Southwest: Fort Custer

[TenSpeed]

Huge thank you to every single minute put into this trail. It is awesome. I love the re-routes, and what seem to be newer log piles scattered across the place. Last time I was there was last year, so my memory may be a little foggy. Trail is in awesome shape. If you didn't ride this weekend, you missed out. Parking lot was jammed pack, and came across some very nice and helpful people on my ride today.

[risnewski]

Did the red loop today after the Yankee TT and was most impressed with the hard work. The re-route before Granny's flows nicely. Kudos to the Fort Custer folks and their response to the equestrian mess.

I noticed changes from last fall on Red. Any changes on Green?

[Static_Crash]

The only major change to Green (besides no horses) was the addition of a connecter from just beyond the trailhead (3) to Reese Rd. down to the original entry to the Green trail.

You can see it here.

[davedejonge]

I'm hoping to get in a red/green loop combo this week on my way west for work. I noticed though that the description of the trail in the trail directory

http://mmba.org/index.php?option=com_tr ... =trail&cid[]=11

is outdated and still refs a yellow loop. Anyone able to tackle a re write? I could try after my first time thru this week, but perhaps a more seasoned rider of FC might have a better take.

[Static_Crash]

That is being worked on already, but we are still working on the final details of the trail separation, signage, etc. For now riders will have just have to bear with us while we work these things out. The map I linked to above will give you the most current routes.

[risnewski]

The only major change to Green (besides no horses) was the addition of a connecter from just beyond the trailhead (3) to Reese Rd. down to the original entry to the Green trail.

You can see it here.

There's a section just before Crazy Beaver marked "Obliterated" on the map. What does this mean? If it's the section I think it is, I rode it over the weekend and didn't notice any closed signs. Kinda of a wide open fast section of trail with a hard left at the end to the star of Crazy Beaver, right?

[brokenbones]

There's a section just before Crazy Beaver marked "Obliterated" on the map. What does this mean?

That was the section known as the Peninsula. As I recall, that section was given up as part of the negotiation during the trail split. I think there is nesting in that area for a rare woodpecker or something that the Park Authorities wanted to protect anyways, so when the issue came up they seized the opportunity to close that section to bikes and horses. I imagine it will still be open to hikers, and maybe is just awaiting new signage restricting the other trail users. The local guys could chime in on that and clarify. I rode the trail several times last fall after Red was rerouted, and was surprised that the Peninsula was still open. That may only be a matter of time...

[Static_Crash]

Ooooooo, you rode the old "Peninsula" section, and boy are you in trouble! That section is still being ridden, but that was yet another trail separation sacrifice we made. Once signage goes up we will stay to the left at (15) and connect with Crazy Beaver at (16).

Oops, bones was too quick for me. He is correct regarding the reasons why.

[davedejonge]

I loved the Red and Green loops, Great time out there, thanks for the awesome trails. And man was that parking lot packed!

[wizarddaw]

Rode the Fort this afternoon and I thought the trails were great. Even did a couple of laps on the Blue-multi-use trail as I wanted to see what kind of shape it was in. It was great! Thanks to everyone keeping these trails maintained and the users for keeping them clean. What an afternoon.

Dave
Battle Creek, Michigan

[kms662]

Did three loops this afternoon on the course for the upcoming race. Trail was in great shape and there were several volunteers out there working on many different parts of the course. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!

[LuckyCharm4x4]

Rode the trail today for the first time in a few years. Holy crap has it changed! The 2 most dreadful climbs are no longer a part of the trail (CPR and Cardiac Climb) and the new portion flows so well. You guys have been putting in a lot of work and it really shows. Granny's garden looks great with the new fill dirt, it definitely makes it more ride-able. Now more people just need to get out there and ride the new portions to smooth them out cause they are still BUMPY!

Great work fort custer trail team.

[MLKuhl]

Made the trip over yesterday afternoon and rode green & red, first time since the trail seperation....AWESOME. Huge thankyou to all of you who build/maintain this trail!

[rwright]

Rode the trail today for the first time in a few years. Holy crap has it changed! The 2 most dreadful climbs are no longer a part of the trail (CPR and Cardiac Climb) and the new portion flows so well. You guys have been putting in a lot of work and it really shows. Granny's garden looks great with the new fill dirt, it definitely makes it more ride-able. Now more people just need to get out there and ride the new portions to smooth them out cause they are still BUMPY!

Great work fort custer trail team.

Both are gone??? Does that leave any climbs of note? I am hoping to get a chance to preride on Saturday.

Thanks,

Bob

[kuhljord]

Whoever did the work out in Grannies did a great job! The improvements really make it flow much better.