Riding the Hampster Trail | The Stupid Things Old Guys Do
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Riding the Hampster Trail | The Stupid Things Old Guys Do
I confess that I am one of those stupid old guys (60 plus) that thinks riding off-road is a good idea. I have no delusion that I am a great rider or that my aging bones are in the shape to sustain the rigors of off-road riding. But even so, it is still fun and challenging, even at my advanced age.
My goals and that of my riding partners is to ride as many of the Back Country Discovery Routes as possible. In fact, this August we are planning on tackling the bulk of the Northeast BDR, which is rated one of the hardest of the 10 BDR routes.
To get in shape for this adventure, we decided to ride what is known as the “Hampster Trail.” This nearly 400-mile track runs the length of New Hampshire from south to north and is advertised as being “big bike friendly.”
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www.livingoffth...
INFO FOR THIS WANTING TO DO THIS RIDE:
In New Hampshire you are required to register your bike as an OHRV. This must be done in person at one of several registration agents. You can find a list below:
www.wildlife.s...
Below is a link to the registration application, on which you can see the associated fees.
www.wildlife.s...
A temporary “non-resident” permit is also available at the following agents (Fee $41 for 10 days):
www.wildlife.s...
www.wildlife.s...
Fines for getting caught riding in posted areas are $248, so it can be expensive.
Do not believe me or the forum posters, call the New Hampshire Fish and Game at 603-271-3127 before you decide to head into these areas.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley
Going to do the hampster trail with a couple of friends the next couple weekends. Thank for the info
Again. Starting at 08:23, you are looking at this upside down.
These are ROADS. NOT specifically OHRV trails.
Any street legal, street registered, street plated, street state inspected vehicle can drive on these roads. And any Class IV or Class VI road in the state of NH.
Some ROADS in NH have been declared as OHRV allowed. Street legal cars, truck, motorcycles that are registered for street use can use those roads. And any vehicle registered as a OHRV can use those roads.
Some of those ROADS have been authorized for OHRV, ATVs, Side by Sides, quads and trikes, but Trailbikes have been restricted. Again, street legal AND OHRV vehicles, with the EXCEPTION of TRAILBIKES, can be operated on those ROADS.
Then you get to the OHRV trails.
Those cannot be ridden on with vehicles that are NOT tagged for OHRV, even if they are street legal. You have to pay your annual $90 if you want to legally drive your car, truck, or motorcycle on them. By definition, a street legal, street registered, street state inspected vehicle CAN get a OHRV sticker, if you pay for it. I know. I ride in Pisgah State Park, southern NH, often, with my street legal street plated street inspected V-Strom, with my OHRV stickers. If I don't buy the sticker, I can not ride there.
You were perfectly legal riding there. And, there are homes out there, so how do you think families get their groceries home? Via an ATV? And on Magalloway Road, north of NH-26, homes also.
BTW at about the 28 mile point, you hit NH-3 and have to go east a bit to get back on dirt.
And I have ridden all but the last .4 miles of the entire Hamster trail, both the mostly pavement SE start route your group rode, AND I scouted the new, SW entry (at Orange, MA) north to Pisgah State park, up to Keene, NH, then on north to connect with the original route at Warner, NH.
Look at the NE-ADV ua-cam.com/play/PLqWpAQ-MxlSb_FlvwO3UM5GW6jvKidUa1.html The first six in the playlist are the new, more dirt, route. I have the GPX files, but no way to share them, at the moment. But I included a sort of rally type roadbook in the video's. If you were challenged by the NH-16 right onto Drummer Pond Road on up to NH-26 portion you suggested was not legal to ride in this video, then you may want to take the work-arounds for Jantti Road, Hyland Hill Road, and London Road. They are rather technical and I have only rode them on a DL1000XAL8 and a 1978 Suzuki GS750, both 550lbs+ bikes, both with limited suspension travel and only 6.5" ground clearance. That portion up by Errol was easy, in comparison.
I also asked a friend of Andrew ( FreetheBeast of ADV Rider, the person who mapped the Hamster Ride), to give Andrew my GPX files.
I will add another video to the SW Hamster Ride playlist in the NE-ADV channel in the next few days that is purely a map of the route. And what I have as a "Road Book".
Hey Craig, another stupid old guy (65) here. Four of us old timers are leaving from East Texas and LA (lower Arkansas) to ride the NEBDR on August 14th. We are riding there and (hopefully) back. Super Tenere,Africa Twin Adventure,KTM 1290 and a Honda CB500X. Looking forward to seeing your part of the Country.
We will be at the end of the NEBDR about that time. Starting on the 4th riding out to Hancok NY, then making our way north over the next 10 days. We are hoping for good weather but the way July has been going, plan for rain. Ride safe and have a great time!
Welcome to my neck of the woods! I have run into fish and game, as well as asked state police. I will share with you this, I ride anywhere with my 250 2-stroke KTM enduro bike, as well as my 990 KTM adventure, anywhere that is legally stated as a road as they both have license plates and are titled as motorcycles and not off-highway vehicles. What you guys decided to do and turn back is understandable, and it is always good to follow laws and respect the trails while leaning towards caution when not sure. Your license plate supersedes everything! If there is an easement for the road on the town records as a road, no matter if it is a section of a trail bike riding area, you do not even need the OHRV registration and are legal to ride. The easiest way to look at is it is anywhere you can legally drive a Jeep, you can ride any motorcycle. I have reviewed the GPX file of this route from Berlin north in the areas you mentioned, and I do not see any sections that are not legally a road, so legality is good to go. I have not ridden this route start to finish, but I have extensively ridden the sections of it before I ever knew it existed, especially the northern parts.
The trail system you were encountering is the "Ride the Wilds" trail system, which prohibits trail bikes. It is primarily summer use of the vast snowmobile trail network as well as class 6 unmaintained roads in Coos County. You have no issues riding on this trail system on a trial bike - as long as the section you are riding on is a legally defined road, which the trail system also uses! Anything that is not legally a road that the Ride the Wilds system continues on to, you are not permitted to ride. These are often gated snowmobile trails that are open for ATV/SXS use only. Please feel free to reply and ask for further clarification, and ride safe!
Thank you for the information. What you say makes sense, but it is all very confusing as when we call the state, we get different opinions. It is also hard to tell what a road is and is not in some of these areas. At least for we out of staters.
@@LivingOffTheSlab I get it! It took me years to figure it all out. As far as calling the state and asking, it’s just like calling any customer service number, you tend to get different answers, especially for this niche topic and a very specific situation. The truth it you’re good anywhere that’s a road, I usually verify this with my Garmin or Gaia on my phone. They will have most of the roads. You’re also good on any OHRV trails that permit trail bikes, presuming you have your OHRV sticker. Only place you are NOT good is a non-road section of OHRV trail that has trail bikes PROHIBITED. The trail bike prohibited Ride the Wilds network in Coos is overlaid on both roads and trails. You’re good to ride on the roads. Respect for doing it the legal way! 👍👍
Great job Craig! This video will be a big help to others thinking of doing the Hampster Trail.
Awesome, thank you!
Great info
Yup … I be one of those stupid old guys … lol … rode offroad here in New England from 1970 to 2005. Stopped to do some street riding but last year before I got any older ( at age 67 ) I bought a 2021 DR650. Just started this year trying the routes here in Southern NH ( Hampster, Flatlander and Tomato ) I live 5 miles from Hollis and have ridden out of there 3 times so far and each time going further and further but unlike you guys I made loops back to my area using the other routes. Videos are on my channel if you want to check them out. I’m a new subscriber here and like your videos 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, I will check out your channel!
It's funny that the state motto is LIVE FREE OR DIE, but get a permit!
The permits are how they pay for OHRV trail maintenance...
Great job. i plan to leave north Attleboro and do the bit to Littleton on my dl650 next weekend. Then head home via the white mountains the following day. Stumbled on this video while doing the research. i loaded the gpx into my 396LM for this .
Thank You! Enjoy, the ride to Little is very nice.
I'm 60+ and rode these trails solo on a 2018 V-Strom 1000XT.
I did stop one mile short of the end of the Hamster Ride, because the dam had broken and I was alone, with a 600lbs+ bike and faced with a three foot wide gap in the dam and no one to help me get the bike over the three foot deep, three foot wide gap.
And, idiot that I am, I'm doing it without an Inreach or Spot.
My temps were 40 to 55 degrees.
Yeah, a 600lbs bike with 6.5 inches ground clearance with 50-50 Trailmax missions.
Fun as hell.
Nice video.
Oh, I made a new track, starting in the Orange, MA, and its as interesting as the ride near Errol, NH. Mine is sexy and mostly dirt.
Thanks for posting. Do you think it would be safe (as in not getting run over by an ATV or motorcycle) to ride the northern section on a bicycle? I’d definitely not take my 650 Vstrom on the se toons above Littleton, but I’d definitely be interested in riding my bicycle there. Or maybe bicycles are prohibited?
I am not sure it is legal and it might be a bit dangerous. I would really look into it before going.
Just found your channel, as I was looking for an adventure bike on cycletrader. I sold my HD Streetglide last year, and now i am looking into the Adventure riding, bad time to be looking for a bike, not many options available. I am in the town over in Franklin, MA, great videos and tips for places to go ride in the area when i do get a bike again! I will be watching lots of your videos! Ride safe and enjoy the great fall weather!!!!
Yeah, yeah, trail bikes not allowed. I got called out. I have NH street plates. I also have the OHRV trail sticker. I'm not a trail bike. The ATVs had to leave me alone.
Any street legal bike can ride those rides. The ATVs were ALLOWED to also ride them, at 20MPH.
A trail bike isn't street legal. A MODIFIED trail bike MAY be street legal, but must me registered as a street bike and be equiped as a street bike AND have a street bike NH state inspection. Because you are on a street that ATV's have been allowed on, plates mean you can ride. As the guy yelled "He's got street plates! Shut up!"
And Magalloway Road doesn't get that tight. I got thru.
I hope you are correct, but reading the state website and talking to the people who I force the laws, led me to believe any motorcycle is not allowed in the ORV areas. But, what do I know...wish we could get an official confirmation.
Good information.
you did it exactly like i did. I am in Lynnfield MA went from lynnfiekld to Hollis then hollis to littleton then stayed in Lincoln for the night. then did the sandwhich notch road on the way home..how was the northern part thats the only part i haven't done. Also you should check out the Trans Mass Trail. Its through the berkshires from CT to VT through 90% backroads in the Berkshires. I do it all in a jeep...its awesome
Thanks we have the Trans Mass. It is a lot fun.
Awesome 👏
wasnt real clear to me how to get the GPX file for the lower half, please explain as I may be stupid
www.advrider.com/f/threads/hampster-ride-dirt-route-the-length-of-new-hampshire.981534/
I'm a stupid old guy knocking off sections of the NEBDR -on a Honday PCX 150 scooter. Yes, even the dirt sections -very slowly. Got good most of NH and about half of Maine in a series of day trips from my home in NH. Will finish ME this month and move to VT and points west and south in August. Plan on camping part of it. Only big disappointment is that scooters are not allowed on Mt. Washington Auto Rd. However, did it a motorcycle a few years back.
That sounds fantastic! We will be going the NEBDR in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to it!
Thanks so much for this Craig. When the boarder opens back up this and the Puppy Dog trail were on my list, might pass on this one now. Do you remember what tires were on the Tenere? I have the new TrailMax Missions and quite like them both on and off road.
I believe he was using the Anakee Wilds. I think the next set of tires I put on the Tenere will be the TailMax Missions.
I'm the guy on the Tenere. I have the Anakee Wilds mounted.
@@MountainGanesh and how do you like them?
@@mikemills5144 So far they're quite good. At 500 miles, the shallow sipes are already gone, but the tread blocks are still square. The main thing I noticed, which is alluded to in the video, is that the side blocks of the tread are extremely effective, and had a habit of trying to climb out of ruts, making the back of the bike really dance around, which can be alarming for a 600lb bike on dirt.
Amen
Great information Craig and very confusing situation. I just read the requirements for OHRV registration (www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ohrv/registration.html) and the 3rd item states this: "OHRVs and snowmobiles are not titled in NH". Since any dual sport bike will be titled that would seem to imply that a dual sport is not an OHRV. While I haven't called Fish and Game yet, I don't think I'd be surprised if I get a different answer depending on the person that I speak with.
Yeah it is very confusing. We did call Fish and Game and the consensus was that all bikes, registered or not, need to be permitted and would be considered trail bikes. But, I am sure you are right, it depends on who you talk to.
@@LivingOffTheSlab Per the "Regulations" at www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/registration-information "Conventional motor vehicles (cars and trucks) that are legally registered as a motor vehicle do not need an OHRV registration. Motorcycles that are registered for highway use must have an OHRV registration to operate off road." ...So your highway registered motorcycle is considered a OHRV. If you are a non resident of NH you can register your "Highway registered motorcycle"....to use the OHRV trails by following the instructions "Nonresident Temporary 10-Day OHRV Registrations
Available only at select agents. A temporary 10-day registration is only available during the months of May to October to nonresidents registering a wheeled vehicle. The registration is valid for 10 consecutive days from the start date and time specified on the registration and cannot be replaced or transferred. Presentation of a valid out-of-state driver’s license is required." A "trail" bike appears to be simply be a dirt bike type of motorcycle intended for off road riding only, and cannot re registered for riding on the public highway. So it looks like as long as your bike is registered for use on the trails you are safe enough, provided you do not ride in an area that is signed no motorcycles.
Its too bad you gave up on the off-pavement\ADV riding ☹ In my opinion(once a rider has the off-road skills), its safer, more satisfying and more fun than road touring. I plan to get far more stupid than the Hampster Trail this year... 😉
Haven't given it up, just have not done it. I just enjoy the travel more. Safer? From cars yes, but not from falling and being injured. Off road is more challenging and thus I guess rewarding in that aspect, but I also feel much more stress riding off road. Because I am not good at it? Yes, but at my age, why do I want to go through the pain to get better when I can go have fun on a trip? With all that said, I keep thinking about it...
@@LivingOffTheSlab Learning to ride off-road, I mean really developing off-road skills is challenging at any age but the benefits are many. You'll be a better rider all around, you'll get more bike control, balance, gain improved confidence and awareness. Then there's the mental and physical exercise aspects.... I don't have to go into those for you 😉
No pun intended... The drawback is the learning prosses is usually a bit of a "rocky road" to go down.
Trust me, Black Bears are like cats. Nothing to fear. Shout at them and they scamper away and up a tree. They should not be on your mind. A bear is not going to come out of the bushes and chase you down on your bike. They want two things only: to eat whatever is easiest to eat and (females only) to protect their cubs. Brown Bears are a very different animal. Some Black Bears may be colored brown, but they are still Black Bears. It bums me out to hear people lessen their enjoyment or alter their plans over Black Bears!
I know it is very unlikely to be attacked by a bear. That is not why we turned around. The terrain was just getting rough for the big bikes. Thanks for providing some perspective!
IDK, sounds like you talked me out of it. Too much red tape.
The southern part, up to Littleton does not require a permit and it is a nice ride.
Dual sport, yes, adventure bikes, no? I'm confused. A typical state for one of the _old guys._ Wait, you need a permit/license to ride these roads/trails in NH? It costs money? Jeez, you northern ferr-ners are whipped. Sorry. Thanks for the info. Oh, does there _always_ need to be a guy on a GS1200?
S
It is confusing, but basically all bikes are "trail bikes." You can ride on dirt roads, but there are some areas designated as OHRV, there you need a permit. And you can be 10 miles in on a road and suddenly no bikes are allowed. We need to be registered is an ORV in MA as well even though the bike is already registered. And yes, there is always a guy on a GS...
Hi Craig, Last year I had asked for more BMW 1600 GTL videos, you replied in the future. Did you sell bike? Or explain why you didn't show it in a video recently I didn't see? Thanks from a Living Off The Slab, fan.
I still have it. The New England trip was done on the K1600 and we just did a VT trip as well...I did not do video for that trip. Great bike, still enjoying it!
@@LivingOffTheSlab Awesome thank you.