The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford, Michigan is home to what is absolutely my most favorite mountain bike trail in Lower Michigan. In fact, it is one of my most favorite trails in all of Michigan. I love this trail so much that I embarked a journey from Houghton with one of my teammates to do a little time trial in the rain and snow (Red Jackets Ride Strong at Pontiac Lake). We drove through a blizzard to get there (Inaugaral Mountain Bike Ride of 2008).

Pontiac Lake is unique in that it is 11 miles of trail through varying terrain and scenery. It has everything! It has three distinct legs, stages, or whatever you want to call it. It consists of fast, smooth runs; crazy technical sections; the chute; and difficult climbs. Some of the climbs are quite difficult. The climb after “the chute” forces me to walk the bike for two reasons:
1. It is on the edge of a hill and gives me the heebie jeebies, and
2. It is really freakin’ hard.
Now, I know I am no expert climber, but in my defense, I can make it up some pretty nasty hills. That’s how hard that climb is. This trail is wicked fun!

When I went downstate for the Midwest Mountain Bike Summit (2009 Midwest Mountain Bike Summit), there was no doubt that I was going to end up at Pontiac Lake for a ride. This time, I took my camera. Some of these shots are taken from the opposite direction of traffic, so it may be a little difficult for you PLRA veterans to recognize some of these sections of trail. My beautiful Jamis is the lovely model for these photos.

This fun, fast section of trail flows along a model airplane field.

This model airplane hung around me and did all sorts of little stunts while I shot some photos of it.

Michigan Mountain Biking Examiner: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area