Pontiac Lake in Mountain Bike Action

[edhug]

I think they did a fantastic job showcasing an awesome local trail and some of the Michigan biking culture.

I just thought I'd point this out: The last page of the story recommends stopping by Waterford Precision Cycles when in the area, which is actually in Waterford, WI. It's the former Schwinn Bicycle Company, who now makes Gunnar Bikes, etc. I think they should have also recommended picking up some Waterford Crystal while in the area.

http://waterfordbikes.com/w/

Wow, that there's some quality editing...

I suggested Highland specifically because it's only a dozen miles from where they rode, and I think it's a far more iconic and representative trail for southern Michigan mountain biking...singletrack laid out by a well known trail builder specifically for riding rather than an adopted hiking trail. Don't get me wrong, I like riding Pontiac Lake okay, but Highland is in a class by itself.

Not knowing their timing, logistics, etc. for the original shoot, we'll just have to invite them back to rides some of the other trails in the area.

[Schwinn_Fanatic]

Nice article, but I thought it was funny that the way the article is written, they got their riding advice from Ray. Nothing wrong with that, but just like some comments above, rather than having the Cleveland guy plan their day, and do 3 laps of PLRA, they could've easily gotten some local advice and done PLRA and Highland.

Funnier still is that Poto is rated as one of the top ten trails in the midwest. So make the drive and do a double poto. It has longer climbs than anything else in the area.
I've long felt that PLRA is a like a mini-poto, so overall, I think PLRA and Highland would've been a better ride for them all.

They do clearly state in the article that there are many great trails in the area, and not just Pontiac Lake.
The photography is ok and there's lots of fall colors. Not the spectacular photography that makes your jaw drop though. Overall it was a nice article and I appreciated the Michigan love, but as a local, I feel they could've gotten more out of that trip.

[jdub21]

i think I'll refer to the article as a mtb michigan hug, possibly a high-five, but not really much mtb michigan love. agree with everything already said in that within 30 minutes of PLRA there's what, 8, maybe 10 trails you can hit. true we don't have epic 4 hour rides here where you never see the same path twice, but we have fantastic singletrack that experts can loop multiple times (as they did)...but really, imo, not much beats a "hey guys let's meet at _____, loop it, have a frosty beverage and a snack and then head over to _____ for some more trail fun!" you get to see different scenery, ride different trails (and trail types), and, most importantly to me and my riding crew, you get a 'beverage' break in the middle. now that's michigan love! (doubt they'd publish, or ever recommend the beverage break though!)

[irishpitbull]

Not an article you run out an show you friends that's for sure. Agree Poto or highland would be a better choice but I'm sure they would have found a way to poke a little fun at them too. I love poto and highland but they not even in the same stratosphere when it comes to the high dessert trails where they normally ride and train. My point is, no matter where they rode here, they would have found faults.

[dirt]

I'm sure that if MBA or Ray visits this forum, they'll be tickled by how appreciative we were of the free publicity for out local trials and MTB scene. and be more then willing to come back and revisit the area.

(/scarcasm)

Like I said before, Ray pulled this together JUST because he has ridden some of the local trails, LOVES PLRA, and wanted to use some of his ties with Trek to get some pro rides and a magazine out here to give us some press and kudos. They literally flew in one morning, did a couple of laps of PLRA, grabbed some dinner, and headed back out the next AM. I'm sure they would have loved to stay longer and ride more trails, but logistics of Ray, multiple pro riders, and MBA, didn't allow for that flexibility.

But, I personally think we should appreciate the fact that they DID make an attempt to visit one of our trails and write up a nice article about our area, and not focus on what (in our various opinions) what they should have done, what trails they should have visited, and various other aspects of someones else efforts to promote our area and trails.

[iamkickstand]

I'm sure that if MBA or Ray visits this forum, they'll be tickled by how appreciative we were of the free publicity for out local trials and MTB scene. and be more then willing to come back and revisit the area.

(/scarcasm)

Like I said before, Ray pulled this together JUST because he has ridden some of the local trails, LOVES PLRA, and wanted to use some of his ties with Trek to get some pro rides and a magazine out here to give us some press and kudos. They literally flew in one morning, did a couple of laps of PLRA, grabbed some dinner, and headed back out the next AM. I'm sure they would have loved to stay longer and ride more trails, but logistics of Ray, multiple pro riders, and MBA, didn't allow for that flexibility.

But, I personally think we should appreciate the fact that they DID make an attempt to visit one of our trails and write up a nice article about our area, and not focus on what (in our various opinions) what they should have done, what trails they should have visited, and various other aspects of someones else efforts to promote our area and trails.

agree...sure, there are other trails I like better then pontiac, but it's a good representation of what we have to offer, and the article is good for the area and our trails.

[str8flush24]

Not an article you run out an show you friends that's for sure. Agree Poto or highland would be a better choice but I'm sure they would have found a way to poke a little fun at them too. I love poto and highland but they not even in the same stratosphere when it comes to the high dessert trails where they normally ride and train. My point is, no matter where they rode here, they would have found faults.

mmmmm....high dessert trail. that sounds delicious!

[irishpitbull]

Not an article you run out an show you friends that's for sure. Agree Poto or highland would be a better choice but I'm sure they would have found a way to poke a little fun at them too. I love poto and highland but they not even in the same stratosphere when it comes to the high dessert trails where they normally ride and train. My point is, no matter where they rode here, they would have found faults.

mmmmm....high dessert trail. that sounds delicious!

LOL *beep* spell check.

[AirGuitar29]

I'm sure that if MBA or Ray visits this forum, they'll be tickled by how appreciative we were of the free publicity for out local trials and MTB scene. and be more then willing to come back and revisit the area.

(/scarcasm)

Like I said before, Ray pulled this together JUST because he has ridden some of the local trails, LOVES PLRA, and wanted to use some of his ties with Trek to get some pro rides and a magazine out here to give us some press and kudos. They literally flew in one morning, did a couple of laps of PLRA, grabbed some dinner, and headed back out the next AM. I'm sure they would have loved to stay longer and ride more trails, but logistics of Ray, multiple pro riders, and MBA, didn't allow for that flexibility.

But, I personally think we should appreciate the fact that they DID make an attempt to visit one of our trails and write up a nice article about our area, and not focus on what (in our various opinions) what they should have done, what trails they should have visited, and various other aspects of someones else efforts to promote our area and trails.

Well said sir.
My pointing out the Waterford Precision Cycles error was simply a correction. I'm thrilled that they took the time to come to the Detroit area, and even more thrilled that they rode my home trail and spoke favorably about it.

I also agree that we should be respectful and grateful to them in this forum, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them haven't scanned through here before.

PS: Ray, if you're reading this, many of us drive to Cleveland for the day to ride at your awesome indoor MTB park, just like how you do for PLRA.

[Doc_d]

I wonder if we should have a little letter writing campaign commending them on the coverage and encouraging them to come back and explore the best feature of this area...

That is an urban /suburban area with more trails than you can shake a stick at within minutes of where you live or work.

I think going from something like Pontiac Lake (fast, flowy) to Highland (grinding and technical) to something like the Tree Farm (tight, twisty, obstacles) would show the diversity.

Also they definately need to consult with locals next time. I forget where they ate, but it was some no-name place. They were within minutes of the Clarkston Union or the Woodshop.

[AirGuitar29]

I wonder if we should have a little letter writing campaign commending them on the coverage and encouraging them to come back and explore the best feature of this area...

That is an urban /suburban area with more trails than you can shake a stick at within minutes of where you live or work.

I think going from something like Pontiac Lake (fast, flowy) to Highland (grinding and technical) to something like the Tree Farm (tight, twisty, obstacles) would show the diversity.

Also they definately need to consult with locals next time. I forget where they ate, but it was some no-name place. They were within minutes of the Clarkston Union or the Woodshop.

I like this idea. I'm planning on emailing them to show appreciation.

While the Lion's Den is a good restaurant, it's no match for the Clarkston Union or Woodshop.

[craig]

I agree that it is cool to see a local trail in a national publication, but do we really care what others think of our trails? I am not sure what the end purpose would be - more riders? As long as we have access, I am ok with the current # of riders on the trails. It would bum me out if I went to Highland and saw 20 cars in the lot.

[mtbfree]

I agree that it is cool to see a local trail in a national publication, but do we really care what others think of our trails? I am not sure what the end purpose would be - more riders? As long as we have access, I am ok with the current # of riders on the trails. It would bum me out if I went to Highland and saw 20 cars in the lot.

+1
It probably looks good to land managers and such that their trails are bringing in tourism dollars, but there are already trails that I refuse to ride at certain times during the week because they're just too crowded. Theoretically, more riders means more access and blah blah blah... but man, I hate riding super popular trails sometimes.

[xcrdr]

I agree that it is cool to see a local trail in a national publication, but do we really care what others think of our trails? I am not sure what the end purpose would be - more riders? As long as we have access, I am ok with the current # of riders on the trails. It would bum me out if I went to Highland and saw 20 cars in the lot.

Although I agree with the sentiment I don't see people flocking to Highland. If they did most would only go once.

[irishpitbull]

I agree that it is cool to see a local trail in a national publication, but do we really care what others think of our trails? I am not sure what the end purpose would be - more riders? As long as we have access, I am ok with the current # of riders on the trails. It would bum me out if I went to Highland and saw 20 cars in the lot.

Although I agree with the sentiment I don't see people flocking to Highland. If they did most would only go once.

It blows my mind I don't see more people at highland. That's a proper singletrack.