The helmet cam takes us to the east side today to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township. The east side has limited territory to work with but has a rabid riding base who embrace the area trails.
The east siders have flogged me for pointing it out on the trail condition sites but not a fan of the layout at this location. It is a very large bowl with a two track comprising the outside of the bowl with the guts of the trail on the inside. The trick is getting to the inside of the bowl. The experienced riders of the trail advise that it just takes time figuring out a loop but that doesn't help those that ride it roughly once a year.
trailhead
The trailhead/parking lot resides in the very west end of the park (park is at Dequindre/Mt Vernon/26 Mile Rd), past the lake and the golf course. Look for the Shelden Trails sign and a bunch of cars/trucks with bike racks attached to them.
positives
Once you get into the guts of the trail, it flows well and is well maintained by the local riding chapter. Those not feeling it or with less experience can do the two track to get a feel for the terrain.
Stony Creek Lake makes for a nice post ride refresher after the ride.
negatives
Mentioned already but not a fan of having to stop at multiple intersections to find the guts of the trail. I foresee collisions happening with so many intersections and certain areas one way. Having the riding markers mean something would be ideal (go to marker 1, to 2, to 3....) but there is no pattern to the number layout. You go from marker 15 to 25 at one point. Keep it simple.
Deer appearance at about the 40 second mark of the attached.
Deer appearance at about the 40 second mark of the attached.
(put quality settings to 1080hd for best picture quality)
