Southeast Michigan
06-28-12, 10:17 AM
#76
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Was linked this thread from a post inquiring about riding in the area. I will be visiting Shelby Township, likely staying in Utica (I think was the name of where the motel is) from the 3-4 of July until the 8th. I was reading about some of these trails, but don't know the area at all, first visit, and looking on Google Maps does little to help me out in locating some of them in relation to where I will be.
Any helpful tips sure would be appreciated. I will be bringing my bike and my son's as well. Looking to do a couple of 20-30 mile morning or afternoon trips while up to see and enjoy the area.
Any helpful tips sure would be appreciated. I will be bringing my bike and my son's as well. Looking to do a couple of 20-30 mile morning or afternoon trips while up to see and enjoy the area.
turn on bicycling on google maps:
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=%2B42%C2%B0+40'+49.72%22,+-83%C2%B0+5'+39.24%22+(42.680479,+-83.094234)&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=CaTKrM8kHDp9FZ9AiwIdJhUM-w&sll=42.680416,-83.082733&sspn=0.495695,0.933838&vpsrc=6&mra=mift&ie=UTF8&ll=42.681347,-83.091381&spn=0.007745,0.014591&t=m&z=16&iwloc=ddw0&lci=bike
those very long smooth routes are rail to trail routes. They are wonderful rides in Michigan (you really don't want to be riding solo on roads near Detroit - drivers are not at all friendly).
East of the point on the map is 25 miles of nice paved rail-to-trail (50 miles round trip)
West is crushed limestone (best for 28mm or larger tires).
2.5 miles west of there is a is an option to turn north (Paint Creek Trail) which is one of the nicest sections of rail to trail (crushed limestone). I have taken that north for about 35 miles - the "Poly Ann" section of that trail is nice and much less traveled than the "paint creek" section.
About 3.5 miles north of the point on the map is Stoney Creek park. Many people who like doing laps (10k per loop) on road bikes go there. Cars and intersections are not an issue. There is also some mountain biking in the park for the fat tire crowd (and a lake to jump into after the ride). It is a nice park and worth checking out (there is an entry fee).
those very long smooth routes are rail to trail routes. They are wonderful rides in Michigan (you really don't want to be riding solo on roads near Detroit - drivers are not at all friendly).
East of the point on the map is 25 miles of nice paved rail-to-trail (50 miles round trip)
West is crushed limestone (best for 28mm or larger tires).
2.5 miles west of there is a is an option to turn north (Paint Creek Trail) which is one of the nicest sections of rail to trail (crushed limestone). I have taken that north for about 35 miles - the "Poly Ann" section of that trail is nice and much less traveled than the "paint creek" section.
About 3.5 miles north of the point on the map is Stoney Creek park. Many people who like doing laps (10k per loop) on road bikes go there. Cars and intersections are not an issue. There is also some mountain biking in the park for the fat tire crowd (and a lake to jump into after the ride). It is a nice park and worth checking out (there is an entry fee).
06-29-12, 04:17 PM
#77
Still learning
I used to live in downtown Ann Arbor. A2 may try to be bike friendly, however, the edges of the roads are so full of potholes and uneven pavement and riding south of Eisenhower sucks, because of the I-94 ramps. Geddes Park is too short to even work up a sweat!
Now I live northwest of A2 in Pinckney on Portage Lake, but the roads are narrow and the horror stories of car and bike collisions never cease. Even this very week, about 2.5 miles from my home, a rider died, though it appears to be the rider was at fault. Too scary! Have yet to ride the Potawanami trail, but I have to give it a try soon.
After 30 years in Washtenaw Co., it's getting boring. I have an offer on a short sale duplex in Grosse Pointe Park and look forward to moving there and exploring Detroit too. Anybody here ride with a concealed weapon?
Now I live northwest of A2 in Pinckney on Portage Lake, but the roads are narrow and the horror stories of car and bike collisions never cease. Even this very week, about 2.5 miles from my home, a rider died, though it appears to be the rider was at fault. Too scary! Have yet to ride the Potawanami trail, but I have to give it a try soon.
After 30 years in Washtenaw Co., it's getting boring. I have an offer on a short sale duplex in Grosse Pointe Park and look forward to moving there and exploring Detroit too. Anybody here ride with a concealed weapon?
Last edited by oddjob2; 06-29-12 at 04:22 PM.
06-30-12, 03:02 PM
#78
Road Runner
Hey everyone, great posts from all of you!
I just bought my first road bike in February, and it seems like it's difficult to find other road cyclists in Clinton Township and surrounding areas. I'm starting to get tired of riding the metro trail, especially alone. So it's good to see at least some kind cyclists in my area!
I just bought my first road bike in February, and it seems like it's difficult to find other road cyclists in Clinton Township and surrounding areas. I'm starting to get tired of riding the metro trail, especially alone. So it's good to see at least some kind cyclists in my area!
07-02-12, 11:22 AM
#79
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I looked into them and they seem pretty awesome, I would deffinately consider joining. However, I was looking more along the lines of some new friends to ride with seriously, opposed to joining a club.
07-10-12, 01:01 PM
#81
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I ride from my house in north Southfield to Royal oak and back several times a week and do it all winter,,,I stop in Royal Oak get a coffee and ride back. I ride several different kinds of bikes,,vintage Schwinn single speeds, Schwinn 5 speed Cruiser 5, somtimes a Super Sport.
Yesterday I rode my Cruiser 5 through berkely, ferndale, Royal Oak and Birminham about 25 miles on a 60 pound bike lol.
Will leave and ride my 76 Varsity.
Saturday I will meet some seniors for a ride in Heinz park.
Yesterday I rode my Cruiser 5 through berkely, ferndale, Royal Oak and Birminham about 25 miles on a 60 pound bike lol.
Will leave and ride my 76 Varsity.
Saturday I will meet some seniors for a ride in Heinz park.
07-19-12, 09:24 AM
#82
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Location: Grosse Pointe Park, MI
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Grosse Pointe Park here checking in...I mainly ride around the five Pointes on a semi daily basis. I am starting out 5-7 miles a day with average speed of about 15 MPH. I have not biked in many years and slowly working my way back in....also go for shorter rides (2-3 miles) with my wife and 6 year old daughter.
I have been told by other locals that Jefferson/Lakeshore is a nice ride but must be done at a time when traffic is light....have not attempted it yet.
I am somewhat shy so although I know of a few local clubs (including our local bike shop, the one where I purchased my bike in Hazel Park, and a pretty good sized clud in the Pointes) I have not the courage to go out with them yet.
I have been told by other locals that Jefferson/Lakeshore is a nice ride but must be done at a time when traffic is light....have not attempted it yet.
I am somewhat shy so although I know of a few local clubs (including our local bike shop, the one where I purchased my bike in Hazel Park, and a pretty good sized clud in the Pointes) I have not the courage to go out with them yet.
08-21-12, 02:24 PM
#83
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Anyone go with the group out of Derby Middle School on Tuesdays? I'm thinking about going tonight, but I'm not sure what to expect.
08-22-12, 10:19 AM
#84
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It is a fast, take no prisoners ride. It is NOT a no drop ride. The A ride has a lot of testosterone, and pretty much every man for himself. The B ride also hits a pretty high tempo, but there are many more options to regroup, and a bigger emphasis on group discipline. The C ride is new this year, and I don’t have much experience with it.
It is a good ride if you want a good work out (although it can be a pretty big group). I have seen people who are comfortable doing 10-15mph just get blown off the back. If you can ride solo 15-20 (with a lot of time at the high end) and have basic paceline skills, you will be fine. Just be careful as occasionally you get someone who isn’t used to being in a paceline and they can be a little erratic.
08-22-12, 07:46 PM
#85
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I didn't make the whole ride, I got a cramp in my side that took my breath away, and I made it home on my own.
Anyone want to ride the whole length of the Macomb Orchard Trail at 8am, grab some food and then make the ride back. Starting at the Rochester Onyx Ice Rink
Anyone want to ride the whole length of the Macomb Orchard Trail at 8am, grab some food and then make the ride back. Starting at the Rochester Onyx Ice Rink
Last edited by McFlurrey06; 08-22-12 at 07:51 PM.
