The best part about this trail is that it is located in an easily accessible location. It is located on a road that runs parallel to US-127, which can be accessed by ramps north and south of the trail. There is absolutely no backtracking for someone just passing through.

In an odd sort of way, I am quite fortunate that I am familiar with how a new trail feels—fortunate because that means there is no shortage of new trails in my area. A new trail is difficult to ride, with plenty of rolling resistance, as the ground is usually soft. It can feel like you’re riding with a flat rear tire. In wet conditions, it can be easy to spin out on the climbs. The newly cut trail at the Mid Michigan Community College was no exception.

Thunderstorms had ravished the area the day before (nice dramatic effect, Di!). I knew there was a possibility that mud puddles would abound. Fortunately for me, that wasn’t a reality. In over nine miles of trail, there was one mud puddle on a preexisting two-track road. It was small. I rode through it, and that was the end of my puddle experience.

This trail possessed a quality that I feel is extremely important to hold riders’ interest: the terrain and scenery changed throughout the trail. One section of woods would look different from another. The trail would traverse along an open field, along a tiny ridge, on smooth ground, over roots, over rocks, up steep hills, down small hills, and it even opened up for a nice, fast straightaway. It was aerobically challenging.

This trail is currently going through the riding-in process. It will get packed and hardened and will become a fast trail. I would love to see many rock gardens scattered throughout. This trail has so many possibilities. Who knows what its builders have in store for it!