Need some East side trail suggestions…

[Big_Port]

Thursday(6/5) after the 4th I will be heading to Royal Oak for the weekend….on my way I want to make a stop to ride. Friday and Saturday I will have a beginner with me so Thursday I want to have a bit of fun solo (or with anyone who would like to meet). The trails I’m considering on Thursday that don’t seem too far out of the way are… Currently ride the trails in West Michigan…love Custer and Yankee Springs.

Potawatomi
Brighton
Island Lake
Highland

And, secondly….Near Royal Oak, what are a couple of good beginner trials that won’t kill my friend?

[b_b]

Lakeshore/Novi/treefarm is not far from Royal Oak and is beginner friendly.
For you forget Island Lake. The other trails you listed and Pontiac Lake are great.
Highland is relatively tight (especially C,D) and a grinder with lots of climbs and rocks.
Pontiac Lake is more open and faster, but technical with rocks, roots, climbs
Poto is similar to Pontiac Lake but more of it and seems more eroded
Brighton Murry is fast flowing fun, but Torn Shirt is an Azz kicker (toughest imo)
I like them all, so just depends on my mood...

[Big_Port]

Great Info!! I love the Azz kickers!! I enjoy punishing myself once in a while.

[john_galt]

Funny these are being called "East Side".

b_b is spot on.

From your list, I'd say do Birghton.

Brighton = lots of distance options & lots of variety. Torn Shirt loop = difficult climbs, awesome downhills. Murray/Hidden = fast & flowy, Lost = young trail

Poto = lots of distance options depending on your loop choices. I recomend the entire "poto" loop. difficult climbs, awesome downhills.

Island Lake = eh

Highland = Tight, turny, & difficult climbs. Requires the most leg strength out of the trails on your list. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when finished.

[Big_Port]

Haha...for me they are east! I grew up in Marysville(Far East Side) when I moved to Grand Rapids everything east of lansing became the "east side". Sounds to me like Highland is the one I want, with Poto being my second choice! Thanks for the info guys!!

[kyleRIG29er]

Bloomer is about 30 minutes from RO, and I enjoy it, but not that many ppl on here ride it...

[iamkickstand]

out of your list, highland hands down, super fast and flowy if you can carry your speed over rougher terrain, the juice is worth the squeeze. Great trail. D loop will grind you down after doing ABC, have fun, its a great trail.

[wingzz]

Dont forget Stony, its only 20 Min from R. O.

[b_b]

While I totally agree Highland is sweet I wouldn't call it super fast My average speed at Highland is a good 2mph slower than other trails! Except Torn Shirt.

[john_galt]

While I totally agree Highland is sweet I wouldn't call it super fast My average speed at Highland is a good 2mph slower than other trails! Except Torn Shirt.

+1

[iamkickstand]

While I totally agree Highland is sweet I wouldn't call it super fast My average speed at Highland is a good 2mph slower than other trails! Except Torn Shirt.

Pedal harder lol

[lucban]

If you're going with a Rockie, go to Stony Creek. Enjoy!!

[b_b]

While I totally agree Highland is sweet I wouldn't call it super fast My average speed at Highland is a good 2mph slower than other trails! Except Torn Shirt.

Pedal harder lol

But I do I do!

[iamkickstand]

I should clarify, I think overall highland may not be fast, but outside of the climbs I seem to be able to carry some pretty good momentum through there, the flats and DH sections are pretty fast and flowy.

[irishpitbull]

out of your list, highland hands down, super fast and flowy if you can carry your speed over rougher terrain, the juice is worth the squeeze. Great trail. D loop will grind you down after doing ABC, have fun, its a great trail.

Agreed, its all about laying off the brakes.