MCMBA: Milford

[Builder-Bill]

Well everyone .... . I just finished cutting in the last part of the trail on Wednesday. A 5 mile Loop of fun is done.. But you Know Nothing is ever done. I Just started building some more board walks, this should add some more sweet flowing stuff. Found a new line to the bottom of one of the hills, this will also add some more trail, and climbing. I Love Hills.
Also lad out the line for the free ride area. So come ride all you flat landers... feel the burn. See Ya Bill and Sam The Trail Dog

[Todd Scott]

That's great news, Bill. I've updated the Milford Trail Guide entry to 5 miles.

[hopsbag]

Whoa, that wasn't what I was expecting. Went out there last night 11/29 (last warm day of 2006 ... 65 degrees) with a buddy and did a night lap on a 34x15 SS. My lower back is still hurting this morning. Having never ridden the trail before, the combination of doing it at night with a big SS gearing, twisty, off-camber, roots, short and steep hills and super-duper spongey conditions made it quite a workout. So you can ride all 4 loops at highland on a big SS gear? Now try this one when the ground is sucking your wheels and you're trying to turn over the pedals from a near standstill while negotiating an off-camber uphill turn on a bunch of little roots. Fun!

You rode at night, so maybe you didn't see the old steering wheel with exploded airbag hanging from one of the trees. I wonder if Bill is going to put any more of those in (un-exploded, I mean). Could save a dented helmet or two! This trail is going to be the standard I use to measure my progress as a rider. When I can ride a loop here without stopping or putting a foot down, I'll know I'm a real mountain biker. Right now, I'm lucky to do a few hundred yards in some spots without crapping out. There's one spot on the western end, between the pipeline and the golf course fence that gets me every time. Tight, off-camber left turn right in the middle of a short steep climb, with no room to gain any momentum. Thanksgiving weekend, when I rode here last, some parts of the trail were showing signs of more usage, getting packed down a bit. I think next summer this trail should really come into it's own.

[Builder-Bill]

Milford Trail: Just installed some more directional arrows on posts, this last Saturday..... Just look for the yellow arrows. The trail is getting hard packed and faster, been seeing a lot of riders. I'm working on a little more of a technical section, should be fun.
See Ya Bill and Sam the trail dog.

[trail junky]

Bill I read this thread or at least I think I did and I cant figure out where it is I would like to ride it
and see what it is about. If you could help me out and tell me where to park and start the ride. Thanks

[Builder-Bill]

Milford Trail, How to get there: The trail is in the Village of Milford. About a 1/4 mile west of Main st. , off of Commerce rd…. MapQuest The Village of Milford. ..... Take Main st. to Commerce Rd, Head west, Go about a 1/4 mile to Peters Rd, turn left, South ( Just after the Tank on the Right) . Go to the 1st. Baseball feild parkings lot on the right. The trail head is on the Right, (north) side of the Lot...Look for the post with the yellow arrow. Have fun

[hopsbag]

Snow+Leaves+Off Camber+PM Sun Melt=Wicked Twisted Fun!

Just got back from a lap of the Milford trail. I think I did all the single track for the first time today. Trail identification is improved since my last ride, plus tire tracks in the snow make it hard to lose the route. Overall condition is good, except for just a couple sections with a western exposure. The afternoon sun had those spots pretty greasy today. This was my first ride under winter conditions, which forced me to confront the trail on it's terms, not mine. Stayed in the granny ring all the way, and I swear I stretched the brake cables an inch grabbing for brakes that just weren't there. Rim brakes suck in snow! My favorite parts of this trail are the south and southeast sections that follow the small bay area of Hubbell Pond, and around the little pot-hole pond. There's one spot on the western shore of the bay where the trail goes straight down a rather steep grassy slope towards the shore, then hangs a tight off camber left. The view here is awesome, but watch the trail, or you're headed for a bath. I stopped for a quick breather instead, and enjoyed the post card scenery...crisp blue sky, sun highlighted brown oaks, snow covered ice in the bay, and a flock of bright white swans on the water. Wish I'd had my camera. Come on out and enjoy this hidden gem of a trail!

[bh357]

Nice to meet ya yesterday Bill. Just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed the trail, and definately have to get out there again once things have been ridden in. The trail was in very nice shape when I rode it, although this was my first ride with snow on a trail. There were a couple of points where I dabbed, but other than that, my gearing was spot-on for this trail.
Overall, I thought the markings were very good. I did get a bit confused in (I believe) the SW corner of the park (near the golf course in what looks like an old cut for a pipeline).
If I had to draw a comparison to other trails, I'd say Milford reminds me a bit of the middle third of Gruber's Grinder. Nice tight and twisty, with plenty of grunt hills, off-camber stuff, and lots o' roots.

[Builder-Bill]

Milford Trail: Just opened up the Wood Roller Coaster section.( Cedar Point is going to be jealous). Come ride the coaster.... Trail is dry and Getting faster everyday. 12/15/2006 Bill and Sam the Trail Dog

[Chuck]

trail was in fine shape, nice job on the multiple wooden bridges along the water...trail is starting to pack down nicely...

[scottecs]

Sunday12/17/06 I got a personal tour of the trail from Builder Bill.
It was in good condition a little greasy climbing some hills but not bad. It is a great fun trail for those looking to improve your single track skills it has it all. The new roller coaster section is quite a ride but I don't recommend putting your hands in the air. And some of the things that Bill is talking about adding will only make it better.

Be reckless and have fun!

[Builder-Bill]

Hay Guys, glad you liked it. I worked all day on the free ride section, getting it layed out, and building some ramps. Going to be fun, I hope to have it open by the weekend.....
See Ya Bill and Sam the Trail Dog.

[CrisCataldo]

It is a great fun trail for those looking to improve your single track skills it has it all. The new roller coaster section is quite a ride but I don't recommend putting your hands in the air. And some of the things that Bill is talking about adding will only make it better.

Ditto! I've only hiked it yet - but it's a lot of fun. There is something for everyone in this trail.....even the freeriders.

Amazing views out there. If you want an epic singletrack day ride - ride at Milford and then ride over and ride Highland. You'll have MAD singletrack skills after that day!

[hopsbag]

Just got back from an attempted ride at the Milford trail. In my less than learned opinion this trail is not yet rideable after recent rain. Had to walk a few spots due to mud. Bailed at the Commerce road pipeline crossing and rode the back-roads instead. I'll let Papa Romano do the pizza cutting today!

Merry Christmas

[Builder-Bill]

The trail is not bad at all . I rode it at 11:30. There are a few greasy spots in the first 1 mile. It is typical of a new trail ......... You are not damaging this trail, it needs to be ridden in. Highland is in the same shape, rode it afterwards. We are riding Milford Trail at 11:30 on Christmas day come and join us.. Hope to see ya. Bill and Sam the Trail Dog....... Builders and Trail Coordinators of the Milford Trail.