MCMBA: Proud Lake

[WICCMB]

Has it always been this bad in terms of on trail markings? Is there a single direction that is expected for mountain bikers?

The DNR just put the new signs/maps out there last year. Before that, there were no markers at all. Agreed it is still lacking....if you want a tour just ask, or come out to the weekly Thursday shop ride from Trails Edge Milford @ 6:30PM (disclaimer, this week I cannot be there for the ride due to a previously scheduled appt).

Loops 2/3/4 are supposed to be ridden counter-clockwise. For some reason, loop 1 is supposed to be ridden clockwise, but I personally think its better counterclockwise. But there's not enough riders to make a difference either way.

[Loren]

Builder-Bill has attempted to sign this trail several times, but any signs related to biking have a very short life span at Proud Lake.

[ssabin]

Thanks for the offer and info on tours, Wish, but I have plans to watch my son play hockey that night. I actually find some sort of fun out of exploring a new area, so this won't be so bad.
If signs aren't lasting, maybe we could try reflectors? Then again, maybe it's one of those things that keeps it unpopular, and that has some appeal as well!

[galaxydean]

I agree. I think it's fun just exploring new trails. Hopefully the rain will stay away and let me get a ride in tonight.

[Spinwheel]

Loop 1 was mostly dry tonight. There is a small tree down (chainsaw) at the start of loop 2. Viney tree at head height about 0.5 mile past the start of L3. Loop 4 was the most wet, but not too bad and the K connector had the usual wet spot or two. Nice mowing on Loops 1 and 4. Saw 3 other riders, 6 deer, a hawk and a raccoon, including the trip through Milford.

[davedejonge]

Rode 1,2,3,4 last night. Finally found my whole way thru loop 4 ( turn right at every intersection - minus the 100 feet to Old plank, and onto the kensington connector - and you cover just about all of it) Rode on the East Side of Childs Lake as well, its pretty dry now with only a few small muck suckers. 1 tree down near the end of 4 closer to the RR crossing , but nothing on 2 anymore - THANKS - Personal note, I made "the Wall" in loop 3 for the first time.

[ibisman]

Yep, I did the whole thing today also and also did the milford trail and rode back to Commerce. Nice!

[J/C]

.... There is a small tree down (chainsaw) at the start of loop 2. ....

I was out there Monday night and dragged it off to the side. Rode loops 2 + 3, starting to get grown in a little but still very rideable. On loop 3, not too far from the start, there's a viney tangle of a dead treetop across the trail. Looked too entangled to pull off by hand, I will try to head out there tonight with a folding hand saw to sever the vines..

John
Asst. Trail Coordinator

[Builder-Bill]

.... There is a small tree down (chainsaw) at the start of loop 2. ....

I was out there Monday night and dragged it off to the side. Rode loops 2 + 3, starting to get grown in a little but still very rideable. On loop 3, not too far from the start, there's a viney tangle of a dead treetop across the trail. Looked too entangled to pull off by hand, I will try to head out there tonight with a folding hand saw to sever the vines..

John
Asst. Trail Coordinator

Thanks John
Most of the trail is in great shape, I rode it last week.
Bill TC

[ibisman]

rode through it this morning on the way to milford from Commerce and the trail was clear and fast but for some of those vines that grow over night that have the little teeth that scratch you and you bleed like crazy.

[Hermannator]

Big tree down on loop three after the shooting range and before the cut-off to the railroad tracks. It took several other trees down with it. Will need a chain-saw.

[washedout]

Also a number of very large trees down on the last leg of loop 4 needs a big saw but in a small overall area.
And a real doozy on the 2nd to last leg of loop 4 will need professional help or a reroute.
Come to think of it, there was more than that we couldn't move, loop 4 is a bit of a disaster zone at the moment.

[J/C]

Rode 1, 2 and 3 last night (and got fairly wet doing so..) There are trees down on all three that will likely require chainsawing. If anyone has a gas chainsaw and wants to help clear the trails, let me know and I will help (I only have an electric chainsaw).
Tree locations (putting these here so I don't forget or if someone wants to head out there and get them):
Loop 1: near the end just before the trail rejoins itself.
Loop 2: on the gravelly uphill close to the end
Loop 3: a viney tangle near the RR tracks a little bit after the start and several live trees down in about the middle(before the Wall).
John
Asst. Trail Coordinator

[WICCMB]

Rode 1, 2 and 3 last night (and got fairly wet doing so..) There are trees down on all three that will likely require chainsawing. If anyone has a gas chainsaw and wants to help clear the trails, let me know and I will help (I only have an electric chainsaw).
Tree locations (putting these here so I don't forget or if someone wants to head out there and get them):
Loop 1: near the end just before the trail rejoins itself.
Loop 2: on the gravelly uphill close to the end
Loop 3: a viney tangle near the RR tracks a little bit after the start and several live trees down in about the middle(before the Wall).
John
Asst. Trail Coordinator

John, I am away this weekend, otherwise I'd be happy to help. I rode tonight, and besides the trees you mention, there is also a tree down on Loop 4 - right at the bottom of the big washed out downhill, and there is already a hike-a-bike "reroute" forming going straight up to the right. On the section of Loop 4 on the other side of Child's Lake Rd that parallels the RR track (very close to the RR crossing), there are about 3 sizeable trees all in a row that will also need a chainsaw.

[daffunda]

I think we should have a trail day, but make the equestrians come also. It sux when the situation is a one way street leech.