|
Trail Description:
This ride is a short, surprisingly entertaining loop carved out of an old gravel pit at the edge of town near the intersection of M-14 and US 23. Not much in the way of climbs, but there's a good mix of twisty stuff and fast stuff, and lots of little rolling whoop-de-doos that you will not have to share with anyone, since nobody seems to know about this place. Definitely worth it if you live in Ann Arbor. You can get your dirt fix in under an hour with no car keys! Don't let the abandoned gravel pit looks of the place fool you, the woodland loops in the back are actually pretty technical. Four loops is a satisfying 12 mile ride. Counterclockwise is more challenging than CW. Enjoy.
How to get there:
Take US 23 to Ann Arbor, exit Plymouth Road west, toward town. Third light is
Nixon Rd., turn north-right. Go half mile or so to Dhu Varren Rd., turn west-left.
If you cross M-14, you went too far. Continue west on Dhu Varren across the
RR tracks, the park will be on your right, at the northeast corner of the intersection
of Dhu V. and Pontiac trail. There is no lot or marked trail head. Park on the
shoulder or in the chained off old gravel pit entrance. The trail is easy to pick up,
it follows the perimeter of the fence at his point. Townies, take Pontiac Trail out
of town to Dhu Varren Rd, just before the M-14 overpass. Northeast Park is at the
northeast corner of the intersection.
| Posted by: space_doc on 8/23/2007 |
|
 |
Just rode it today. I'm a begginer, so keep that in mind. Great ride!! There are 4 or 5 labeled trails: yellow, blue, green, red and brown I think. And the previous poster was right, ride counter-clock wise. There is a parking lot there now (the park is called Olson Park, but the road signs leading up to it call it Leslie Park, after Leslie Olson, so keep that in mind) as well as a kiddie playground and basketball courts. So, bring the family along while you ride! Do each loop once and you get a good workout. I wrecked four times but that was because it had rained the day before and the low spots were muddy or frank pools of water. Made for poor traction in the woods. (The harder trails go into the woods: watch out for brush/trees and tight corners.) Otherwise, a nice hidden gem in Ann Arbor, close enough to ride from campus. The harder woods-trails have lots of tight s-curves and a few moderate climbs (someone's even marked them with little signs- hope they stay up through the
|
| Posted by: space_doc on 8/23/2007 |
|
|
Oops...got cut off...(someone's even marked them with little signs- hope they stay up through the rain and wind.) Roots and fallen trees aplenty for those that like that. Oh, if you ride down the road about a mile, there is also a Leslie Trail that goes into the Black Pond Woods and connects further down road to Bandemer Park I think. You may have to ride on the road a little bit to connect, but oh well. Enjoy, I know I did.
|
| Posted by: jim on 7/11/2007 |
|
|
I agree with those above. Definitely an enjoyable
ride for those who live in-town. I actually live in
Ypsilanti, but it is still worth the fifteen minutes
that it takes me to drive to the park. There is also a
small paved loop around the pond and a fishing
dock, for those who like to bike and fish (like me).
|
| Posted by: Fiery Jack on 11/19/2004 |
|
|
This park is now officially called Olsen park after some local who spent a lot of money in Ann Arbor. The park itself has been reworked in recent months and it now has some fun stuff. There is an A frame bridge over a small creek as well as a few other obstacles. The park is actually only part of a larger trail system, the latter of which is not too well known. Since I like it that way I ain't tellin' no more
|
| Posted by: Skitch Patterson on 9/10/2004 |
|
|
From the parking area this trail does not look like it will be much, but it turns out that it is a lot of fun. Not worth driving a long way to get to it but definitely worth it if you live in the area
|
| Posted by: Slow Twitch on 7/29/2004 |
|
|
Okay so this trail will underwhelm those who are looking for a real challenging ride, but if you are looking for a pleasant workout in a short period of time, this trail will provide. It's a short loop so you'll have to circle it a few times, but you can still feel like you are out in the real wilderness if you tune out the sounds of the freeway that runs along the northern side of the trail. If you get the lay of the land you will also find several other nearby trails that you can connect with, some of which have some decent challenges. The park trail is also a good place for those without a lot of trail riding experience. Take note: the trail is supposed to be ridden counter clockwise
|
| 
