Chruning Rapids (Houghton Pics)

[martini]

http://www.fox302.com/userdata/martini/files/Churning_Rapids/DCP_3160.JPG
A fast downhill sweeper with roots and rocks to make you pay attention.

http://www.fox302.com/userdata/martini/files/Churning_Rapids/CR_lup.jpg
Lisa climbing out of the wooded section.

http://www.fox302.com/userdata/martini/files/Churning_Rapids/CR_winding.jpg
An example of the twisting, flowing trails buryed in the woods by the trail builders. They did a great job up there.

http://www.fox302.com/userdata/martini/files/Churning_Rapids/CR_bridge.jpg
THere were a few bridges over marshy areas. This one had a big ol' rootbasl right after it you had to manuver around, plus a nice little rock garden right before it.

[TML]

Nice pix Marty. It looks like loads o' fun! I'll have to try and hit that area on one of our trips up there. Probably wont be until next summer now though.

[Mateo]

Where is this trail again? Looks great...

[martini]

Houghton/Hancock MI. On the UP. About 8 hours from Mpls. Well worth the drive IMHO.

[TML]

Had a chance to sample some of the trails in the Maasto Hihto and Churning Rapids systems this weekend. What a great time! There is some beautiful singletrack along Swedetown creek with some cool creek crossings. It appears that the trail crew in Houghton/Hancock is quite active as the series of switchbacks that I rode down into Swedetown ravine looks like they're a recent (this year) addition to the trail.

I spent about an hour and 45 minutes poking around the system before realizing I'd not even touched the Churning rapids trails yet and I had to go. Bummer. Oh well, just means I've got to go on yet another reconnaisance mission to explore more U.P. trails. :D

Once I get a handle on all the goodness up there then I'll have to throw together a road trip and spread the love.

[Brick]

Once I get a handle on all the goodness up there then I'll have to throw together a road trip and spread the love.
Any pictures??

[TML]

Nothing from my trip. I've really got to get a digital camera. . .

But here's some pictures from the Chain Drive festival that showcases the trail.

http://fotoforge.smugmug.com/gallery/146212/1

and some more

http://www.keweenawnow.com/news/chain_drive_04_06/chain_drive_04_06.htm
http://tlindley.mystarband.net/2004%20chain/2004chaindrive.html


Good stuff!

[Brick]

Good stuff!
No kidding! I really need to get back up there.....summer OR winter....

[soupboy]

...but then realized the boy/girl ratio was like that of a track bike - 53/12. Tis a haul, but looks worth it. For 8 hours you could get to Maah Dah Hey and stay next to the open cesspool...errr, Lil Mizzou River.

What was the occasion Martini?

Sean

[Panman]

There's a good chance I'll be going up there sometime this fall, not sure exactly when. I have a friend that goes to Mich Tech up there. If anyone else wants to go let me know, we can make a trip of it. :D