Western: Robinette's

[Derek Graham]

Yes, this trail is challenging and even more so on a single speed. One of my favorites.

Anyone remember back when there were weekly training races at Robinettes? I would love to see that come back.

[shoe]

Derek, as the tale was told to me the loss control (ie risk management) people from the Robinettes Farm's insurance provider threatened to cancel all the insurance for the entire farm if they ever held another organized mountain bike event there.
We are fortunate that the Robinette family continues to support the recreational use of mountain bikes on their property.
Trail is in great shape. Leaf covered of course, but clear and ready.
If the grass-covered parking are at the kiosk gets soggy we can park across the street in the gravel parking lot.

[tbeebe]

First time at Robinette's this evening. Got my ass kicked big time. Kinda wish I could do it every day now.
Trail was in great shape. A little slippery in the deeper ruts with the leaves on top. No dead falls.

[GR_MtnBkr]

Rode the trail last night 4/11/10. NIce change from Cannonsburg SGA! The trail is in serious need of grooming. There are a lot of fallen trees over the trail and heavy erosion in some areas. I assume from the heavy rains we have had. Also in certains parts, there are big mounds of leaves..........I wouldnt have thought they were hard to navigate but, I almost bit it!! Looking forward to riding this one again soon!!

[Bigtymer]

This is a great trail. Love the climbs

[shoe]

Bkamphuis, thanks for the conditions update. I haven't even rolled a wheel on a mtb or been in the woods yet this year as I have been extremely busy with business. Your note has been forwarded to the Robinette Farm. If they don't get at it within a few days and clear the trees then I will. They are busy pruning in the spring etc, but we'll get it one way or another. It will remain technical as far as washouts and things go as that is part of the fun of Robinettes- It's not a smooth bike path, it's an adventure trail- but we'll get the downed trees out of there.

[shoe]

Followup: Ed Robinette says he'll get out there and take care of the downed trees and the leave piles. Have fun!

[GR_MtnBkr]

Sounds Great! This trail is a great change from Cannonsburg and your right pretty technical, but thats the fun of it. Will definately buy an annual pass this year!! Thanks for the update shoe

[GR_MtnBkr]

Great ride! There are still a few trees down, but not as many as my first ride

[kje]

Can we ride Robinette's this weekend, July 4th? I'm from out of town, so I don't know the protocol. The lot for the MTB trail is roped off (on the north side of the road), and the shops were closed today (apparently for the holiday) when they would normally be open. I know how it normally works, but I haven't ridden up here in a few years.

BTW, nice work MMBA on cannonsburg sga. I haven't ridden that fast in a while

thanks

[shoe]

yes you can ride it. Park in the gravel lot on the south side of 4Mile rd.

[kevin g]

The trail is kind of a mess right now (at least it was on Thursday). There is a downhill section in the 2nd loop out from the orchard that is so washed out that it is pretty much unridable (at least to me).

[shoe]

Robinettes is a somewhat technical trail by intent. If anybody ever fixes that washout some of us will be bummed!

[kevin g]

Fair enough, but that washout has gotten significantly worse (better in your opinion?) over that past month or two with all the rain we have gotten this year.
Maybe you can help me figure out how to navigate that area, do you ride to the side of the tire grabbing ruts or right through them?

[shoe]

If it's dry you can ride the wall, pedal hard into it and let momentum carry you up onto the wall, put your weight on the downhill pedal to help your tires stick, and arc back down for the 2nd half of the downhill. It's fun. If it's wet you can't pull that off, you have to gingerly ride the rut...and if you have to walk it, or if you fall, that's not defeat! Hope that helps.
Caveat: there have occasionally been bones broken on that descent- so it's better to walk it than it is to hurt yourself- but it's really fun to have some technically challenging trail to ride. Most trails in Michigan require pedaling to get your heart rate up, Robinettes can get your heart rate up in a couple of places with just anticipation!