Has anyone noticed that there is slowly less and less riding areas? I have.
One of the prime riding areas this side of Hagarstown happens to be in my neck of the metropolis we call the Cumberland area. For years I have been riding in the Klondike area. When I was young there was a small select crew that had free reign of all the trails in the area. If I stood outside and heard a dirt bike it was either me, Shawn or Darryl. So, If I was the one listening I guess that would eliminate me from the one riding. it was'nt hard to figure out who was riding in those days. I enjoy riding in this area so much I talked my wife into building a house up there when I grew up. ( and for you guys that know where my house is, you know that was no easy feat. )
As the years went on this crew grew quite a bit, It now includes the likes of Lance, AL, Sean W. DOC, Rob, Randy and Lanny (sometimes) to name a few. There is always the occasional straggler from the Cumberland Cycle Corps that shows up, and is always welcomed, for almost every ride. This select group understands what a priviledge it is to be able to still ride on such a vast array of trails. They also understand how important it is not to get the Klondike natives P.O.'d at us so we can enjoy riding the area for years to come. There was, and hopefully still is, a unwritten agreement between us riders and the locals. It went something like this. We won't piss you off if you don't call the cops. It has been a great relationship that has worked very well for 20+ years.
I hate to say it, but I think this agreement is about to eat a big poop sandwich. I credit this to some, but not all, of the out of towners i.e. Balt. Frederick, the young jackasses and Wv. riders who have had there riding areas closed for most likely one of two reasons.
1-- The state figured they would close their riding area since only a couple hundred people enjoyed and used the area every weekend. SO , they closed the area to all motorized vehicles and make it a " wild life viewing area"( or something of that sort). After all, this way, a good 10-20 outstanding citizens can enjoy the land instead of 100-200 rabble rouzers on thier death machine of which they do not approve.

2-- The riders did not respect the area, rode on the hardroads, showed off to the locals how cool their FMF 4 stroke pipe sounds with the packing blown out of it. And what better place to do this on sunday morning than the local church parking lot!! What? Private property? I did'nt see any signs!! They can't catch me anyway!!

Now, If your riding area was closed because of reason #1, I feel for you and you are welcomed to come ride with us anytime as long as you sign on to the Klondike agreement.

BUT, if your riding area was closed because of reason #2, Please do us a favor and stay away from our riding area. We know that dirt bikes are for dirt, and if we have to get somewhere there is always a trail to get there. If we wanted to ride the street we would by a street bike. If we have to ride by a house of a neighborhood we idle and know that bouncing the RPM's off the rev limiter is probably not a good idea. If we ride on private property we have probably asked permission previously and will not tear up their property with a 2nd. gear holeshot in the mowed grass. We don't have the attitude that " they can not catch me so screw them." We will even throw them a friendly wave not a face full of roost if they are nearby. I have even had some people stop at my house, say "HI" and offer me a beer. ( a very good way to have riding priviledges for life at my house) If we see a group of riders or older stature, we actually slow down and try not to dust them out.
Courtesy is the name of the game, Even the occassional schmoozing (if you went on our Cresaptown ride with Wayne L. on the Barton property you know what I mean) We usually leave that area up to Lance though.
If you can not follow these basic riding manners please stay away from our riding area and just stay home and ride in your area, Oh, that's right , your not allowed to ride there anymore.
I wonder why???????

I would like for My Klondike cohorts chime in if I am off base or you are with me on this one. Or, chime in if you are from group #2 and think I am wrong. Good conversation is always welcomed so fell free to disagree.