Trial Signs

[MIMadMan]

I was wondering if there are any new trail signs at BC? I rode out there last year and never quite figured it out. I had fun cruising around but missed a lot of stuff. Anybody know......

[berrywise]

For Battle Creek it is a good idea to catch onto a group ride as there are quite a few different ways that one can go.

[rKo]

Group rides are great here. However, if you can't make one or want to explore on your own, here is my favorite loop. I tried to add some directions for some turns and to locate where you are. This route avoids large sand areas and hits the good stuff, IMHO. This map can also be found in the Battle Creek picture gallery.

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4448&size=big&cat=

[alpineskiman]

I have to say that Ryan's loop is pretty good, especially that single track that is on the south end of the park east of battle creek road. I havent ridden this loop in its entirety but have ridden all of it at one point or another, its some good stuff.

[biking_stickman]

Stay tuned...

Troy put together a great new Battle Creek map. I'll be posting it up here and using it to get feedback on the routes people tend to take...there are many variations.

We may get some signs and put together a "recommended" route for people unfamiliar with BC.

[MIMadMan]

thanks for the info, should help me navigate BC when I go out today:banana:

[Donuts]

I usually use this route. Very similar to the route posted previously, approx. 6 miles.
Most of the park is included and it has enough elevation gain to get the legs/lungs burning. My favorite place to ride in the metro right now.

http://www.morcmtb.org/trailreviews/metro/images/battlecreek/battlecreek_map.jpghttp://www.morcmtb.org/trailreviews/metro/images/battlecreek/battlecreek_map.jpg

[vsnofjohana]

I will say right off the bat that i really appreciate the work the MORC does.

It seems to me that the trails at BC are hard to follow and kept that way for a reason. What that reason is im not sure, maybe to keep it semi private? I have ridden out there many times and each time i seem to end up on some random trail. The maps listed like the one above are super hard to follow and don't do much. Please help me understand why there has not been a real effort into getting the trail or trails clearly marked . Of the few signs i do see there is at least a half a dozen ways to turn off before i see the next one. Some might say that i should join them on a group ride to get the place down but is that what should have to happen to understand the place.

[Tomg]

No efforts to keep secrets. :D

Just a matter of time and resources. I've been working on maps all this week to try to get an accurate map put together. Then we need to put together routes and and add the signage. One of the challenges of BC is that the trails were for the most part created randomly by hikers bikers and motorcycles. MORC has only been a factor at BC for the last 7-8 years and the trails date back to the '70's. As a result they do not flow well and creating designated routing is difficult. Not that it doesn't need to be done and even signage numbering intersections would be helpful allowing the Map to be more useful.

All I can say is stay tuned, come to a group ride, and come out and help. We could use someone in charge of signs:crazy2:

[vsnofjohana]

Sounds good, i'll stay tuned.

[Shawno]

As our core group of trail workers gain experience, the quality of our trail work improves. As Tom mentioned, we do need more regulars to get involved with the building and maintenance processes. The difficult part of marking the trails, is that not all people ride them in the same direction. Our goal is to get together with a map, and figure it all out, with the hope of eliminating the use of the double-track (ski trail) altogether. This should allow us to create a trail system that flows better.