Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah

[JDLuke]

Hi, guys.

While seeking some ridable dirt in Bergen County, NJ, I came across an interesting little area...



It seems that the Sheraton Crossroads hotel in Mahwah was built on an abandoned airfield, but there's not much sign of that anymore... But development did not cover ALL the land there, and right near the hotel access road there's what looks to be an old railroad bed in place, loaded with small whoops. In addition, there are dirt trails, with lots of ATV activity evident, in the area between the taxiway and the river. I found rocks, mud, puddles, and an old abandoned bridge back there, too:




And eventually, there is a place with 'No Trespassing' signs... Which, to me, indicates that human activity is expected in the area.

Google map of access to railroad bed
Google map of evident ATV riding area
So was I endangering myself, legally or physically, by being back there? Who owns the land? I had one hell of a time while I was there, and I'd like to go back.

[eduardobibm]

That was the local playground for a long time but as I understand it they are cracking down. Not on muggers, rapist or drug dealers mind you. I off course am referring to those purveyors of anarchy and mayham - the off road motorcyclist!!!

Something really must be done about them..

[O.C.F.RIDER]

Originally Posted by eduardobibm

That was the local playground for a long time but as I understand it they are cracking down. Not on muggers, rapist or drug dealers mind you. I off course am referring to those purveyors of anarchy and mayham - the off road motorcyclist!!!

Something really must be done about them..

Probebly as we type, they're formulating a plan on rounding us up and sending us off to a "re-education"camp, complete with "showers" and all. OR maybe a "sensitivety-training" retreat, so all us evil "earth-destroyers" can be "enlightened" as to the true horrors that we inflict upon the "fragile" planet we live on, and society at large.
OR just fucking shoot us when we don't STOP, IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!!! Which BTW is the ONLY way I'm stopping for the scum-bags! And I sure-as-hell ain't gonna stop riding in the woods up here! FUCK THEM!
I'm really getting to hate this place.
Rally On!!!
Chris

[O.C.F.RIDER]

Originally Posted by JDLuke

Hi, guys.

While seeking some ridable dirt in Bergen County, NJ, I came across an interesting little area...



It seems that the Sheraton Crossroads hotel in Mahwah was built on an abandoned airfield, but there's not much sign of that anymore... But development did not cover ALL the land there, and right near the hotel access road there's what looks to be an old railroad bed in place, loaded with small whoops. In addition, there are dirt trails, with lots of ATV activity evident, in the area between the taxiway and the river. I found rocks, mud, puddles, and an old abandoned bridge back there, too:




And eventually, there is a place with 'No Trespassing' signs... Which, to me, indicates that human activity is expected in the area.

Google map of access to railroad bed
Google map of evident ATV riding area
So was I endangering myself, legally or physically, by being back there? Who owns the land? I had one hell of a time while I was there, and I'd like to go back.

I think that was actually the site of the giant old FORD plant, used to drive past it on my way to go racing up at LOUDON as a young lad.
Rally On!!!
Chris

[JDLuke]

Originally Posted by O.C.F.RIDER

I think that was actually the site of the giant old FORD plant, used to drive past it on my way to go racing up at LOUDON as a young lad.
Rally On!!!
Chris

OK, I missed a step! Thanks for the info.

Apparently, according to this site, the old airfield was taken over by Ford first, years before the Hotel was there.

[WR_guy]

If you park your truck down there on the weekend the cops will hassle you.

Best to ride a street legal bike.

[JDLuke]

Originally Posted by WR_guy

If you park your truck down there on the weekend the cops will hassle you.

Best to ride a street legal bike.

No truck here, everything I own has to be street legal. I've been thinking about a pickup, but for now my wife's Subaru Outback is the closest thing I have to a tow vehicle.

I did everything this weekend on a borrowed G650XChallenge, with Karoos on it. It's a little heavy, but it did everything reasonable (and a few unreasonable things) I asked of it.

[TengaiJohn]

Been there many times with the cage, don't go there anymore.... security guard at the Sharp building will call the cops if they see you there.
Cops don't bother you at Sag Hill but it's not big bike friendly and I wouldn't recommend you go in a small group (do a google search on Jackson Whites).

Stag Hill gets better once you pass the hill climbs.

[JDLuke]

TengaiJohn,

Thanks for all your good local information. It's great to have folks around who know the ins and outs.

[O.C.F.RIDER]

Do you have anything else that you ride (dirt) besides the BM?? If you have a street legal real live dirt bike, and you're not afraid of some really tough trails, you could come meet me at my house and I could take you on some of the nastyest shit you've ever laid eyes on! Ask Rob23, he'll verify my claim!
You can give me a call if you feel like .......973-853-1144.
Rally On!!!
Chris

[JDLuke]

Originally Posted by O.C.F.RIDER

Do you have anything else that you ride (dirt) besides the BM?? If you have a street legal real live dirt bike, and you're not afraid of some really tough trails, you could come meet me at my house and I could take you on some of the nastyest shit you've ever laid eyes on! Ask Rob23, he'll verify my claim!
You can give me a call if you feel like .......973-853-1144.
Rally On!!!
Chris

Chris,

Sorry, only one bike at present, and it's gotta do everything for me. I was considerably braver with the XChallenge than I think I'd ever be on my own bike.

Thanks for the offer, and if/when I manage to score a real dirt machine, I'll certainly take you up on it.

JD

[rob23]

Originally Posted by O.C.F.RIDER

Do you have anything else that you ride (dirt) besides the BM?? If you have a street legal real live dirt bike, and you're not afraid of some really tough trails, you could come meet me at my house and I could take you on some of the nastyest shit you've ever laid eyes on! Ask Rob23, he'll verify my claim!
You can give me a call if you feel like .......973-853-1144.
Rally On!!!
Chris

Chris, I need to come up and ride with you again. Now that the enduro season is over for me I just may. See ya at the pb500!

Can you still ride in Split Rock?