Poto Revitalization Update
Re-route #1 is complete! This section eliminates a low wet area and a slippery boardwalk, replacing it with scenic views of the wetland area, a few stone features and a short boardwalk made with rough sawn black locust. While all six formal re-routes for Phase 1 of the Poto Revitalization project are finished, you may continue to see some in-corridor work.
The Pavilion at DTE Energy Foundation Trail
We’ve completed a beautiful pavilion at the Cassidy parking lot providing shade and an area to gather, complete with picnic tables and a grill. This was made possible through generous donors including: Tom Bloom and Bloom Roofing, Bill Davis, Dave Furey, Mike Fitzsimmons, Carl Loomis and Arbor Valley Tree Service
Stay tuned for our Grand Opening event!
Register today for Triple Trail Challenge 2026!
Tree Fort Bikes and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association are proud to present the 2026 Triple Trail Challenge! Riders will experience nearly 50 miles of SE Michigan’s premier single-track combined with scenic gravel roads, all nestled in the heart of the Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas. Ride it all or try a shorter loop and experience the latest Poto Revitalization updates.
Thanks to our sponsors, Tree Fort Bikes and North Peak-Jolly Pumpkin, we are able to keep all our entry, merchandise and beverage prices the same as the past few years!
The Triple Trail Challenge – 2026 The Figure 8 returns, bringing what was a great experience in 2025 back to your favorite ride. Enjoy the exciting features and ride all of the new sections and improvements from the ongoing Poto Revitalization Project while continuing to support the trails you love.
Since 2020, the Tree Fort Bikes – Triple Trail Challenge has raised an incredible $100,000 for the Potawatomi Trail’s Poto Revitalization Project, and for 2026, we’re continuing our fundraising focus on the DTE Energy Foundation Trails. Every single penny of profit goes directly back into maintaining and improving these incredible trails. Triple Trail Challenge is the single largest fund-raiser for the Poto MBA, so register today!
Registration
The Tree Fort Bikes – Triple Trail Challenge will run for two days: Friday, September 18th, and Saturday, September 19th! (Rain date September 20th) This means pre-registration is mandatory, and once we hit our cap of 1,000 riders, entries will close.
Register here.
2026 T-shirts and beer glasses are available for pre-order only which ends August 24th.
Packet pickup
There will be no day-of registration. Be sure to pick up your number plate, wristband, map, and any purchased gear at one of these convenient locations:
- Tree Fort Bikes (1866 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti): September 11th – September 18th
- Jolly Pumpkin Dexter (2319 Bishop Cir E, Dexter): Thursday, September 17th, 7-9pm
- Morning of the event: Limited pickup available if you can’t make the other times.
Remember to bring enough food, water, a spare tube, pump, and all other essentials for a strenuous 45 mile ride. This is a lightly-supported, ride-at-your-own-pace event, allowing you to tackle the entire course or any variation you choose.
Your $40 registration includes the ride, a course map, an aid station with light food, hydration and mechanical support, AND an entry to the after party at Silver Lake. The aid station and after party with post ride food and entertainment will take place on Saturday only (rain date Sunday the 19th) and are provided by Tree Fort Bikes.
The Route
The route is the same as 2025! We are excited to use trailmaps.app as our official event map!
This app is custom-built to keep you on the right trail without any hassle, offering everything you need to navigate the course with confidence. View the official Triple Trail Challenge map here: https://trailmaps.app/ttc/
This year’s route kicks off at the Poto trailhead within Pinckney State Recreation Area. From the Potawatomi Trail, you’ll transition to a short gravel road leading you to Prospect Hill. Here, you’ll experience some truly epic singletrack, exclusively open for the Triple Trail Challenge. Next, you’ll navigate a few scenic gravel roads to reach the renowned DTE Energy Foundation Trail, where you’ll get a taste of all four loops.
The journey continues onto sections of the Waterloo Pinckney Trail, another segment specifically accessible only for this event. Finally, you’ll loop back to the Potawatomi Trail, where you’ll encounter the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents that “Poto” is famous for, all ending in an epic finish at Silver Lake.
We will have two aid stations this year. One at the pavilion at the Cassidy Rd. parking lot and one near the Tunnel under M-52 and the entry onto the Poto-DTE connector.
Be aware that trails may run through areas open to hunting, so orange or bright colors are recommended.
Membership promotion – Join or renew your IMBA membership with auto renew at 2026 TTC and you will receive a free limited edition Poto pint glass.
Triple Trail Volunteers Needed!
We need your help! For this event to run smoothly, we need many volunteers during TTC and beforehand. A little of your time can go a long way! You can volunteer and still do the ride. Sign up for one of the many flexible volunteer options on Sept. 19 here or to help with handing out merchandise and registration packets at Jolly Pumpkin Dexter on Sept. 17th here.
Volunteer Opportunities
We continue to look for volunteers for trail maintenance and adoption, trail coordination and board membership. Additionally, we are looking to evolve our social media outreach – if you have ideas or want to help, let us know by emailing volunteer@potomba.org!
Record your Volunteer Hours
Don’t wait until the end of the year, submit your volunteer hours throughout the year here. This information is important as the DNR land managers use this to understand the support received for the trails. Poto MBA also uses this to be able to recognize our contributors.
2026 Poto MBA Events
September 19 – Triple Trail Challenge
October 24 – Batman Ride @Pinckney Rec Area
November 27 – Black Friday Ride @ Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti
Interested in making a financial donation to Poto MBA? Contribute here. PotoMBA is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All or part of your gift may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Please check with your tax advisor.
Stay Connected:
DTE Energy Foundation Trail Website
Join or renew your membership with the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association today. We build and maintain the local trails that we all love to ride. Click here to join Poto MBA.
