Quick and Dirty: An Introduction to Unadilla Motocross

Given its pastoral nature and historical charm, it may come as a bit of a surprise that one of Chenango County’s most prominent draws is based on the rather modern phenomenon of motocross racing.

Hidden among the rolling hills near the town New Berlin is one of the international sport’s most hallowed grounds. It goes by one name: Unadilla. And if anyone in the motocross world hears it, they know exactly where you’re talking about.

“It was one of the first and it’s one of the best,” says Jason Weigandt, motocross play-by-play personality for NBC Sports and longtime contributor to Racer X Illustrated magazine. “Out of those first motocross tracks, it’s one of the only ones that’s still around.”

Unadilla opened in 1969 just as motocross was taking off in the U.S. Many tracks have been lost to suburban sprawl over the decades since, but Unadilla’s rural location and reputation ensured its preservation and status as an iconic venue.

“It was really in on the ground floor. It’s hosted big races from the start and it’s really never stopped,” Weigandt says. “There’s not really any other track you can say that about.

“There’s probably not any other track in the world that has had all of the best riders ever – in both the U.S. and Europe – race there at some point,” he says.

More unique, still, is the fact that the course has not changed much at all.

“Unadilla is unique because it really uses the lay of the land. They don’t build a lot of jumps and obstacles, they just use the hills that are there,” says Weigandt, who’s been attending races at Unadilla since 1985 and covering them for nearly 20 years. “So, you can watch an 8-millimeter film from 1974 and watch the track on TV today and it’s totally recognizable. You rarely get a track that’s that similar over the course of 40 years.”

Both riders and fans wouldn’t change a thing about the beloved bastion either.

“Because it’s in upstate New York, the track has a kind of Woodstock vibe to it,” Weigandt says.

The Pro National MX Weekend is the signature event at Unadilla each August. Thousands come out to watch the finest riders in the country in one of the sport’s biggest events with plenty of campers, enthusiasm and national television crews in tow.

Motocross Basics

Thinking about heading to Unadilla? Here’s what to expect …

It’s fast. Though the cycles top out at about 60 mph, the crowded and relatively small track makes them seem as if they are going 100. Given all the twists, turns and jumps, it’s something to see.

It’s close. Unlike auto races, fans can get pretty close to the action. At Unadilla, spectators feel as though they are on top of the track. If you’re into auto racing, this is an intimate experience you have to try. If you’re not, it’s still a pretty cool view.

It’s physical. Motocross requires some exceptional physical abilities, so you are definitely watching bona fide athletes do their thing. It may seem like the motorcycles are doing all the work, but riders are actually sweating out the 30-minute races start to finish, keeping balance and jumping hills all while trying not to run into each other.

It is indeed reminiscent of a rock festival in the middle of nowhere. This and other national events tend to clog Route 8 with masses legendary for their motocross passion. But, you don’t have to be a fan or even familiar to enjoy it.

Racers bring a little showmanship to the heart-pounding contest with tricks off the jumps that Weigandt likens to a slam dunk in basketball.

Spectators are also treated to a sweet view of all the action. The track is located in a valley, which situates the course below the stands and gives the fans a unique and comprehensive close-up.

“It’s a spectacle. And Unadilla is one of the best places to see it,” Weigandt says of motocross.

Camping

Bowman Lake State Park

745 Bliven Sherman Rd.
Oxford, NY 13830
(607) 334-2718

Bowman Lake State Park is a 966.94 acre remote sylvan retreat known as "a camper's paradise." Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests to shady campsites. There is a sandy lakefront with several picnic areas nearby. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds. The park also has a nature center and added a nine-hole disc golf course in 2021. Hiking & nature trails, biking and snowmobile trails. Fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are all allowed. Campsites, waterfront area, picnic area, playing fields, playground and pavilion.

The New Echo Lake Resort

185 Echo Lake Lane
Afton, NY 13730
(607) 639-2666

Facilities: 30 sites for campers or tents with hookup for electric, water, and sewer. Hot showers available. 2000′ of river frontage on the Unadilla River. Activities: fishing and swimming.

Gaius M. Cook Park Campground

189 Park Road
Greene, NY 13778
(607) 656-8752

40 Campsites, with a 22-acre pond for fishing. Hot showers, electrical hookup, pet friendly atmosphere.

Grand Slam Campgrounds & Cabins

1741 County Hwy 18
South New Berlin, NY 13843
(607) 859-2584

Enjoy family style camping along the banks of the Unadilla River in Central New York with almost 2000' of river frontage with grassy campsites under the shade of stately maple trees. Canoe rentals by the hour and by the day. Close to Norwich, Oneonta and Cooperstown. Game room, fireplace, pool table, horseshoes, soccer and more. Cabin/Cottage/Trailer rental, hot showers, bathrooms and electrical hookup.

Pure Country Campground

176 Kelly Rd.
New Berlin, NY 13411
607-847-9265

130 mi of NY's finest trails, 100 x 200 outdoor arena, 30 covered portable horse stalls, paddocks for rent, on-site obstacle course, hiking & biking, WiFi access, Satellite TV, electric & water hookup, rustic sites-water only, tent sites, RV sites, pavilion with full kitchen, bathrooms with hot showers, firewood available, cabin, campers for rent. Cabon/cottage/trailer rental, electrical hookup, wheelchair accessible, senior discount, pet friendly.

Riverside RV Campgrounds

1303 County Rd 39
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-2102

17 Sites. No tent. RVs only. 70 ft. max RV length. 8 pull thrus. 11 full hookups. electric hookups. 20/30 amp. Open May-Sep, call for restrictions/fees. Pet friendly. Services: tables, water, cable TV, toilets, showers.

Tall Pines Campground & River Adventures

100 Tall Pines Lane
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 563-8271

Open from May to Columbus Day. Tall Pines Campground offers fun, family camping with an old fashioned atmosphere and all the modern amenities you need in today's world. RV & tent camping on the banks of the Unadilla River. 98 campsites, Full Hookup 50amp waterfront campsites, easy pull thru’s. Fun, family camping, fully stocked camp store with delivery right to your campsite. Two arcades, a laundry room, themed crafts and activities, an ice cream cart, and a river adventure program. Wheelchair accessible.

Website

Hotels, Inns and B&Bs

Algonkin Motel, LLC

Chamber Member

2626 State Hwy 7
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-5911
Website

Algonkin Motel LLC is a local, family owned and operated motel that has been opened since 1950. We offer a clean, quiet, unique stay with affordable rates all-year-round. All the rooms have received recent renovations to enhance your stay. Get special amenities during your stay such as LCD televisions, FREE high-speed wireless internet, microwaves and refrigerators in every room, and you are in charge of climate control ( heat & a/c). Pets allowed in some rooms.

Bainbridge House Bed & Breakfast

1648 County Rd. 39
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 320-4003

Come and enjoy our unique B&B. Decorated with Victorian furnishings we offer you a step back in time but not comfort. Our five inviting bedrooms offer private baths with soft towels. You will find plenty of room to sit back and relax in one of our common areas. Free WiFi is available throughout the house. Cable TV's with DVD player are available in our Living Room and Parlor. Air conditioning is available during summer months. Rooms are clean, comfortable and inviting.

Berry Hill Farm

242 Ward Loomis Road
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-8745

A country bed and breakfast/working farm on a pristine and secluded country side. Off the beaten path on a secluded lane, Berry Hill Farm is conveniently centered between Bainbridge, Afton and Oxford--the heart of Central New York. Free breakfast, wifi, parking. Air conditioning, wheelchair accessible.

Fred’s Inn

Chamber Member

5149 State Hgwy. 12
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-9282
Website

25 guest rooms for rent. Including Multi Room Suites, Jacuzzi suites with fireplaces, a handicapped accessible room with man down alarm, Single King Rooms and Dual Queen Rooms. All Hotel Guest Rooms Feature: Flat Screen TV with Cable, Keurig Coffee Makers, High Speed Internet, Refrigerator & Microwave, Pull Out Sofa (Except Honeymoon).

Octagon Guest House

1607 State Highway 26
S. Otselic, NY 13155
315-653-7271

Octagon Guest House is conveniently located in the center of South Otselic, a small, historic hamlet in Central New York. It has a master bedroom and two smaller rooms with a shared sitting room and full bath. Only one booking at a time for individuals, couples or small groups creates an intimate home-like setting, with the undivided attention of the host to your needs. Breakfasts are continental-plus, featuring local products and baked goods, jellies, etc.

Red Roof Inn – Norwich

75 North Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-2200

Red Roof Inn Norwich is conveniently located right off of NY 12 with easy access to NY 23. We offer our guests free Wi-Fi, free parking, a free expanded cable package and free coffee in the lobby as well as a mini-refrigerator in every room. Red Roof Inn Norwich is a pet-friendly hotel.

Super 8 by Wyndham Norwich

6067 State Hwy 12
Norwich, NY 13815
607-296-0524

Located on Route 12, the Norwich Super 8 provides road-weary travelers with comfortable accommodations at an affordable rate. Free wi-fi, parking, breakfast and is pet-friendly.

Susquehanna Motor Lodge

1303 County Road 39 (Route 206 & I-88)
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-2102

Susquehanna Motor Lodge provides a variety of lodging options, including cabins, cottages, and chalet rentals. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, this lodge aims to create a pleasant and memorable experience for all guests. Located on the River, each room with sliding glass door to private deck.

Thornfield House 1875

Chamber Member

67 South Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 244-8266
Website

Historic Bed and Breakfast and guest house in downtown Norwich. Easy walk to enjoy the area. Guests have full access to the grand parlor, dining room, upstairs and downstairs halls, front porch and their large bedroom. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.