Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association News

Support TOMMBA with Trailforks

Christopher Benson — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:34:20 GMT

Right now, get 30% off Trailforks Pro and support TOMMBA trails at the same time. Get the deal here: https://www.trailforks.com/pro/?aid=25

With Trailforks Pro, you get unlimited offline access to 550,000+ trails, global heatmaps, Garmin basemaps, and every feature in the app, anywhere you go.

When you purchase Trailforks Pro through the link above, $5 of your purchase go directly to us in the form of Trail Karma, at no additional cost to you. You get the Trail Karma badge along with your Pro subscription. Thanks for supporting our trails, and see you out there!

RIGHT TO RIDE LEGISLATION (R2R) AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS

Christopher Benson — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:58:27 GMT

Mostly quoted from our friends at the WMMBA:

RIGHT TO RIDE LEGISLATION (R2R) AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS

Senate Bill 1191

How is the Right to Ride legislation (R2R) a danger to mountain bikers across the state? Well, the current R2R legislation already gives equestrians special legislative access above other trail user groups via a special state Equine Trails Subcommittee (ETS). The senate bill would elevate this legislative access. The R2R legislation places the burden of proof on the DNR to deny equestrian access to existing trails on DNR lands. In other words, the legislation makes it difficult for the DNR to deny equestrian access to any existing non-motorized trail. The redraft of this legislation amends R2R with language banning bicycles from multi-use trails which are open to equestrians, by law.

In other words, it creates a scenario and mechanism where equestrians can claim an historical right to ride on a trail, force the DNR to give them access and then force the DNR to close the trail to cyclists. Multi-use trails are common in some parts of Michigan, especially in our State Forests, but they could be banned for bicycle use via this legislation in an “end-around” from DNR oversight. Access to trails at many DNR Park and Recreation Areas, as well as Michigan’s great linear trails and greenways could also be effectively closed to cyclist use if this proposed legislation is enacted. Since the legislation shifts the power of deciding what constitutes an “equestrian” trail more away from the DNR and to the ETS (equestrians), whatever non-motorized trails the equestrians see fit to ride on would now be closed to cyclists.

Actual Bill:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xezlz3rbzbzwfe03qlj100bh))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2022-SB-1191

WHAT TO DO:

Contact your local State Legislator and State Senator and tell them that the Right to Ride legislation passed in 2010 has always been bad, and Senate Bill 1191 to it is about to make it worse.

R2R/Senate Bill 1191,

1.) grants too much influence for the equestrians at the expense of other user groups,

2.) weakens DNR stewardship of trails and

3.) presents a danger to cyclist access to ALL non motorized trails across the state of Michigan.

Find your Michigan State Representative: https://www.house.mi.gov/

Find your Michigan State Senator: https://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html

Please include name, address, and phone number. We recommend having each member of your family send a letter or sign as an entire family (even the kids sign the page).

Below is a nice template (or script) that you can use. Feel free to edit to your own feelings:

Dear <STATE SENATOR>,

I am writing to ask you to oppose proposed amendments to the Equestrian Right to Ride Act of 2010. The amendment is being developed by Senator Jim Runstad, and despite assurances to the contrary, creates potential legal issues for mountain bikers wishing to continue to use trails we have used for the last twenty years.

I am a supporter of the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association, a non-profit organization based in Boyne City, MI that advocates for trail stewardship, common land access, and natural resource protection across Northern Lower Michigan. Members of our group represent all levels of riders, from complete novices to world champions and we share a passion for riding natural surface trails.

The R2R amendment as currently described grants far too much influence to one special interest group (equestrians) at the expense of all other trail users. The creation of the Equine Trails Subcommittee grants undue influence to that single user group, while also stripping the MDNR of its authority to decide how to manage trails.

Challenges to the expanding mountain biking community, and especially supporters of TOMMBA, include the loss of access to trails on public lands that we have used for decades alongside multiple user groups. Furthermore, in cases where equine trails exist alongside other trails the law creates uncertainty and puts burdensome requirements on the MDNR if they wish to restrict equine access. The amendment proposes no such burdens for banning other user groups, again granting equine users favored access to public lands.

Please oppose the amendment to the R2R Act, and preserve the MDNR’s authority to manage our public lands without new restrictions that favor single user groups.

Thank you,

(SENDER)

(ADDRESS)

(PHONE)

2022 Survey Results

Christopher Benson — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 21:00:00 GMT

We want to catch you up with the results of our survey sent out this summer. This infographic is aimed at providing a snapshot of our member and non-member trail user’s thoughts on new trails, their skill level and outlook towards TOMMBA. Open-ended responses had themes around better signage/maps on the trails and more new trail development north of the bay.

The TOMMBA board wants to thank all those that took time to share their thoughts and will use this information to make decisions aligned with the trail user’s sentiments.

Thank you to all our loyal members and sponsors and we encourage non-members to sign up and help us continue our work to build the mountain biking community and maintain and develop entertaining trails throughout our region.

Stay tuned for important and exciting news coming in the next week regarding another new trail to be completed this fall.

DONATE TODAY

Summer Newsletter

Christopher Benson — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 21:40:54 GMT

Click to read the full newsletter: TOMMBA Summer 2022.pdf

Check out our new shed!

Christopher Benson — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:04:36 GMT

You may have seen something new in the woods recently, near the Boyne Forest Erickson Rd trailhead. Across the road from the parking lot, pretty close to the trail, on your way to Loop 3 or Conjunction Junction, where the TOMMBA trailer used to live...now resides our new tool & groomer shed!

Thanks to a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, each of your memberships & donations, and a LOT of research and work from some of our volunteers, we now have a permanent, secure location for trail building tools as well as our winter grooming equipment.

A big thanks to Mark, Jay, and Tony for helping with installation.

Here's the shed being installed

Back a little ways from the road but in perfect position

Next up, entry/exit ramps and a coat of stain.

TOMMBA Survey CLOSED

Christopher Benson — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 22:07:34 GMT

**CLOSED**

We have stopped taking survey responses. We would like to thank those who took the time to complete the survey to help guide our future.

SURVEY

As TOMMBA celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are reaching out to the mountain bike community to hear your thoughts. We will use the results as we set our goals for the future.

Our vision is to be the regional leader in facilitating community-driven efforts to create and maintain sustainable mountain bike trail systems for users of all ages and skill levels. Your input will help us realize this vision.

We appreciate your time taking the survey!

CLOSED-Survey Link-CLOSED

Please email us at info@tommba.org with any questions about this survey or TOMMBA in general.

Pedal, Pig, & Pint Event Aug 7, 2022

Christopher Benson — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:05:01 GMT

Ride the the Boyne City MTB Trails...or the scenic roads around Lake Charlevoix to support TOMMBA and Raven Hill Discovery Center.

Sign up Today!

https://www.bikereg.com/pedal-pig-pint-for-raven-hill-discovery-center-and-tommba

Avalanche Trail Work Update 6/4/22

Christopher Benson — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 18:20:43 GMT

Sections of the Sidewinder downhill remain closed. Please help our volunteers by using the reroutes until trail work is complete. More info below:

(Photo Credit: NCCS)

A quick update after this morning's (6/4) work session. We were working in two locations this morning. Progress is good on that very top section but we will still need to keep it closed until the rest is finished. We also did some work on a long right handed berm in the pine section about half way down. It shaped up really well and it looks great but we need rain on it before we can open that up. In the meantime, we have a temporary alternate route around it. Please spread the word that we really, really, really (did I mention, really???) need people to stay off that berm and the closed top section too. We are hoping to get the forecasted rain coming up and have some volunteers pack it in but tires on it in the meantime will do some serious damage.

(Photo Credit: NCCS)

We are hoping to have regular work sessions over the next few weeks to keep progress going. This morning we had 6 volunteers and we were able to finish two very big berms. If we can keep getting a good turnout and some help from mother nature, the trail will be greatly improved.

Your volunteer trail builders appreciate your support!

Meet the Jersey Designer

Christopher Benson — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 22:51:14 GMT

As you may know, TOMMBA collaborated with North Central Michigan College's Communication Design class to help design our first ever bike jersey. The idea was presented to the class for their final design project. After several weeks, three student designers each presented their visions of a TOMMBA bike jersey. We had to choose one designer to fulfill our quest of making this project a reality.

Meet our star, NCMC student jersey designer, Natalie Gulyas! In addition to her studies at NCMC, Natalie also owns a small business: Manitou Bags, and is a part-time Pilates instructor.

We asked Natalie a few questions about herself and the design project:

TOMMBA: Please tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in graphic design.

Natalie: I’ve always been involved in creative design. Although my background is in music performance and production, during the onset of social media popularity, before it has become what it is today I owned a small marketing business called SoSocial Media Marketing.

During that time I worked on back-end development of websites, creating content for websites including copy, product and team photography and social media management. I had no formal graphic design training at that time and was always interested in becoming even more proficient in certain programs.

In 2016 I moved from Chicago to Northern Michigan to photograph weddings with a company called the Weber Photographers and have lived here ever since.

The same year I moved to Northern Michigan I formed my now small business, Manitou Design. I design and produce accessories, mostly custom leather bags. I sell them locally and online, you can also catch me at the Renegade Handmade fair in Chicago in May.

Because I have designed every aspect of marketing material for my own business, with an exception of my logo which was designed in part by a friend, I decided in the fall of 2021 to take some classes at NCMC to further my knowledge of graphic arts and design. Design programs and culture are ever changing and formally learning these modalities has expanded my abilities, but also, working with everyone at NCMC has opened up my mind creatively. It has offered me unique opportunities like working with TOMMBA!

T: What was the name of the NCMC design class?

N: The class is Communication Design, taught by the ever fantastic professor Anne Morningstar. The purpose of the class is to examine how art is another form of communication and Anne does an exceptional job pairing creative projects while encouraging ideas of substance. This was the best project that we had all semester.

T: What were your impressions of TOMMBA and/or inspirations for your design?

N: We as a class had a helpful conversation with Spencer, who outlined both what TOMMBA was looking for in a jersey and what TOMMBA represents as an organization.

Some questions that came up during our meeting were, what is your mission at TOMMBA? Who are your members and what does the future of the organization look like?

This was a learning experience for me, I designed the jerseys with these questions in mind. And I asked friends who are avid Northern Michigan mountain bikers what they would like to wear. I considered color trends and ultimately knew I wanted to design something strong and memorable while being simplistic.

My most important edit however, was when a friend told me that her seven year old daughter loves mountain biking in Harbor Springs. I wanted to incorporate an image of a woman looking over the avalanche mountain view for her young daughter because she inspired me with her love for mountain biking.

T: Did you imagine your design would be chosen?

N: Not even for a moment! I even created a really outlandish second jersey design because I didn’t imagine I would be chosen. My classmates are the most talented illustrators and I saw how vivid and beautiful their work was. I absolutely imagined TOMMBA riders wearing their designs.

T: Have you mountain biked before or would you be interested in mountain biking now?

N: Being from Chicago, I’ve been a road biker out of necessity, which I’ve carried with me to Northern Michigan. I have not yet tried mountain biking but I would love to.

This collaboration with NCMC and Natalie was an amazing, fun experience. Natalie made the process so easy, despite a very busy school/work schedule. We are so excited to be able to celebrate our 10th anniversary by offering these amazing jerseys to you.

If you would like to support Natalie, check out her website:
https://www.manitoubags.com/
and find her on Instagram: @manitoubags

And be sure to order your custom, student-designed, TOMMBA bike jersey today to support more collaboration efforts like this and, of course, more great, local mountain bike trails!

Remember, these jerseys are only available to pre-order for a limited time. We're taking jersey pre-orders only until May 15, 2022. Learn more at: https://www.tommba.org/news/12708360 - then

ORDER TODAY!

New TOMMBA Jerseys!!

Christopher Benson — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Ordering is now Closed

LIMITED EDITION ANNIVERSARY JERSEYS

To commemorate our 10 year anniversary, TOMMBA has a new jersey for 2022! Custom designed by Natalie Guyles, a graphic design student from NCMC, this sweet new jersey will show your love for our trails wherever you ride. Printed by CustomWear.us, the jersey comes in both Sport and MTB styles, each in men's and women's sizes. All proceeds go right back into helping TOMMBA build and manage our awesome trail network! Get your orders in by May 15th and they will be shipped directly to you!

ORDER TODAY

There are two styles to choose from. Performance Tech T Shirts and a Sport Fit Cycling Jersey. Here are the key features of each jersey style:

Cycling Jersey (left)

FIT: Sport Female / Male
Stitching: Durable double overlock
3 Rear Pockets: Positioned for easy access while riding
+ PLUS 1 Rear zippered security pocket for storing valuables
Italian inks ensure detailed, vibrant colorfast graphics that last without affecting the physical properties of the fabric. Will not wash-out, fade, or deteriorate.
Tailored Design with 2 different Midwest Weight Performance fabrics:
Chest & Collar > Tech Fabric: Micro Channel Tight Weave: Wind Shearing, small moisture wicking straws.
Back, Arms, & Side Panel > Tech Fabric: Mini Cooling Compartments: Large channel aero cooling straws for heat release
Hem > Silicone Injected Gel Gripper

Performance Tech MTB Jersey (right)

Relaxed Fit
Soft, Lightweight, and breathable for quick moisture management, to keep the air flowing.
Italian inks ensure detailed, vibrant colorfast graphics that last without affecting the physical properties of the fabric. Will not wash-out, fade, or deteriorate.
Zippered rear reflective security Pocket
Antibacterial and wicking treatment (please read fabric care for optimum performance)
SPF UV sun protection factor
Tailored Design with 2 different Midwest Weight Performance fabrics:
Chest & Collar > Tech Fabric: Micro Channel Tight Weave: Wind Shearing, small moisture wicking straws.
Back, Arms, & Side Panel > Tech Fabric: Mini Cooling Compartments: Large channel aero cooling straws for heat release

These jerseys will only be offered for pre-order and are only available for a limited time. We will not have them in-stock for regular sale after May 15th. We are taking pre-orders for these jerseys now through May 15th. Visit the TOMMBA Store to place your order today! Be sure to see the sizing charts and measurement recommendations. You will receive your order 35-45 days after it was placed or 30-45 days after the order window closes.

Visit our Merchandise Page: https://www.tommba.org/page-18530 to

ORDER TODAY

TOMMBA Trail Talk Vol. 1

Christopher Benson — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Click on the link below to view the 1st Digital Print version of our quarterly TOMMBA Trail Talk Newsletter:

20220317_TOMMBA Trail Talk Vol 1.pdf

Hope you enjoy it and be sure to let us know what you would like to know.

Email: info@tommba.org

TOMMBA's 2021 Year in Review

Christopher Benson — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:30:00 GMT

Considering TOMMBA is 100% volunteer driven, 2021 proved to be a very productive year. Here is a look back at most of the accomplishments made. You and your support make all of this possible!

Double Dog Trail opened in July! Built by Flowtrack MTB Trails of Marquette, this is the 1st bike-park style trail of the Boyne Forest Trail expansion: https://tommba.org/news/10741016

TOMMBA hosted its First All Women’s MTB Clinic. Definitely doing more of these in the future!

Thing 2 completed in July: Thing 2 was designed and constructed by TOMMBA volunteers and connects Double Dog to the existing Boyne Forest Trail system: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/thing-2-407254/

Harbor Springs Trails - met with property owners: DNR, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs Public Schools, Little Traverse Conservancy to recognize and preserve this mostly unsanctioned trail system. TOMMBA’s goal is to make this an officially recognized trail system and to protect it for future riders. https://www.tommba.org/news/10391301

TOMMBA collaborated with Beards Brewery to develop a new brew. The brewmasters came up with Crank ‘N Chain Beer, a refreshing, ruby red grapefruit-infused kolsch perfect for post-ride refreshment. Released in early August, 10 barrels sold out in just a few weeks’ time all in support of new trails!

Improved Trail maps, signs, and wayfinding for Boyne Forest Trails - improvements ongoing

The new Horton Bay Trailhead & Parking Lot was dedicated with a ribbon cutting: https://tommba.org/news/10928465

Brown’s Creek Pathway trail Improvements - In addition to the new kiosk and trailhead, TOMMBA trailbuilders also used the excavator to improve trail flow and drainage on many sections. Also, added additional signage to enhance the user experience.

Browns Creek Pathway held a ribbon cutting for their new, improved trailhead: https://www.9and10news.com/2021/08/23/browns-creek-pathway-trail-now-open-in-charlevoix-county/

Pedal, Pig, & Pint Ride - A unique ride event co-sponsored by and to support Raven Hill and TOMMBA: https://tommba.org/news/10741054 - Look for it again in 2022!

Tailgate Tuesday Rides - a new, casual group ride began this year: https://tommba.org/news/10741067

Aspen Park Ride. Gaylord area mountain bikers helped organize a ride at the Aspen Park trails then met with TOMMBA board members to discuss future trail improvements in the area: https://tommba.org/news/11140292

North Country Trail Reroute - TOMMBA trail builders completed a reroute of a badly eroded section of the North Country Trail, Harbor Springs Chapter, section 2. Utilizing TOMMBA’s excavator, our volunteers built an approximately ¼ mile, mostly bench-cut, sustainable bypass.

NCMC Jersey Design - TOMMBA is working with North Central Michigan College’s students to design a TOMMBA Bike Jersey! Coming early 2022

We are excited to bring you more great trails in 2022. Please consider supporting TOMMBA in our future endeavors:

https://www.tommba.org/Donate

Harbor Springs Trails Update

Christopher Benson — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:58:55 GMT

Harbor Springs Trails Update

The trailhead known as the “Meadows” was closed by the property owners in late October, 2018 cutting off many mountain bikers from easily accessing the vast trail system in the Harbor Springs area. TOMMBA is working with the Michigan DNR and the other property owners (Harbor Springs Public Schools, Boyne Highlands, Little Traverse Conservancy) encompassing the Harbor Springs trails to protect and recognize this system.

Local riders may have seen signs posted by the DNR regarding upcoming logging operations. Some sections will be clear-cut and some will be select-cut. These operations are planned to begin within the next few months to 2 years. Some of the clear-cut forest management is required in the Red Pine stands due to a fungus called Heterobasidion Root Disease (HRD) and attempts to eradicate and/or minimize the spread. This DNR forestry management has been on their schedule prior to being aware of the existing trails but they are making efforts to minimize trail damage.

If you’re seeing a LOT of new flagging along some of the trails, TOMMBA volunteers have begun flagging the existing trail corridors in these stands in hopes of minimizing the logger’s impact. Flagging is completed on the trails along Big Foot Rd and we are working on the northern stands next, hoping to get it completed before hunting season begins.

Here is a link to the MI DNR GIS website: https://midnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=43579d040c7d4860b125e405f531d465 - zoom in to the Harbor Springs area and you can see more information. While the DNR site doesn’t yet show the existing trails, here are a couple of images with the trails added showing where logging will take place. Specifically in the stands numbered: 31, 32, 42, 27, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39:

Harbor Springs Trails - South sections near Warwick Rd

Harbor Springs Trails - North sections

Please know that TOMMBA continues to work to preserve and protect the trails in the Harbor Springs area ensuring we have great places and trails to ride!

Deer Season = Riding Break

Christopher Benson — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:55:30 GMT

Fall mountain biking in northern Michigan has its challenges. Leaf-covered trails, dwindling daylight, lake-effect rain/snow, daily temperature swings, just to name a few. So when the conditions align, you want to take advantage as much as possible...save for the last two weeks of November.

If you’re new to Michigan or maybe just unfamiliar with another very popular sport: Firearm Deer Hunting Season runs from November 15-30th each year and draws hunters from around the state and those surrounding. Hunting is allowed on most MI state-owned lands, many conservancy properties, as well as some private lands. Most deer hunters only get these two-weeks each year to hunt.

For these reasons we suggest being safe as well as respectful and asking that you take a break from riding in the woods during this season. If you feel you absolutely need to go for a ride, you can ride the Avalanche trails in Boyne City. The park is completely within city limits and hunting there is not permitted.

If you do choose to ride during firearm hunting season (outside of Avalanche):

Please wear at least one large article of hunter’s orange clothing
Please make every effort to schedule your ride(s) between 10am and 2pm
Night rides should begin at least 30 minutes after official sunset
As a courtesy, please ride quietly and remember that normal conversation while pedaling sounds like shouting to a hunter enjoying his/her time in the woods.

Thank you and have a safe November!

Aspen Park Trail Ride - Gaylord 10/20/21, 5:30pm

Christopher Benson — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 20:30:00 GMT

Join TOMMBA for a Trail Ride in Gaylord at the Aspen Park Trails, Wednesday, October 20th at 5:30 pm.

After the ride we'll head to Snowbelt Brewing Co's Biergarten room (and if the weather's not great for the ride, we'll just meet at Snowbelt :)

This will be an introduction to the trails (for those unfamiliar) and an opportunity to meet with the local crew and talk about Gaylord trails, growth, work, and volunteering!

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please email our board member Lynn: lwolf@tommba.org

Boyne Forest Trail Ribbon Cutting 8/21/21 10:00 am

Christopher Benson — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Please join us for the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting for the new addition to the Boyne Forest Trail System, called Double Dog. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the new West Trailhead on Old Horton Bay Road.

The new Double Dog trail is part of the Boyne Forest Trail System, a network of sustainable multi-use trails being constructed by the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) under agreements with the City of Boyne City, Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, Evangeline Township, State of Michigan DNR and Boyne City Public Schools. TOMMBA and the City of Boyne City have been partners for over a decade in the development and maintenance of several multi-use trails at Avalanche Park in the City.

“Creating new recreational assets for a region is a strong strategy for economic development and local pride, and this project is another example of how Boyne City continues to enhance the sense of place in its community and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman.

At the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting everyone will experience the evolution of a multi-use trail system, learn about the partners who make it happen, and why sustainable trail design is so important. For those who choose to ride the trails Saturday morning, we will have giveaways and random prizes at various points along the new trails.

In 2019, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) completed a land acquisition project that contained 43 acres of land adjacent to the Boyne Forest Trail system. This acquisition was a critical connector that allowed for the existing Boyne Forest Trail system to be connected to this new Conservancy property and more land owned by the City of Boyne City. The WLAC partnership with TOMMBA expands trails and promotes recreational mountain biking around Walloon Lake.

In 2020, $20,000 of County parks & recreation millage funds were allocated by Charlevoix County to The City of Boyne City and Evangeline Township for the construction of a parking lot and trailhead area along Old Horton Bay Road, just north of Boyne City. The State of Michigan approved the repurposing of a portion of the former City landfill site turning an undesirable use into a regional asset. TOMMBA is also contributing $15,000 towards the parking lot and trailhead.

TOMMBA, established in 2012, has led the efforts to create more than 35 miles of new mountain bike trails in the region. In early 2021, TOMMBA completed a successful crowdfunding campaign to this first of three phases of new trails on the City-owned property and successfully raised over $100,000. More than $50,000 was raised through donations by individuals locally and around the state and each dollar of the $50,000 was matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant program called Public Spaces Community Places. These generous donations accelerated the timeframe for constructing the multi-use trails this year.

In July of this year, a company named Flowtrack from Marquette, under contract with TOMMBA, completed the new 2.5-mile trail called Double Dog. This phase is part of the Boyne Forest Trail System, which consists of land owned by City of Boyne City, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy trails, the Boyne Public Schools and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These trails create an extensive network of multi-use trails for users of varying abilities. Flowtrack is known for their sustainable approach to building trails throughout the Midwest.

In the near future, two more phases will be added to this western section of the Boyne Forest Trail System. These will include more challenges and more features including a new concept called The Hub. More details to come soon as TOMMBA continues to build on this successful trail system. Together, with funding support and many hours of volunteer effort, TOMMBA’s partners will continue to create healthy opportunities to enjoy our area’s amazing outdoor attractions.

Join Us on Saturday, August 21st for the Trail Discovery and Ribbon Cutting Event. If you are unable to attend and still want to help, Donate Today!

If you have any questions or comments please contact Steve Schnell, 231-330-7070 or sschnell@tommba.org

Tailgate Tuesday Ride!

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 23:00:00 GMT

TOMMBA is kicking off the opening of the new trail and new parking lot with a new ride. Join us for the inaugural TOMMBA Tailgate Tuesday Ride July 13 at 6:00 pm. Meet at the new parking lot on Old Horton Bay Rd here: https://goo.gl/maps/T4gyaVmbwpyJLqBx6

Find out more info at the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/N44uVLS0

Pedal, Pig & Pint Ride August 1, 2021

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 22:30:00 GMT

TOMMBA and Raven Hill Discovery Center are collaborating to bring you the opportunity to Choose Your Wheels with the Pedal Pig & Pint Bike Tour event, Sunday, August 1st, 2021.

Enjoy beautiful miles of wooded mountain bike trails or a scenic paved route around Lake Charlevoix, while supporting two exceptional non-profit organizations striving to enhance outdoor experiences in the area. Stiggs Brewing Company in Boyne City has generously offered to support this event with a Pig Roast, Pint and festive atmosphere for relaxing after the ride.

All riders start at Veterans Memorial Park in Boyne City and finish with a celebratory lunch at Stiggs Brewing Company.

Road cyclists can opt for a scenic, paved trail between Boyne City and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, or the 42 mile tour along the north shore of Lake Charlevoix to the Lake Michigan shoreline trail. Then on to the Ironton Ferry and back to Boyne City along the south shore of Lake Charlevoix.

Trail riders can choose from a network of beginner to advanced riding trails at Boyne Forest Trails or the Avalanche Trails. Advanced mountain bike cyclists might challenge themselves by combining both trails and the distance between them.

“This is the only combined mountain and road bike event in the region,” explained TOMMBA spokesman Mike Labadie. “Whatever your choice of wheels, it will be a beautiful ride, and a great way to explore the area and support two great organizations.”

Register online at www.bikereg.com or at Veterans Memorial Park, 319 N. Lake St. in Boyne City, beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Registration includes an event bike shirt, lunch and a pint at Stiggs, a free admission pass to Raven Hill Discovery and acknowledgement for your support of these two amazing non-profit organizations. $50.00 for an individual, $100 for families (up to five related family members), and $25 for a child (under 15) accompanied by an adults. Wrist bands will be distributed at registration and are required for Lunch and a pint at Stiggs Brewing Company, 112 S. Park St., Boyne City. www.stiggsbrewingcompany.com

Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association is dedicated to creating, enhancing, and preserving great trail experiences in Northern Michigan. All proceeds go to maintaining and building top quality trails for riders of all levels. Visit www.tommba.org to learn more about TOMMBA and explore the many TOMMBA built mountain biking trails you might like to explore.

Raven Hill Discovery Center provides hands-on experiences through programs, exhibits, and facilities that connect science, history and the arts for all ages. Located on 175 acres in East Jordan, Raven Hill expands time from prehistory, to modern, to future and from our world to beyond the universe. Raven Hill challenges minds of all ages through experiences that expand the brain and link thoughtful ideas. Raven Hill is looking for your ideas connecting cycling to art, science, and history. If you have a historical fact, story, artistic effort, or scientific facts you would like to share about bicycling, please contact Cheri Leach at Raven Hill to share your idea (231)536-3369, or email info@ravenhill.org. Raven Hill is developing a bicycling display at the museum to align with this year’s Pedal, Pig, & Pint event!

If you have additional questions concerning the ride, contact Holly Sasso (517) 231-3341 or Michael Labadie (616) 304-5758.

New Trail is OPEN!

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 22:00:00 GMT

The first new trail, Double Dog, of the Boyne Forest Trails on the Boyne City property is OPEN!! Easiest access is from the brand new 60-space parking lot on Old Horton Bay Rd here: https://goo.gl/maps/NeixmrwnE7mAcFey8 - From the parking lot, follow the gravel access road in the Northeast corner up to the tree line and the start of the trail.

This trail was built professionally by Flowtrack Mountain Bike Trails and is a Beginner / Intermediate level trail that enters and exits the narrow West corridor of the property, on the North and South side of a two track access road. This trail is designed as an experienced beginner to intermediate trail experience that will provide a constantly reversing grade and moderate sinuosity. The trail tread is well-defined by a narrow finished bench cut on hillsides and narrow corridor on flatter ground. The trail has native or non native rock installed in the trail tread, along with Flowtrack Steeltrack steel frame / wood decking features. Further complementing this trail are soil features including larger rollers, natural jumps, and insloped (berm turns).

Double Dog follows the daily-directional system: M-W-Th-Sat = Clockwise riding; Sun-Tu-F = Counter-clockwise. You can connect to the rest of the Boyne Forest Trails via a new, TOMMBA-built trail called Thing 2 which connects to Hog Wild in 2 places. The southern 1/2 of Thing 2 is still under construction but will be completed in the next few weeks. Please respect any/all "Trail Closed" signs.

Since this a very newly constructed trail, please take it easy on the corners and berms. As the trail matures and compacts, these will definitely firm up.

TOMMBA trail maps and more can be found at Trailforks.com

Harbor Springs: Meadows-Boyne Highlands-Big Foot Trails

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT

The trails in Harbor Springs known most commonly as the “Meadows” is an extensive system that was primarily ‘rogue-built’ over the past 20 years or so by a myriad group of individuals on a mix of state and privately-owned land...almost all without landowner permission. With the closure of the “Meadows” Parking lot (on private property) a couple of years ago, TOMMBA realized how fragile this trail system is and began working to preserve and protect this amazing trail system. TOMMBA is currently working with Boyne Highlands Resort, Harbor Springs Public Schools, the Little Traverse Conservancy, and the Michigan DNR to legitimize these trails and protect them for the future. This trail system is a unique combination, crossing back-and-forth over public and private lands, and is interconnected with Boyne’s cross-country mountain bike trail system.

While many details are still being discussed, Boyne has granted us permission to use some of their cross-country trails as long as their liability waiver is signed. We are very hopeful of this partnership and ask that you please SIGN THE WAIVER now. It only takes a minute and will show that TOMMBA will minimize liability concerns as we continue to promote a formal trail network in this area.

Website Updates!

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Greetings TOMMBA Members!

We are just finishing up a website redesign and wanted to share a couple of our new features!

First, we have created a ‘News’ tab that will have our recent updates in chronological order. If you are wondering if the trails have been cleared after a storm or we are with fundraising for a new trail system, check this tab out!

Next up, our favorite new feature is the ‘Where to Ride’ tab! Knowing that providing this information is our most important duty - we’ve created a separate tab for this! By linking this page with Trailforks, it will be updated as we continue adding new trials. Please note - many of these trails are not formalized TOMMBA trail systems. Please be aware of who owns the land and refrain from riding or parking on private property. Here's your Where to Ride preview:

We hope you like what you see. Be sure to Join TOMMBA Today!!

Trails Are OPEN!!

William Aten — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 12:20:52 GMT

- Individual TOMMBA Trail details in the link: https://mailchi.mp/407c3f723510/trails-are-open-7569717

Building Process Starts at Expansion of Boyne School Forest Trails

William Aten — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 12:15:09 GMT

Flowtrack Mountain Bike Trails made a special delivery earlier this week!

These steel frames will be clad with cedar decking and installed on the new mileage at the Boyne Forest Trails, which Flowtrack will be building this summer.

Construction is slated to start in June, so it won't be long until new professionally-built singletrack will be added to the existing network at Boyne Forest!

Spring Thaw – When Can We Ride?

William Aten — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:33:09 GMT

We have had some amazing, early-spring weather lately and quite a few questions regarding when the trails will be safe to ride. You may be seeing sights like the picture below and think it will be OK tomorrow. The big problem is, you come back tomorrow, some or 'most' of the snow & ice are gone, you head out for a ride, and your mountain bike might as well be a pizza cutter, slicing into the soft, muddy trails. While the leaves and surface dirt may be dry, there's still frost in the ground keeping subsurface moisture from infiltrating. This makes the trail tread very fragile, especially to bike tires.

We (and all your fellow Mt Bikers) ask you to be patient for the next couple of weeks. We know you're anxious to get out on our sweet, single-track trails, we are too. But patience is key here. Our volunteers are out there checking conditions and we'll work REALLY hard to get the word out ASAP when you're good to go. In the meantime, take a hike out on your favorite loop and clean up any sticks or small branches that fell over the winter. Your (or someone's) derailleur will thank you. If you come across anything large and in need of removal, shoot us an email with your best location/description and one of our dedicated volunteers will get to it.

Thanks for your understanding...and patience.

Besides, we're still in Northern Michigan...snow is in the forecast later this week.

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