Trail Showcase - Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Today's helmet cam takes us to the land of more sump pump activity than anywhere on earth (whole lot of water), Waterford, and a loop at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Roughly a 10-11 mile loop, it is a bear, especially the first four miles which includes a climb up heart attack hill. Heart attack hill is about a 100 yard climb with six or seven turns. If you survive the climb, there is a 'fast fast' descent afterwards so stop crying. Once you conquer the first four miles, there are some great flows within a very mature forest.

trailhead

The park/trailhead is off of Williams Lake Road, about a 1/4 mile north of M-59. Park at the main parking lot for the beach area. The loop starts and ends back here; well marked. 

positives

No more sharing with the horses. The trail way back when used to share a portion with the horses but is now separated.

Post ride feeling that you have accomplished something as your lungs will get some activity. 

The lake is right there after the ride for a dip.

The Pontiac Lake Inn is down the street for a VERY large hamburger and a beverage.

It's a beautiful trail.

negatives

As with Highland Recreation Area, not a negative but don't send a boy. It's not for the rider deciding if they want to take up the activity.  

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Trail Head

Trail Showcase - Northwest Lower Peninsula

The helmet cam trail showcase takes us off the beaten path of the northwest portion of the lower peninsula via M-22 (Arcadia Dunes) and M-55 (Big M) this past week. Both great trails. 

trailhead

The Arcadia Dunes trailhead is a few blocks north of the landmark Lake Michigan lookout on M-22 in Arcadia. Look for St. Pierre Rd just north of the lookout and the trailhead is there. Preferred way is clockwise (follow the numbers) for the 9-10 mile loop.

For Big M, about 20 miles east of Manistee on M-55 is Udell Hills Rd (Big M signs are also noted). Head south about four miles on Udell and the signs will take you to the parking lot. Many different options but well marked. 

positives

The Arcadia gets some great love from the local riding community so the trail is always well maintained (and incredibly developed) for a fun riding experience. A great flow.

The Big M is old school in maybe not getting the love of Arcadia in terms of maintenance (VERY rugged) but is blessed with some incredible downhill descents. 

negatives

Hard to be negative in such beauty but with large, mature forests (and some nasty spring storms), trees come down. The trail workers were out at Arcadia when I was out but a tree was down just about each mile through. The same with the Big M. 

(put 'quality' settings to 1080hd if not defaulted for best quality)

Trail Head

Trail Showcase - C Loop of Highland Recreation Area

Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to Highland Recreation Area and the C loop of that trail network. Last count I had were four total loops, A, B, C and D (roughly 16 miles total for the four loops), however, it is one large ass recreation area and wouldn't be surprised of some non-sanctioned loops somewhere in this vast forest, excluding the horse riding-specific trails in there as well.

The video at the bottom was from last week but Amy and Ed P. joined me for another loop on it yesterday for the Milford Bike Fest, corona style (ride the trails but no post ride gatherings; wink wink). All in all, a good showing as we saw quite a few riders out on this beautiful weekend.

trailhead

The main trailhead resides off of Livingston Road, about two blocks west of Duck Lake Rd. This is where the A loop starts. Normally getting to the start of the C loop is a bear as you need to get through A and halfway into B; by that point you talk yourself into just doing the A and B loops as it is not a trail network for the leisure rider. A mile at Highland Recreation Area versus one at Island Lake are apples and oranges; a whole different (and beautiful) beast. With that, the C loop doesn't get the exposure that the other loops receive but in my opinion, is the most picturesque of the four. However, over the years I learned of a back way into the C and D loops via Beaumont Road. Park in downtown Milford, go past Muir Junior High on Weaver Rd to Cooley Lake Rd east to Beaumont (all dirt roads) and about a mile on the right is a DNR sign onto a path. The path there leads into the beginning of the C loop.  Access to the D loop is a bit further down on Beaumont.

positives

It is a bear of a trail and you have to keep aware at all times but I think it's the most beautiful trail in the area. Rolling hills within a thick forest. With pain comes pleasure.

negatives

Not really a negative but not a trail for the beginning rider with a chain that is ready to snap (and your chain will get some work) while deep into the B loop and said chain does snap. Riders unaware of the area are in for a long walk back to their vehicles if shi* happens.

Trail Head

Trail Showcase - Maybury State Park

Today's helmet cam trail showcase takes us to Northville and Maybury State Park. The park was named after William H. Maybury, who led the park's development  in 1921(looked it up). Built to assist with the rehabilitation from tuberculosis before modern medicine produced advanced cures, Maybury ironically died from said illness.

trailhead
The main parking lot for riding is off of Baseline Rd (8 Mile), just west of Beck Road. There is another entrance off of Beck, south of Baseline, but the horseback riders primarily use that lot (and mountain bike parking is frowned upon there).

positives
While not long (roughly 6 miles), the trail gives a bit of everything for all types of riders. Hardcore riders can do a loop and a half (there is a cutoff half way through to repeat a portion of the trail) to get their miles in while beginning riders who aren't sure if mountain biking is for them have an easy 'out' access to a paved path if the mojo is not there.

negatives
Being picky and noted above but having more terrain would be ideal; but don't think the creators of the park were thinking about mountain biking in 1921 so we'll let this aspect slide.

Trail Head