MCMBA: Proud Lake

[Spinwheel]

Rode some of 1 and 4 and it was a grinder. Lots of sticks down. Couple low hangers in L4. The boy scouts did a great job on the platform on the Kensington Connector - Awsome!!

[Snooker]

Rode Proud Lake today for the first time. I've got to say that I was pleasantly surprised, especially the section southwest of the rr tracks, which I'd never explored before (loop 1?). Based on the areas that I'd hiked before, I thought Proud Lake would be a snooze, but I was wrong! Granted, the loops are short, but the singletrack through the woods sections is as fun as anything at Highland or Brighton. The loose babyheads (puppyheads? chihuahuaheads?) reminded me in some small way of West Virginia. Ok, maybe that's a slight overstatement, but it was fun to be surprised by a trail that is listed as "easy" and that I had never considered as anything more than a good place to run the dogs. I actually had to walk a couple of climbs on my 33x16 ss.

[J/C]

Rode Proud Lake today for the first time. I've got to say that I was pleasantly surprised, especially the section southwest of the rr tracks, which I'd never explored before (loop 1?). Based on the areas that I'd hiked before, I thought Proud Lake would be a snooze, but I was wrong! Granted, the loops are short, but the singletrack through the woods sections is as fun as anything at Highland or Brighton. The loose babyheads (puppyheads? chihuahuaheads?) reminded me in some small way of West Virginia. Ok, maybe that's a slight overstatement, but it was fun to be surprised by a trail that is listed as "easy" and that I had never considered as anything more than a good place to run the dogs. I actually had to walk a couple of climbs on my 33x16 ss.

Good to hear you enjoyed it. We should probably have the trail guide upgraded to "intermediate." Loop 1 is the easternmost loop, it's across the bridge on the east side of Norton Creek.

I jogged loop 1 last night and there are a few fallen trees but it's rideable. The powerline section was moved recently and is much better.

-John

[Spinwheel]

Rode Proud Lake today for the first time. I've got to say that I was pleasantly surprised, especially the section southwest of the rr tracks, which I'd never explored before (loop 1?). ...

That's actually loop 4, but if you happen to be riding that section CW (clockwise) - which is actually the wrong direction for MTB's on this section (oh well)... and come across the trail marker at Childs Lake Rd., that sign appears to say Loop 1. Its actually Loop 4 ---> the "4" lost some paint and currently looks like a "1"... now the map makes sense again Maybe that happened to you too..

[Snooker]

Has there been much conflict between horseriders and mtbrs at Proud Lake? I'm from Akron/Cleveland Ohio, and we're currently pushing hard to open up the vast system of parklands in our area to mt. biking. Like the western detroit suburbs, there is a big population of horseriders. One of the concerns of land managers is the possible conflict that would be created.

[J/C]

Has there been much conflict between horseriders and mtbrs at Proud Lake? I'm from Akron/Cleveland Ohio, and we're currently pushing hard to open up the vast system of parklands in our area to mt. biking. Like the western detroit suburbs, there is a big population of horseriders. One of the concerns of land managers is the possible conflict that would be created.

In my experience over the last 2-3 years, no, there really hasn't been any conflict between equestrians, cyclists and hikers. Both bike and horse traffic is pretty low though. If you can, it's best to create separate trail systems. That will probably mean cyclists will have to build new trails. A lot of work, yes, but you'll get trails with better flow. Horse hooves chew up the trail tread and leave it rough so it feels like you're on cobblestones. Not to mention the manure. In your case, it might be necessary to share the trails for a time. If conflicts become an issue, that could provide the impetus for allowing mtn. bikers to build their own trails. Conflict to me doesn't mean people arguing with each other or an actual collision. If bikes and horses have frequent encounters on the trail, it increases the risk that a horse could become startled, which could be a safety issue for horse, rider and anyone nearby. Highland Rec Area is good example of separate trail systems working well.

On that note, Sunday, September 25, the equestrian group Proud Lake Trail Riders is having a Proud Lake/Kensington Tour the Trails Ride 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you ride that day, I'd suggest avoiding Proud Lake.

[Builder-Bill]

Has there been much conflict between horseriders and mtbrs at Proud Lake? I'm from Akron/Cleveland Ohio, and we're currently pushing hard to open up the vast system of parklands in our area to mt. biking. Like the western detroit suburbs, there is a big population of horseriders. One of the concerns of land managers is the possible conflict that would be created.

In my experience over the last 2-3 years, no, there really hasn't been any conflict between equestrians, cyclists and hikers. Both bike and horse traffic is pretty low though. If you can, it's best to create separate trail systems. That will probably mean cyclists will have to build new trails. A lot of work, yes, but you'll get trails with better flow. Horse hooves chew up the trail tread and leave it rough so it feels like you're on cobblestones. Not to mention the manure. In your case, it might be necessary to share the trails for a time. If conflicts become an issue, that could provide the impetus for allowing mtn. bikers to build their own trails. Conflict to me doesn't mean people arguing with each other or an actual collision. If bikes and horses have frequent encounters on the trail, it increases the risk that a horse could become startled, which could be a safety issue for horse, rider and anyone nearby. Highland Rec Area is good example of separate trail systems working well.

On that note, Sunday, September 25, the equestrian group Proud Lake Trail Riders is having a Proud Lake/Kensington Tour the Trails Ride 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you ride that day, I'd suggest avoiding Proud Lake.

Well said John.. We have had a good working relationship with the equestrians in Proud lake. We did asked for separate trails in Proud Lake, it was suported by local Park management, but was shot down by the DNR's higher up management.
If you can get a separate trail, that Great.... But if not... you can share.
Bill Hermann
Proud Lake, Milford TC.

[davedejonge]

I rode on sunday 9/11, just getting to this now.


I'd just like to offer a big thanks to those that cleared under the power lines on Loop1 So much nicer now. oh and on the section of loop 3 with the "3 moguls" very nice to have the brush cut back thru there.

1 tree down on west side of childs lake, bunch on the east side of 4. also trees down on 1 and 2 as well.
I think I need to take a ride with a chainsaw on my back. that said, I hear gun fire during the day back there now, so, maybe an orange shirt is good idea.

[Loren]

Yes, shared trail is definately better than no trail.

Still, one should note that Proud Lake gets significantly less traffic than other nearby, similar parks that have separate equestrian trails. It's just that equestrians and mountain bikers want very different things in their trails, and mountain bike trails built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers are much more rewarding.

[davedejonge]

Rode 1,2,3, & 4 this aft, all downed trees are now cleared.. passed 2 sets of hunters. Squirel season started ( or is it target practice season??) eitherway, wear bright colors.

edit*** thanks for the new path at the mud crossing between 1 and 2!!!!

[Spinwheel]

L3 has a tree down 100 yds after the H2O pump - it can be ridden around though. Another low hanger within a half mile after that - EZ ride under.
L4 has one down / vine covered about 1/3 mile before the right turn toward the Kens. Connector (needs chainsaw) ...another ride-over somewhere after that.

Lots of sticks down on all loops and some small trees blown over - I cleared a few.

[J/C]

Loop 1 is in good shape. There's one tree to duck under, no problem though.
-John

[Builder-Bill]

L3 has a tree down 100 yds after the H2O pump - it can be ridden around though. Another low hanger within a half mile after that - EZ ride under.
L4 has one down / vine covered about 1/3 mile before the right turn toward the Kens. Connector (needs chainsaw) ...another ride-over somewhere after that.

Lots of sticks down on all loops and some small trees blown over - I cleared a few.

Its all clear...I just finished cutting them out.
The Trails are in great shape... Good Iceman training..
Bill and Sam the Trail Dog

[J/C]

Rode all the loops yesterday, everything is in good shape, little mud on loop 4.
John

[Builder-Bill]

Trails in great shape, I saw a lot of bike tracks in the dusting of snow today.
Bill