Robert Herriman does a great service to the mountain biking community. Each year, he organizes a Thanksgiving morning ride at Pontiac Lake. First of all, nice choice in trails, Robert. I love Pontiac Lake. Second of all, I’ve been horribly inactive, this year, but this is one ride that is going to get me out of bed well before 10:00 a.m. and on the bike. I also promise to be there on time, this year. With that said, if it rains, I might not be there. I’m still trying to find all of my winter gear from my move. Most of my stuff is in boxes.

For those of you who aren’t quite sure what’s going on these days, Thanksgiving will be this coming Thursday, November 25. The ride and photo taking will commence at 9:30 a.m. at the PLRA parking lot.

I am happy to announce that I will be riding my own bike, this year. This is important because I borrowed a wild and rambunctious Gary Fisher for last year’s ride (see Thanksgiving Morning Ride at PLRA). It scared the crap out of me.

Robert takes a super sweet group photo before each ride. To see those from previous years, check out his blog.

Check my previous post, Top 5 Michigan Trails for the trails I judged and the criteria I used.

No. 5. Highland Recreation Area

Highland is a gem nestled in a large, forested area on some hills that rival those located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The hills may not be as long, but they are pretty amazing when viewed from some of the hill peaks over which the trail runs. Oakland County provides plenty of elevation for this fun and challenging trail.

Highland has four long loops stretching over 15 miles in length. The trails are intermediate and advanced with lots of technical features like rock gardens and log jumps. The trail is remarkably flowy, especially considering the technical features.

Water drainage is excellent, and these trails can usually be ridden in the rain without having to deal with puddles or damaging the trail surface. The terrain facilitates this sustainable characteristic and also contributes to the massively difficult aerobic workout one will get while riding these trails.

Click here for more information about this trail in the Moronacity Trail Guide. (Link will open in new window.)

No. 4. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Wicked fun Pontiac Lake delivers the whee factor.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area consists of one trail that is about 11 miles in length. “Big Puke” and “Little Puke” are located not far from the beginning of the trail, and are challenging climbs that will cause the legs to burn, the lungs to scream, and the mind to get busy navigating rocks, roots, and sharp, uphill turns.

What is really fascinating about Pontiac Lake is that it can be divided up into three sections. It changes quite a bit as one rides over its hills, down its fast, rooty sections, and up its challenging climbs.

Some of the technical features are the result of erosion from heavy use, but the trail is rip-roaring fast and certainly exhibits “the whee factor.” This intermediate trail is wicked cool and is a must-ride when visiting the Pontiac Area or anywhere within and hour or two drive.

Click here for more photos and information about this trail in the Moronacity Trail Guide. (Link will open in new window.)

No. 3. Churning Rapids

Churning Rapids’ Pow Pow trail is great fun.

It is no surprise that the U.P.’s Keweenaw Peninsula takes the top three spots beginning with Churning Rapids, an intermediate trail system with incredible variety and lots of options.

Built by top notch mountain bikers and skiers with loads of trail building experience, Churning Rapids has it all. There is plenty of downhill fun and loads of technical features. Pow Pow has banked turns on good-sized hills that feel like an amusement park ride.

This trail system offers so many different features that I can’t even begin to properly explain it within the confines of this post.

Click here for more photos and information about this trail in the Moronacity Trail Guide. (Link will open in new window.)

No. 2. Copper Harbor Trails

Copper Harbor’s Red Trail.

It probably blows your mind that this IMBA Epic Ride is not my number one, but feel better knowing that it was a tough choice.

Copper Harbor rivals the great western trails of Colorado and other states. Built on bedrock and offering climbs exceeding 500 feet in distance, these challenging trails are simply incredible and must be experienced to truly have any clue what is going on in this [not-so-quiet] northern town.

Mountain bikers can swoop down the incredibly flowy Brockway Trail that has banked turns and amazing views, or down the classic Red Trail that offers intermediate and advanced technical features, beautiful views, and lots of wheeeeeeee factor. There are many other trails that can keep riders busy for the whole day, or even many days.

The biggest reason why this trail is number two on my list is because of the variety factor. One super-challenging freeride trail that does need some impressive work has been closed, taking away a masterful piece of singletrack that challenges the craziest riders, yet allows intermediate riders to fairly safely venture into a new style of riding.

Copper Harbor has been working on an intermediate trail phase over the last couple of years, so the intermediate trails have boomed. There really are no fun, beginner options, but experts can let their freak flag fly on trails such as Paul’s Plunge.

This trail is simply a must-ride, and a full-suspension bike is highly recommended. While some phenomenal, rigid singlespeed riders own these trails in ecstasy, many devoted rigid or hardtail owners and singlespeeders have developed a strong desire for a plush, geared bike after getting beat up by the terrain.

Click here for more photos and information about this trail in the Moronacity Trail Guide. (Link will open in new window.)

No. 1. Michigan Technical University’s Recreational Forest – the Tech Trails

Only one of MTU’s rocky beauties on Hairy Toad.

Michigan Tech has an incredible trail system that offers something for everyone. The Pilgrim Trails give beginners a few loops to enjoy, while intermediate and advanced riders can enjoy rocky, technical trails, stunts, or baby-smooth singletrack on incredible hillsides.

This trail system has exploded over the last couple of years as lots of new singletrack has been added. Climbing is long and difficult, but descending is incredibly fun, fast and flowy. There is even a new pump track that was built last year.

Some of the new trails present exposure as riders traverse along ridges abutted by beautiful streams and foliage. This trail system is truly fun for the whole family as everyone can find something that brings them immense joy atop the mountain bike.

Click here for more photos and information about this trail in the Moronacity Trail Guide. (Link will open in new window.)

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