The main problem with navigation is that there is nothing on the trail to let you know where you are or what trail you’re on and there are SEVERAL cut-offs or interchanges with other trails. They are so close together that pulling up trail forks doesn’t really help because it can’t pick up where you are either. It’s good to use to get you going in the general direction if you need to get back to the car and not sure what way to go, but that’s the biggest problem - we need to get more trail markers and identifiers on the trail.
This is my local trail system as well and I know exposed root on this trail like you do. I don’t know if you had anything to do with this but about a month or two ago all these changes you were talking about with the BMC bowl were made and there are some huge hits to session in there now. Also some extra wood features added as well on the back half of the trail and the jump Line has been made much larger as well. Nice job if you had something to do with these changes!
That’s awesome! I have not been there in awhile. I was not involved directly but maybe the attention this brought helped get the ball rolling! Will need to get back over there and check it all out.
Yes, I was a bit harsh and I believe some of that is because I came from Chattanooga and all the progressive trails to SW Michigan… 😭 but yes, a great spot for a good workout so when I travel elsewhere I’ll have the strength to ride.
I’m a local that rides here frequently and I strongly agree with you about improving the bowl/bmx pit. My buddies and and I ARE the type of guys that stop and session features and we used to rip the bowl up back when it had a little more flow to it. Overall the improvements that the trail crews have made are incredible but they really should let you revamp the bowl if you’re willing to put in the effort. Also if your looking for a more advanced downhill trail with fairly big jumps check out Maple Hill at Marlin Glen park in Kalamazoo. It’s only about 45 minutes from Andrew’s. It’s bidirectional and really great both ways. Totally worth the half day trip in my opinion.
I am glad to know there are local riders that would appreciate something like this.. I am actively working with the trail managers but it will take time. What will help us the most is that we cooperate as much as possible with not going rogue and building on our own. I have already been able to do some maintenance on the two jumps and berm on the "jump line" and will be improving them a little more here soon. The key to improving this trail is to make it more official and not looking like a backyard trail system. It seems they just dont want people throwing dirt around recklessly. I am working to build more trust with the trail managers so we can see more progress out there. :)
U should come back the bmx is one of my favorites now its been changed so much i ride almost every day lol im only 14 so itd have to be after school lol
I rode Anglers Ridge in Danville Va. and although some of the trails are marked, I spent most of the time stopped looking at a map on my phone because of all the crossing intersections with multiple direction options. Nice trails, but confusing for someone that's not familiar with the layout.
Sounds exactly like my rides here. I figured out a 5-6 mile loop and just been sticking to that… i don’t mind just picking trails and riding but they build their “features” in one direction and last time I just went out riding, I was apparently going the wrong way. So I would go past the feature, ride it then turn around and keep heading the way I was headed. Just annoying that’s all.
A lot of trails have directional trails.. but they are clear about what direction you should be riding and the navigation on the trails are clear. 🤷🏼♂️
We expect you to actually ride the trail and get to know it Man, you sure whine alot!! We just got done putting in more signs and arrows so hopefully you don’t get lost and I have to call your mommy ..
You sound really butt hurt that your trail system sucks. 😅 good trails bring so much money to the community. Your explanation for people getting lost is “ride the trail and get to know it”?? Ok, everyone traveling; DO NOT visit these trails. Go anywhere else. Every time I’m on these trails, I’ve had to help people get back to the parking lot or assist them with directions. This is not an established trail system for non locals. Don’t worry Bruce, you can keep “your trails” to yourself.
yea.. the more you ride the more you know the trails obviously, but it's hard to bring in visitors or encourage visitors when it's so easy to get lost.
The main problem with navigation is that there is nothing on the trail to let you know where you are or what trail you’re on and there are SEVERAL cut-offs or interchanges with other trails. They are so close together that pulling up trail forks doesn’t really help because it can’t pick up where you are either. It’s good to use to get you going in the general direction if you need to get back to the car and not sure what way to go, but that’s the biggest problem - we need to get more trail markers and identifiers on the trail.
This is my local trail system as well and I know exposed root on this trail like you do. I don’t know if you had anything to do with this but about a month or two ago all these changes you were talking about with the BMC bowl were made and there are some huge hits to session in there now. Also some extra wood features added as well on the back half of the trail and the jump Line has been made much larger as well. Nice job if you had something to do with these changes!
That’s awesome! I have not been there in awhile. I was not involved directly but maybe the attention this brought helped get the ball rolling! Will need to get back over there and check it all out.
Wowza !
That's looks pretty cool !
Well done buddy !
👍🏼
@@MTBTrailRider 🤙🤙
One good thing, you pretty much have the place to yourself. Should be a decent workout regardless......
Yes, I was a bit harsh and I believe some of that is because I came from Chattanooga and all the progressive trails to SW Michigan… 😭 but yes, a great spot for a good workout so when I travel elsewhere I’ll have the strength to ride.
I’m a local that rides here frequently and I strongly agree with you about improving the bowl/bmx pit. My buddies and and I ARE the type of guys that stop and session features and we used to rip the bowl up back when it had a little more flow to it. Overall the improvements that the trail crews have made are incredible but they really should let you revamp the bowl if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Also if your looking for a more advanced downhill trail with fairly big jumps check out Maple Hill at Marlin Glen park in Kalamazoo. It’s only about 45 minutes from Andrew’s. It’s bidirectional and really great both ways. Totally worth the half day trip in my opinion.
I am glad to know there are local riders that would appreciate something like this.. I am actively working with the trail managers but it will take time. What will help us the most is that we cooperate as much as possible with not going rogue and building on our own. I have already been able to do some maintenance on the two jumps and berm on the "jump line" and will be improving them a little more here soon. The key to improving this trail is to make it more official and not looking like a backyard trail system. It seems they just dont want people throwing dirt around recklessly. I am working to build more trust with the trail managers so we can see more progress out there. :)
I am hoping to get out to Maple Hill soon. Going up to boyne highlands this weekend if it's not raining.
New maps are going to be made.
That’s good to hear..
Damn the potential for the left hip…
U should come back the bmx is one of my favorites now its been changed so much i ride almost every day lol im only 14 so itd have to be after school lol
I’ve been hearing of changes out there. Will need to try riding there again
I rode Anglers Ridge in Danville Va. and although some of the trails are marked, I spent most of the time stopped looking at a map on my phone because of all the crossing intersections with multiple direction options. Nice trails, but confusing for someone that's not familiar with the layout.
Sounds exactly like my rides here. I figured out a 5-6 mile loop and just been sticking to that… i don’t mind just picking trails and riding but they build their “features” in one direction and last time I just went out riding, I was apparently going the wrong way. So I would go past the feature, ride it then turn around and keep heading the way I was headed. Just annoying that’s all.
A lot of trails have directional trails.. but they are clear about what direction you should be riding and the navigation on the trails are clear. 🤷🏼♂️
We expect you to actually ride the trail and get to know it
Man, you sure whine alot!!
We just got done putting in more signs and arrows so hopefully you don’t get lost and I have to call your mommy ..
You sound really butt hurt that your trail system sucks. 😅 good trails bring so much money to the community. Your explanation for people getting lost is “ride the trail and get to know it”?? Ok, everyone traveling; DO NOT visit these trails. Go anywhere else.
Every time I’m on these trails, I’ve had to help people get back to the parking lot or assist them with directions. This is not an established trail system for non locals. Don’t worry Bruce, you can keep “your trails” to yourself.
Moved from South Bend to Austin. I miss Andrew trails. There are some maps online for the loops, you kind of have to memorize them hahaha
yea.. the more you ride the more you know the trails obviously, but it's hard to bring in visitors or encourage visitors when it's so easy to get lost.
Sounds like you are missing Chattanooga lol
Most definitely… 😭😂