Sugarloaf: official status?

[bigbadbrad]

Haven't been there in a while, and as I recall there were some access issues in recent years. I notice it's not listed on the "where to ride" icon here. However, I also noted a photo in the MORE gallery of someone riding there last summer.

What's the official status on riding at Sugarloaf? Is it still permitted? If so, do they still have the "no riding from --I think-- Nov. - March" signs?

Please advise. Thanks in advance.
--Brad

[cowboy00242]

I am pretty certain there is still no riding allowed November-March (I think I saw the sign still up when I went hiking in September). Earlier this year, they were restricting bike use due to wet weather as well.

[bikerRob]

01/09/04 It's been a while since I last took a ride at Sugarloaf....I recall seeing the same sign as the others. I know that Sugarloaf is privately owned and that the owners don't particularly like mountain bikers all the much. :( I guess that means we're lucky to get the access that we get. Has "MORE" ever tried to speak to the owners ( Stronghold Corp. ) and see if they might consider dropping the restrictions?? I'm not sure but I seem to recall several years ago that someone ( maybe MORE ) tried to gain better access to the park ( they even promised to provide trail maintenance ) but the owners refused.
I know that in the last couple years there has been a lot of lobbying done in Montgomery Co. to try to increase trail access in the county. From what I have read there has been a lot of success and MORE and it's leaders are to be congratulated for taking a big role. Maybe it's time for these "Lobbying powers that Be" to revisit the access problems at Sugarloaf. Maybe if they can show the people at Stronghold Corp. their track record, they might be able to covince them to lighten their restrictions. ( ** Note: I just noticed that Sugarloaf actually lies in Frederick Co. , rite at the border. Nevertheless, maybe they might be convinced to "lighten up restrictions".... but don't hold your breath :p )

[Titusman]

I did some riding there this summer the riding at Sugar loaf goes from Jun 1st to Oct 31st. Any other time is off limits to mountain bikes. The ride up to the top on bike is challenging. They aren't very good with their trail maintenance though. Have fun this summer.