Action Sports (Athens MX)

On Salem Road near Athens in south-eastern Ohio, Action Sports covers about 100 acres: a very long, fast natural-terrain motocross track plus roughly five miles of trail. The place was built by a family - a father and his sons - who run a grand prix series and an annual team hare scramble here alongside races and open practice days. The ground is loose almost everywhere, the layout lives off many small jumps and a few large ones, off built-up berms and off sections threading between trees; hardpack, sand, rocks and water crossings are simply absent. Open practice costs 20 dollars per rider, race days add a 10 dollar gate fee plus 30 dollars for the first class and 15 for each additional one. The night before an event you may camp for free. On a long, fast natural-terrain track, knowing the ground beats bravery. Ride the first laps deliberately slowly and note where the surface changes between the trees - that decides your line, not how big you jump. The problem loose loamy ground with deep ruts brings for nearly everyone: the front knifes and oversteers. Top of our cause list is a fork set too soft that rides too low and folds into the rut - add compression.