Poto: DTE Energy Foundation Trail (Waterloo)

[DynoDon]

DTE May open Sunday read below, GO TO the Facebook DTE page for UPDATES..

Update Thursday, January 16th:
Trail will reopen around 8am on Sunday the 19th. We are planning on grooming if we get enough snow Saturday afternoon-evening. Right now, the forecast calls for 3-7 inches. We'd need 5+ to groom. We will post if we groom. Remember, winter groomed trail use etiquette goes into place if we groom. See below for details:
..............................................................................
What is “Winter Groomed Trail Etiquette”?
When sufficient snowfall exists on the trail (typically 4”-5” or more) such that it would impede regular foot and bike use, we will be grooming the trail to provide for a hard, compacted trail tread (surface). While this trail tread is firm, it still does not lend itself to normal season foot and bike tire use. Normal foot use will “post hole” (create deep depressions) and normal bike tire use (under 3.8”) will “pizza cut” (create deep, meandering channels) in the groomed tread, rendering it less-than-satisfying for all users. For this reason, when trail is groomed, it is:
ONLY OPEN FOR USE BY FAT TIRE BIKERS, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS AND SNOWSHOERS.
The equipment utilized for these uses all create “floatation” which suspend the user on the top of the trail tread without “breaking through”. We respectfully ask that normal foot and narrower tire mountain bikes stay off the groomed trail and turn their use to the plethora of other non-groomed trails and pathways in the local area. Fat tire bikes should be over 3.8” in width, and run under 10 p.s.i. in each tire (around 5 p.s.i. is typical).

[steveracer]

What is the correct “ etiquette “ for when it rains and/or melts and freezes for studded ice conditions?


Sent from device. Excuse eras.

[DynoDon]

Winn is cut down to 4 great miles, Green was 5 miles, both trails in great condition today.. thanx for the groom...

[c0nsumer]

What is the correct “ etiquette “ for when it rains and/or melts and freezes for studded ice conditions?


Sent from device. Excuse eras.

General rule is you can ride anything you want so long as you aren't leaving a rut. For the past couple days other trails have been hard enough that you could ride ANY tire out there, but many of them are also so icy that you'll want studs.

For example, we groom River Bends and ask folks not to ride skinny tires there to avoid rutting. But right now you're not going to rut it, so have at it with whatever.

[DynoDon]

Did all that was ridden in, Green, Kame, Winn, people have tried Sugar, but I'm not sure if its been totally ridden in yet. Grooming was going on as I was riding out there, Green was groomed, (it gets the most foot traffic) still a bit bumpy, but very ridable, Kame was Counter Clockwise ridden in, it was shockingly good to go, the south side of Kame was mostly groomed today, all good stuff, the 4 mile loop on Winn was the best stuff out there, it wasn't groomed when I was there, but ridden by many people, it may be groomed now, the 4 mile hills section was very doable, but the hills were a challenge for traction, but still fun, I didn't try Sugar... it looked like the winter cut from Green to Winn was groomed too. Thats all Folks..

[BLOOMIS914]

DTE open this weekend? Any trail reports from today (3/21)? Post up here keep MMBA forums the main place for trail updates.

[Paul Brown]

DTE open this weekend? Any trail reports from today (3/21)? Post up here keep MMBA forums the main place for trail updates.

Unfortunately or not FB is always the latest on DTE.

[b_b]

Yes they usually post dte open/closed status on fb.
https://www.facebook.com/dtetrail/

Trail was good today 99% dry with some minor soft spots on Winn and Sugar.

[DynoDon]

for the people that don't do DTE Facebook.. I copied this for you.. I hope they don't close the trail next because people don't know how to read and follow the rules that change every day..

Date: Ongoing
We are in unique times, so we've got a unique situation that has developed at DTE.
The Good: Trails will be reopening today for those that are able to walk or bike in. Signage will be flipped to "Open" by noon today.
The Bad: Both parking lots will remain closed and locked by MDNR due to COVID-19 social distancing concerns. Both lots are fairly small and cramped. This, combined with the popularity of the DTE Trail, have lead to situations in the lots which do not support the State's social distancing order.
The (potentially) Ugly: If you are either local, or, are able to park IN A LEGAL LOCATION and ride or hike/run into the trail, you are welcome to use it. However, what is not acceptable is parking outside the gates and along the shoulder on either M-52 or Cassidy Road. Trail users parking in these locations will be cited. If people attempt to do this and it becomes an issue, the actual trail will likely be closed.
We realize that this scenario favors those who are local to the trail. However, this is a unique situation created by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Also, a few reminders to those who are able to still access the trail, consistent with some current nationwide "Best Practices" being utilized at recreational trail systems:
o Solo use of the trail is encouraged. Cycling or foot use of the trail with other members of your immediate household who are not currently sick is acceptable. Meeting up with those who do not currently "stay at home" with you is not.
o Do not use the trail if you are sick or feel sick. No explanation required.
o If you come upon other users, keep a six foot distance, be extra-courteous and give space for each other to safely pass.
o Finally, please minimize risk taking on the trail at this time. Now is not the time to attempt that jump or drop that you've been working up to doing. Save it for after this public health crisis is over.
We understand that our trail users will have "strong feelings" at both ends of the spectrum regarding this post and the lot closure. However, we ask that you do not engage in response posts that "flame", bring up political positions or encourage users to "not comply" with the aforementioned. Such posts will be removed from this thread and posters may be banned from posting on this Facebook page.
Thank you for your understanding during these challenging times!

[steveracer]

Thanks DynoDon. Not on that medium. Perhaps they should post this on the mountain bike forum.


Sent from device. Excuse eras.

[Robert Yankus]

Had the privilege of doing a ride/inspection with the "Man",Jason Jones, after all the rain. This trail was perfectly designed to handle the eroding effects of rain. He showed me the special features that deverted runoff and armoring along the way.
From experience, must people think the work is over when a trail is built & completed. Sorry to say, but the hard work has just begun to maintain it. Jason is out cutting fallen trees, Dyno Don is trimming side grass & many others helping.
Great trail supported by great people.
Thanks, Jason.
Bob Yankus

[DynoDon]

Had the privilege of doing a ride/inspection with the "Man",Jason Jones, after all the rain. This trail was perfectly designed to handle the eroding effects of rain. He showed me the special features that deverted runoff and armoring along the way.
From experience, must people think the work is over when a trail is built & completed. Sorry to say, but the hard work has just begun to maintain it. Jason is out cutting fallen trees, Dyno Don is trimming side grass & many others helping.
Great trail supported by great people.
Thanks, Jason.
Bob Yankus

Hey Bob, Jason has one of the toughest jobs out there,, I'll gladly pick up sticks an wack the weeds.. there is an army of volunteers, now there are even hikers picking up sticks on their walks now, how cool is that !!!!, any help doing stuff like that makes it easier on everyone, how many times did you tell Jason, "Highland use to look like this",,, LOL, hope to ride with ya again soon.. happy trails..

[DynoDon]

DTE has a new parking lot, South side of the road on North Territorial, its at Lyndon Twp Hall, just east of M 52, its actually the Trailhead for B2B Trail, Paved parking, restroom, tool stand, air pump, take B2B south a short way, then cross M 52 into the DTE Lot, there is also two handicap hunting stands on the paved path. That makes 4 parking lots now, M 52 lot, Cassidy rd lot, Sugar Loop Lot on McGlure rd next to Waterloo Park HQ's, B2B Trailhead.

[jajones]

Please note that as of December 2nd, the trail is temporarily closed due to the freeze-thaw cycle. The trail will be reopened once temperatures stabilize consistently below freezing.