Biking in Traverse City Michigan-The VASA Pathway

Biking in Traverse City Michigan-The VASA Pathway

Bike the VASA, build some memories.

Looking for some great bike trail riding in the Traverse area?  Here are two great options, The VASA Pathway and the Singletrack.  This blog will discuss the VASA Pathway.  The VP can be found near Acme, which if you are coming from Traverse will be on the right side of (US 31) the road.  You turn right onto Bunker Hill Rd and then make another right onto Bartlett.  You should see the small sign about a 3/4 of a mile on the right.

There are several options on the VASA Pathway.  You can bike the 25k, the 10k and the 5k.  The 25k is a bit long for me and my wife to do, but it is still a great time.  There are not too many brutal hills, but you had better make sure that you have at least front suspension on your bike since there are some bumps and sand.  The 10k is our favorite and it typically takes us about 40 minutes to do.  This does have a few tough hills and I would advise having the Clip-In shoes that you can buy at Brick Wheels.  Having these types of shoes and pedals allows you to climb the hills easier and, unless you have legs of steel, you will want them.

The 5k is a very quick trip.  Even more hilly than the 10k.  This course rides really fast and if you only have a half an hour or less to ride, this is your loop.  All trails are a loop instead of an out and back.  The trails are marked very well, however there can be a little confusion since all the trails for the 25,10 and 5k intertwine.  Make sure you check and make sure you are going the right way or your 10k could turn into a 25k fairly easily. The terrain in generally is rolling hills, so this does create some fairly grueling hills on the way up, and some great down hill on the way down.  There is a decent amount of sand so just be prepared.  Tree roots, a few rocks and other obstacles definitely make you want front or full suspension.  I would say front suspension is more than adequate for this type of bike trail.

Biking in Traverse City Michigan-The VASA Pathway

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