All rides are self-supported!

Directions, maps and trail information has been provided as a guide for your planning.  However, this event relies on each participant knowing their own abilities and limits and arriving prepared to safely tackle whatever challenge they choose.  For more information about the difficulty of each trail that is showcased in this event, visit out Trail System Page.  Guided Group Rides are an excellent way to explore the trails with experienced riders who know the locale well.  We highly suggest that you plan to explore with others for moral and physical support.  A helmet is required for all riding.  All roads are active during this event and extreme caution should be used for all road crossings and road riding.  There will be no law enforcement or volunteer presence at road crossings.  All applicable laws and ordinances are in effect during this event.

Trails and paths you may ride during this event are shared-use with other riders, hikers, runners, and possibly equestrians.  Always exhibit good trail etiquette to other users and respect the safety of others.

• All MCMBA singletrack mountain bike trails are directional; always ride in the published direction for bikes.
• Always maintain control of your bicycle and be prepared to yield to riders, hikers, runners, and equestrians.  Many other trail users will yield to you; always be courtesy and communicate your actions.
• Proud Lake trails are shared with equestrians.  Always watch your speed and use extreme caution when encountering horses to avoid conflict.
• Many paved paths have speed limits; obey speed limits and other published rules.
• A triathlon will be in progress at Island Lake State Recreation Area during the morning.  Use extreme caution when crossing the roadways and and always yield to vehicles and cyclists in the roadway.

Safety is up to you!  You, your family, and fellow riders are depending on you.  Own it.

The MCMBA Mountain Bike Patrol will be on-hand in Downtown Milford and scattered on the trails throughout the day.  These dedicated and skilled patrollers are ready for both medical emergencies and mechanical breakdowns on the trails.  Each patroller is certified in basic first aid and CPR and carries the knowledge and tools for common bicycle mechanical issues.  Our bike patrollers can be easily found in the distinctive red-and-white Mountain Bike Patrol bike jerseys and will have a matching placard on the front of their bikes.

While our patrollers are highly skilled and dedicated, the footprint of this event is too large to depend on them for all emergencies and breakdowns that may occur on the trail.  Therefore, we depend on each rider to be prepared for all contingencies they may encounter while out and about, and ask that all riders look out for the well-being and safety of each other.  Remember, this event is NOT a race!  For all emergencies requiring police, fire, or EMS: DIAL 911.  Due to the event spanning multiple municipalities and straddling two counties, always know where you are and provide a detailed location to the 911 operator to avoid delays in emergency response.

We make every attempt to provide registered riders with accurate maps (within the event booklet in your packet) to navigate to each trail, as well as clear markings on each trail as navigational aides.  However, each rider must accept responsibility for their own navigation and should not rely solely on trail and event posted signage.  Unfortunately, much of the chapter's permanent trail signage and temporary event signage is subject to theft and vandalism.  It is an unfortunate reality that our chapter and land managers contend with regularly to ensure the malicious intent of a few does not detract from the quality of the trail and the enjoyment of the riders, however, we can not guarantee is may not affect this event.

We suggest you always carry the following items while out on the trails:

• Event booklet containing trail descriptions, trail maps, and other useful information
• A cell phone with a fully-charged battery, phone numbers for other riders in your group (if applicable), and a non-riding emergency contact
• Ample amount of water
• Snacks and energy gels/chews
• Bike multi-tool and tire levers
• Spare tube and/or patch kit
• Chain missing links/master links
• Basic first aid kit
• Sunscreen and bug spray

 Water sources are sparse along the routes.  Hand pumps may be found at:

• Proud Lake Recreation Area Equestrian Trailhead (Garden Rd.)
• Island Lake Mountain Bike Trailhead

Note that these pumps are managed by the DNR and the MCMBA can not guarantee these pumps will be fully functional during the event.  Water may be available for purchase from multiple convenience stores along the routes:

• Holden's Deli, near the exit of the Kensington Connector at Kensington Metropark (2055 S. Milford Rd)
• Kensington Farmhouse Grille, on the north end of Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd)
• Wolverine Lake Party Store, south of Hickory Glen Park (297 Glengary Rd)

Other stores may be available farther off the routes.  Again, the MCMBA can not guarantee water will be available for purchase at all of these establishments.