Rode "Horse" Custer today

[MiMtnBiker]

Hey my pictures look pretty good! Got a good blister on my heal from walking quite a bit of the trail that day. Pictures can't really do justice to the damage that was done that weekend. I was on a single speed rigid and it was pure *beep* trying to ride most of the Green loop. Some of the damage like the area around the tree is still unridable and will require permanent re routing.

[brokenbones]

I was there the same weekend as the horse event, and the red and green trails were trashed, just as Green Giant says, and the above pictures show. The green loop especially took it bad, and I decided not to do my usual second lap because the riding was so miserable. You couldn't escape the piles of horse crap, and the trail surface was so churned up it just wasn't enjoyable. They even rode thru Granny's - I don't know WTF they were thinking. There were some harsh words between bikers and equestrians on the trail and in the trailhead parking area that Sunday for sure. From what I experienced that day, I thought the trails were toast, and that we had lost the magic that is Fort Custer for an unforeseeable time.

Fast forward to last weekend, and it was a rain-out here in Oakland County so I went southwest in search of dry trails. Saturday I hit T K Lawless (BLAST!), then Sunday I headed for home by way of Fort Custer. I almost didn't go, for fear of what I may find. If it looked bad, I was just going to continue on to Yankee Springs. To be honest, I was very surprised at how well the trails had recovered after just a couple of weeks and some hard rain. It was apparent that someone had also been out working on some of the usual trouble spots too, so I'm sure that helped. Most of the cratered trail surface on Green had settled, and there was not much horse *beep* on either trail. The cynical side of me had me believing that the horsey people may not be tough enough for the cooler fall weather, and that may explain why the trail was left alone to recover. But no matter, the trail was much better.

For sure, there are still areas that could use some work, and the one uphill RH switchback shown in the last picture needs some fill, or a reroute because of the deep, loose sand and roots. That was the only spot I couldn't clear on either lap, having to dab, and restart. But overall, Custer was back to fun last weekend. In fact, I was thinking about this thread when I was riding, and I wanted to add an update when I got home, but decided to leave it alone for the time being. I didn't want to downplay the damage done, and was concerned that any positive comments could undermine the goal of getting Equestrians off the multi-use trails. I'm convinced that's what needs to be done for everyone's health, safety, and enjoyment, and the sooner, the better. But for now, get out and ride Custer. It's still one of the funnest trails in Michigan.

[NovaraAspen]

I've looked at a number of recent photos, and I haven't seen anything that would be convincing to an equestrian. Sure, there's loose sandy soil. Sure, some muddy areas with hoof prints. And *beep* happens. But all this is natural, and there's nothing here that shows lasting damage of any significance that would keep a horse from walking down the trail. All paths look like this, so what's the problem?

How do you photograph a trail in a way to show damage has environmental impact, and this damage was caused by horse traffic?
What sort of photograph would demonstrate the negative impact to other trail users?

Might seem pointless to us, but maybe taking pictures of what those trail sections are supposed to look like and comparing them side-by-side would be beneficial. Most Non-Mtn Bikers don't have any clue what a mtn bike trail is or what it looks like.

[mtbmikex9]

Isnt the 16th the trail day thing? I havent rode all summer but if i remember last years horse weekend thing, it was a complete *beep* hole. nothing *beep* me off more than the horses going the wrong way, I mean I could come around a corner at speed and end up on the wrong end of horse. not a good day for me or horse ill tell you what.

[Flatlander]

sooner, the better. But for now, get out and ride Custer. It's still one of the funnest trails in Michigan.[/quote]


...Gotta try the Marshall trail if you can find it.

[dirtpo]

In my family we have both mountain bikers and horse riders. In the case of my wife, she's both. And none of us would make the argument that horses should be on singletrack. The pictures here are proof enough of what horses do to trails in the soft sandy soils of Michigan. Horses should be banned from mtn bike singletrack in this state.

[BuellXBRider]

I moved to kalamazoo last august and have been to Ft Custer several times on my bike. The horse *beep* just amazes me. Most places require dog owners to clean up after their pets, horse riders should at least have to shovel it off the side of the trail. I realize this doesnt fix the condition of the trails but it would be a start in the right direction. I was on the dnr's website and noticed a place to provide feedback on your latest visit. I doubt it will have any affect but it made me feel better.