"BIG M" Michigan Ride Report

[Single Track]

Having never been to Big M before my wife and I were anxious to see what it was all about.

We chose the week after the Lumberjack 100 to ride figuring the trails would be in good shape after the race. We meet up with one of the race sponsors and were asked to help pick up any remaining course tape, signage or trash we came upon and were happy to lend a hand in course cleanup.

The ranger said there is 46 miles of trail in the Big M area and on a sunny 75 degree Saturday there were only four cars in the parking area. If you want to ride undisturbed this is your place. The outer loop was cut to IMBA standards by mountain bikers and has a smooth flow with limited climbs. The inner loops are older and were cut by cross country skier types. They are still 70% single track and the typical steep climb followed by steep descent you expect from XC ski trails, still much fun on a bike. The full inner and outer loops will give you about 33 miles and 1800' of climbing. The only trail people kind of avoid is the "Swedish Fiddle" trail. It's kind of out in the open fields and has a lot of ruts, think riding through a farm field across the furoughs out in the sun.

The surprise trail was the "North Country Trail" an old school ridge line trail with rooty climbs and great views on both sides looking down into wooded bowls and valleys. We only rode it between the upper and lower part of the outer loop but every bit of it was fun. A must  ride if you make it up there.

We camped at Sand lake Recreation Area. Nice folks they will deliver ice or wood to your site and have decent shower/bath houses.

[mo50177]

I did the lumberjack for the first time this year and the trail was great. Fast flowing single track with alot of climbing. In the race there was around 9000 ft of climbing. I cant wait to ride it again.