CRAMBA: Bald Mountain

[Sortaslow]

thanks for update! I was trying to decide between Addison or Bald...

Addison is pretty NFG right now. Go with BMN and dirt roads.

Stony is great right now! Dirt road toad smoad.

[c0nsumer]

Most of what I saw in the North Unit was fine, but there were a few muddy spots that were unplesant. In particular, the climb up to Lake George road, before the fast/fun downhill, was almost a flowing stream. After seeing this I cut out to Lake George and skipped the rest. I'd probably give the North Unit a few more days before heading back; then it should be fine.

[Steve_Kinley]

The south unit is still pretty bad as of this afternoon. Plenty of mud holes to ride through. The problem is that unsuspecting riders will think the trail is fine until they get a half mile in. The trail from the parking area is deceptively dry.

[grifter14]

Good to know. I forgot that the wife had Parent teacher conferences tonight. Was seriously considering a trip up there right quick.

[FREEDOM35]

Usually the South Unit is shot until mid-April due at least in part to the park staff riding a Gator through all accessible parts to check on the condition of trail signs.

[Jayers]

The North Unit is high and dry. Maybe three spongy former mud puddles that won't even get you dirty. Trail is completely ridable, even below the rangers house. This is as good as I've seen the trail.

[bmiller]

Yes-trail is very fast and fun!

[punkerfinger]

Anybody know the story with the fire on the north loop? I was there yesterday and there was evidence of a brush fire over several acres east of Harmon Road. It hadn't been there last week. Looks like it was a ground fire only. Was it an intentional burn by the DNR or accidental?

[bmiller]

Intentional for sure. You can see the burn lines.

[reshp1]

We did the north section today. There were a few muddy sections in the low lying areas by the bridges, and one mud spot at the bottom of the hill right after the start. Overall, it wad very rideable.

[Washington Rider]

Who is the TC for Bald Mountain? DNR held a stakeholder meeting yesterday for their updated Bald Mountain land management plan. I didn't see any local representation. There were several equestrians there asking for access. I met the new park supervisor Andrew Cole and have his contact info.

[dirt]

Who is the TC for Bald Mountain? DNR held a stakeholder meeting yesterday for their updated Bald Mountain land management plan. I didn't see any local representation. There were several equestrians there asking for access. I met the new park supervisor Andrew Cole and have his contact info.

Dennis Gustafson, who helps out as one of the BM TCs, was in attendance last night, and he chatted with Andrew. I know a couple of other TCs were going to try to make it, but not sure if they were able to. I don't know if Steve Kinley was able to attend or not.

[Washington Rider]

Good. I left right after the presentation so I could get a ride in so must have missed him. The management plan can be found here:
http://www.birchlerarroyo.com/Clients/DNR-RD.htm

The entire park appears to be zoned for riding so we have no fears of losing trail. The Consultant was very pro-biking when the equestrians asked about access. By that, I mean he emphasized the trail damage horses cause.

[Roy]

IF and only IF we (mountain bikers) have to share the trail a Bald Mountain with hooved critters, it might not be all bad.
Most of the trail is old 2 track. Give up the 2 track for new single track. A lot of single track has already been cut.
Of course it would take a huge MMBA mobilization like the effort at Pontiac Lake in the 90's. There was a lot of new trail cut at PLRA before the moratorium. The horse people helped build at PLRA. Except for the loss of the "pukes" the PLRA trail was much improved.
With vision, Bald Mountain North could be turned into one of the best trails in the state. MMBA now has trail building talent resources that did not exist when PLRA was rebuilt. I bet we could get IMBA help with a new trail design.
Think positive, just count up the miles of reroutes cut during the moratorium and think opportunity!
Issue the Battle Cry and we will show up ready to cut and dig!

Roy

[kyleRIG29er]

You mean we won't have a 4 foot wide trail then? I kid, I kid. I'd help cut some new trails threw Bald Mountain. I ride the north loop frequently then cut out and ride to Addison. (I have a cottage on Long Lake in Lake Orion.).