Global Fat Bike Day @ ILRA


Saturday, Dec 2nd, 2023 –

The original & still the best!

The 1st Saturday in December is reserved for fatties to rule the world! Come join us for a 10 AM picture & waiver sign, then roll the Badlands at your leisure!

We’ll put out ribbons like in years past to mark the lesser known trails! Expect 6-10 miles in the Badlands, and continue on to ride the regular mountain bike trail if you choose!

We will meet at the parking lot at Springmill Pond within Island Lake State Park in Brighton, MI at 10 am for a group photo!

Post-ride festivities will be BYOB or many of us head down to Draught Horse Brewing!

Some FAQ’s answered:
Q: Is this the regular mountain bike trail?
A: No, this is an abandoned mine site. We will have 2 loops flagged that utilize some existing trails, we’ve trimmed them back a bit, but expect loose sand, mud, tall grasses, and everything else that would deter a normal mountain bike.

Q: Will there be people to show us around?
A: Yes, we have quite a few veterans of the Badlands that naturally lead these rides?

Q: What air pressure should I run?
A: I don’t know anything about your tires, rims, riding style or how much you weigh, so I don’t know the answer!

Q: Will there be beer?
A: We didn’t pull an alcohol permit, & that jack’s up the insurance rate for a free ride, so it will be BYOB if you want to have one.

Q: Can I cross the fences and ride the fun stuff on the other side?
A: Absolutely not, the fence separates he inactive mining site from the active mine site. Don’t ruin the opportunity by crossing it!

Q: What should I wear?
A: Clothes. Warning, this is a social ride, and most of the groups are only as fast as the slowest person. If you’re faster and part of a large group, expect to wait around a bit for the slower riders, dress warmer in this case so you don’t get cold waiting. If you’re slower…..then dress normally for the weather. 


  • Lakeshore Trail Day

    Lakeshore Trail Day

    We are having a trail work day at the Farm this Saturday at 9:00 AM. This is mostly going to be a cleanup type of trail day where we do some trimming, rut repair, deberming and trash cleanup. We are also going to get rid of the old bridge coming back from Swamp Loop. Lunch…

  • New bridge at Highland

    New bridge at Highland

    The DNR and MCMBA joined forces this last weekend on a project to replace an old bridge on the Highland Recreation Area trail. Bridge work this time of year is a cold, wet, messy business… but the end reward is worth it! The new completed bridge is high and dry and looks great! Thanks team!

  • It’s trail day season again!

    It’s trail day season again!

    It’s been a long, cold winter, and we can’t wait to get riding! In the daylight. Without studded tires. Without Moose Mitts and frozen toes. Once again this Spring, the MCMBA is hosting a series of trail days at our area trails. These trail days are a great time to clean up winter deadfall, work…