Chequamegon and Levis trip advice sought.

[lou1s]

Hey all,
In a week, a couple of friends and I will be leaving for the wilderness of Wisconsin to escape from work, school, etc. We're planning on riding in Chequamegon for two days (Rock Lake and Esker are on the short list), and then we're heading down to Levis-Trow Mound for a day or two.
I've been to Chequamegon a few times before, but it was always towards the end of the summer. Especially with the projected 4 straight days of rain in the Chequamegon area, and also having never been to Levis, I'm unsure of what trail conditions to expect for the trip...although mud is most likely guaranteed (wow I'm smart).
Can anyone offer any advice as far as which trails to definitely avoid, whether the bugs will be horrendous or not, any equipment suggestions, etc...basically any advice at all is welcomed and much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
eric

[GearDaddy]

I'm pretty familiar with both CAMBA and Levis-Trow. If it's been raining light to moderate, then I would stay away from the new Telemark single-track and the NCT. Rock Lake and Esker might still be OK, as they are rolling hills that dry out pretty fast. But if you encounter mud in the beginning of these trails, then forget it.

If there has been a lot of recent rains, the Namekagon cluster, which has a lot of double-track, is a better bet. There's also Rock Lake road in the area. Also, the Delta hills trail would be good; a little bit of rain on this trail is actually good, as it helps with the sandy sections of trail here. Forget about the West-fork singletrack up by Delta though :(

No matter how much rain, you can always ride nearly all the trails from the Hwy. OO trailhead near Seeley, as just about all of these trails are fire road and doubletrack. The Birkie trail is OK too, but stay away from the section going north of the OO trailhead up to the intersection at Bodecker road (it's not worth riding even when dry anyway). Heck, I've ridden the Lake Helene loop in a driving rain storm. Watch out on the Frost Pocket loop though, as you could encounter some major puddles (if that's a problem ;) ).

Levis-Trow is more sensitive to rain than CAMBA. A lot of the best trails switchback up and down the "mounds", so they will probably dry out some with a little time. But the trails that run on the flat ground below the bluffs will be a freakin muddy mess (e.g. Snodgrass, Yellowjacket, Select Cut, and etc.). Unfortunately, I think the X-C trails are off limits right now because they are seeding them.

If you're desperate and willing to go out of the way a bit, I would recommend going to Razorback Ridges over by Minocqua and Eagle River. It's a really fun trail system, and it seems to dry out fast.

[martini]

I raced up there back in 90 and 91 when it rained so hard. Other than being obscenely wet, things were ok. Of course I needed a new chain, brake pads and riding gear after I was done, but hey they'd need replaceing eventually anyways. I've also been up there after moderate to light rains as well, and the soils up there actually drain very well compared to down here. Yes, there are spots that collect and get mushy, but over all, I'd say you're fine with some rain up there. Maybe even better off than if it didn't rain.

He is right about Levis-Trow though. If it rains, just stay in chequmegon. levis gets really nasty when wet. And not in a good way.:laugh:

[TrailPatrol]

Rock Lake Trail Relocation Work to Begin This Summer
The Rock Lack Trail has been one of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association's (CAMBA) most popular trails. While a challenging and fun trail to ride, it was originally designed as a ski trail and has proven to be a difficult trail to maintain and sustain over time. Working with the U. S. Forest Service, CAMBA has embarked on a major relocation of this great trail. The new Rock Lake Trail will include over 14 miles of challenging single track and another two miles of less technical single track. The trail will wind deep into the forest providing views of several remote lakes and touring numerous glacial features. It is destined to become a trail of national significance.

The field work, environmental analysis and public input has been completed. The final decision has been issued and at long last, work will begin this summer. It is estimated that it will take two years to complete the project. As they are completed sections of the new trail will be phased in and corresponding sections of the old trail will be closed to bicycle use. The old trail will eventually be restored to its original condition, seeded and when ready, again opened to hiking and skiing.

The new Rock Lake Trail will be constructed using a combination of mechanized equipment and hand labor. CAMBA will be contracting much of the work with Trail Source of Minneapolis with additional labor provided by the CAMBA Trail Camp and other volunteers.

Costs for the complete, two-year project are estimated to run between $25,000 and $30,000. Funding sources will include matching funds from the Forest Service, a grant from Quality Bicycle Products, the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Save the Trails contributions, and donations from individuals and businesses.

For further information about the project or to make a donation, contact CAMBA at 715/798-3599 or camba@cheqnet.net.