Overview:
Formed in the early 1970s, the New England Trail Rider Association (NETRA) has become the heart of the off-road motorcycle community across New England and New York. As the sport’s popularity and prestige have grown, so too has its cost — transforming competitive trail riding into an elite, high-dollar pursuit comparable to professional equestrian show jumping. Presence News also features exclusive first-person GoPro footage from NETRA racer Matt McGuire, offering readers an inside look at the intensity and precision of A250-class competition.
NETRA: The History Behind the Trails
The New England Trail Rider Association (NETRA) was founded in the early 1970s, during a time when off-road motorcycling was still in its infancy. The sport’s growing popularity brought together a passionate community of riders who sought to explore the rugged, wooded landscapes that New England is famous for. (New England is the Northeast United States area)
The New England area is a region in the northeastern United States that is known for its rich history, distinct seasons, and scenic landscapes including mountains, forests, and coastline. It consists of six states:
- Maine (ME)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- Vermont (VT)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- Connecticut (CT)
In collaboration with New England Trail Rider Magazine (now Trail Rider Magazine), NETRA began by sharing information on where to ride, how to maintain and prepare bikes, and techniques for tackling the region’s notoriously challenging terrain. What started as a small group of enthusiasts quickly evolved into a structured organization that would help shape the off-road scene for decades to come.
From Trails to Trophies: The Rise of NETRA Competitions
NETRA’s early focus was on community and education, but the spirit of competition soon followed. A few years after its founding, the association inherited the New England Enduro Series from the New England Sports Committee (NESC). This move marked NETRA’s entry into organized racing — and it wasn’t long before the association began producing nationally recognized riders.
Names like Don Cutler, George Peck, Kevin Hines, and Josh Toth became synonymous with New England’s off-road excellence. The tradition of competitive achievement continued with the introduction of the Hare Scrambles Series in 1982 — a fast-paced, endurance-based competition that remains one of NETRA’s most popular and attended event series to this day.
These races have produced some of the region’s most accomplished riders, including Tom Norton, Nate Kanney, and again Josh Toth, who went on to become a GNCC XC2 Champion on the national stage.
A Sport of Passion — and Prestige
While off-road motorcycling once carried a rugged, grassroots image, the modern NETRA circuit now resembles an upper-tier motorsport — one that demands not only skill and endurance but also a significant financial investment.
To compete seriously in NETRA’s 16-race series, riders and their families must travel across multiple states in the Northeast, bringing with them specialized equipment, vehicles, and maintenance resources. A professional-level competitor typically maintains two dirt bikes, each valued at around $10,000, to account for mechanical failures or course damage.
Beyond the bikes themselves, participants often invest in livable camper trailers, reliable pickup trucks, and a constant stream of replacement parts, tires, safety gear, and fuel. When accounting for travel, entry fees, and upkeep, the total cost of competing in a single season can easily exceed $100,000 — placing the sport’s financial demands on par with professional Grand Prix equestrian show jumping.
Entry Athlete Costs
The economic threshold means many top-level NETRA athletes come from high-income families able to sustain this year-round commitment. Between long-distance travel, equipment replacement, and repairs from inevitable crashes at high speed, maintaining a competitive edge requires both serious dedication and deep resources.
Yet for those who can take part, the payoff isn’t just the thrill of racing — it’s the lifestyle, camaraderie, and prestige that come with being part of one of New England’s most exclusive and respected off-road motorsport communities.
A250 Class Insight: Racing Through the Rider’s Eyes
To capture what it’s truly like to compete in NETRA’s demanding series, Presence News is featuring exclusive GoPro footage from Matt McGuire, a talented racer in the A250 class.
McGuire’s first-person camera work immerses viewers directly into the high-speed, high-risk world of professional-level trail racing. His perspective showcases the technical precision, physical endurance, and split-second decision-making required to navigate through rocky, wooded terrain at competition speeds.
Through McGuire’s footage, viewers can experience the intensity of tight cornering, the sound of the engines echoing through forest trails, and the ever-present danger that defines off-road racing at the A250 level. It’s a vivid reminder that while the sport carries prestige and cost, its true essence lies in the rider’s courage and connection to the machine.
Building the Future: Youth Development and Community
Despite the sport’s high cost at the professional level, NETRA remains deeply invested in ensuring accessibility and growth for younger generations. The organization’s Junior Enduro and Pee Wee series give children an affordable and structured path into the sport, offering safe opportunities to learn, race, and develop lifelong skills.
Each year, NETRA’s youth clinics bring together experienced riders and instructors to mentor newcomers, teaching not only technique but also respect for land and safety practices. This effort keeps the spirit of the association inclusive, nurturing tomorrow’s racers and ensuring the community continues to thrive.
For adult riders, NETRA offers something for every level of experience — from casual weekend Turkey Runs to high-intensity Hare Scrambles. With over 80 competitive and recreational events annually, there’s nearly always a ride or race happening somewhere across New England or New York, from April through November.
Stewards of the Land: Preserving the Right to Ride
Riding isn’t just about competition; it’s about responsibility. NETRA takes an active role in defending the rights of off-road riders and ensuring trail systems remain open and sustainable. The organization works hand-in-hand with state legislators, land managers, and local clubs to maintain positive relationships with the public and preserve access for future generations.
A large portion of NETRA’s budget is devoted to this advocacy, emphasizing that riding responsibly and protecting the environment are integral to the sport’s long-term survival.
Today’s NETRA: A Thriving, Competitive Community
Now home to over 3,000 members and 25 affiliated clubs, NETRA represents the heart of off-road motorcycling in the Northeast. Its members range from youth riders just learning to balance their bikes to elite racers chasing national championships.
As the final round of the 2025 season approaches this weekend, riders and fans across the region are preparing for one last high-octane showdown — a fitting end to another remarkable year in a sport that blends grit, prestige, and passion like few others.
For more information on memberships, events, or the upcoming season finale, visit www.netra.org.
A Legacy That Rides On
From its grassroots beginnings in the 1970s to its current status as a premier motorsport community, the New England Trail Rider Association stands as a symbol of dedication, excellence, and adventure.
Whether you’re a family introducing your child to trail riding, a casual weekend warrior, or a professional racer hauling across states to compete, NETRA offers a world built around community, challenge, and the open trail.
As the engines fire for the last race of 2025, one thing remains certain: the trails of New England still roar with the same spirit that started it all — only now, they do so in style.
Editors Note: Shoutout to any YZ125 dirt bike racers. Article idea provided by formerly known A1 Portable Toilet (Now known as CT POTTY under new ownership) a rental company who provided services for a few of NETRA races throughout the years.
Sources:
- New England Trail Rider Association Official Website
- Footage courtesy of Matt McGuire, A250 Class Rider
- Presence News Research
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