South Fork Dirt Riders site,
Taylorville, Illinois
How
many times have you heard someone say, “We need more places to ride?”
Well, the South Fork Dirt Riders are doing something about that age-old problem, adding another 116 acres to their existing 320 acres of riding fun in Illinois.
South Fork is fairly new as riding areas go, and in three years they have added something new every year. Recently they opened modern bathrooms and showers, along with a large covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Packing a lunch or breakfast is an option at South Fork, since a full service concession stand offers all your favorite snacks, soft drinks and hot sandwiches (we especially liked the steak sandwich).
South
Fork has something to offer every riding style. For the trail rider, there are
over 20 miles of trails that will be enjoyed by novice riders and experienced
alike. Thick woods, mud bogs, open trails, hill climbs—you name it, they have
it.
For riders who want even more excitement or have a competitive streak, South Fork has a motocross track, where you can practice when they aren’t hosting AMA/ATVA-sanctioned racing.
If you have purchased a new ATV, ask about attending one of the free ATV Safety Institute classes that are regularly conducted on site. You may even qualify for a cash incentive or free helmet.
Don’t be surprised when you see tons of wildlife. South Fork plants wildlife feed plots in cooperation with Pheasants Unlimited, Quail Unlimited and the Wild Turkey Federation. This will prove to all the anti-ATV forces that ATVs and wildlife can co-exist with no problems at all.
Bring
your helmet and eye protection, because both are required to ride.
South Fork is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to dusk. Although riding closes at dusk, you don’t have to leave. You may want to select a camping site and sit around the camp fire or head down to the creek for a little fishing.
Daily riding passes are $12, and annual memberships will save money for the frequent riders.
South
Fork is supported with funds from the Illinois OHV trail program, which requires
you to have an Illinois OHV sticker. They are $11 annually and are available
at the concession stand.
South Fork is located 5 miles west of Taylorville on route 104. For more information on South Fork call (217) 237-4752 or visit www.southforkdirtriders.com