How lucky we are in Michigan .

[owosso bob]

I just spent 4 days in Naperville ILL. over Easter and I stopped into the bike shop and asked them where to find some MTB trails around there and was told there are none . Hard to believe that a town of 150,000 people would not have trail some where nearby . The kids have no BMX park either . We are truly lucky in Michigan to have so many places to ride .

[dirtjunkie]

+1...GREAT post! We are indeed spoiled, by the collective efforts of many and supporting communities.

Despite the negatives, life in "The Mitten" is still awesome.

[Doc_d]

My company asked me to move to the Chicago 'burbs a few years back. They made me a pretty good offer. I went out and visited. I talked to some people about mountain biking and it sounded like you had to drive to Wisconsin. Needless to say, I'm still here.

[lucban]

I agree!! I turn down a lot of job offers in NY,LA and FL because they dont have mt biking atmosphere like we have. Here, you can hit a decent mt bike trail before or after work. I live on the East Side Macomb area and Stony Creek,Bloomer,Addison and Bald Mt are so accessible. They are all well maintained,safe, well marked, good flow single track, good for training, good traffic and there's always a lot of Bikers and runners even on early AM or up to mid night. Thanks to MMBA and State/Local park management.

[iamkickstand]

I agree!! I turn down a lot of job offers in NY,LA and FL because they dont have mt biking atmosphere like we have. Here, you can hit a decent mt bike trail before or after work. I live on the East Side Macomb area and Stony Creek,Bloomer,Addison and Bald Mt are so accessible. They are all well maintained,safe, well marked, good flow single track, good for training, good traffic and there's always a lot of Bikers and runners even on early AM or up to mid night. Thanks to MMBA and State/Local park management.

Dig a little deeper, New York (state) not city, has a lot of good trail systems.

I agree with the original poster, I have siad it before, we have it really really good for XC riding in the state of michigan. REALLY good.

[jrshome]

My brother in law rides and lives in Chicago area, his only option is crushed lime stone paths. Lots of good road riding and paths in the area, but I was talking to him about coming out to MI and doing some MB with me and he said that he can't find a reason to buy one because everything is so far away.

[flamingo]

Could not agree more. Sometimes we complain when we compare our trails to Colorado and Utah, but looking in perspective we have a great trail system in our state. Just like some other people here. If I was to relocate for another job the availability of mountain biking in the new area would definitively be a very strong factor in making the decision.

[Wolverine]

Absolutely! Aquaintances often snicker when it comes up that I'm a mountain biker and they ask where I ride since there aren't any mountains around here. They're always shocked when I can rattle off a dozen trails in the metro area. It suprises ME how many people don't even know what's in their backyard.

[mmrobertson69]

Mountain biking is like our surfing here. Lots of primo trails, great culture, and lots of good support from bike shops to the local MMBA chapters to the community support of the trails -state and local parks. I couldn't ask for too much more.

[Sortaslow]

Absolutely! Aquaintances often snicker when it comes up that I'm a mountain biker and they ask where I ride since there aren't any mountains around here. They're always shocked when I can rattle off a dozen trails in the metro area. It suprises ME how many people don't even know what's in their backyard.

Yup, rattling off the few dozen within an hour from me usually shuts their mouths.

[G.Cook]

Lucky until the equestrian Right to Ride bill goes through and we see pretty much all that destroyed. It's like we are tied to a rail road track and the express is heading our way. I'm pessimistic this garbage can be stopped. It is so sad.
On another note, I have often wondered if our "luck" in having all these great trails impacts the volunteer turn out for trail days. I'm thinking it does more then doesn't. Lets see, do a work day or ride my ass off on a different trail every week ? Or , why should I work that trail day if it's not something I ride. Or , it's not my chapters trail. Or , it's to far to go and work , but not to far to go and ride.
Just say'n what I and others have often thought on trail days. Something I doubt will change. Dyno Don would like that .

[irishpitbull]

When the horse come there will be no need for trail days or paying IMBA dues.

[G.Cook]

When the horse come there will be no need for trail days or paying IMBA dues.

Except we have quite a few county, city and township trails systems. We are "just losing" state trails. And then there are the bandit trails that will inevitably pop up on state land.

[flamingo]

For trails like Pontiac or Highland where there is already a horse trail wil the equestrians still be allowed on the bike trail? If so will we be allowed on horse trails.

Lets hope in case where both systems exists the horse riders will be considerate enough. Is there still a chance the bill will not pass the legislature? How about a little protest march in Lansing on the day it is supposed to go for vote?

[ihateplaindave]

"Lets hope in case where both systems exists the horse riders will be considerate enough. "

Don't go to Pontiac, Highland, Custer or the Proud Lake connector if you still believe the 'considerate' angle.