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Poto: Potawatomi

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Postby jajones » July 22nd, 2006, 8:55 pm

G.Cook wrote:Trail cleared of deadfall from Doyle Rd. to the parking lot . Brush fairly well cut back also.


Thanks for your work today and all those who showed to the workday. I heard from the Poto Mgmnt that Dave Welsh gave them a list of downed trees (I was actually calling them to give them the same info). Pinckney Chuck said they would begin making the rounds to clear with the Mule and a chainsaw soon.

Unfortunately, a new baby at home has temporarily hampered my usual hasty effort to clear any post-storm deadfall at the Poto and make workdays.
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Postby CoachYork » July 24th, 2006, 7:50 am

I rode Wednesday 7/19 and encountered many downed trees. Then I rode Saturday 7/22, and they were either gone, or pushed down low enough for a good climb, or bunny hop. That's the quickest response I've ever seen. Many thanks to all those that put in the hard work!!!
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1st time Poto rider

Postby andyb » July 28th, 2006, 9:01 pm

First off, I'm kind of new to the sport of mountain biking, and I love it. It's been a month since I started and I'm totally hooked. I've been riding Fort Custer a lot and have handled it pretty well, so my question is...

I'm riding Poto for the first time on Monday, 7/31, doing the Crooked Lake trail first as a warmup I think and then hitting Poto. I was wondering if there are any spots I should look out for that are particularly difficult or maybe just a little hazardous due to recent weather or overgrowth. Thanks in advance.
I'm still a noob.
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Postby CoachYork » July 28th, 2006, 10:10 pm

There's about 9 significant climbs. I never ride the Crooked Lake trail. I would recommend attempting the complete Poto trail to start off with. If you feel like your heart is going to explode there's always a short cut you can take. The most popular is the one after the 'sand' hill. This is a trail that I can honestly say, the faster you go the easier it is. Momentum is key, sustaining is another story. Best of luck on your first ride there. Remember whenever you see sand, you should probably think about downshifting as it's a precursor to an uphill. Have fun, and PM me if you think you need a guide. Enjoy!
"You know, I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later." Mitch Hedberg
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Re: 1st time Poto rider

Postby Loucifer » July 31st, 2006, 9:16 am

andyb wrote:First off, I'm kind of new to the sport of mountain biking, and I love it. It's been a month since I started and I'm totally hooked. I've been riding Fort Custer a lot and have handled it pretty well, so my question is...

I'm riding Poto for the first time on Monday, 7/31, doing the Crooked Lake trail first as a warmup I think and then hitting Poto. I was wondering if there are any spots I should look out for that are particularly difficult or maybe just a little hazardous due to recent weather or overgrowth. Thanks in advance.


I rode Poto yesterday in that dreaded heat. There are some climbs that'll make you reach down and pick up your heart after it pounds through your chest plate. There are a couple of downed trees too. The trail is in really good condition just bring a ton of water and enjoy the downhills. My computer said that my top speed was 22.5 yesterday in spots. Oh, it's very popular with hikers so keep an eye out. They're usually friendly and offer up a lot of encouragement.
There are 2 kinds of people in the world...those that make things happen and those that wait for things to happen.

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Tree down on Crooked Lake trail.....

Postby Limey » August 9th, 2006, 10:47 pm

Tree down on Crooked Lake trail between markers 8 & 9 (on map1 in the trail guide section) before the dirt road crossing and sand pit.

Other than that, the trails are in great condition - I have ridden a mix of Crooked Lake, Silver Lake, & Poto trails in the last week.

thanks

Martin
.....*beep* Cheeky Brit..... :shock:

Team Trails-Edge.com http://www.trails-edge.com
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Postby Dirtdevil » August 13th, 2006, 5:49 pm

As of 8/12 there is poor attempt to make a log pile at the end of the switchback climb. It's ramped in front, with nothing in the back. Quite a little drop off.

Also, what happened to that cool, well-built log pile after the bridge crossing? It's disentegrated :cry:

Oh yeah........excellent work on the new, much needed, long anticipated boardwalk in the Gosling Lk. loop. Very nice indeed. :D

:twisted:
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Postby Luke » August 22nd, 2006, 9:26 am

How long is the full Poto trail? I rode it about 2 weeks ago and my bike computer had me at just over 18.5 miles. Everything I read says 17.5 miles. I park right in the parking lot by the trail head sign and ride the full loop right back to the car (down the small stretch of road at the end).

My bike computer is accurate on all other trails I have ridden this year. So is the full Poto really closer to 18.5 then 17.5? Just curious.

PS - the trail was in great condition. The new board walks are awesome!
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Postby barrybs » August 22nd, 2006, 9:41 am

I get about 18.4 miles for the full Poto

Barry
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Postby wrath » September 4th, 2006, 8:31 pm

poto is a lot more than 18 miles if you consider waterloo.. they are all innerconnected.. ive gone from the beginning to chelsea and beyond.. as well and he|| and beyond.. you could make it a whole day ride..

pack your backpack and get good sleep.

the sign states around 48 miles of trails..
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Postby bludale » September 11th, 2006, 10:28 pm

Thanks to whomever is responsible for the recent trail work. The large stones cleared from the first rocky climb, the roots banked on the switchback climb, and the sand cleared from the sand hill section, very nice work. I was out late Saturday and the stampede of bipeds from the dances with dirt run made sand hill very loose, the clearing on the ramp up to the climb was a big improvement. Efforts appreciated! There is just that one down tree about 2/3 through, but one dismount in 18 miles is nothing to complain about. Poto is in great shape so get out and ride!
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Postby CoachYork » September 13th, 2006, 7:01 pm

wrath,
Are there any maps regarding the inter-connecting trails you mentioned (Poto to Waterloo)? If so, would you please send a link or provide?
Also, how would you define the terrain for Waterloo and *beep*, MI - same as Poto - more intense, less intense?
Thanks...
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Postby CoachYork » September 13th, 2006, 7:10 pm

Ok found some maps on michigan.gov's website:
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrai ... spx?id=506

http://www.michigandnr.com/Publications ... oo_map.pdf

Is there a recommended route to take? Please let me know - I'm in for an endurance ride...and I get dizzy doing circles...
Thanks wrath!
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Postby Paul Brown » September 14th, 2006, 8:05 am

After the 2.4" of rain in A2 will the Poto be under water this evening. I had planned to ride late afternoon but have never been there after that kind of volume. An experienced opinion in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
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Postby jajones » September 14th, 2006, 8:08 am

Paul Brown wrote:After the 2.4" of rain in A2 will the Poto be under water this evening. I had planned to ride late afternoon but have never been there after that kind of volume. An experienced opinion in this matter would be greatly appreciated.


Yeah, parts will have serious puddling and it could be greasy depending on how fast the weather turns this morning.
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