Great Lakes - SE Michigan mountain bike trails

Do any exist? I'll admit, this is as much of a question of mountain bike trails as it is a question of whether a mountain bike is a right investment for me. Feel free to add your thoughts on mountain bike trails though in SE Michigan, especially Downriver and near it.

Of the limited amount of bikes I've tried so far, I like the mountain bike I tried out quite a bit. It was a Trek 3900. I think mountain bikes might be more of my style, but I don't know if it necessarily makes sense to buy a mountain bike if I'm going to be riding in the road and/or paths if there are not many bike trails nearby. It's not like there are rules that I have to ride a road bike in the road, but I was thinking that...at least my experiences thus far riding road bikes (some new, some used) around where I live, Downriver have shown me that: A.) There are limited paved and even bike paths around here and B.) The roads and sidewalks, like I have touched on before, are not always in the best condition, either.

So, perhaps a mountain bike is not a bad idea. I felt more secure in it as I glided over bumpy patches and holes in roads. I just probably can't expect to go on 20 mile rides too often on them though, seeing that there is extra weight and I felt a bit tired after going probably only a couple of miles. I've also had some give me some broad advice about adjusting a mountain bike to more of road use and vice versa, so that is an option as well.

I talked to one lady outside of the shop I visited today, American Cycle and Fitness in Royal Oak, and mentioned to her that driving out the mountain bike trails sort of defeats the purpose of riding a bike. But if the mountain trails are drive worthy, and 30+ minutes at that, then perhaps a mountain bike is not a bad investment.

mmba.org

There are some good trails at Stony Creek, Bloomer Park, Pontiac Lake, etc. in the near metro-Detroit area.

Here's a map of trail locations:
http://www.mmba.org/library/maps/se.gif

Here's info on the trails:
http://www.mmba.org/trails.php

I don't do a ton of mtn bike/trail riding - most of my miles come on the road - but I think I'm going to start doing more of it. Had some fun out at Stony last weekend, and yes, driving a half-hour to bike is kind of a pain in the ass, but it's a nice change of pace from the roads.

If you want to get into road riding there are plenty of groups that do group road rides around town.

As for shops around town - check out Continental over in Hazel Park - John is a great guy. For road and tri options, Bikesport in Dearborn has a nice selection and Tom knows his stuff. Fraser Cycle is possible the biggest local store with a good selection of both mtn and road bikes.

Do any exist? I'll admit, this is as much of a question of mountain bike trails as it is a question of whether a mountain bike is a right investment for me. Feel free to add your thoughts on mountain bike trails though in SE Michigan, especially Downriver and near it.

Of the limited amount of bikes I've tried so far, I like the mountain bike I tried out quite a bit. It was a Trek 3900. I think mountain bikes might be more of my style, but I don't know if it necessarily makes sense to buy a mountain bike if I'm going to be riding in the road and/or paths if there are not many bike trails nearby. It's not like there are rules that I have to ride a road bike in the road, but I was thinking that...at least my experiences thus far riding road bikes (some new, some used) around where I live, Downriver have shown me that: A.) There are limited paved and even bike paths around here and B.) The roads and sidewalks, like I have touched on before, are not always in the best condition, either.

So, perhaps a mountain bike is not a bad idea. I felt more secure in it as I glided over bumpy patches and holes in roads. I just probably can't expect to go on 20 mile rides too often on them though, seeing that there is extra weight and I felt a bit tired after going probably only a couple of miles. I've also had some give me some broad advice about adjusting a mountain bike to more of road use and vice versa, so that is an option as well.

I talked to one lady outside of the shop I visited today, American Cycle and Fitness in Royal Oak, and mentioned to her that driving out the mountain bike trails sort of defeats the purpose of riding a bike. But if the mountain trails are drive worthy, and 30+ minutes at that, then perhaps a mountain bike is not a bad investment.
As the post above states there are plenty of MTB trails in SE MI. All requiring varying levels of technical ability. The MMBA Trail directory is a good source to locate many of our trails.

Where downriver are you (if you don't mind me asking)? I'm in the Dearborn area, so I feel your pain as far as not having many MTB trails nearby. The nearest ones are Munson Park (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=29) in Monroe, Maybury State Rec Area (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=5) in Northville, Lakeshore Park (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=8) in Novi, and Island Lake State Rec Area (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=1) in Brighton. All those should be close to an hour (or less) from downriver. As you head north & west from Novi/Northville, and Brighton areas, you'll get many more SRA's, MetroParks, and local parks, to check out and ride.

Also, you should check out the Huron-Clinton MetroParks (http://www.metroparks.com/)downriver - Lower Huron, Willow, and Oakwoods. There's a nice bike path that ties all three of those parks and makes for a nice ride. Here in Dearborn, we're lucky to have Hines Dr. (part of Hines Park). It's a nice roadway with wide shoulders and ridden all the time by cyclists.

As far as your choice of bike, an MTB is fine. And no worries about riding long distances. As your ride more, you'll find you'll be able to ride further and further. Although, if you find you do ride more on the road/paths, then you may want to consider a road or cyclocross bike down the road (yes, pun intended ;) ). I feel - and it's generally viewed - that a road bike will be more efficient (and faster - yeah!) and can be just as comfortable, position-wise, as a MTB. Cyclocross bikes are like a heavier duty cousin to the conventional road bike. And besides, with gas prices nowadays, it's nice to have a road bike and be able to ride out the front door and do a good road ride.

Hope that helps,

As the post above states there are plenty of MTB trails in SE MI. All requiring varying levels of technical ability. The MMBA Trail directory is a good source to locate many of our trails.

Where downriver are you (if you don't mind me asking)? I'm in the Dearborn area, so I feel your pain as far as not having many MTB trails nearby. The nearest ones are Munson Park (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=29) in Monroe, Maybury State Rec Area (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=5) in Northville, Lakeshore Park (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=8) in Novi, and Island Lake State Rec Area (http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=1) in Brighton. All those should be close to an hour (or less) from downriver. As you head north & west from Novi/Northville, and Brighton areas, you'll get many more SRA's, MetroParks, and local parks, to check out and ride.

Also, you should check out the Huron-Clinton MetroParks (http://www.metroparks.com/)downriver - Lower Huron, Willow, and Oakwoods. There's a nice bike path that ties all three of those parks and makes for a nice ride. Here in Dearborn, we're lucky to have Hines Dr. (part of Hines Park). It's a nice roadway with wide shoulders and ridden all the time by cyclists.

As far as your choice of bike, an MTB is fine. And no worries about riding long distances. As your ride more, you'll find you'll be able to ride further and further. Although, if you find you do ride more on the road/paths, then you may want to consider a road or cyclocross bike down the road (yes, pun intended ;) ). I feel - and it's generally viewed - that a road bike will be more efficient (and faster - yeah!) and can be just as comfortable, position-wise, as a MTB. Cyclocross bikes are like a heavier duty cousin to the conventional road bike. And besides, with gas prices nowadays, it's nice to have a road bike and be able to ride out the front door and do a good road ride.

Hope that helps,

Thanks for your reply.

I live in Riverview. Those three in Belleville are not too far from my house. Other than that, most are more in driving distance from my house.