Southwest: Fort Custer

[brokenbones]

Red and Green rocked today. Many thanks to the people doing the trail repairs and hard work out there. I noticed some new armoring on Red since my last visit there 4 weeks ago. I was disappointed to find the log step-up around markers 12 and 13 on Green had been filled in. That was always a nice challenge to clear.

The light rain or threat of rain must have kept everyone away this afternoon. I had the trails completely to myself. With the slight dampness the trail surface was tight and fast rolling.

[airborn]

what are the trails like after a lot of rain? Like this last week of on and off rain the weather says no rain on satuday, will the trails be to wet or does the sand soak it all up and the trails are rideable? Thanks I live in IN and wanted to make the trip up and am hoping some MI people can shed some light.

[risnewski]

what are the trails like after a lot of rain? Like this last week of on and off rain the weather says no rain on satuday, will the trails be to wet or does the sand soak it all up and the trails are rideable? Thanks I live in IN and wanted to make the trip up and am hoping some MI people can shed some light.

I camped there during a very rainy weekend a couple years ago and the trails all held up very well. Unless a local posts up different, I'd say you'll have good riding conditions.

[blamp28]

I usually like the fort after a rain or enen during. there may be a few spots with a little mud but the trail cries well.

[Static_Crash]

According to this map the Fort has seen quite a bit of rain over the last 24 hours. This on top of what we've seen over the course of the week will certainly cause some slick/messy spots, but you should be fine to ride it. You'll find Red Loop trouble spots early on and then around the log bridge before you reach the Green Loop junction. The Green Loop should be fine except when you get closer to the low lying areas around the lake and Sniper's Reroute. The sand will be nice and packed though!

FYI - Trail Work will take place Saturday morning from 8am to ?, so heads up.

[brokenbones]

For riders coming from farther away (like me), there is a NOAA weather station at the Kellogg Battle Creek airport which is just a couple miles east of the park. You can get the current weather at their website. If you follow this link: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/KBTL.html you will see the 3 previous days weather broken down by the hour, including rain accumulation. Many times this tool has confirmed my weekend plans, or saved me a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Also useful is the NOAA radar here: http://radar.weather.gov/. Click on the blue push pin near Grand Rapids to see the radar coverage of the region. At the top of the page you can enter the city you're interested in (for instance Battle Creek, MI) in the little window marked "Local weather forecast by "City, St". This will take you to that city's long-range forecast and the current weather. That's also where you will find the button for the 3 day history. Cool stuff. Your tax dollars at work - may as well enjoy it.

[airborn]

I appreciate the comments and as of now I belive my buddy and I will be heading to Fort Custer in the morning. From what it sounds like the trails should be ok. Has any one ridden them today? Any comments?

[JRP]

I doubt anybody was riding today. Weather around here was crap at best all day. Windy, cold, and rain. Id think you should be ok Saturday. Looks like its going to be sunny and a good wind. Should dry out fairly quick.

[airborn]

WOW what an outstanding day at Fort Custer!!!!!!!!!!! after all that rain for an entire week the trails were just about perfect my buddy and I had a great time! Thanks for the info that lead us to make the trip! We met a MMBA member that had just fineshed working on a new trail at the beginning of green and he asked us to try out the new section they had just finished up it was very soft but the trail has much potential all it needs is packed in, so get ridding fellas......

[MLKuhl]

Rode green & red this morning..trails are in excellent shape, hard and fast with the occasional horse pooh pile. Thanks to all who maintain these trails!!

[hopsbag]

I was disappointed to find the log step-up around markers 12 and 13 on Green had been filled in. That was always a nice challenge to clear.

I agree. Presumably, there was a good reason to remove the obstacle, but I would rather have seen a ride-around option for those not up to the challenge. I consider myself a rider of only average skills, so I always got a sense of accomplishment when I cleared that sucker. That was my only let-down this past weekend when I rode Ft. Custer. I enjoyed all the trails and the work that has been done armoring and re-building various sections. Thanks to those who build and maintain here!

[brokenbones]

Was here for the afternoon Sunday. Hit up some of the new trail, which will be nice once it gets packed down. Big tree down in Granny's about 2/3's of the way thru that you need to climb over. Right before the RH drop that's armored with logs or pavers (don't recall). Green was clear of trees except one 4-5 incher that was rideable, maybe 1/4 of the way in.

[johnnyg]

update on Official Trail Separation on November 14, 2011 is posted here:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=107312

[yamaha13]

Rode 21 miles at Fort Custer today love the new 1 mile section, did not however love the horses and droppings on the green nor the two fine gentlemen with their shot guns walking on the red loop. Posted a picture of the license plate of the perps on Custer's Facebook page but they took my posting off. Just trying to help!

[blamp28]

Guns are allowed in most state areas this time of year. Is Custer not one of them?