dirt roads magazine - shoreline cycling club

your legs

MTB & Road

its FREE. just take it.

Manistee & Mason County Ride Guide

Volume 1, Edition 1

Manistee Co.

Mason Co.

Shoreline-Cycling-2013Pub_rev2.indd 1 4/30/2013 5:56:35 PM

Shoreline Cycling Clubwww.shorelinecyclingclub.org

2013 DIRTroad Committee:

David Maclean Ken Blakey-ShellScott Quiring Sara KronleinChristina Peek

PUBLISHER: Shoreline Cycling Club

ART DIRECTOR: Brandon Jensen- RIGHTside design

EDITOR: Maralee Cook

MANAGING WRITER: Ken Blakey-Shell

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER: Andy Klevorn

Our Mission

The purpose of the club is to educate cyclists, elected officials, local decision makers and the general public about the benefits of cycling. Health, environmental responsibility and a practical means of transportation are a few of these benefits.

In order to achieve this purpose, the Club will promote and participate in trail and bicycle path construction, maintenance and cleanup, conduct educational programs and advocate increased bicycle use as a means of environ-mental conservation.

Please respect IMBA rules on our trail systems.

The Shoreline Cycling Club members strive to ensure that the trails that have been created will survive for generations of riders, so we ask that when riding, please respect the trails, and others who are enjoying them. For a complete list of IMBA rules we encourage you to visit: www.imba.com

Special Thanks

This edition of DIRTroad was funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Shoreline-Cycling-2013Pub_rev2.indd 2-3 4/30/2013 5:56:35 PM

your legsin Manistee and Mason county

road

step

DIRTroad magazine was created by the Shoreline Cycling Club of Manistee and Mason counties. SCC is a non-profit group of die hard cycling junkies, promoting and growing the cycling community in the area and opening up peoples eyes to great riding available right here in Northern Michigan. Flip through these pages and check out the top ten MTB and ROAD rides selected by the panel of experts who meticulously selected these top rides in the area.

Look for the symbols... Do you like ROAD, MTB, BOTH?

step

step

Check out the stats and symbols... see if its a good fit for your style of riding and experience level. To avoid confusion, we stuck to three rating scales.

Get off your couch and go riding in Northern Michigan! We have given you everything we can in a 40 page ride guide.

Easy - Great for families/kids-smooth & flat.

Medium - Rolling hills,smooth with a few bumps..

Hard - A high climb here &there and rougher terrain

Harder - More climbing and pretty rough terrain.

Insanity - Up and down like an elevator andyou ask yourself... is this a trail people actually ride? Recommended for very experienced riders

Beginner- Great for families/kids learning skills.

Intermediate - Need to have ridden a bike before.

Advanced - Need the right gear & really understand how to handle your bike.

Expert - Need quality equipment and understand technique. Junkie - If you are here, you get it... and probably have a garage full of bikes.

Easy Going - Short ride, all you need is a bottle of water.

Good Workout - Need to be in some sort of shape.

High Pace - Going to need water and some fuel!

I enjoy pain - You better ride often... this is a long ride. Expect heavy breathing.

Are you human? - Long haul, you enjoy pain, and a serious personal fitness challenge.

YTLUCI FFI D

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he Big M trail system is located between the Big and Little Manistee rivers on a big mound of glacial poo named Udell Hills. Flat terrain surrounds much of the Udell

Hills. The trails meander all over this mound providing a wide variety of terrain, including a lot of challenging climbs and descents. In total, there are over 40 miles of single-track in this area when you include the North Country Trail (NCT), which traverses Udell Hills.

There are as many good routes as there are mountain bikers, so the Big M is a great place to follow your bliss and ride without a fixed route ahead of time. If you feel like hitting some hills, you are in the right spot to get your fix of climb-ing and downhilling. If you want flatter terrain, not a problem! Hit up some of the trails on the perimeter of Udell Hills and enjoy the speed.

The trails in this area are old school in their design. In other words, expect some water damage which will cause sandy patches, root exposure, and some small drops/ledges. This really isnt ideal for the health of the trails, and the cycling club works with the National Forest Service to address problem areas, but it does make for some fun riding if you like things to be a bit more technical. Seasonally, the trails change in character. In the spring there tends

to be a fair amount of leaves and small sticks covering the trails (ideal single speed conditions). In the summer, when things get a lot drier and warmer, the trails tend to get sandier (riding after a rain is the perfect time to get out there.) In the fall you will be treated to riding

bliss until the leaves start to drop, or we get a storm which starts to bring down a lot of sticks and limbs. We do our best to clear the trails but after a windstorm a lot of junk can fall on the trails, so make sure you are prepared for potential stick damage (bent/broken spoke, bent derailleur hanger/ derailleur...) if you are headed out for a long ride.

(continued on page 10)


TO MANISTEE

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BIG-MParking/Shelter/Restroom

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BindleStiff

Gabriels Horn

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Udell LookoutTower

Cata

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tick

Ryberg Rd

Sky Pilot

Road Monkey

Road Monkey

Barber Chair

The Firetower

Shanty Boy

UdellTrailhead TO WELLSTON

Good Rd.

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

0.5 MI00.250.5

26.2

MyRaceSticker.com

Custom and standard stickers for runners, triathletes and cyclists. Designs from5k to 140.6 and up. Use coupon code dirtroads for10% off your first order.

Race directors and retailers, build your brand with a custom line of high-quality, made-in-Michigan stickers. Great for fundraising too!

13.113.1 13.1

Recommended that the riders start on the Udell Trailhead at M-55. This trailhead is part of the Manistee National Forest and is a fee area which requires a small fee for parking. Start out on the North Country Trail and head south and after about 1 mile you will catch the Big M Outer loop (25 on marked post.) Continue west on Shanty Boy. When you reach Marker 29, continue to 30 on the Outer loop. When you reach the 30 marker, you may take a detour to 31 and see the Udell Lookout Firetower or continue to marker 33. Continuing on the Outer Loop you will get into the inner trail system of Big M. You will reach marker 17, continue on to 34 (you will be on Corkpine). Continue to 35, to 2, 3 and 4 on Lumberjack. From marker 4, continue to 23 to 24, 25, and hook up with the North Country Trail back to the Udell Trailhead.

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Big Ms Bitchin Berms elev: 321 ft. avg grade: 7.1% dist: 1.59mi

Good Road Climb elev: 110 ft. avg grade: 4.1% dist: 0.79mi

Off-Chamber Climb elev: 179 ft. avg grade: 9.0% highest grade: 11.2% dist: 0.52mi

7.5

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Big-M XC Ski/MTB trails

Big-M Outer MTB trail

North Country Trail

North Country Trail

Mile Marker

Climbs Worth Naming

Start RoadsFinish

MTB TRAIL (associated with this ride)

2.5

CappersCorner

44.10559-86.029318

44.191688-86.064716

8 | Shoreline Cycling Club DIRTroad Magazine | 9


Classic routes include the outer loop which will take you around the perimeter of the poo. Another great option if you are looking for a challenging route is the old 25 mile Lumberjack 100 route. The Lumberjack 100 is a 100 mile mountain bike race held each June. In recent years it has moved to a 33 mile loop which includes some two track, but the old 25 mile loop is 99% single-track and is an excellent way to take in the best of the Udell. In general, we recommend against hopping on the two-tracks in the Udell if you are not familiar with the area and/or do not have excellent navigation skills. There is not good signage on the two- tracks for MTB use and it is easy to get lost.

Highlights in the area include Cappers Corner and the Firetower. Cappers Corner is the location of an old ski lift and offers excellent views. The Firetower is the high point of the area and offers some interesting history on the area.

There are two primary trailheads that service the Udell Hills area, and one super secret trailhead with a special bonus feature.

On the north end just off of M55 is the North Country Trailhead. This is the quickest location to get on the trails if you are coming from Manistee. Head south out of the parking lot on NCT and after .7 miles the Big M trails will inter-sect NCT. You dont have a ton of options for trails to start out on, and no matter which way you go there is going to be some climbing, so this isnt the best trailhead for beginners. The trail-head has a hand pump for water (only trailhead in the area with potable water), a pit toilet, and lots of parking. There is a fee tube and National Forest Service usage fee at this site.

On the southern side of Udell Hills is the Big M Parking lot. There are a lot of options for riding from this trailhead to accommodate all skill and fitness levels.There is a nice paved parking lot with tons of space, pit toilets, and a

Lumberjack, Corkpine, Bindle Stiff, Road Monkey, and Swedish Fiddle are all flat to rolling. Most every-thing else is fairly hilly. Swedish Fiddle is best avoided because it is pretty unspectacular and typically not in as good of shape as the rest of the trails.

lodge that is open to XC skiers in the winter. There is a fee tube and National Forest Service usage fee.

The super secret trailhead isnt really secret at all. It is a put in for the Little Manistee River named Nine Mile Bridge. There are no ame-nities at this location and no fee to park here. The big amenity is the river. This is an awesome place to ride from in the summer because you can swim and cool off after the ride. To access the Big M trails you

need to head north from Nine Mile Bridge and hop on NCT. You then climb, climb and climb some more until the Big M trail system crosses NCT. This is also an excellent place to park and head south on NCT. The section of NCT to the south is fairly flat to rolling and is a great option if you want to avoid hills.

CUSTOM BUILT BICYCLE FRAMES SINCE 1999Quality, Craftsmanship & An Industry Leader

Titanium, Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel & More

MA

DE

IN M

ICH

IGA

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text: Ken Blakey-ShellKen is a board member of the Shoreline Cycling

Club and an avid outdoor adventure seeker.

DIRTroad Magazine | 11


ou would be hard pressed to find a bad road riding route in Manistee County because of the rolling terrain, low traffic, and beautiful views. If there is one standout route it has to be Lake-shore Rd out of Manistee and then M22 from

Portage Lake/Onekama heading north. These roads are the trifecta of road riding bliss: good roads that are safe to ride, beautiful views and terrain that varies from flat to hilly depending on what you are looking for. To cap it off, if you want to ride a different route back, there are many variations on back roads branching off the route which provide low traffic, more beautiful views, great terrain and some really great rider attractions.

Lakeshore Rd heads north out of the City of Manistee and has a nice bike lane along its entire length as well as low speed limits for cars. The route is bookended by two climbs on the north and south. These can be challenging with elevation gains of around 100 vertical feet, but the climbs are broken up with some flat sections part way through the climbs. The center section of Lakeshore Rd is flat with views of Lake Michigan and Bar Lake. Options to make your ride into a loop include turning onto Bar Lake Rd and then connecting back up to Lakeshore Rd via Kott Rd which will take you through the Bar Lake Swamp and past gorgeous farmland with periodic views of Lake Michigan and the dunes in the distance.

(continued on page 16)

On your way through downtown Onekama dont hesitate to stop at the local shops and farmers markets. They offer some of the best local/fresh produce around. A great local fuel source.

Right at the beginning of the ride on Lakeshore Road you will find Orchard Beach State Park. Con-nected to the park is a great hiking area with 5+ miles of marked trails.


DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

This rideshowcases the great roads along the shoreline and also highlights the country roads further inland that are both beautiful and lightly trafficked. There are a few challenging climbs along the way to test the legs, and the down-hills are really fun.

Mile Marker

Climbs Worth NamingStart RoadsFinish

ROADS (associated with this ride)

OVERLAP (riding same stretch)

2.5

-or-

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ROAD TRAIL (associated with this ride)

OVERLAP (riding same stretch as other route)

2.5 2.5 Mile Marker

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13 MileBear Lake

VILLAGE OF BEAR LAKE

Portage Lake

Portage PointArtesian Well

Portage Point

The Art DeckOutdoor Art

Studio

HikingTrails

Find the Paved Bike Trail between

Hill & Vet. Oak Grove

Scenic Overlook

Old FacefulArtesian Well

Bar Lake

ManisteeLake

Lake

Mich

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OrchardBeach

State Park

13 M

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VILLAGE OF ONEKAMA

VILLAGE OF EASTLAKE

CITY OFMANISTEE

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Nice Rest Spot



M22 is nice and flat in the area of Portage Lake and heads through the charming Village of Onekama. A great option is to turn onto Portage Point Dr and ride out to Portage Point on the north side of the Portage Lake channel. Along the way there is an artesian well which has crystal clear and cold water to resupply with. Further out near Portage Point you will go past historic Portage Point Inn and eventually end at Lake Michigan where Portage Lake hooks up with the big lake.

If you head north of Portage Lake on M22 you will get into some winding and substantial hills (most about 1 mile in length and 300+ elevation gain) but will be rewarded by stunning overlooks of Lake Michigan and the small lakes in the area. This route is a great choice when looking to venture beyond the Manistee County border north of Arca-dia. If you are looking for a long ride, continue north into Benzie County and beyond. M22 between Onekama and Arcadia has many quaint produce stands with fresh fruit grown in the very orchards you will be riding through.

There are excellent diversions along the way. If you turn west off of M22 onto 13 Mile Rd you will be treated to a very fun, winding downhill into Pierport. Not

only will you dead end at a nice beach access to Lake Michigan, you will also find the second artesian well in the area: Old Facefull. This is yet another excellent tasting, cold water resupply station along the lakeshore. These wells have saved many a weary cyclist! The roads east of M22 are also great options. Milarch and Erdman are both quality north and south roads to use if you want to loop back to your starting location. St Pierre south of Arcadia is a fun and challenging option going both up and down from the Arcadia Valley. Whichever road you choose to ride along the lakeshore, you will find youself coming back for more once you have experienced.

text: Ken Blakey-ShellKen is a board member of the Shoreline Cycling

Club and an avid outdoor adventure seeker.

If you are riding in the shoulder seasons, be sure to pack an extra layer you can put on and take off as temperatures may vary by 10 degrees from the lakeshore to the inland roads.

Located in downtownManistee Michigan

231.398.5556OutpostManistee.com

FEATURING- clothing

- accessories- footwear

- michigan gear- much more!

we are here

On your way through downtown Onekama dont hesitate to stop at the local shops and farmers markets. They offer some of the best local/fresh produce around. A great local fuel source.

Right at the beginning of the ride on Lakeshore Road you will find Orchard Beach State Park. Con-nected to the park is a great hiking area with 5+ miles of marked trails.

DIRTroad Magazine | 17


[33.2 miles -or- 41.2 miles w/ add-on]

[17.2 miles - Dashed White/Red line on map]

DIRTroad is proud to say that we have eliminated the guessing game by mapping out the five best MTB and ROAD rides in the Manistee and Mason County area.

OUR FEATURE MTB ride, the Outer Loop has one of the most diverse collections of terrain in Michigan. It also boasts some of the largest elevation changes of any of our rides, so pack plenty of fuel!

OUR FEATURE ROAD ride, the Pierport Loop takes you along one of the most scenic highways in Michigan, M22. You meander your way up and down the coastal terrain on great roads with scenic overlooks! A must ride when you are in the area.

Page: 8 [15.7 miles]

[41.3 miles]

[12.2 miles - per complete loop]

[17.8 miles out/back]


[miles vary]

[miles varies]

Page: 20

Experience the rolling hills and beautiful wildflower fields on this single track loop system.

Page: 24

Beginners/Intermediate MTB riders looking to venture out on single track for the first time will enjoy this.

Page: 28

Define EPIC... This ride is for your advanced MTB practitioners of the sport.

Page: 30

A great collection of MTB trails that is sure to intrigue all types of riders.

Page: 33

A great spot to take the whole family on an afternoon MTB ride! Also a great spot to pick up the sport!


[47.5 miles out/back : Dashed White + Dark Red line on map]


Page: 15

Short on time? Cut the Pierport Loop short on the Bar Lake Loop and still catch the beauty of the Lake.

Page: 22

The southern equivalent of the Pierport Loop. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan and great roads to ride on.

Page: 26

It has this name for a reason. This ride is a long haul on undulating terrain with tight roads.

Page: 27

Take in Lake Michigan, the Big Manistee River and rolling farmlands all in one ride.

Page: 32

Wide roads, views of the Lake and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the state park! A great family ride.

Page: 14

Finding some of the trailheads for the MTB rides can be tough, so we gave you all the GPS coordinates so they should be easy to find!31

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KALEVA

THOMPSONVILLE

MANISTEE

BRETHREN

WELLSTON

SCOTTVILLE CUSTER

Oceana County

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Lake County

Lake County

Newaygo County

New

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Manistee County

Manistee County

Manistee County

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Benzie County

HART

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ManisteeLake

< North Country Trail (Solid - MTB bikes allowed)

< North Country Trail (Dashed - NO MTB bikes)

< North Country Trail (Dashed - NO MTB bikes)

LakeMichigan

Portage Lake

HamlinLake

RoundLake

WolfLake

Little Manistee River

Sauble River

Pere Marquette River

Big M

aniste

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Bear Lake

Tippy DamPond

13 Mile Rd

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Coates Hwy

Coates Hwy

Dillings Rd

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34 1/2 Rd

Hoxeyville Rd

10 1/2 Mile Rd

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W 76th St

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Free Soil Rd

County Line Rd

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Chauvez Rd

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Tyler Rd 12

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44.10559-86.029318

44.170657-86.103628

44.231989-86.07628

44.273175-85.946448

44.291839-85.88171

44.373938-85.838452

44.526273-86.214753

43.743378-86.404336

xx.xxxxx-xx.xxxxx



FIGURE 8: This 10 mile ride (red trails) is a classic no matter which direction you decide to go. The figure 8 is made by the two trails in the Dry Hill area right off the St Pierre trailhead (Chestnut and Dry Hill loops). If you go such that you can hit the middle of the 8 going south towards Matzinger Rd you will take in one of the best downhills of the trail system.

QUAD LOOP: There are four basic loops in the Arcadia trail system: The 2 mile loop west of M22, the 2 mile Chestnut loop off the St. Pierre trailhead, the 7 mile Dry Hill Loop and the 2 mile Petes Woods loop. Hit all four loops for about a 20 mile ride (7 miles gravel road on top of the loops).

SEASON TIP: If you can only pick one season to ride the loops, it must be sping. When the Trillium wildflowers are in full bloom it is a breathtaking scene to see the hills blanketed with them.

St. P

ierr

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Joyfield Rd

Matzinger Rd

Best when ridden in the Shoulder season. This

section of trail is frequentlytraveled by hikers during

the summer months

FIGURE 8

Taylor Rd

TO PETESWOODS

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Deep-Dark-Forest elev: 83 ft. avg grade: 4.7% highest grade: 5.1% dist: 0.33mi

99 Bottles elev: 121 ft. avg grade: 3.9% highest grade: 7.1% dist: 0.61mi

DIFFICULTY |

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Mile Marker

Climbs Worth Naming

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44.526273-86.214753

44.527014-86.142006



CITY OF LUDINGTON

VILLAGE OF PENTWATER

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

For those looking to venture out on the road for an easy/moderate road ride with stunning views of Lake Michigan, this is a perfect "out and back" option for you. We recommend that you begin your ride at Stearns Park at the west end of US10 (Ludington Avenue) From there, you will head through downtown Ludington until hooking up with the Pere Marquette Highway & Iris Road. Iris Road has a decent climb, but the view from the top is well worth the energy used during the early stages of this ride (use caution on Iris, it is very narrow.) Once you make your way west on Iris, swing south onto S. Lakeshore Dr. You will take Lakeshore all the way to the Marina in downtown Pentwater. Give yourself some extra time in Pentwater, as many of the shops are worth checking out.

ADD-ON: As you are riding south (or back north from Pentwater) you will see fifty-six 465' tall wind turbines from the Lake Winds Energy Park. This add-on route takes you down 12 miles of great road through the heart of the wind farm. These structures are amazing to see up close and you should consider the add-on if you have the time.

31

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Park

Pentwater Marina

Lake Michigan

PentwaterLake

BassLake

HopkinsLake

Pere MarquetteLake

Ludington Ave

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S. Lakeshore Dr

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Hammett Rd

N 6

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Jefferson Rd

Washington Rd

Marrison Rd

Anthony Rd

Deren Rd

Meisenheimer Rd

Hawley Rd

Kistler Rd

Kinney Rd

W. Chauvez Rd

Conrad Rd

1st St

Mey

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Jeba

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Bradshaw Rd

Lakeshore Rd

Blundell Rd

Lattin Rd

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N Oceana Dr

Madison Rd

6th St Monroe Rd

Mile Marker

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2.5(To Pentwater)

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Add-Mile Marker

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Freesoil Rd/8-Mile

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Riverside Dr

Cam

pbel

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Udell Hills RdSk

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FreesoilTrailhead

Mile Marker2.5(Return mileage)

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

Mile Marker

Start RoadsFinish

MTB TRAIL (North Country Trail-NCT)

NCT TRAIL (may continue riding onthis trail if you desire)

2.5

This section is about 17 miles round trip and is beginner friendly because it isnt very hilly nor is it very tight. On the southern end there is a swampy area that comes alive in the spring with lots of frogs and other wildlife meander-ing about. If you want to add on some more challenging terrain you can continue north on this section and into the Udell Hills which is hilly and more technical hooking up with Big M (see page 10 for full map.) This is a popular ride to go out and back on, as you will easily identify the end of the route when you reach the Little Manistee River and the bridge crossing. Keep in mind that the final half mile will be over dirt roads, as you will hook up with Riverside Drive and merge onto 9-Mile/Skocelas Road until you hit the makeshift parking area near 9-mile bridge.

Be sure to pack plenty of water, as neither parking area to the north or south have potable water. The Freesoil Trailhead does have a quality info kiosk, and neither parking area requires a vehicle permit/fee for parking.

9-MileBridge

5.0

2.5

8.6

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15.0

231-843-3441800-748-0173

(reservations only)

www.vikingarmsinn.com930 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington

Exceptional Qualityand Hospitality

44.170657-86.103628

44.10559-86.029318



Map

le R

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Fox Farm Rd

Tuttle Rd

Koenig Rd

Terml Rd

Red

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Che

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Kott Rd Dontz Rd

Lake

shor

e R

d

VeteransOak Grove

SwitalskiRd K

ettn

er R

d

Ken

ny R

d

Chi

ef R

d

Arc

her

Rd

Farn

swor

th

Leck

rone

Griffith Rd

Washington (Maple) St.

Bar

Lak

e R

d Schoedel RdCoates Hwy

OptionalBAILOUT

River Rd

Mila

rch

1st St

Co. Line Rd

CITY OF MANISTEE

Filer City Rd

Truck Route

Dar

r R

dC

amp

Rd

Custer R

d

Free Soil RdR

eek Rd

Poplar R

d

Beyer Rd

Cle

vela

ndR

eek

Ford Lk.Millerton Rd

Fountain Rd

Qua

rter

line

Rd

Wild

woo

d R

d

Mor

ton

Rd

Hoague Rd

Preuss Rd

Ros

e R

d

Hind

erman

Rd

Skid

mor

e

Hig

h B

ridg

e R

d

Named Southern Discomfort for its outgoing direction and mileage. You will need endurance for this 55 mile round trip ride, however, you don't have to be the most experienced climber, as there are few hills that need to be navigated. Make sure you pack plenty of fuel, as there are few stops along the way. You will find a gas station in Freesoil (on Free Soil Rd.) but that is your only real option.

ROAD TIPS: There are almost 2 miles on Quarterline which dont have a shoulder and are highly trafficked so you may want to push the pace on this section to shorten it up. The rest of the roads do not have bike lanes but are low traffic country roads hooking back up with Maple Road into Downtown Manistee. If you are at all familiar with the area, we suggest bailing out on Filer City Road which is the local "Truck Route." It is marked well so it is an easy and scenic road to make your way back to Manistee.

This is primarily an east/west ride (or as much as possible from Manistee). The ride heads north and then inland at Kott Rd. When you turn off Bar Lake Rd and onto Schoedel Rd you are in for a big climb to one of the best views in the area once you reach the top. Continuing on to US31 (a very safe stretch with rumble strips and a wide shoulder), turn right so you can ride that short section slightly downhill to Coates Hwy. Shortly after this you will jog onto Milarch and then onto River Rd where you will ride through a section of the Manistee River valley. High Bridge Rd and Coates Hwy are both busier roads but have good shoulders for most of their lengths. Once you get back to Milarch, turn north to 31 and hook up with US31 to Schoedel. You can loop around Bar Lake (via Bar Lake Road) and come back to Manistee via Lakeshore Rd. This is a great ride to do early in the spring when it is sunny because it is 10+ degrees warmer inland than by the coast.

22

31

31

Gun Lake

Ford Lake

Ford Lake

Lake

Mich

igan

ManisteeLake

Bar Lake DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |


OVERLAP (riding same stretch as other route)

2.5 Mile Marker Roads

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

Start

Roads

Finish

ROADS (associated with this ride)

OVERLAP (riding same road)

ALT (optional route)

2.5 Mile Marker

5.0

50.0

10.0 15.0

20.0

25.0

35.0

45.0

(beginning at 1st St and Maple St.)

Start Finish(beginning at 1st St and Maple St.)

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.030.0

35.0

40.0

45.0



This is one of those trails that you can ride out and back and you would never guess that you are on the same trail. We suggest you begin your 17.26mi. round trip from Coates Highway as it is the easiest access point where you can park along the road (on the shoulder near the NCT sign) or you can park at the Upper River Trailhead and ride down Upper River Rd to Coates Hwy when you will hook up with the NCT marker indicated on the map. Please note that this section of trail is traveled frequently by hikers so make sure you follow the IMBA trail etiquette guidelines.

This ride takes you on nearly 2,800 feet of climbing, so you will need plenty of fuel and water on this ride. We do not recommend this for begin-ners as much of this single track is fast and tight. This stretch of the North Country Trail has some of the best MTB riding in the state, so enjoy every minute of it!

For those of you looking to extend your ride, you can keep riding south from Coates down to Dillings Road. This will add another 1,200 feet of elevation to your ride (out and back) along with another 13 miles.

Coates Hwy

Upp

er R

iver

Rd

Pole Rd

Red Bridge

Twr. Road

Lage

rqui

st R

d

Sheep Ranch Rd

Upp

er R

iver

Rd

Beers Rd Beers R

d

Hodenpyl D

am R

d

Upper RiverRd. Trailhead

NCT marker onCoates Hwy

(shoulder parking)

Big

Man

iste

e Ri

ver

Big

Man

iste

e Ri

ver

HodenpylDam Pond

HODENPYL DAM

< NCT (Bikes Allowed)

NCT (NO Bikes) >

NCT (NO Bikes)

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

Mile Marker

Climbs Worth Naming

Start

Roads

Finish


NCT TRAIL (North Country Trail)

2.5

Marilla Trailhead

Red Hill Lookout elev: 246 ft. avg grade: 11.3% dist: 0.41mi

Sweets Ravine elev: 293 ft. avg grade: 7.01% dist: 0.79mi

Mile Marker2.5(Return mileage)

5.0

10.0

15.0

44.291839-85.881711

44.373938-85.838452



31

31

Pentwater Lake

If you head south out of Ludington on the expressway, the first town you will come up on is the bustling summer community of Pentwater, MI. If you take the Business US31 exit (Monroe Road), you will hook up with Long Bridge Road (Turn Left). Cross the bridge and turn left onto Wayne Road. Follow Wayne for approximately 1.5 miles and turn right onto a dirt road (Jackson). This will take you to a spectacular set of MTB trails in the heart of the State of Michigan cross country ski area. This is a great trail area for beginners looking to refine their MTB skills before hitting the Coates and Marilla Ride, or Big-M (also mentioned and mapped out in this guide).There are a variety of options when you are at the pathways, and these trails are marked

similar to Big-M (MTB #1) with intersection markers and a color coaded trail system referencing difficulty (green-beginner, blue-intermediate and black-advanced). Even though there are three sets of trails, if you are an experienced rider, you won't have a problem handling the advanced trails right from the beginning.

WEEKEND TRAVEL TIP: For those of you who are visiting Pentwater, be sure to bring both your ROAD and MTB bikes! With Pentwater being the turn-around point for the South Lakeshore ride, the Pentwater Pathways MTB trail system is a perfect spot to Stretch your MTB legs. Bring both of your bikes and have a blast on the Pentwater ROAD and MTB trails!

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

Intersection Marker

Beginner Trail

Roads


1

Intermediate Trail

Advanced Trail

PentwaterPathways

Parking Area

12

3

4

4.5

5

6

0

.25mi

.50mi

Monroe Rd

Wayne Ave

Long

bridg

e Rd

N 5

4th

Ave

Jackson (unpaved)

N 6

0th

Ave

52nd Ave

Wayne Rd.(no exit off US31

Use Monroe Rd Exit)

TO PENTWATER

43.743378-86.404336



10

1.8 MilesDisc Golf Area

0.31

mile

s

0.27 miles

0.16 miles

0.20 miles

0.42 miles

0.11 miles

0.20

mile

s

0.24

mile

s

0.17

mile

s

0.17

mile

s

0.20

mile

s

0.08miles

1.8 Miles

0.7 Miles

This is a great trail system to refine your MTB skills with the whole family! The Ludington School Forest Trails were built by the Shoreline Cycling Club and each year they keep adding to the trails. If you are looking for a quick hour-long workout, or a half day of fun with the family, the Ludington School Forest Trails is where its at

The Ludington State Park ride takes you on a flat, scenic ride along Lake Michigan! Leaving from Stearns Park on the west end of Ludington Avenue (US-10), you head north along Lakeshore Drive to M-116 following the lake all the way to the main parking area at the State Park. Many of the roads in the park are also paved and enjoyable to explore with the whole family! Ride back and enjoy scenic views of the Ludington Lighthouse and spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach!

CITY OF LUDINGTON

CARTIER PARKFAMILY LOOP(1 Mile Paved)

StearnsPark Ludington Ave

Bryant Rd

Sherman R

d

Sherman R

d

Jebavy Dr

Tinkham/Johnson Rd

Lake

shor

e D

r

M-116

M-116R

ath

Ave

Was

hing

ton

Ave

Bryant Ave

Jagger Rd

LUDINGTONSTATE PARK

Lake Michigan

Lincoln Lake

Pere MarquetteLake

HamlinLake

CartierPark

OrioleField

0 .125mi .25mi

ROAD TRAIL (Out and Back)

Mile Marker2.5

Finish

Start

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

DIFFICULTY |

EXPERIENCE |

ENDURANCE |

7.5

5.0

2.5

12 3

4

5

8

7

6

TO U

S-10

(0.6

miles)

MTB TRAIL (Trails vary by color)

(markers & maps)

WALKING PATH

Trailhead Intersection1



Butt hurts, back is killin ya, so I suppose you should find a place to crash before starting up with that 40 mile ride tomorrow. Here are a few places that we recommend. We have a little something for everyone in just about every price range.

CENTURY 21 Boardwalk:Vacation Rentals113 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660231.645.RENT (7368)www.iLOVEmanistee.com

From secluded cabins and cottages to beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront properties, we are your rental company of choice in the Manistee/Mason county area!

Ponchos Pond5335 W. Wallace Ln, Ludington, MI 49431888.308.6602www.poncho.com

We are a full service hook up RV park featuring a fitness center, 3 heated pools, activities and much more!

Mason Co. Campground & Picnic Area5906 W. Chauvez Rd, Ludington, MI 49431231.845.7609www.masoncounty.net

Playground, Disc Golf, Pavilion, Cabins-surrounded by towering hardwoods and only minutes to Lake Michigan.

Vacation Station RV4895 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431800.499-1060www.vacationstationrvpark.com

Situated in a beautiful natural setting with 155 manicured sites with full hook-up service!

Greiner Motel4616 West US 10, Ludington MI 49431231.843.3927www.greinermotel.com

Warm & friendly welcome, good morning coffee, sparkling clean rooms, all ground level, eateries, shopping close by.

Ludington Area Visitors Center5300 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431800.542.4600www.pureludington.com

For all your tourism needs in Mason County contact us. We have lodging, restaurants, attractions and so much more. Everything you will need for your time here in Ludington.

Manistee Area Visitors Center310 First Street, Manistee, MI 49660877.626.4783www.VisitManisteeCounty.com

Heres an invitation to step off the grid into a small town right out of a storybook. Great lodging, attractions and dining opportunities await you around every corner of Manistee County. Visit our website for more information.

Snyders Shoreline Inn903 West Ludington Ave.Ludington, MI 49431231.845.1261www.snydersshoreinn.com

Description: View Lake Michigan from your balcony. Walk to shopping & restau-rants. Near bike paths. Packages available.

Viking Arms Inn930 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.3441 -or- 800.748.0173www.vikingarmsinn.com

Exceptional Quality and Hospitality! Visit us on Facebook.

Best Western Splash Park Inn5005 West US-10, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.2140www.bwludington.com

When you visit Ludington, your very best hotel choice is Best Western Splash Park Inn. Enjoy our waterslide, swimming pool and new hot tub! We also offer a Free expanded breakfast bar everyday.

Naders Lakeshore Motor Lodge612 N. Lakeshore Dr, Ludington MI 49431231-843-8757www.nadersmotel.com

A very short walk to the amazing Lake Michigan sandy beach. In townclose to Ludington shops & restaurants. A family fun resort at an affordable price.

Crystal Mountain12500 Crystal Mountain DriveThompsonville, MI 49683800.968.7686www.crystalmountain.com

Whether youre looking to get away from it all or be the center of attention, Crystal Mountain has the perfect place for you to call home. Our property boasts over 250 hotel rooms, suites, condos, townhomes and resort residences, all nestled against the backdrop of beautiful northern Michigan.

Holiday Inn Express5323 West US-10, Ludington, MI 49431231.845.7004www.stayludington.com

The Holiday Inn Express is the top choice for travelers looking for a hotel in Luding-ton. Enjoy our indoor heated pool and hot tub, fitness facility, arcade room and daily breakfast bar.



Make sure you replenish yourself when you are out riding! Consider anyone of these great spots to chow after a long day riding the beautiful roads & trails.

The Mitten Bar109 Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.7616www.Mittenbar.com

Your recovery watering hole proudly serving only Michigan made beer, wine and spirits.

Hamlin Grocery3611 N. Jebavy Dr, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.2058www.hamlingrocery.com

Your favorite corner store! Featuring coffee bar, groceries, souvenirs & more!

EZ Mart: Blarney CastleVarious locations: blarneycastleoil.com

While cycling in beautiful northern Michigan, stop at the nearest EZ Mart for a cold drink and snack!

Old Hamlin Restaurant122 W. Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.4251www.oldhamlin.com

Good homecooking, daily specials, full bar, seasonal buffets, soup and salad bar daily!

House of Flavors - Ludington402 Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI 49431231.845.5785www.houseofflavors.com

Great food, ice cream and atmosphere! Breakfast is served ALL DAY!

Jamesport Brewing Company410 S. James St, Ludington, MI 49431231.845.2522www.jamesportbrewingco.com

Ludingtons ONLY brewpub! Great food, Great Service, and Great Beer & Cocktails!

House of Flavors - Manistee284 River St, Manistee, MI 49660231.887.4600www.houseofflavors.com

Great food, ice cream and atmosphere! Breakfast is served ALL DAY!

Hungry Howies5485 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431231.843.6363www.HungryHowies.com

Lunch and Dinner options available! Pizza, Calzones, Salads, Breads and wings available!



From shopping to bike repair, sometimes you need to know where these other important things are when you are hitting the ROAD/MTB trails.

Trailhead Bike Shop216 W. Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI231.845.0545www.TrailheadBikeShop.com

Your West Michigan full-service bike,kayak and outdoor retailer.Walk-in repairs welcome.

The Outpost of Manistee359 River St, Manistee, MI 49660231.398.5556www.outpostmanistee.com

We offer a fine selection of Womens and Mens clothing, accessories, outdoor gear and much more! Also stop in to check out our coffee and tea bar!

Snyders ShoesLocated in downtown Manistee and Luding-ton. Snyders shoes fit the way you live! Featuring your favorite brands from Keen, Merrell, Reef & much more!

Manistee: 231.723.3383Ludington: 231.845.6346

MyRaceSticker.comCustom and standard stickers for runners, triathletes and cyclists. Designs from 5k to 140.6 and up. Use coupon code dirtroads for 10% off your first order.

Quiring Cycles-Custom Frame Builderwww.quiringcycles.net

Building custom built bicycle frames since 1999. Quiring is quality MADE IN MICHIGAN! We are an industry leader in titanium, steel, aluminum and stainless steel bike frames.

Lake Michigan Car Ferry -S.S. Badger800.841.4243www.ssbadger.com

Take your bike on an S.S. Badger Mini-Cruist while visiting Ludington. Service between Manitowoc, WI. and Ludington MI.

West Shore Medical Center1465 E. Parkdale Ave (US-31)Manistee, MI 49660231.398.1000 : westshoremedcenter.org

Whether youre a year-round resident or a visitor to our community, you can be confident in the expert staff, advanced technology, and dedicated physicians at West Shore Medical Center.



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