Mountain Biking - Trails around Detroit area???

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unrelated
09-17-04, 10:44 AM
I just got my bike sent to me from home after leaving it in the dust for 2 years.

So I want to get some mud on it before winter hits. Can anyone tell me where I can go around Detroit area? I tried to search online but either I have to pay to access the websites, or they are advertisements of trail guides.... which I will get eventually.

So if you can help, preferably within 45min drive from Detroit. Thanks a lot!!!

trekkie820
09-17-04, 11:51 AM
There are many excellent choices. In Pinckney, there is the legendary Potawatami trail...17.5 miles of pure fun. There is Brighton, Pontiac Lake, and a few other smaller ones. The Poto was ranked as one the top ten trails in the country at one point. Many good choices there!

also, check www.mmba.org for a complete Michigan trail listing
khuon
09-17-04, 12:15 PM
There are many excellent choices. In Pinckney, there is the legendary Potawatami trail...17.5 miles of pure fun. There is Brighton, Pontiac Lake, and a few other smaller ones. The Poto was ranked as one the top ten trails in the country at one point. Many good choices there!

also, check www.mmba.org for a complete Michigan trail listing

I will vouch for Pinckney and Brighton. I used to ride those trails when I lived in Ann Arbor and they're excellent.

unrelated
09-17-04, 01:00 PM
Can you guys describe the terrain or difficulty of those trails? Are they along water? Degree of elevation? More technically challenging or physically demanding? I just want to be prepared.

17.5 miles sounds long. I am trying to squeeze time out from my sh*t load of school work to get some fresh air, and Detroit isn't exactly safe for urban riding either.

So where in Brighton?
unrelated
09-17-04, 01:12 PM
BTW that website is awesome! Thanx!!
jerrryhazard
09-19-04, 11:46 AM
The Poto trail is a great mix of everything. Slightly technical, as it can get pretty rooty in spots (especially the downhills), but then it also gets really sandy in spots as well. It's really a great all around trail - nothing too tough (unless you don't use your brakes on the downs), and no long climbs. I don't think you don't have to ride the whold seventeen miles at once either, it's sort of divided in half (?) I think. It's mostly wooded, but has some breaks that go along a lake. Its a great trail for the area.
gorn
09-19-04, 11:59 AM
I am trying to squeeze time out from my sh*t load of school work to get some fresh air

What school? I'm at University of Detroit Mercy.


and Detroit isn't exactly safe for urban riding either.

Says who? But if you don't feel safe on the streets, why not go on group rides. Last friday of every month Critical Mass, meet at Grand Circus Park downtown at 5:30pm. I haven't done a Detroit Critical Mass yet, but have done Chicagos which are awesome (Detroits are a lot smaller). www.criticalmassdetroit.org

Also even if you are at Wayne or wherever, UDM has a midnight bike ride that is open to others. http://udmercy.edu/news_events/news.jsp?id=1062678770519 (That's last years press release, it's this friday [Sept 24, same day as the Critical Mass, I'm doing both])