A while back Todd Erikson posted a possible club forming in Southern Maine. Any news on the status? Anyone know of a SAFE place to practice in the Portland area?

-- jon van der zee (jo5@mix-net.net), July 21, 2000

Answers

Im from CT but 2 weeks about when i was on vaca in Saco i found two nice practice areas near portland. One is on Spiller road off RT 25 in between 35 and 112 near Gorham i think. (spiller road is on those big maine map books at 7-11). The other is an old army base. It is on Hard scrabble road off of 117 i think. Amry base = sandy, whoops, ruts. Spiller road= hard pack, some jumps....oh yea spiller road is on a farm and only opern tues and thurs pm the other is a pit so 24/7.

good luck!

-- Toml (toml@pmcomputers.com), July 21, 2000.

My kid is 11. Last I heard Spiller had problems with drinking, etc and general bonehead riding. not the environment I would like him to ride in.

Army base is SUPER dangerous. They cart riders out every weekend because they go every which way and run into each other. His freind almost went head first into a JEEP! Its OK if ou can find a spot and try to get some laps.

Wish we had a real track with seriour riders on it.

-- jon van der zee (jon5@mix-net.net), July 26, 2000.

I ride frequently at both locations. I don't know if you've been at the army base lately but we have an area that we've formed a nice track on. I have never seen anyone go the wrong way or anything like that. The army base is a big place and there are other 4-wheelers etc around but if you stick to the track you'll be all set... at least on Tuesday and Thursday eves when most people show up.

As far as spiller, I do know what you mean by people drinking but they are usually not people that ride the track. Those are guys that occasionally show up to watch but usually end up taking off to a local pit. I know a guy that brings his two kids there to practice every week and have never had a problem.

-- Patrick Bachmann (patrick_bachmann@barberfoods.com), July 30, 2000.

I am diligently jumping through many hoops and bermshotting through redtape to get a location secured for Moto Utopia. Our goal is to provide a safe, family oriented practice and recreation facility that may eventually host sanctioned events. I have plans for a natural MX area with pee wee course, an MX/SX area for aerial practice and a trials course for extra fun. I have formed Southern Maine Off Road Enthusiasts, Inc. (SMORES) to begin putting our strength into real numbers so these stubborn town governments might understand the severity of our plight. Thank you for the many responses of encouragement and volunteer help. Until I am certain about the location, there is really nothing any of us can do, except join the club on paper as a show of hands. If you want Moto Utopia to open soon in Southern MAaine, just respond to this message and we will add you to our growing list. Forever in the dirt... Todd

-- Todd Erickson (freeride@maine.rr.com), August 18, 2000.

Hey just stumbled on to this post and wanted to say i am new to the Portland area and am looking for places to ride this spring. I am deffinately interested in joining/helping out with a club email me with any info. Thanks John d

-- John DeBartolo (jdebartolo@yahoo.com), March 08, 2001.

Great News! Moto Utopia has found a home in Arundel, Maine. We have secured land and are in the final stages of approval for a full- service practice and training area for all us die hard moto-heads. Moto Utopia is between Biddeford (I-95 exit 4)and Kennebunk (I-95 exit 3) and will be accessed from Route 1.

We will be open June 1 but SMORES club members may begin riding the week before Bull Run on a limited but groomed and watered track.

Please spread the word and my e-mail address so all of you can join SMORES and be riding SOON!

Forever in the Dirt...

-- Todd Erickson (smores@maine.rr.com), May 05, 2001.