Edward Thompson's Hobby Page
This is my cousin Patrick who is much better than I, but I always enjoy this picture.
My cousin Tim made it to Loretta Lynn's in 1998 (AMA Amature National Championships). Tim really worked hard to get there.
Click Here for Some More Pictures of Tim
One of my long term friends, Ted Tsesmilles, took me to my first motocross race many years ago. A couple years ago, his son, Theodore, bought a quad and started racing the CRA circuit. Theodore said he liked my Motocross page, except for the fact that it didn't have a picture of him, so here's his picture.
Theodore has some real natural talent. In 1998 he won most of the races he entered in the Woodsman Quad class in the CRA.
The other thing that really impressed me is the way Theodore figured out how to put together a fast quad. He just wouldn't give up until that engine ran the way he wanted it to.
Marjory Khan wrote a poem based on the picture of Theodore and his quad and sent it to me. You can read it here.
Pitracer.com is a website
that says they are dedicated to putting Ohio Motocross on the
Internet map.
It looks like they are doing a good job. If you are an Ohio MX rider,
check their site out.
I really like this kind of info. Highly recommended.
(Info updated 08/03/01)
Word on Hillsville is that it's now closed. Here is the latest message from Michael Sr.:
Bud,
Hillsville is closed, for good. You can attempt a ride if you like, the fine from the PA Game Commission is $180.00. Due to all the things that went on, and you can see all the junk around, the owners turned it over to the game comm. I talked to one of them, he said we know it is only 1 or 2 out of 10 that make trouble, but we have had enough. Those guys just come in ans get you on their 4 wheelers. It is a real shame, there is not a place like it on earth. I got to ride there a total of 3 times.
The only place left is Wellsville and now there are so many there since HV closed. I get there at 7:00AM and out by noon. Just to many nuts...
Mike
(Info updated 08/06/01)
For those interested in two stroke tuning, here's a couple of links that I have been digging into lately:
(Info updated 11/04/00)
SherdEB1957@aol.com
wrote to tell me about a new MX track:
Recently opened:
Sandy Valley Extreme Park
Mottice Drive
Waynesburg, Ohio
west on Mottice at the intersection of State Routes 43 & 44
phone info 1-330-866-9532 or 866-9273
motocross track ~ flat track ~ atv trails ~ pee wee course
coming soon BMX dirt track and ramp park
camping will be available
$10.00 a day rider fee
open for practice 4:00 to dusk m-f, sat & sun 8-8
races being in the spring
This is 200 acres of farm land (no strip mines)
being developed into the best moto track in n. eastern ohio!!
right now no rail buggies or trucks allowed...
Wow!!
(Info updated 10/29/00)
In the August 2000
Motocross Action
they have a list of most of the race tracks in Ohio titled:
Every RaceTrack in OHIO - Most motocross per square foot. They
list 42 race tracks here in Ohio, some of which I don't have listed
yet. They have contact information, practice, and location information.
This article is worth keeping.
(Info updated 08/02/00)
Kurt Mosher
has created a couple more Web Pages:
One for himself: moshermoto.homepage.com
and one for Jeff Gibson: jeffgibson275.homepage.com.
Kurt is working
with Jeff on obtaining some sponsorship for the Y2K Supercross
and National Outdoor Season.
Ohio resident John Ziska
Will Race For Food.
John has been racing for over
25 years and wrote to reminise about some of the tracks that are gone.
I like
his web page
theme. (Hey, I'll race for food too!)
(Info updated 02/02/00)
Squirt N Dirt
is hosting a web site for
Dirt Country.
Jim Carpenter's site
Squirt N Dirt has Tracks
MX News, etc. for Southern Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
(Info updated 12/08/99)
Mike 4734 provides
THREE more places to ride, Elson Road Riding Park, Little Beaver Campground and Perry State Park:
Hi Ed, my name is Mike and I live in Canton,
Ohio and I found your web site and I know of
3 other places not on your list. The first one
is in Waynesburg, Ohio, it's called Elson road
riding park. It's 10 dollars a day to ride, they are
open fri.,sat. and sun. 8a.m to 6p.m I think they
have 180 acres. Alot of trial that resemble a
hare scramble track, this is one of my favorite places to ride.
Directions. From the south take
77 north to 30 east to 43 south. Follow 43 south
to Elson road turn right, elson road is about 1
mile north of town. Road deadends into riding
park. From the north take 77 south and then
take same directions. 2nd place is called
little beaver campground in Lisbon, Ohio.
They ran the GNCC there in 96' & 97' until
they moved it to Spring Valley. Lots of trails,
not sure how many acres some hills to play
on, but most trail are easy and very fast. 10
dollars a day to ride and I think they are open
7 days a week. You can also camp there and
i think it's 5 dollars a night. Directions Ohio
route 30 to Trinity Church Road you can only
turn one way one this road then about 2 miles
to the entrance to campground.Trinity Church
Road is about 4-5 miles west of downtown
Lisbon,Ohio. If your going east on 30, road
will be on right, if going west will be on left.
3rd place. Perry State Park. Not to far from
Wayne National Forest in Logan,Ohio. No
charge to ride here. Lots of trails lots of hills.
Must have Ohio sticker to ride here.It takes
2 hours to get there from Canton, and about
1 hour from Columbus. Very fun place to ride,
one of my favorites. Directions. From the north,
77 south to 70 west to 93 south to 22 west to
345 south(345 only goes to the left) follow 345
till you get to Perry State Park, it will be on
your right before you get to New Lexington.
Well that's all the places that I know of that I
didn't see on your list, I hope you enjoy!!!
Thank you Mike. (Info updated 12/07/99)
Haspin Acres
has a web site that I didn't know about.
Haspin Acres
is in
Indiana, but I've heard several good reports from people who go
there. It looks like a pretty big facility (750 acres).
(Info updated 12/05/99)
Ed Ellks comes through
with another track:
Thought I'd drop you a note to see how everything was going. Haven't heard
from you in a little while.
My friends came up with yet another track called "Hail on Wheels." They
guy's last name is Hail, and it's another $10/day track. This one is
actually in Pennsylvania, but very close to the Shenango area that I sent
you before. I haven't been there yet, but when I do, I'll be sure to give
you directions and such. They tell me it only has a couple of jumps, but is
a very nice track to ride on at any pace. It's wide, so you don't have to
constantly keep an eye on faster riders about to plow you. I'm supposed to
go next Sunday.
Hope you enjoy your long weekend !
(Info updated 12/02/99)
A view of Red Bud from
space. This is a NetNews article from rec.motorcycles.dirt, I got a kick out of:
If you didn't read my previous post about the Terraserver ( www.terraserver.com ) site, it's a site that allows you to look at close-up satellite images of the earth. I was thinking it would be cool if everyone that knows where a National track is located could go the Terraserver site, find the track, record it's coordinates, then post the coordinates on RMD.
Here's how you can find Red Bud:
Go the advanced search page of Terraserver, and use these DECIMAL degrees: 41.87 Latitude -86.36 Longitude
That should put Red Bud just about smack-dab in the middle of your screen. The most recognizeable will feature will be the starting line. Real wide at the top, then narrows down; you all know how it works <G>. To the northeast of the track is the parking lot, and in the northeast corner of the parking lot you can kind of make out the SX style amatuer track. Hope it works.
Jason Clishe
Feel free to take any of this content (all or pieces) for your own web pages or to put links to this page. My interest in posting this information is to help get the word out where there are places to ride and race.
Ohio Off-Road, Ken Tudor wrote to let me know about his web site Ohio Off-Road. His web site is aimed at all types of Motorized Off-Road playing here in Ohio. ATVs, Trucks, Buggies, etc. He has some trails and riding areas that I don't have covered. Good info. (Info updated 01/31/00)
I'm always looking for new places to ride/race, so if you know of places here in Ohio, I'd like to hear about them. You can email me at (edt@ohio.voyager.net). I'm especially interested in anything close to home (Delaware, OH, central Ohio). Also, please let me know if any of this info is incorrect.
Ohio National Park Info Extracted from www.atving.com
Check out www.atving.com for up to date info.
Pine Creek OHV Trail--This system is accessed by three trailheads:
Telegraph Trailhead--23 miles north of Ironton off Hwy. 93. Turn left on County Road 193 for 1/8 mile to the parking area.
Lyra Trailhead--From Wheelersburg to Lyra take County Road 2 to Township Road 307
Wolcott Trailhead--North on State Route 93 to 522 West, 3.5 miles to Township Road 257, then 3 miles to trailhead.
219 Columbus Rd. Athens, OH. 45701 740-592-6644 |
Monday Creek OHV Area
Dorr Run Loop--Located off State Route 33 (between Logan and Nelsonville) Follow signs off Highway 33, approximately 2 miles south of intersection of Hwy. 595 & 33. Primitive camping allowed, loading ramp in parking area, toilet facility. Contact Athens Ranger District at address shown below.
New Straightsville--
Located on Hwy. 595, 2 miles south of New Straightsville
Contact Athens Ranger District at address shown below.
Long Ridge--Located off Hwy. 78 north of Buchtel, south of Murray City
Contact Athens Ranger District at address shown below.
Monday Creek Trailhead--On County Road 24 between Carbon Hill and Buchtel.
219 Columbus Rd. Athens, OH. 45701 740-592-6644 |
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry is the major public provider of ATV riding opportunities in Ohio. Four state forests are open to ATV riding encompassing 36 miles of trail. Use is limited to designated trails at all sites except Perry APV area, which has an open riding area. The four ATV areas are:
Richland Furnace State Forest / Trail 9 miles
Depending on the work that is being conducted throughout the forest, different colors of paint may be found. Yellow spots indicate the boundary between state and private land. Orange spots designate the APV trail system. In past years, the APV trails were marked with white paint, some of the old spots may still exist in certain areas and should be disregarded. Additional info on the Richland APV riding area can be obtained from:
P.O. Box 330 Zaleski, OH. 45698-0330 614-596-5781 |
Maumee State Forest APV Area / Trail 5miles
Brochure currently being updated. (January 1998)
Rte. 1, 3357-D Swanton, OH. 43558 419-822-3052 |
Perry State Forest / Trail 13 miles
The Perry APV Area is the most popular public riding area in Ohio. Miles of challenging trails are open. Picnic areas and latrines are provided at the parking area. Closed from Dec. 1 - March 31. For more information on the Perry APV Area, contact:
6665 Cutler Lake Road Blue Rock, OH. 43720-9740 614-674-4035 |
Pike State Forest APV Area / Trail 15 miles
The forest offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Located off of State Route 124 is the APV Area. The facility has 15 miles of trails open to All-Purpose Vehicles. The trails wind through the hollows and ridge tops, offering the visitor a challenging ride as well as some beautiful scenery and breath-taking views. Parking, latrines and a novice area are all provided on the site. Additional info can be obtained from:
334 Lapparell Road Latham, OH. 45646-9722 |
Hanging Rock OHV Area / 26 miles/southeastern Ohio
Designed for ATV and Dirt Bike use. Trail is 26 miles long and runs through the scenic forested hills of the Wayne National Forest. Located in southern Ohio, off US Highway 52. Take Hwy. 659N 3/4 mile to Forest Road 105. Stay on Forest Road 105 for approximately 1.5 miles for beginning of OHV trail and main trailhead parking. For more information and detailed trail maps contact:
219 Columbus Rd. Athens, Oh. 45701 1-740-592-6644 (For Pine Creek Trails) |
6518 State Rt. 93 Pedro, Oh. 45659 (740) 532-3223 (Hanging Rock/Pine Creek Trails) |
Wayne National Forest--Athens
The Wayne National Forest is Ohio's lone National Forest and serves as an off-road stopoff for many on the east coast. The forest which is approximately178,000 acres, has two designated OHV areas, the Ironton Ranger District and the Athens Ranger Distict.
Inside the Ironton, off-road riders can exploreth Hanging Rock Off Road Vehicle Area and the Pine Creek Off-RoadVehicle Area. Hanging Rock has 26 miles of looping trails to explore. Pine Creek adds another 23 miles of trails and has three different trailheads for you to start from.
While in theAthens Ranger District ATVers can check out the Monday Creek ORV Area. This area has approximately 25 miles of trails and is located just 25miles southeast of Columbus.
Private camping is available at all the sites and mountain bikes, horses are all welcome here as well.
In 1998 The Wayne National Forest has decided to issue a user permit fee to help bring in money for trail upkeep. Eighty percent of the money will be used to maintain the trail for the specific industry designated by the individual user. The annual permit will cost $25 and run from April 16 to Dec. 14th, and must be displayed on the vehicle. The daily charge wii be $5. On top of this charge, all ATVs and motorcycles must purchase a state permit which costs $8 and is good for three years. The Forest also requires OHV riders to have a valid drivers license unles they are under 16 years of age.
Mike Greebeck of the Wayne National Forest said "each system is comparable to one another, but the Athens area sees more action because it's so close to Columbus and Cleveland.
For more information contact the Ironton anger District at (740)-532-3223
Or the Athens Ranger Distrct at (740)-592-6644
The Wellsville Pits, Wellsville OH (eastern Ohio), outlaw riding, reknown for fun and danger. A couple people I know have been hurt down there and the rail buggies run down there too.
Matthew Walsh wrote this about the Wellsville Pits
Ed,
I live in chester wv 15 min. from what your calling the wellsville pits (locally its called yellow creek and its actually located IN Salineville. I've been riding there for a long time and although the rail buggies are there, they tend to stay to thier own area and the bikes on their own trails, incompatable riding terrain I guess. But if you like mountain sized hillclimbs and tight twisting trail runs its definitely the place to go. If you ever go, ask people about 'Chicken Run' its fun to watch people attempt it!
Hillsville TimKTM@aol.com sent me this about Hillsville:
Ever heard of hillsville? It's an old strip mine (piles of earth) Big hills,
hence the name.It is just outside of youngstown,into pa about a mile. Lot of
hills, some trails, motocross track ( soft sandy track). Take 680 to 224 east,
it's on the right before entering pa. I havent been to wellsville in two years
myself because of the theft of a buddies bike and the mess down there! Nothing
like trying to dodge buggies with loaded drivers!
Word on Hillsville is that it's now closed. Here is the latest message from Michael Sr.:
Bud,
Hillsville is closed, for good. You can attempt a ride if you like, the fine from the PA Game Commission is $180.00. Due to all the things that went on, and you can see all the junk around, the owners turned it over to the game comm. I talked to one of them, he said we know it is only 1 or 2 out of 10 that make trouble, but we have had enough. Those guys just come in ans get you on their 4 wheelers. It is a real shame, there is not a place like it on earth. I got to ride there a total of 3 times.
The only place left is Wellsville and now there are so many there since HV closed. I get there at 7:00AM and out by noon. Just to many nuts...
Mike
(Info updated 08/06/01)
Just Into Pennnsylvania, we have the Shenango Ride Area:
Ed Ellks, a Warren OH
resident and a
photographer for supercross.com,
provides this information about the Shenango Ride Area:
Directions to Bay View ORV Area, Shenango Lake
These directions start at the post office in Hartford, Ohio. The ORV area is 5.4 miles from the post office and 12.1 miles directly East of Ohio State Route 11.
Follow State Route 305 East through Hartford. In 2.8 miles, you will be at a 5-way stop at the Ohio / Pennsylvania border.
Follow the road straight ahead (Hartford Rd.)
At the second stop sign which is on a bend, bear to the right onto Sarnac 846.
The ORV parking lot is 150 feet ahead on the left.
Rules & Regulations
Riding hours - 8AM to sunset. Nobody permitted under 10 years of age. Between 10 and 15 years of age, riders need to complete a test and obtain a certificate to be permitted to ride. No alcohol. No trucks or dune buggies. No riding on the shore ways. This rule is especially important, as they are talking about closing this riding area because the ecological system is being disrupted too much for this very reason.
You can take a look at some of Ed Ellks' pictures at Supercross.com or at his home page at edellks.home.mindspring.com. He has pictures from several of the recent Pro National races.
For those with a GPS: 39:35.843'N, 82:32.327'W
(Info updated 08/03/01)
For those with a GPS: 40:24.272'N 81:21.736'W
(Info updated 08/03/01)
Tmaxel@aol.com sent me this info:
The only true MX track I know
of that is OPEN for practice during the week is Dirt Country in Blanchester.
Tuesdays is 50cc bikes and Wednesdays everything else. Pretty good riding for $10. (513) 625-7350
This past Saturday, I went to a cool track that my friends ride at. It's
not on your list, so I thought I'd share it with you. It is filled with a
wide variety of jumps including a big 60' double. Great to practice on. I
even got to pass someone! Who cares if it was just a little guy on an 80cc.
I passed someone! Most of the people there have newer bikes and are good
riders. Anyway, here's the details and directions:
Dirtworld Motocross Park
Dorset, Ohio (near Andover)
(440)563-5474
www.dirtworldmx.com
From Route 11, take Route 6 East 5.1 miles to Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road.
Turn left and go 3.9 miles to the track on the left.
Dirt World MX has
become an
AMA Track District 12
track for 2000.
For those with a GPS: 40:38.124'N, 80:45.540'W
(Info updated 08/03/01)
Deirdre Caldwell writes:
thanks for the nice words about our track. please update our phone number to 740 area code. also, we have a website ourselves now at www.hondahills.com
our increased race schedule makes it hard to be open every day, but we are open almost every day we're not racing! strongly suggest that riders call before coming. there's nothing worse than driving a couple of hours to find out we're closed.
thanks,
deirdre caldwell
For those with a GPS: 39:56.603'N, 82:21.071'W (Info updated 08/03/01)
Gary Garbett adds this information:
I didn't see New Vienna moto cross park on your page. It's a good place to ride, 2 mx tracks a supercross track ,flat oval and a small hare scramble track. Located near Blanchester Ohio off of Hwy. 28 201 Laymon Rd. $10.00 a day they keep these tracks in great shape and the dust down with water trucks running all of the time. They also have a huge 50' double and some 65'+ triples for the crazy ones. I think they have a web site too I can't remember what it is but I'm sure you can find it look up New Vienna on google I'm sure it will come up. Have a nice day!
Gary G.
I continue to get good reports about this track. (Info updated 08/06/01)
(Info Updated 1/29/99)
The Sunset Rambers clud/track is in Galion and has been around since at least 1972 (my first MX exposure). It is bascially an "outlaw" track.
Location: On Route 598 just North of Galion and Route 61. From Columbus: Take 71 North to 61 North. Go through Mt .Gilead and to the northern end of Galion. Head Straight (61 takes a right) on 598 for 2.5 miles, it is on the right.
From Canton: Take 30 West through Mansfield. Head South towards Galion (Left) on 598 (reference map for mileage), it will be on your left.
I'm not sure how they run the format. Bring your own food and water.
I hope to see you all there,
Kurt
Here's some additional info from Kurt
Track make-up: Sand, woods chips, and dirt. Huge tabletop, numerous rhythm sections, 3 cool doubles, and built on the side of a small hill (elevation changes).
Sunset Ramblers have been around since 1937. They are located 2.5 miles outside of Galion, Ohio on Rt. 598. They have 4 scheduled open riding days each season for non-members. Race day fees are $7 gate and $10 per class excluding money classes. Money classes are $25 with 100% payback. They enforce a no pit riding rule (but not as good as Malvern does).
They need members who can help. To become a member you have to work at the track for a set number of hours for 90 days (I think Saturday before raceday is when the most work is done). If you fulfill the obligation you receive a key to the gates (I'm guessing this gives you open riding privileges). You can get more details at the track during race days. Ask for Barb, she is very courteous and helpful. Please don't bother her during sign-up.
The track gets dusty and they seem to water it frequently. They are trying to implement sand and woodchips into the track to alleviate EPA dust problems (neighbors). It has a technical, but forgiving, layout, looks fun, can't wait to ride it! They have vendors (Mo's Gyros) and although I didn't see a spigot, I think they have water. Porta-potties are color coded (pink-girls and blue-boys). Everyone seemed to be decent people, with a lot of families. They back the DARE programs and prohibit alcohol on the premises.
I would estimate roughly 100 competitors were there. Lots of minis.
The down side:
I thought the constant stoppage to water was overdone and tedious to the riders, the program ran slow. They call in a squad when they need it, none on sight. They had one run while I was there and it disrupted the program for roughly 20 minutes. I didn't recognize any names and the B and $ classes were very light (1 or 2 riders).
Kurt has created a flyer for the 2000 season of
Sunset Rambers:
(Info updated 01/21/00)
For those with a GPS: 39:26.957'N, 82:03.389'W (Info updated 08/03/01)
Tappan Motorsports Park, near Cadiz OH. Take Route 22 to the 250 WEST exit and then go six miles, the track is on the left.
As always... call before going. The contact number is Mr Bob Bonheimer, his home number is 1-740-942-3042, at work it's 1-740-942-9007.
Track desciption: It's almost a mile long, really well looked after and clean. Jumps are challenging but safe. There's one set of doubles and a section of stadium style whoops. There's a really good European style uphill downhill section with some twists and great berms. There's even a section that seems to stay a little muddy although not as bad as the Motocross des Nations! It's fun and challenging. There's good spectator viewing and a porta-potty maintained on site.
Tell Bob, some crazy Australian guy sent you!
Cheers,
Chris Higgins
For those with a GPS: 40:48.578'N, 81:46.867'W (Info updated 08/03/01)
CRC RACINGadds: Zero Gravity is an awesome place to get in some good practice !!! We are goig this Sunday......we go down from Michigan ...they used to use all tabletops but it is now moostly doubles.....the phone number you have is right I thik ...call first because they are only open on Thursday's and Sunday's now........tell Jeff (operator of track ) that Cody from Michigan says "Hey".......( the kid on the CR80 and the YZ 125) This place is well worth the drive....be sure to pack a cooler as there are no concessions !!!!! Hope to see you there soe time... CRC CRC Racing Web Page (Info updated 8/21/99)
Just into Pennsylvania
Track is located northeast of the junction of Interstate 79 and Interstate 80. First Race: Sat Jun 13, 1998 & Sun Jun 14, 1998 Registration opens 7:00am Racing starts 12:00 noon (I assume it's the same both days) Admission $5.00 $7.00 per class for this event, prizes awarded. From Meadville - Rt 27 East to Chapmanville, 20 miles From Titusville - Rt 27 West to Chapmanville, 8 miles Watch for signs Practice daily June 1st - June 12th - 8:00am till dark $5.00 After first race - Open Tuesday and Wednesday 3:00pm till dark $5.00 Classes: All motorcycle and ATV classes. All races held rain or shine. Track has been re-designed by the Phillbrick brothers Overnight camping permitted - primative $20.00 for the weekend For more information: (814) 398-4644 (814) 827-8919 (814) 763-5916 County Line Motocross Raceway - R.D. #4 Box 244 Titusville, PA. 16354
Just across the border into West Virginia
You can find maps to the CRA tracks through the CRA Home Page. The AMA tracks I typically call for directions and/or use Mapquest. If your track isn't
in here or you'd like to add some comments, please send me email at
edt@ohio.voyager.net. If you have a copy
of the track schedule, I'd really like to have a copy,
you can us-mail it to me at:
Ed Thompson
PO Box 328
Delaware, OH
43015
If you have an electronic copy, email it to
me and I will add it to these
web pages or put a link to it.
There are a number of AMA Districts that have their own individual Web pages. Here's some useful ones:
Do you know Ohio folks who have web page? Send me their links and I will post them here.
Cernic's Suzuki/Honda Johnstown, PA. You ever have an event, where a good experience makes you think you will deal with a vendor forever? Years ago, when my cousin, Tim was riding a KX60, we went to a MX Sports Loretta Lynn's Qualifier at Johnstown, PA. When we got there, Tim had forgotten his racing pants and he was fairly upset about it. During a busy qualifier, they sent someone to their store and got pants in his size, so that he had pants for his first qualifier race. I really appreciated that extra effort.
It seems like once a week in the NetNews group rec.motocycles.dirt, someone starts a thread about Race Gas or what Oil to use, so I've decided to start collecting information about Oil and Gas.
Some subjects where I think I have something to say.
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