MCMBA: Commerce - Hickory Glen

[Therese McCarthy]

Rode for the firt time and enjoyed immensely. Rained last night so a little wet and buggy but great trail. Some hard workers were out weedy whipping the paths which was great. Took awhile to get bearings but like most places once you ride it you learn your way around.

[Spinwheel]

Trail update :

The overgrowth problem has been largely cleared up over the last few weeks, though a couple of areas still need some minor attention. Downed trees are mostly removed as well.

A few yellow arrows have been added at eye level near the trailhead to help clarify trail directions at a couple of intersections there.

Also, we've done some work in the grassy area by the cell phone tower to make the trail easier to see and follow - if you feel that you've lost the trail in this area - try riding back to the (north side of the) CELL TOWER, then take the two track (wide dirt path with ATV tracks ) west about 35 yds. . while looking to your right for the MTB trail entering the woods... if you miss it, you'll end up down a hill in a sand pit, so try again. Eventually we'll replace the vandalized Rock Art Gound Markers in this area and the test won't be as hard

Enjoy the ride!

Tim

[bheldke]

I'm very impressed with this trail. It is a surprise and delight around every corner.

I just wish it were more aerobically challenging, but that's Michigan.

Kudos to the trail maintenace folks who continue to find new ways to post directions on trees, etc. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed it.

An ATV rider scared me a little--what's the rule on ATV's there?

[Sherpaboy]

what's the rule on ATV's there?

Illegal and feel free to jot down the ORV sticker ot license plate (if they have one)...we'll pass it along to the shariff

[Spinwheel]

Watch out for new trail obsticles (holes and ruts) courtesy of motorized vehicles on the MTB trail. Please refrane from removing obsticles such as large logs which restrict the trail to the ATV's.

Thanks,

Tim

[BLuoUT]

ya the atvs and minibikes are a problem... I just got back from riding and there was 1 four wheeler and 2 lil mini bike things riding around.. seems like they stay off the bike trail though but it still sucks when the trails meet or run along eachother and you gotta suck exhaust. I saw a few widow makers out there.. and thanks go out to the guy with the boxer with no leash walking on the trail... I got back to my car and smelt this nasty odor and spent about about 10 min picking crap out of my tires

[Spinwheel]

No doubt, ATV's are a problem, and the township is slow to address the issue.

If you'd like to help, carry a cell phone on your next visit... and call the OAKLAND CTY SHERIFF DEPT - AT 248 858 4951

ASK FOR DEPUTY JOE JABREAL - BADGE #18 - TO BE DISPATCHED TO COMMERCE'S HICKORY GLEN PARK.

I have walked the park with Joe, he is familiar with our issues and has committed to help if we call. The best place to catch the ATV's is on the east-west service road north of the cell tower as they exit the park heading west to the Walled Lake School System property.

[bbarel]

what's the rule on ATV's there?

Illegal and feel free to jot down the ORV sticker ot license plate (if they have one)...we'll pass it along to the shariff

There is no license# on ORV stickers and 4-wheelers & mini bikes cannot legally get plated. Plus I'll bet money not one has an ORV sticker since they're only useful on LEGAL orv trails. Your only chance is for the boys in blue to catch them red handed. I ride an off road motorcycle ONLY on legal ORV trails and at AMA sanctioned events. I really hate to see these chumps on ORVs breaking the law because MOST orvs do obey the laws, but the public only gets to see these idiots, so BUST them suckers! Oh yeah I ride a mtb too (more than my mortorcycle) and I'd sure hate to run up against an orv on my mtb.

[Spook]

Rode the trail for the first time last night. It was great, but could use a couple more makers, missed a turn somewhere and did 4 miles of it. Loved the trash, reminded me of riding my BMX bike as a kid in the woods in the old neighborhood. Wouldn't mind helping with the maintance on the trail, as i plan to ride it again (and hopefully often) just let me know when the next trail will be. I assume probably not until the spring?

[Spinwheel]

...................... I really hate to see these chumps on ORVs breaking the law because MOST orvs do obey the laws, but the public only gets to see these idiots, so BUST them suckers! Oh yeah I ride a mtb too (more than my mortorcycle) and I'd sure hate to run up against an orv on my mtb.

I really hate to see those CHUMPS out there too - and they - probably only 1 in particular - has been giving them all a bad name lately by riding ON the MTB trail (again), knocking down small trees and rutting the trail.. AGAIN

[Spinwheel]

Rode the trail for the first time last night. It was great, but could use a couple more makers, missed a turn somewhere and did 4 miles of it. Loved the trash, .....

Glad you liked it!!!, Are you sure you were in the park and not the Walled Lake School system property - where the "trash" is ?

.... reminded me of riding my BMX bike as a kid in the woods in the old neighborhood. Wouldn't mind helping with the maintance on the trail, as i plan to ride it again (and hopefully often) just let me know when the next trailday will be. I assume probably not until the spring?

..Will be out there tomorrow at 10:30 AM ..or send me your email address and I'll be sure and keep you in the loop for upcomming trail-days..!

Thanks!

Tim

[rockymtn]

I noticed the title of this is Commerce & Proud Lake. Are there trails being planned or already open at Proud Lake? I thought they only allowed hiking and XC Skiing.

[Dan_Harrison]

I noticed the title of this is Commerce & Proud Lake. Are there trails being planned or already open at Proud Lake? I thought they only allowed hiking and XC Skiing.

Funny you should mention that-- the subject came up briefly in another thread:
http://www.mmba.org/viewtopic.php?t=336 ... c&start=15

Note that the quote is from the 1990 Bent Rim Bugle.
There's nothing particularly special about the parcel we'd be allowed to build in at Proud Lakes. We'd be sharing a lot of it with equestrians. If we're going to focus on MTB looped trails in that 'hood, I'd put the effort into Commerce.
A long-term possiblility is a bike-legal through-path along the corridors owned by DNR and HCMA, connecting Proud Lake SRA to Kensington Metropark, and thereby to Island Lake SRA, then on to Huron Meadows MP.
Dan

[Spook]

Hey, just saw the post about the trail maintance this morning. Will PM my contact info.

[Apps]

I rode Commerce last night. Great job out there Tim and Jeff...the trail is in good shape and I really like the armoring you did in the perennial wet spot out there.....it definitely made a huge difference in that area....

Justin