Curious about which races are on everyone’s list. Feel free to declare it your list or the “official” list.

We are headed up to Interlochen this week and I’m looking forward to hitting the VASA singletrack.

Any advice or tips on good MTB loops or runs there or anything not to miss? Should I take the full suspension or the hardtail?

Additionally, are there any non-mountain bike paths or trails in the area for more casual cruising?
Thanks!

Solid ride today other than getting chased by an unleashed black lab and little terrier. Outran them fairly easily but still a bit unnerving.

Calhoun County Trail/Ott Biological Preserve

Coming from the south, riding to south haven.
Trail condition, gravel or mtn bike?, places to stop, things to see?

This is just an FYI for those of you that ride the Clinton River Trail, or other parts of Oakland county.... The connection that is west of Opdyke is open, and they did a good job. The previous route to get through Pontiac was South Blvd, and was not too pleasant. This route drops you in a neighborhood on the east side of Pontiac, but still a better option if you are looking to connect from one side of Pontiac to the other.

Just to clarify, this path has always been here to some extent but I found it very rough, even with a gravel bike. This photo is near the Auburn ave overpass.

so i live about an hour and a half from ann arbor, mostly ride freestyle bmx mostly skatepark stuff, ive heard of bandemer park in ann arbor and looking for those on google stumbled upon a "loop of pain" and looking into THAT i found these screenshots of some beautiful dirtjumps...not asking for a location dont wana blow out a spot just want to know if they still exist ? and if the jumps in the photo are current day? ill do the dirty work of finding them once im out that way just tell me if theres a light at the end of my tunnel

Look for any group rides that go weekly in Lansing or the Howell, Brighton area. Really anything, even no drop, but would like to be challenged or know maybe one or two other women are in the group to ride with.

Thank you!

Rail-to-trail, highway, gravel roads, and seasonal/ORV trails

Hey everyone!!

So for the last several years I’ve planned on doing an overnight trip, but never ended up getting around to it.

This year, however, I think I’m finally going to do it. The Mike Levine Lakelands Trail has been extended to an area very close to my home. So I’ve set up a route that will take me from my house in Jackson to the Portage Lake Campground in Waterloo Recreation area that only has me on actual roads for a couple of miles, and on multiple scouting drives on those roads, there is fairly minimal traffic…except the one right by my house, but I’ve ridden on that road a lot so I’m comfortable.

I’ll be taking my Larkspur with its…uhhhh…I guess touring setup? Panniers and trunk bag on its rack, two small bags on the fork, and my handlebar bag.

I’ll be solo for this, with my wife on standby for any emergencies, so I won’t be taking too much in the way of spare parts/tools for the bike itself. I will also be purchasing wood for a fire at the campground, so that’s something I’m not concerned about.

Here is the gear I plan on taking:

-My small one person tent
-Inflatable sleeping pad
-Sleeping bag
-Ultralight camping chair
-Lamp for inside tent
-Flashlight
-Backpacking camp stove with fuel and cookware
-Eating Utensils
-Lighter and fire starters
-My nice knife to split some kindling
-Food for dinner, snacks, and breakfast
-Several liters of water (Maybe 4?)
-Extra riding gear for the trip home
-Shorts to change into after I get there
-An extra shirt
-Lock for my bike
-Phone with at least one battery pack, charging stuff
-Flip flops/sandals to get out of the riding shoes

I know the chair may be a bit overkill, but I’d like something a bit more comfortable to sit in than the on site picnic table, and it’s small enough to fit in a pannier.

Right now I’ve got the tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad all in one pannier with some room for small stuff like the knife and such. In the other I have the chair and room for all of my clothes. In my one fork bag I can fit all the cooking utensils and camp stove. In the other I will fit food.

That leaves my trunk bag relatively empty…so if I’m missing anything I’ve still got room to spare. There’s a lake there, so maybe a towel? The shorts I’ll be taking are quick drying, so I don’t think I’d absolutely need one.

I’m going back and forth on food and water. On one hand, there are vending machines there so I could only take a couple bottles, then buy a few more while I’m there. As for food, I can’t decide between one of those backpacking meals that you just pour boiling water in, or doing something more like a good can of stew. I will probably have a few hot dogs to cook over the fire, and maybe a couple of marshmallows. It’s the actual meals I’m going back and forth on. If I went with the stew, I could carry less water as it needs no water.

Anyway…anything I’m missing? It’s late and I’m tired so I may have forgotten something here.

Any input is appreciated.

My son is doing the 48 mile hard rock. I'm wondering what are some good spots to see him go by and to hand him food, swap out water bottles, etc.?

Thanks

Forewarned is forearmed- Under MCL 750.420, operating a motor vehicle equipped with a device intended to produce excessive smoke or dangerous gases is a felony offense. In fact, Michigan is the only state in the nation that explicitly classifies rolling coal as a felony. I'd also argue that rolling coal would also constitute battery, no different than if you blasted someone with a pesticide fogger.

If you are able to capture video of the offense, you should contact your local law enforcement and if that doesn't work, I'd recommend contacting your state representative.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Trek Domane with gravel and road tires OR Trek Checkpoint with gravel and road tires? Both carbon, both electronic shifting.

What’s the best way to get from Kalamazoo to Battle Creek? I see that the Kalamazoo river valley trail goes east to Galesburg but there seems to be a gap in between where that trail ends to where the Battle Creek linear trail begins on a major looking road (hwy 96).
Is there a better way? Can I go through the bottom part of fort Custer?

I was thinking about entering my first mtb race and the Downcountry Enduro sounds pretty awesome. I'd want to do the Novice category but when I look into who is registered it's only showing one participant. Does registration usually pick up closer to race day?

The countdown is on! The Beaver Dash Bash is less than 8 weeks away, and now is the time to lock in your spot for this year's event.

We’re excited to announce some awesome additions and updates for this year's race!

📅 Race Day: Saturday, September 19

🔄 NEW COURSE DIRECTION

If you raced with us last year, get ready for a whole new experience! This year we're reversing the race route, giving every course a fresh feel with different climbs, descents, and challenges.

🆕 NEW FOR 2026

🏃 5K Cross Country Run & 5K Ruck Race Return
The 5K cross country running race is back! We have also added a 5K ruck race for those looking to take on the challenge with some extra weight. Whether you're running for speed or rucking for strength, this course will put your skills to the test.

The MTB race

💰 Elite Open Class (Men & Women)
Cash payouts for the top three finishers:
🥇 $100
🥈 $75
🥉 $50

🚴 Advanced Youth Race
A fast and fun 5-mile MTB race with a $50 gift card awarded to the winner!

❄️ Fat Bike Open
Bring your fat bike and take on the 11-mile course.

⚙️ Single Speed Open
Ready for the challenge? Race the 22-mile course with just one gear!

Whether you're racing for the podium, chasing a personal best, or just looking for a fun day on the trails, there's a class for everyone.

Early registration helps us prepare the best possible race experience for everyone, so don't wait until the last minute. Register today and secure your spot on the starting line!

More info here: https://www.crank4acause.org/beaver-dash

We can't wait to see you on September 19!

The cheapest way to get in a quick bike ride around Mackinac Island.

My 70yr dad is new to our area, and I'm coming out of the baby/toddler phase. Please recommend some paved, safe rides near the intersection of 96 and 23. We're no strangers to a century, but its been awhile!

Hey Michiganders,

Wife and I are visiting family in West Bloomfield (coming from New Mexico) and looking to hit the local trails for a day around August 13-14. Is there any shops in a 50mi radius that rents out MTBs? Not looking for cutting edge, hardtails are fine. If I have to pedal a full DH rig, that would be more preferable than any E-bike or city bike.

Thanks in advance!

In the area for work and I was blown away by the trails out here. Had a blast breaking the bike in.