Luton Park adds trail for mountain bikers

by Howard Meyerson | The Grand Rapids Press

Friday April 18, 2008, 9:30 AM

Press Photo/Katy BatdorffMountain bikers, including Mary Stoddard, center, and Steve Kunnath, right, cut a trail at Kent County’s Luton Park.

Rick Plite stood surrounded by a group of rain-gear clad riders. They clustered close under a pop-up tent to glimpse at the map of the route ahead. It was a momentous day at Kent County’s Luton Park, and an even more significant one for the mountain bikers.

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Mountain bikers embrace Middleville course

by Barbara Schmid | The Grand Rapids Press

Friday April 25, 2008, 9:52 AM

Press Photo/Adam Bird

MIDDLEVILLE — At the front of a long queue of mountain bikers, Niel Scharphorn of Grand Rapids straddled his bike, taut and ready.

“Five, four, three, two, one!” boomed the announcer, signifying the start of the Yankee Springs Time Trial.

Scharphorn burst off the starting line, gaining speed as he followed the single track trail leading deep into the woods at Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Every 15 seconds thereafter, another rider took off in a race against the clock.

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I would like to say thank you to all 16 people that showed up for the first Luton Park trail building day! The weather was cold and drizzling but we managed to trim and rake the first 3/4 mile or so. On the 27th of April we plan to bench cut the trail and start loop two. For those that don’t know, Luton Park will be the first mountain bike trail access in a Kent County Park. The trail is also multi-use (bike, hike and ski). The park has about 250 acres of rolling pines, hardwoods, meadows and marshes. Rum Creek is a nice feature that we will cross 3-4 times. The trail system will be designed as a stacked loop system, meaning each loop that connects to the next one will get progressively longer or more difficult. Riders can pick and choose how far and how difficult terrain they would like to cover. The first 3/4-1 mile loop is rated as beginner and the trail will begin off of the south side of 10 Mile road about 1 mile east of Northland Drive. Please park at the D&W parking lot and ride the 1 mile of pavement to the single track trail head marked by a small white MTB Trail Sign. Please do not park in this field or along the roadway. In the future a parking lot will be built in this location, but for now it is only accessible by bike. The second loop will be built on April 27th and add approximately 1.5 more miles. DO NOT PARK near the barn on Kies Drive south of 10 mile and use this access point. We have an understanding with the county that for now it is accessible only by riding your bike in. In the near future we hope to add 3 more loops and a parking area. Approximately 6-7 miles in all. When? Perhaps by late 2009? 2010?
The more you help, the faster it will go!
Also, thanks go out to Subway in Rockford for the great lunch they donated!

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Our first ever trail day at Luton Park! Join us at 9am sharp in the D&W plaza at 10 mile and Northland Dr, Rockford on April 12th. Trail day held rain or shine. We will shuttle folks from here since currently there is no parking lot at Luton Park. If you arrive late, drive east on 10 mile approx 1 mile from D&W where you will spot the MMBA trailer in a field on your right. Park on a side street near this area and walk in to help, please do not park in this field. We will trim the 1st 3/4 mile loop, rake and bench cut. We will work from 9am until 1pm then break for lunch(provided). Bring work boots, gloves, bug spray and a water bottle. All other tools will be provided.

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Wow.

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Start the season right with some trail work at Bass River April 5th.  We are meeting a little before 9 am in the parking area, then heading back to the swamp for some more trail elevating.  The plan is to have the whole loop rideable without sinking axle-deep in mud in the spring.  If we have enough people, we will split into teams and clear some logs and brush also.  Plan on wet feet.  Shovel, wheelbarrows, rakes and maybe a chainsaw or two are appreciated.  Lunch will be provided, drinks are not.  Contact tommy92@hotmail.com for more info, but “Bass” in the subject line and I’ll fish you out of my junk mail!

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On March 2^nd 2008 the wMMBA and the Rapid Wheelmen joined forces and held the first ever Grand Rapids Bicycle Film Festival, a fundraiser for the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition.

I am happy to report that the festival was a great success, attracting 65 film buffs and raised $1020.00 for our friends at WMTGC.

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Here are all the details of the Western Chapter NCT Epic Ride

When: Oct 10-12th 2008 Where: Marilla Trail Head (Beers Rd) to Baldwin via the NCT (one dirt/paved road bypass near High Bridge approx 8 miles long). Total distance is 73 miles with a bail out option at the halfway point.

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Fifteen riders showed up for the first ever WMMBA Holiday Ride. We spent most of the afternoon checking out some sites all over town. The highlight was the climb to to the top of Look Out Hill Park. The sledding folks thought we were out of our mind! We felt the same about them considering a plastic sled has zero brakes and gathers speed rather quickly on an inch of ice!

The hidden egg and lost key chain game kept everyone on their toes and Mary won the derby by riding smart and staying out of trouble. Congrats to all that won a Western MMBA T-shirt. Here is a photo link thanks to newcomer Rick: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21859688@N05/ and my pics: http://kisscross.smugmug.com/gallery/4006567#233129735

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