The helmet cam today takes to the town of Jiffy Mix, the Purple Rose Theatre (and it's Hollywood famous founder) and one of the faster mountain bike trails in the area. Just a bit west of Ann Arbor, Chelsea is a cool little town with Waterloo Recreation Area a bit north of downtown; a large-ass piece of state land (3rd largest park in Michigan - looked it up). Within the park, a large company made a very nice donation in helping create what is now close to 20 miles of mountain bike trails. Three loops, Green Lake, Big Kame and the latest addition, Winn. The caretakers of the trails have created a trail like no others in the area as it is fast-fast-fast.
trailhead
There are two trailheads to choose from. The main one is off of M-52, a few miles north of downtown Chelsea on the west side of the road, just north of Green Lake. Quick access to the Green Lake and Big Kame loops from there.
The second trailhead was recently put in with the Winn loop's creation. Take Waterloo Rd west off of M-52 about three miles until you see the signs for Cassidy Lake Correctional Facility. Take a right turn on Cassidy, past the facility about two miles and the trailhead is on the right. Quick access to the Winn and Big Kame loops from there.
positives
Like Ricky Bobby's wish in Talladega Nights, if you also want to go fast, Waterloo is your place. You cannot not (double word there) go fast on this trail the way it is designed.
It is well maintained. The alternate trail flows on specific days makes for less wear. Some other trails in the area will frown upon rain riders but this trail will literally put the TRAIL CLOSED sign on damp days.
negatives
I enjoy it but the too-tight spandex riders will say it isn't real mountain biking because of the limited obstacles. The hills and rocks are still there but the tree roots aren't to throw my back out so no complaints in my world.
The vendor overseeing this site has changed the process so you may need to click the attached link to see the video.
(put quality settings to 1080hd for best picture quality)
Trail Head
