gopherhockey
09-18-2006, 03:47 PM
Until we get a more formal trail review online, I thought I'd start a thread for people to post their thoughts and tips on riding Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area.
First, you can find a map online here:
http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/is/pks/pdf/mtbiketrailmap.pdf
The bad news first:
Note that the map (above) and the one you *might* find at the trailhead are different. Neither appears to be accurate. Interestingly enough, neither do their posted maps along the trail where "you are here" should have read "you might be here" in some areas. Even the trail numbering system was strange because you could take a trail numbered "7" one way and come out on the other side only to see it labeled "9" going the other direction.
I don't know if this is because the trail keeps changing due to logging or what, but the one big complaint I might have about this trail system is the map and navigation. I think our group spent just as much time trying to find singletrack as we did riding it. I have no doubt had we ridden with someone who really knows the trail it would have been much easier to fully appreciate the trails.
I am sure they are also in the process of working on new trails all the time, but it was a bit strange how their trails would lead off into nowhere, or you would have to take ski trails to get out and between most of the sections. For example, it would be really cool if trail 10 connected to trail 11, or if they connected 8 to 16 and completed their loops. Again, I'm sure this is a work in progress and have no doubt that it will continue to improve over time.
On a more positive note, some might see the confusion over maps as being ok. Its not always a bad thing to take time after riding each trail to regroup and catch your breath.
Try as I might I could not find the web site of the club that maintains this trail. Its too bad there isn't a good online web site featuring this trail. Perhaps our eventual trail review might be the most complete unless someone can find something else out there.
The good:
Don't get me wrong, the confusion over maps and trails was small compared to the enjoyment of the entire trail experience. They have a lot of great trails with a more Mammoth than Lebanon feel. Throw in a LOT of rocks, roots and small dirt pile jumps and you get a real unique ride. I can't say enough about how cool their rock situation is - they can simply build the trail through the many rocks and don't have to move rocks to the trail like we often do. They are the nice square rocks that make for multiple lines, unlike our round fieldstones. If you don't like riding up and down rocky sections this trail might not be as fun for you. If you like that kind of thing this place is a goldmine!
There are really no man-made obstacles out there (aside from a few bridges) Its just nature (for the most part) that builds their obstacles. I admit it is a nice change from what we have, but what we have definitely prepares you to ride a place like 9-mile.
The trail itself appears to soak up rain very well. Unlike most of our local trails, it could rain there for an afternoon and just an hour after you could be out riding again. The trails were cupped rather than benched for the most part, but it appears to handle the rain well and the erosion seems to add to the trails challenge without really causing much damage.
General Info:
The trails are bi-directional. I believe they have about 15 miles of singletrack out there - most Intermediate to Expert.
It costs you $3 a person to ride the trail. You can pick up a pay envelope at the trailhead.
The trailhead had bathrooms, and someone in the group found a water hose that made for a nice cold shower after the ride.
It appears you can camp in the lot, but you cannot have a fire. I'm guessing there was a fee to camp there.
There is also more great camping nearby. We stayed at Rib Mountain where they have about 30 sites, some with great views. They have hot showers ($1 token for 5 minutes that felt more like 15), firewood and drinking water available. I believe it was $10 per vehicle and $12 per campsight (2 tents max) for non-residents.
Those who have been there or were there last weekend please feel free to add to this. We can turn it into a trail review eventually. My viewpoints are based on one weekend of riding only.
I suggest everyone esperience 9-mile. Just like Levis, its a great mini destination trail in neighboring Wisconsin.
First, you can find a map online here:
http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/is/pks/pdf/mtbiketrailmap.pdf
The bad news first:
Note that the map (above) and the one you *might* find at the trailhead are different. Neither appears to be accurate. Interestingly enough, neither do their posted maps along the trail where "you are here" should have read "you might be here" in some areas. Even the trail numbering system was strange because you could take a trail numbered "7" one way and come out on the other side only to see it labeled "9" going the other direction.
I don't know if this is because the trail keeps changing due to logging or what, but the one big complaint I might have about this trail system is the map and navigation. I think our group spent just as much time trying to find singletrack as we did riding it. I have no doubt had we ridden with someone who really knows the trail it would have been much easier to fully appreciate the trails.
I am sure they are also in the process of working on new trails all the time, but it was a bit strange how their trails would lead off into nowhere, or you would have to take ski trails to get out and between most of the sections. For example, it would be really cool if trail 10 connected to trail 11, or if they connected 8 to 16 and completed their loops. Again, I'm sure this is a work in progress and have no doubt that it will continue to improve over time.
On a more positive note, some might see the confusion over maps as being ok. Its not always a bad thing to take time after riding each trail to regroup and catch your breath.
Try as I might I could not find the web site of the club that maintains this trail. Its too bad there isn't a good online web site featuring this trail. Perhaps our eventual trail review might be the most complete unless someone can find something else out there.
The good:
Don't get me wrong, the confusion over maps and trails was small compared to the enjoyment of the entire trail experience. They have a lot of great trails with a more Mammoth than Lebanon feel. Throw in a LOT of rocks, roots and small dirt pile jumps and you get a real unique ride. I can't say enough about how cool their rock situation is - they can simply build the trail through the many rocks and don't have to move rocks to the trail like we often do. They are the nice square rocks that make for multiple lines, unlike our round fieldstones. If you don't like riding up and down rocky sections this trail might not be as fun for you. If you like that kind of thing this place is a goldmine!
There are really no man-made obstacles out there (aside from a few bridges) Its just nature (for the most part) that builds their obstacles. I admit it is a nice change from what we have, but what we have definitely prepares you to ride a place like 9-mile.
The trail itself appears to soak up rain very well. Unlike most of our local trails, it could rain there for an afternoon and just an hour after you could be out riding again. The trails were cupped rather than benched for the most part, but it appears to handle the rain well and the erosion seems to add to the trails challenge without really causing much damage.
General Info:
The trails are bi-directional. I believe they have about 15 miles of singletrack out there - most Intermediate to Expert.
It costs you $3 a person to ride the trail. You can pick up a pay envelope at the trailhead.
The trailhead had bathrooms, and someone in the group found a water hose that made for a nice cold shower after the ride.
It appears you can camp in the lot, but you cannot have a fire. I'm guessing there was a fee to camp there.
There is also more great camping nearby. We stayed at Rib Mountain where they have about 30 sites, some with great views. They have hot showers ($1 token for 5 minutes that felt more like 15), firewood and drinking water available. I believe it was $10 per vehicle and $12 per campsight (2 tents max) for non-residents.
Those who have been there or were there last weekend please feel free to add to this. We can turn it into a trail review eventually. My viewpoints are based on one weekend of riding only.
I suggest everyone esperience 9-mile. Just like Levis, its a great mini destination trail in neighboring Wisconsin.