Michigan Metro Parks

[Motorad]

I have to admit, that living just outside of Detroit, I am not familiar with Detroit metroparks, as far as safe and fun places to ride a bike.

I've joked with my friends that when I walk around Detroit, it's while in my car doing 30 MPH, meaning speed is a good thing when going through some of the neighborhoods.

Can you Michiganders tell me more about the Detroit Metroparks, as far as safe areas ... areas better for street bikes versus mountain bikes ... and how can I find more information about riding a bike in Detroit Metroparks?

[Mike321]

I'm not a whole lot sure where the good road bike trails are, you may want to look into Hines park on 6 mile and Northville Rd in Northville. Or Stoney Creek has a decent paved trail around the lake.

[jwa]

I'm not a whole lot sure where the good road bike trails are, you may want to look into Hines park on 6 mile and Northville Rd in Northville....

I ride Hines Park when visiting the in-laws. http://www.waynecounty.com/parks/hines.htm

Paved pathway starts on Michigan Ave W of Southfield Rd. (near Henry Ford Comm. Coll.) & joins the official Hines Park trail after a couple of miles. Once in the park, one has the choice of road riding on Hines Drive (with nice paved shoulder) or the paved trail. Parts of the trail are kinda shetchy for skinny tires (the whole park is on the river flood plain, so the trail tends to degenerate in wet seasons) so I use the mtb w/ slick tires with no problems.

I typically ride for 1.5 - 2 hrs on an out&back ride, starting at the SE end, so have no idea what the W end of the park ride is like!

[Michigander]

They are all safe and fun, but limited by size. That is why I don't ride much at parks anymore and instead ride the roads with the Wolverines.

[Motorad]

Thanks everyone, all these areas are pretty close to where I live, and never realized it. I live in the downriver area of Wayne County, and must drive by them several times a month.

Michigander (and Michiganders), I don't have my road legs yet, and need to get used to a new road bike, before I even think about riding through a metropolitan area (and may never will). What few comments I've heard about the Wolverines, are that they ride all through the metropolitan Detroit city limits, and are aggressive roaders. Would this bike group eat me alive, or would they have mercy on an office-dwelling, 50 year old, who hasn't ridden a bike in ten years?

[3MTA3]

kensington is safe & fun, especially since it's right next to a state park. you can ride in to either from the other for free via a path under I-96, or take kensington road between each for a bit of change. if you take the kensington road route you will have to make up a story for the guard at the entrance. i always say that i was in the first park, rode the I-96 path to the second park, & returning. most of the time they just give you a wave & let you pass because they know that people ride between parks. very chill. the best part is that people in cars are curtious.... unlike anywhere else in this flippin' state.

[Road Fan]

Thanks everyone, all these areas are pretty close to where I live, and never realized it. I live in the downriver area of Wayne County, and must drive by them several times a month.

Michigander (and Michiganders), I don't have my road legs yet, and need to get used to a new road bike, before I even think about riding through a metropolitan area (and may never will). What few comments I've heard about the Wolverines, are that they ride all through the metropolitan Detroit city limits, and are aggressive roaders. Would this bike group eat me alive, or would they have mercy on an office-dwelling, 50 year old, who hasn't ridden a bike in ten years?

I've heard the Wolverines are fast, but they might have slower rides organized. Downriver Pedallers have a lot of "don't lose anybody" rides. Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society says they have "sweepers," but I've been dropped and never saw one. I assume it was me. Too bad I didn't get paid.

[StokerPoker]

I know this thread is a few months old, but I thought I'd post a bit of info from the wayne county parks website. Some may not be aware, but:
(begin quoted material)
Saturday in the Park: A six mile section of Hines Drive is closed to automobiles from Outer Drive Road going west to Ann Arbor Trail, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday from May 5 through September 29, 2007 for walking, cycling, or inline skating. Parking is available at the Nankin Mills Picnic Area [Hines Drive and Ann Arbor Trail].
(End of quoted material)

Just for all of those looking for a nice ride without having to deal with cars. The road surface is much better than the path alongside so this is a fairly nice ride.

[Motorad]

I know this thread is a few months old, but I thought I'd post a bit of info from the wayne county parks website. Some may not be aware, but:
(begin quoted material)
Saturday in the Park: A six mile section of Hines Drive is closed to automobiles from Outer Drive Road going west to Ann Arbor Trail, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday from May 5 through September 29, 2007 for walking, cycling, or inline skating. Parking is available at the Nankin Mills Picnic Area [Hines Drive and Ann Arbor Trail].
(End of quoted material)

Just for all of those looking for a nice ride without having to deal with cars. The road surface is much better than the path alongside so this is a fairly nice ride.
That is very useful information. I've been wondering how to get good maps of Hines Drive. Is there any way to get maps of Hines Drive, and especially maps of that six mile section that will be closed from May through September???

[octaneTom]

Motorad -

If you want to try an easy Wolverine ride, the Wednesday night ride that goes from Royal Oak out to Cranbrook and back is a pretty low-key, easy paced 25-mile loop. It might be a good place to start.

Tom

[Motorad]

Thanks Tom.

[Ih8lucky13]

Probably a better group to ride with would be The Dearborn Cycling Saddlemen, most people are from the Dearborn Downriver area, while most Wolverine rides are out in Oakland and Macomb Counties, plus the rides are not aggressive at all.

http://www.lmb.org/saddle/

[Motorad]

Probably a better group to ride with would be The Dearborn Cycling Saddlemen, most people are from the Dearborn Downriver area, while most Wolverine rides are out in Oakland and Macomb Counties, plus the rides are not aggressive at all.

http://www.lmb.org/saddle/
Thanks Ih8lucky13. How often and where does the DCS ride, and do they do group rides in the Hines Drive area?