Single-track / free ride around winona?

[yellowandblackattack]

I have been down in winona working the past month, and it looks like there are some descent bluffs around the miss river. Does anyone know of any descent trail sections down this way? Single-track or freeride type rides?

Thanks for the input. This snow needs to melt...riding in snow is fun, but nothing beats a fast cycle.

Aaron

[FarmerBEN]

holzinger lodge will probably be to your liking. I am told adventure cycle and ski can point you in the right direction

[Thewavebb]

In my opinion, Holzinger has some of the best riding in the midwest. Lots of climbing and downhills, rocks, tight single track, amazing overlooks and all within a 5 minute bike ride from downtown winona. The trail is maintained by the Winona Area Mountain Bikers (WAMB) and Adventure Cycle and Ski is great place to go for information. They are located on the corner of Center st and 4th street I believe. Big Rid sign that says Adventure on it.

Here is a link for a map to the trail head (labeled "b")
http://maps.yahoo.com/index.php#mvt=m&q2=44.040959,-91.662251&trf=0&lon=-91.662261&lat=44.040959&mag=3


The trail systen can be a bit confusing if you haven't ridden it before since there is almost no signage. The lower Loop is about 2 miles long and is a up and down double track that is kinda punishing. Lots of loose rocks, a couple steep climbs. when the trail makes a defined "U-turn" you want to take the exit to the right about 50 feet after the trails does a 180. Follow that trail till you reach a big Concrete Cistern on your right. There should be a small wooden sign with the name "wildwood" on a tree near the trail. Follow this trail untill you get to the top of the bluffs. near the top of the bluff, there are a couple options to continue the journey to the top, the more challanging trails are typically to the right, while the easier to the left. this will take you to the top. This would be the "upper loop", this is mainly a really fast and flowing singletrack. This was my favorite part of the system since I could really get in a rhythm and go fast. There are a few options to get back down...My two favorites are ...1, is the way you came up, wildwood climb is a really fast, flowing downhill. Just be carefull when coming up on blindspots and slowdown....2, Rock quary trail, this trail is a parallel up the bluff from wildwood. Its has more rocks, tighter singletracks, and steeper climbs/drops... my favorite way down. When coming back down from upper loop this trail is on the right about 50 feet before the exit for wildwood trail.

If you want to ride this summer, we have been trying to get a MORC group ride down there. I ride there at least a few times a summer since its so much fun.

Hope that helped a little
Ben

[yellowandblackattack]

Thanks for the info. I figured someone out there knew what was going on. Sounds like some good riding. I am definately game for hitting this place up this summer. I'll keep my eye out for any posts about this.