for the day. We brought a 1 gallon can of gas for the Banshee and it was fine for fuel with very little putting around throughout the day.
View Larger Map
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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6 comments:
Cool camera views. Isn't the forest off limits to vehicles during the non-winter months?
Do you know if it's allowed to drive your atv along roger Stevens to get there? I just live in north gower
@drifterandus - no. The gates are closed to keep vehicles filled with garbage from entering.
@Bryan Marks - likely not. I'm not sure what the rules are for driving on the side of the road in Ottawa, but I highly doubt you are allowed. Call City Hall and let us know. I've often wished that the Marlborough Pub was a little closer, because it's quite a trek along the highway from the closest entry into the forest. It would be great to have lunch as part of the ride.
@drifterandus - sorry, that wasn't clear. From what I have learned in speaking with the forest manager, ATV's are allowed, but vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) are not. Having said this, gates are open now.
Funny you should say that. I saw 6 atvs parked at the Marlborough pub on Monday.
From anything I have seen in the Provincial laws, ATV's are allowed to travel on the side of the road EXCEPT on 400 series highways. We have taken our side-by-side from Merrickville to the Marlborough Forest and back. An OPP officer waved to us. Just thought I'd mention that since some people think that what we did was illegal.
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