CRAMBA: Pontiac Lake

[oldkhs]

I was refering to the 3-5" Storm we were supposed to get overnight.

Add another inch to the total, still no more than 3". I do see more coming on the map.

[KLydesdale]

As shocking as it may be, the weathercrew was off a bit. I'd say we got 2" or less, very close to PLRA. Wet, heavy crap though. Not sure what this means to riding, it may turn into a luge (no idea how to spell that) until it completely melts.

Well, it sure didn't turn out to be Snowmaggedon 2012. Far from being a luge run, the trail had a nice packed down path with great traction pretty much everywhere when I rode about 11:30 today (Sunday). Outside that path in untracked snow, it was a bit more of a slog but still some nice riding.

It was one of the better snow rides I've had out there this winter and with ample sunshine, definitely the prettiest, Get it while it's still there.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Definately a great day for a snow ride at PLRA. Thanks to the fat bike ahead of me for setting a track. The 2nd half was packed better than the first, and near the end the sno-mos had flattened everything - thought I had somehow wandered onto a freeway. At least there were no pizza cutters when they were done.

[GreeneRob]

I was just out there last night. I started at 6pm. There are many trees in the trails and it was pretty slick. I ride Geax AKA TNT and I was slidding out on nearly every turn. If you ride something with a more aggressive tread pattern you should be okay. There were 3 places where full trees had fallen and I couldn't even budge them. Several other spots that had many branches laying across the trail.

[compacted_graphite]

Due to high winds from the past weekend, it is reported that as many as a dozen trees are blocking the trail. Use caution when riding.

[Elevated_Existence]

Some guys before me said they cleared around 15 trees. At around 11 the trail got a little soft in spots but still very rideable

[compacted_graphite]

All trail obstructions have been cleared by gnomes.

Beware of the warm weather causing ground thaw and the possibility of very moist trails.

[compacted_graphite]

A Trail Day will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by the Clinton River Area Mountain Biking Association. Rain date will be the following Sunday, April 22.

Participants will assemble at 9 AM at the trail head by the beach, and sign safety waivers and get work assignments. Participants should bring study shoes, water to drink, safety glasses, and be prepared for trail clearing (nipping and pruning brush), drainage construction (knocking off downhill berms, installing drainage culverts), shoveling fill, and possibly some trail clearing and benching work. Trail Coordinators are now working with DNR officials for the work schedule.

If you have questions, please post in the trail condition section of this forum for CRAMBA:Pontiac Lake.

Thanks

Dave Boboltz
TC, CRAMBA Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

[MediumRB]

^

Fantastic!
Should we bring some tools, i.e. shovels, pruners, etc.?

[oldkhs]

Did anyone ride this week? Or tonight? I'm curious if the wind helped to dry the trail. I am trying to determine if best to ride on frozen ground sat am or hold off until sunday afternoon in the heat, without the ridk of getting to a wet / soft / not rideable trail on sunday...

[johnboy]

Did anyone ride this week? Or tonight? I'm curious if the wind helped to dry the trail. I am trying to determine if best to ride on frozen ground sat am or hold off until sunday afternoon in the heat, without the ridk of getting to a wet / soft / not rideable trail on sunday...

I just walked the trail. it's mostly dry, but soft in spots. gonna be messy after 10am sat. for sure. it's freezing up nicely as I type this... get out there b4 9am and you will have perfect cond.

[KLydesdale]

Did anyone ride this week? Or tonight? I'm curious if the wind helped to dry the trail. I am trying to determine if best to ride on frozen ground sat am or hold off until sunday afternoon in the heat, without the ridk of getting to a wet / soft / not rideable trail on sunday...

I rode this evening about 7pm and, based on what I saw out there, I'm betting the trail will be in good shape on Sunday afternoon if the temps stay above freezing Saturday night. I know I'll be going back out on Sunday if the forecast holds true.

[oldkhs]

Had a great lap around 8:45 this morning. Seemed very dry. A few pizza cutters re-directed me a bit, but not too much to stay home. Hopefully some warm weather riding will fix that.

I'll certainly try to get a hall pass tomorrow afternoon / evening. Would be fun to ride when 25 deg one day and 65 the next... Go Michigan.

[str8flush24]

Just finished a loop and it was in great shape minus the pizza cutters in any spot that remotely collects any water. Temps were still below freezing so that helped some but 98% rideable. Just a few greasy spots.

[AirGuitar29]

While on a dirt (and not-dirt) road ride this afternoon (3:30), I rode over to check on the trail at Orr Road. It was very muddy with pizza cutters at that spot. It was around 40 degrees at the time. I wonder how the trail will be tomorrow...