MCMBA: Kensington / Proud Lake Connector

[Moto339]

Well I found the connector which was pretty darn easy and marked very clearly in the beginning. But I do need some help as to where to go when I get into proud lake I was hoping to run into somebody when I was in proud lake but never did I could not figure out which way to go after the first intersection at least. I did put some miles in at proud lake but I couldn't tell you if I was going in the right direction are even on the correct trail. Do you have any pointers on how to follow the trail I did see green horse shoes and hikers as some of the markers. I will print up the map and bring with me to try and figure it out and give it another shot this week sometime. Thanks for all the help!! The connector is great and how awesome is it to ride from trail to trail..

Also I did see some vehicles parked on the road that where clearly Hunters. Is hunting allowed at proud lake?

[J/C]

Yes, you can hunt in Proud Lake except in the area East of Wixom Rd and South of the Huron River (light gray on the DNR map here).

Once you get into Proud Lk from the connect, go right, you'll be riding the loop counterclockwise. There's no rule on which way to ride any of the loops, but I usually ride them all counterclockwise except loop 1, which is OK either way, but I like it better CCW. These are directions recommended on an older map I have, which I don't think is posted anywhere, I can email it if anyone wants it, pm me.

Once you get out to the road (Childs Lake) from loop 4, you can continue straight across and finish the loop and come out by the RR tracks, or you could ride the two track leading away from the parking lot, take a right at the first signpost with a park map and you will come out at the same spot. Once you're there, you can start on loop 3 (there's a sign but it's not numbered, it has a green horseshoe I think). Or you could go over the RR tracks and turn left to go on Loop 2.

Hope that makes sense, John

[J/C]

Hiked the full connector yesterday. It's in good shape with a couple wet spots. One dead ash tree downed between Old Plank and South Hill, I think probably closer to S. Hill. Chainsaw required, but it's not hard to step over. The new boardwalk is great, just need a couple more of them!

[Loren]

Thanks to our friendly webmaster, Steve, we now have a trail guide entry for this trail. See

http://mmba.org/index.php?option=com_tr ... il&cid=116

[ihateplaindave]

Nice work guys. Proud Lake and the connector are little used, old school gems (and so easy to get to).

[mtbr.czar]

Rode the connector Wednesday evening starting at Milford Road. The trail is in excellent condition between Milford Road and Hill. Between Hill and Old Plank there is a 9 inch diameter tree around half way between Hill and Old Plank. It is nearly impassible at the usual wet area closer to Old Plank. Unfortunately there is an area approximately 50 yards in length near this area of severe damage to the trail caused by heavy equestrian traffic during the winter and in my opinion recent weeks. I'm disappointed since the equestrian trail mirrors the mountain bike trail in this area so there is no valid reason I can think of to ride the bike only trail in this area if you are on a horse.

[Hermannator]

Saw the same thing today. Very recent horse traffic in many places, again for no good reason. Some of it may be coming from the trails that cut in from the north. Same big tree is there, and I couldn't move it by hand. The section from South Hill to Milford road was sweet and fast. Maybe I can convince another Boy Scout to build another boardwalk (or set of them) in the low spots east of South Hill Rd.

[J/C]

Rode it tonight, trail is dry. Two trees down on the Old Plank - South Hill section, each at an opposite end. I will see what I can do about clearing them out, but it won't be for a few days.

John

[J/C]

Connector is cleared, no more trees down.

John
Proud Lake Asst. T/C

[Loren]

Thanks!

(And thanks for reporting your time)

[J/C]

Rode the connector on my way to Island Lake yesterday, there's a few puddles, but they had a solid bottom and I was able to slowly ride through the standing water without getting wet. Trail is good overall.

[mwilson7]

Thank you to whoever keeps this connector clear as it's a great way to get from Island Lake to Proud Lake!

There is a small tree down on the trail approx .2miles from the DQ entrance.

[Mucky]

I rode this for the 1st time Saturday. It was really cool to go from Milford to Proud Lk. Trail is great. One thing I noticed being a 1st timer, was on the way back to Milford, I wasn't ready for the crossing at Old Plank Rd( I think it's Old Plank) and it comes up VERY quick. I had to lock em' up coming down the hill before the road crossing. What about a sign at the top of the hill before the road. Is that possible?
Otherwise the connector is awesome.

[Spinwheel]

Still a few mucky spots - all in all a great ride. Appreciate the mowing on the west section.. Ride it and hit the DQ

[Hermannator]

Tim- Talked to the TC today (my brother). Didn't realize it was him. All set. - TH