Poto: Potawatomi

[jajones]

Let me just start this off with "wow". I now know why there is no beginner section or rating for Potawatomi. Today was my first ride out there on my new El Mariachi 2 and at 220lbs, fat and out of shape, I quickly learned why this trail has the perception that it does, at least in my mind. I rode the whole thing, didn't wreck and didn't fall, which is unusual. Well I hiked a few of those hills, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY HILLS?! HOW DO YOU GUYS DO THAT? Mad props to your lean mean jockeys.

The trail was in great shape. Lots of hikers and boy scouts out there. Everyone was polite. The sun was out, gorgeous day. I had a blast even though it's taken me 10 minutes to type this because I'm so beat.

Don't tell anyone about it. The Poto has faded from the radar of many, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you want a top mountain bike trail, go to Pisgah, Fruita or Brown County. And, BTW, the Ann Arbor Metro Area sucks for mountain biking. Grand Rapids is your top National destination city if you want quality mountain biking. I read it in Bike Magazine.

[Geff]

Great post jason!

[G.Cook]

Aw crap

[cajames]

Let me just start this off with "wow". I now know why there is no beginner section or rating for Potawatomi. Today was my first ride out there on my new El Mariachi 2 and at 220lbs, fat and out of shape, I quickly learned why this trail has the perception that it does, at least in my mind. I rode the whole thing, didn't wreck and didn't fall, which is unusual. Well I hiked a few of those hills, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY HILLS?! HOW DO YOU GUYS DO THAT? Mad props to your lean mean jockeys.

The trail was in great shape. Lots of hikers and boy scouts out there. Everyone was polite. The sun was out, gorgeous day. I had a blast even though it's taken me 10 minutes to type this because I'm so beat.

I hear you. Saturday was my first ride out there too. Took me 2 hours 20 min, and was walking up the hills for the last mile or so as well. I feel like I got hit by a truck today, but can't wait to get back out there. Learning to ride this trail better will make a better rider all around.

[Derek G]

Anyone know if there are grills at the campground or boat launch on crooked lake?
I'd like to ride this weekend and then grill and have some beers afterward but it looks like the only place you're allowed beer is at the campground or boat launch.

[cajames]

Anyone know if there are grills at the campground or boat launch on crooked lake?
I'd like to ride this weekend and then grill and have some beers afterward but it looks like the only place you're allowed beer is at the campground or boat launch.

No grills that I say, but there are fire pits at the campsites. If there is a non-reserved site you may be able to do some nice wood fire grilling.

It may be a good idea to check with the main office to see if a sight is available first.

[BusDriver]

large tree down across the trail .4 miles north of patterson lake road.

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[BusDriver]

Riding in the rain is not all that bad (actually I'm just trying to make myself feel better about getting caught in a downpour). On a positive note I got to see firsthand how effective water bars are on the trail. The water bars that were properly placed and maintained were working perfectly, shedding the water off the tread as designed. The water bars that were poorly placed or not maintained were ineffective, leaving the water on the tread especially where it is cupped. I am personally not a big advocate of water bars, they tend to be a Band-Aid on a poorly designed section of trail. But with that said the trail could use a few more. I'd like to thank those of you who have been recently working on the trail, your work has paid off today.

JC

[i69whitey]

i can't believe i drove another half hour past island lake just to ride this crap
the 1964 design is terrible, this trail cannot sustain more than another decade or three
no amount of water bars or "well designed" trail can fix the POTO
jajones is right, this trail is the worst, avoid at all costs
-whitey

[utabintarbo]

[Geff]

i can't believe i drove another half hour past island lake just to ride this crap
the 1964 design is terrible, this trail cannot sustain more than another decade or three
no amount of water bars or "well designed" trail can fix the POTO
jajones is right, this trail is the worst, avoid at all costs
-whitey

Hilarious!

[F7Cannon]

Headed there this morning, hope it still doesn't suck.

[cmkovick]

Headed there this morning, hope it still doesn't suck.

It was good riding with you and Steve today. Hope you guys had fun on your second lap. Looks like I may be heading out there at 4am tomorrow to start a 2+ lap ride to get back in time to hang with the family for the holiday.

[risnewski]

Large tree down at about mile 11.5 on the long loop. Otherwise, trail in perfect condition.

[BusDriver]

i can't believe i drove another half hour past island lake just to ride this crap
the 1964 design is terrible, this trail cannot sustain more than another decade or three
no amount of water bars or "well designed" trail can fix the POTO
jajones is right, this trail is the worst, avoid at all costs
-whitey

All of Michigan mountain biking trails suck, the Poto just sucks less!