Nebraska isn’t well known as a place where you’d be able to ride a dirt bike, but there are some trails near Omaha and Lincoln.
If you’re not keen to head out of the state just yet, then load up the truck with your bike and gear, and make your way out. We’ve found some pretty cool riding areas that welcome offroad motorcycles, both registered and unregistered.
Nebraska’s Best Dirt Bike Trails
There aren’t too many places to ride so most people tend to get together and go for a multi-day trip out of state. They usually go west towards Colorado or Wyoming to find some well-developed riding areas and state forests worth exploring.
To save yourself hours of a road trip, you can still have some thrills close to home. Check out these dirt bike trails in Nebraska:
1. Cedar Run Off Road Trail
At Cedar Run trail, you’re able to bring your dirt bike and ride around. The surface is pretty hard packed but after rain it gets real muddy so it can close rather quickly. Pro-tip: You need to call (308) 799-2105 for a recorded message as to whether Cedar Run is open today or not. Do this first thing in the morning before you leave home. You can also camp here and there are several campgrounds worth checking out, with Patterson’s best a good choice.
2. Dismal River Trail
Dismal River within Nebraska National Forest has 11 miles of sandy tracks worth checking out. The surface is smooth yet isn’t super soft. Even beginners can tackle this just fine if they keep their revs up and continue leaning back. This spot is popular with families who like to camp here especially as there are hot showers at the Bessey Family Campground to wash off all the muck after a tough day of riding. Whitetail Campground is a good alternative but there aren’t any showers here.
3. Off Road Ranch in Norfolk, NE
There isn’t much here given how small it is (just 30 acres) but worth while if you want to bring your kids up into the dirt riding community. There is a PeeWee track as well as a motocross trank and freestyle practice ramps. Fancy a race? Then the flat oval track is for you. You’re allowed to camp here too on site which is helpful.
4. Abbot Sports Complex
Another good motocross park to ride your dirt bike is Abbott Sports Complex. If you get bored of the closed circuit then you can head out and check out the short wooded trails loop. This place is open to ATV’s on Sundays and Mondays while dirt bikes are allowed for the rest of the week depending on the weather conditions. No camping here but it’s in Lincoln, NE which means it’s pretty close for most people to access.
Starting Today
There we have it! Some pretty cool riding areas worth exploring. We’d love to see more opportunities to start riding in national forests and the like but we know the interests of dirt bike riders typically are given the backseat due to bureaucracy and government red tape.
It’s a shame as this would open the way for more people to spend their money in the state. Fortunately, some adventure riders on dual-sport motorcycles do pass through often though only for a few days. There have been some riding trails which have closed in recent years and we’d be keen to see more open up.
If you’re keen for some riding buddies, then check out the Nebraska riders group on Facebook. They organized group rides on occasionsl and there is some racing to be seen too.
Idaho has some great trails for dirt bikes to explore, some of which aren’t too far from Boise, Meridian or Nampa.
These are typically the places where you’ll want to camp overnight with some buddies. Bring the tent, beers and some tunes…and make a great weekend away.
Best Dirt Bike Trails Idaho
Here at Frontaer, we’ve spent hours doing all the research so you don’t have to. After all, you want a guide that helps you spend more time outdoors and less time behind the screen.
We wanted to create a guide for those who love to explore the wilderness. While MX clubs and closed-circuit racing is a lot of fun, we wanted to create something that was less motocross and more enduro/adventure. The sound of a 4-stroke and revving up in the higher gears are waiting for you out there.
Fortunately, the State of Idaho does support offroad enthusiasts by opening up trails and state forests. Keep in mind that on government land (i.e. state forests) you’ll need to have a current Idaho OHV sticker clearly displayed for the Ranger to check, otherwise fines are likely.
The most popular Idaho dirt bike trails are:
1. South Hills, Idaho
Located in Southern Idaho, South Hills has more than 50 miles of trails and is rated quite highly by locals and those out of state. You’ll find some really rugged terrain and gnarly trails worth exploring, then you’ll come across forest trails and secluded swimming spots too. Essentially, it’s everything you could hope for and our best pick for a quality riding area in Idaho.
This is one of those places that you’d be best camping overnight with your dirt bikes at the campground. There are numerous options where some and paid and others are free. Get there early especially late on Friday as it gets busier on weekends and around national holidays.
2. Baumgartner Trails
The baumgartner Trails are apart of the Sawtooth National Forest which itself offers hundreds of miles of epic riding spots. Expect to take 2 to 3 days to really see everything that’s on offer here. For first-timers, aim to head for the Keelly Flat Staging Area or if you’re camping overnight, the Gaumgartner Campground is well regarded by Idaho dirt bike riders as the place to be.
Bring some buddies along to experience everything here and for safety reasons too. There are some steep spots where you may need some assistance to get up, but you’ll be rewarded along he way with thermal pools to cool off from a hot day of riding along the tracks.
3. Saint Anthony Sand Dunes
Over in East Idaho is the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes. This place is simply epic with more than 10,000 acres to explore. There are some dunes which go past 300 feet in height where riders battle it out to see who can hang on and climb to the top, with the footage generally finding its way on to YouTube pretty soon.
It’s best to have some spotters on the top of the dunes if you’re jumping or trying any tricks. Then again, the space is HUGE and riders really do spread themselves out. Note: Sand riding isn’t for beginners and it takes a lot of throttle and confidence to keep the bike upright and gliding across the sand safely. There are some campgrounds nearby at the perimeter with RV sites too.
4. Musselshell OHV Area
Clearwater National Forest has its own OHV trail which takes you deep into stunning forest scenery. Expect to see some wildlife in here and it’s best to pack the bear spray just in case. Unfortunately, this trail is only open to dirt bikes (and all other forest users) for a short period each year due to cold weather, hunting season and bear sightings. Generally speaking, it’s July through to September but it’s worth checking witht the local Ranger station.
5. Canfield Mountain Trail System
Canfield isn’t the longest so it’s best for those looking to do a day-trip instead of camping overnight. The track is well marked and graded for difficulty. When you’re done then head over to Lake Pend Oreille to have a swim and soothe those sore bones. Better yet – pack the fishing gear and grab some fresh dinner while you recount the thrills and spills of the days’ adventures.
6. Greenhorn (Sawtooth National Forest)
Yet another great spot within Sawtooth is Greenhorn. This is the dream for the single track enthusiast looking for some easy riding opportunities. Most loved by beginners given how easy this place flows, it gets quite busy on weekends so it’s best to get out there early.
It’s free to camp overnight and we recommend staying at least one night to really see everything. To check if Greenhorn is open, get in touch with Ketchum Ranger District. The tracks are usually available during Summer and Fall though they can vary.
7. Casino Creek
Looking for pure single track? Then you’ll find it at Casino Creek. Again, this is within Sawtooth National Forest and the tracks here are quite hard packed which is great for those who just hate the mud. Some spots are better suited for the experiencced riders among us yet for the most part, beginners can tackle Casino Creek just fine.
Most dirt bike riders choose Casino Creek Campground to stay overnight which is right on the edge of the Salmon River. There are almost 20 sites but no toilets or showers unfortunately. Get in touch with the Stanley Ranger District for more information before heading there as the opening days do vary season to season.
8. Danskin Mountains OHV Area
Danskin is huge and if you haven’t been here before, then you’re in for a shock! There are just so many trails that you can be wandering for days on end. Most of these tracks are pretty easy to get through and much of thoem are for motorcycles only and ATV’s aren’t permitted.
If you’ve over the forested areas which limit your top speed choices, then get over to Danskin. With no trees around and long sweeping sections, you’ll be able to cruise and enjoy the ride instead of looking out for the next widow maker. You might actually see triple digits on the speedometer! There are several designated campgrounds here and trust us, you’ll want to stay overnight otherwise you’ll miss out on a lot.
9. Indian Creek
This is pretty remote and rugged country that’s certainly worth exploring. There are miles of single track for dirt bikes and some areas for ATV’s to head out on. Pack a working GPS because it’s pretty easy to get lost out here and you should aim to camp overnight to really see everything that Indian Creek has to offer.
10. Independence Creek Trail System
Over in Hayden, ID is the Independence Creek Trail System which is inside of Coeur d’Alene National Forest. It’s 1st or 2nd gear for much of the way and you’ll sometimes see 3rd. These trails are generally opened April through to September. If you’re up for it, then you can wash off the sweat and mud in oen of the numerous streams but the water will be certainly a bit cold.
11. Magruder Road Corridor
There are more than 100 miles of excellent mountain tracks ready to explore throughout this history trail. This traverses the Nez Perce and CLearwater National Forests and with an Idaho ORV sticker displayed, you can certainly bring your dirt bike here. Adventure riding by the dual-sport motorcycle crowd is popular as the tracks are quite tame.
This is yet another place that you’d want to camp overnight because you just won’t see everything otherwise. Pack the tent, extra gas cans and some fire starts. One of the biggest downsides is the short season as it snows here for much of the year.
12. Pioneer Mountains
Out towards Bellevue is where you’ll find the Pioneer Mountains and Sawtooth National Forest. There is one trail that is quite challenging and not for the faint-hearted. You can camp overnight at Cooper Creek Campground with 8 campsites available to use which are free. In fact, it’s free to ride here too provided you have an Idaho ORV pass.
Getting Started
There you have it Idaho! Some of these spots aren’t too far from Boise so you can be out there riding in next to no time. Need some fellow riders to experience these tracks? Get inside of the dirt bike riders group of Idaho who welcome beginners all the time with organized group rides into some of these epic destinations.
Remember that bears and other wildlife do use these tracks. As such, you’ll want to be mindful and don’t stick to one area for too long. Wear all your protection gear too as you’re often pretty far from the closest hospital.
Above all else, get out there and explore these dirt bike trails! Life is too short otherwise.
All too often we come across a massive guide of things for your dirt bike, but no one is sharing the gear that you should carry when riding.
Frontaer is out to change all of this. We simply want to show you the stuff that you’ll need for the toolkit so you can make a good and basic repair on the side of the track.
Tools to Carry When Riding a Dirt Bike
Did you know that your dirt bike probably has a tool rool? Most people don’t even realize it. This is often located near the seat and is designed for a quick repairs.
Yet it doesn’t have absolutely everything you need. In this article, we’ll go a step further.
Here are the tools you need to carry when riding a dirt bike:
Yes, you need to take some duct tape with you along the way. You never know when one of your fenders will come lose or your handlebar clamps have been hollowed out. Duct tape always saves the day.
Another simple one is zip ties. We recommend 2 small and 2 large zip ties which is enough to do just about any job. They are handle for sorting out issues in handlebar region as they are for repairing torn clothing and even replacing a busted buckle on your boots. They take almost no space, and so there is no excuse not to have ’em.
Yep, you need one. Even if you don’t know how to replace a dirt bike tire just yet, you need a puncture repair kit. Typically you’ll get spoon levers, valve cores, replacement valve caps and some plugs. These are immensely helpful and you can always save some tutorial videos off YouTube before heading out for a ride just in case. (They let you download them to your phone nowadays). The puncture repair kit needs to have a premium pair of tyre levers. Pass on the cheap versions you find online unless they are from a well-known brand.
Don’t be the fool who went out for a ride with a repair kit…only to forget to bring a replacement tube. Now, if space is limited, then you only need one tube. Go for a tube diameter equal to your largest tire. A large tube can be used in a smaller tire just to get you back to base safely, though a smaller tibe physically can’t fit in a larger tire. Of course, bring 2 tubes (1 for each tire) if you have the space available.
When you get that flat tire, then you’ll need to replace the tube. Once that’s done, then it’s time to pump it up. This is where you’ll need to pack a high quality bike pump. Forget the cheap Chinese versions and go for a well-known brand such as Giant because on the side of the track 10 miles from anyone, you don’t want the bike pump to break.
Yes, Monkey Butt is a tool. It’s the type of tool that stops you from having a sore bottom end – literally. You put this on before you start riding and you’ll stop your chaffing issues. Trust us – this works, and it should live permanently in your toolkit if space permits. Chaffing can make or break a day out there on the dirt bike.
The last on our list is a tow rope. All you need is about 30 yards or about 10 metres. This can be used for towing someone who broke down back to base, or to help a buddy who ditched his dirt bike down an embarkment. If you’re on a group ride, then only 2 to 3 riders will needs to carry these as breakdowns are unlikely to happen, but the rope makes for a good insurance policy.
Have you heard of GetGeared in the UK? We haven’t so we decided to research further and provide an unbiased opinion.
After all, we’re an independent motorcycling brand that’s out to help others better understand how to make the most out of their machines.
Frontaer isn’t paid for their online reviews and thus, we’re very much unbiased.
Let’s begin.
GetGeared Review
It’s great that you’re doing your research as we had to do much of the same. Get Geared isn’t as well known as some of the other stores out there, but they have been around for a few years now actually.
In fact, we dug into their company history and found some interesting elements worth mentioning:
They’ve been running before the iPhone even came into existence
They are family-owned and there is no corporation controlling their stakes.
GetGeared has taken the independent approach to product and brand alliances.
They also happen to know a lot about the gear they recommend to customers.
Through this, they’ve been able to generate a solid reputation in the United Kingdom and much of Europe too. Their Trustpilot account shows thousands of happy customers too who had received great service.
Social Media
We place a huge amount of trust in the social media followings of any business and this is one of those businesses. It’s clear that GetGeared wants to reach their customers directly.
See – we’ve seen some stores that started 20 years ago and have very little touch with social media. GetGeared has taken the approach of spending a lot of time building their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
What’s great is that they have realized how many people are using their phones to do their online checkout. It’s up around the 75% mark. So they have optimized their experience of their website to accoomplish just that.
Negative Reviews of GetGeared
Naturally, you’re bound to find some negative reviews and experiences with this motorcycle retailer. It happens everywhere. While they have one of the best reputations of motorcycle stores in the UK, they aren’t immune to letting some customers down.
However, when you really distill those harsh comments, you quickly realize that some people are just inheritly negative. Even if they had a good experience, they’ll leave a 3-star or less review online. As a business, it’s disheartening.
On the same token, there are those who may have been fumbled around with an unreliable courier with lost parcels or the wrong item sent. This happens to all online stores, and GetGeared does their best to fix these issues.
What isn’t obvious is that the ratio of negative to positive customer experiences is tilted in one directoin with some bias. Because someone is far more likely to leave a negative review online than a positive one, you’ll find more stores sitting around the 3.5 to 4 star mark on average. With GetGeared, it’s remarkably 4.5 which is excellent.
In Summary
We’re talking about a damn good store here with great customer service and a wide range of gear available. What’s most importantly is that their reputation is strong and they’ve been in business for many years.
If you’re in the UK and looking for a good store to buy some gear with, we’d recommend GetGeared in a heartbeat. Watch this space, as Frontaer’s goods may be in stock real soon!
Outletmoto is one of Europe’s biggest motorcycle gear stores which operates online. Most of us have never heard of them.
It’s for that reason that Frontaer felt it was fair to do an unbiased review. We aren’t paid to express our opinions or experiences online, so this is very much as raw as it gets.
Let’s begin.
OutletMoto Review
When checking out any motorcycle distributor, we like to do our research just like you. This is why it’s great that you landed here. It really does pay to check out online reviews before making a purchase.
There are several factors worth checking because it isn’t just about what others are saying online. We need to know whose behind the operation. After all, some of these big stores are just dropshipping operations out of China.
Company History
When looking at the company history information, it’s clear that they have been around for quite a number of years. In fact, they have a physical address in Firenze, Florence, Italy.
With 10+ years of operation, they have more than 15,000 items in stock. They serve both the offroad and on-road motorcyclists which is refreshing and they sometimes have gear that other stores don’t. If you’re after some more specialised riding apparel, then you’re likely to find it here.
What’s most important is that their staff actually ride motorcycles themselves. Therefore, if you’re looking for a particular bit of gear, then it’s likely they have it in stock.
Social Media
It’s very important today that motorcycle stores are on social media, otherwise, they are dead in the water. They need to be where their customers are right now. This also adds in a huge trust factor and increases the chance that a customer will later place an order.
Fortunately, the social media content with Outlet Moto is rich and strong. You’ll find them regularly posting on their Facebook and YouTube profiles, though with some English subtitles. After all, they are an Italian-based company serving Europe and the rest of the world.
Negative Reviews of OutletMoto
Have you read some of those nasty reviews online regarding customer experiences with OutletMoto? It means you not want to buy from them and spend your hard earned dollars elsewhere.
However, their reviews can be out of proportion. This is because people are more likely to complain online if they had shipping delays or gear that showed that it was in-stock when it was really out of stock.
To say it another way – most people, if they do have a positive review, aren’t going to share it online. It just doesn’t happen as they’re too busy out there riding.
In Summary
OutletMoto is a legitimate store that has been in operation since early last decade. Given their footprint in the world of motorcycles, we don’t see them going away anytime soon.
Most riders in Italy have heard of them, but understandily, most of Europe hasn’t. Nor have those who reside out of Europe. Either way – they do have their processes and knowledge downpat.
