Hello everyone, I am thinking really hard about getting a new Speed. I used to have a 400ex, but got bored with it because I didn't have any real good place to ride. (After I had seen every inch of the Badlands). I live in central IL and don't mind driving a few hours to ride if its a great place. I'm not much into tight woods, but love fast hilclimbing, medium jumps (5-7 feet), and sand riding. Can anyone of you guys give me a little insight? Thanks

 

Where in Central IL? I just moved from Danville area. Up in the UP of michigan now, MOSTLY because of the trail system up here and the wildlife/country. I know of a couple of places to ride in IN. Almost all are private land. I grew up (as a young kid) working on almost every farm around that area. Let me know, and i can see if i can get some good places for you to ride. Like PARK County IN. That is where Turkey Run State park is. A friend owns about 2000 acres of land in that county and it is some of the best hunting/ATV'n land around. BUT you might have to cut some of your own trails. Most of the ones that we used were not really for the sport bikes.

 

Frogman, really appreciate the offer, but I was thinking more along the lines of public land. I don't think I would feel comfortable cutting trails on someone elses land. I am from the Mattoon-Charleston area, ever been there? Not much for riding area. I've been through Danville a few times going to the Badlands. That was in '99 back when the only stocker faster than the 400 was the 'shee! I felt pretty cocky roosting on the ex, I had one of the first ones around, now everyone's got one! Great machine though.

You may be able to answer a question I have, is there a place to ride in Indiana up by the lake that is all sand? Someone told me that.

 

If you are looking at lake michigan...not really for sure? i know that there is an awsome place to ride just a few more hours north in the the lower Pen of michigan. Silver Lake. It is really worth the drive and a good vacation spot too. I have been through mattoon a couple of times. I went to school in carbondale. SIUC. There are a couple of places down there to ride!!! There is public land, FREE! and what it is, is horse/ATV trails. If you go down 57 past the carbondale exit.... shoot, i will get back with you, i cant remember the name of the exit or town! LOL, been to long. I will get the map out and try to write you by Monday....Getting ready to head out and go riding! Sorry that you will have to wait, but be patient, i know of a really good spot with about 30 miles of trails and really awsome views....waterfalls etc.

Jonathan

 

The only place that I know of is called SouthFork Dirt Riders near Taylorville (southeast of Springfield ).I have never been there we mostly ride in Missouri. They appear to have a good motocross track as well as trails. The website is www.southforkdirtriders.com. I'm going to try to get there one of these days if you get there let us know how it is.

 

get a 465 stroker for your 400ex.

 

Hey guys thanks for the replies. And yes frogman, I was speaking of Lake Michigan. But, the guy that I talked to said it was in IN. I think he said the name was Indiana Dunes. I found a state park called that, but I don't know if they allow riding. Oh, btw Corndog, I said I USED to have a 400ex. I am looking to buy a Speed now. I'm just trying to find enough places to ride to justify the purchase!