Poto Revitalization Update
The Potawatomi Revitalization Project continues this year. This spring we completed re-route #2, coming into the Hills of Hell. With a stunning creek overlook, a new boardwalk/bridge and some incredible stonework, this new section of trail is a welcome replacement of a washed-out section of plastic geomesh.
Work will continue in July on re-route #3 and the approach into the Blind Lake campground as well as the completion of re-route #4!
Register today for Triple Trail Challenge 2025!
Tree Fort Bikes and the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association are proud to present the 2025 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-Pinckney State Recreation Area. Ride it all or try a shorter loop and experience some of the latest Poto Revitalization updates.
Get ready for an epic shake-up! The Triple Trail Challenge 2025 Figure 8 is here, bringing a whole new experience to your favorite ride. This year, we’re totally transforming the route and adding exciting new features, all while continuing our tradition of supporting the trails you love.
Since 2020, Triple Trail Challenge has raised an incredible $100,000 for the Potawatomi Trail’s Poto Revitalization Project, and for 2025, we’re shifting our fundraising focus to the DTE Energy Foundation Trails. Every single penny of profit goes directly back into maintaining and improving these incredible trails.
What’s New for 2025:
- Totally Revamped Route: Prepare for a thrilling new course that includes never-before-ridden sections and a complete overhaul of the DTE Energy Foundation Trail portion
- Prospect Hill: Be among the first to conquer this brand-new, 1.3-mile section of singletrack, featuring one of the biggest climbs on the route! This exciting addition is exclusively open to bikes for the Triple Trail Challenge event only and is closed to bikes before and after the event. Make sure you experience it while you can!
- The Full Poto: Explore the Potawatomi Trail like never before! Our 2025 route incorporates all seven new sections and improvements from the ongoing Poto Revitalization Project
- Jolly Pumpkin Packet Pickup: Join the PotoMBA crew at Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter for packet pickup. Then check out their delicious pizza and great beers
- New Beer Sponsors: Quench your thirst with fantastic brews from our new sponsors, Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak Brewing Company
- DTE Projects: We’re investing in the DTE trails! Additionally, get ready for a new pavilion at the Cassidy Parking Lot, providing a much-needed community hub for rides, events, and gatherings
Triple Trail Challenge is a 2-day, pre-register only event. You can ride on Friday, September 12 or Saturday, September 13 or both days. The rain date is September 14. This non-competitive ride is capped at 1000 riders, so register early (registration opening soon) at http://www.tripletrail.com/reg.php
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. The aid station and after party with post ride food and entertainment will take place on Saturday only (rain date Sunday the 14th) and are provided by Tree Fort Bikes.
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 8th – September 12th
- Jolly Pumpkin Dexter (2319 Bishop Cir E, Dexter): Thursday, September 11th, 7 – 9pm
- Morning of the event: Limited pickup available if you can’t make the other times.
T-shirts and beer glasses are available for pre-order only and the order link will be available soon.
The Route
The route will be changed up this year! Beginning and ending at Silver Lake as usual but departing the Poto AFTER the Blind Lake campground, gravel roads to Prospect Hill (yikes!), more gravel roads to DTE, entering DTE at M-52 lot, a bit of green then onto Big Kame, Winn and Sugar. Exit DTE at McClure Rd then onto the Waterloo Pinckney trail in the REVERSE direction from all past TTC events! Look for the aid station to be located near the Tunnel under M-52 and the entry onto the Poto-DTE connector. We then take the connector trail BACK to Poto, entering at the beginning or Re-route #4, the Blind Lake climb and overlook, finish the Poto then you are done! (in more ways than one most likely!)
Pay attention to the new signage, particularly in the area of Blind Lake. We will NOT be jumping onto the Poto-DTE connector trail at marker post #12 this year- instead going through the campground and onto Crescent Rd, Goodband Rd. and Bartell to get to Prospect Hill. When we return from DTE on the connector trail, we will take a section of Goodband to Crescent and back to the Poto. Crescent Rd. will see 2-way traffic. Thus the Figure Eight!
Note: The Prospect Hill section will be very lightly maintained! Not what you are used to, be assured. It is very old school but only about 1.3 miles long.
Be aware that trails may run through areas open to hunting, so orange or bright colors are recommended.
The after party is held on the picturesque shore of the Silver Lake swimming area. You can take a refreshing dip in the lake and hang out! Each trail has a unique character. Poto is known for its “old school”, technical climbs and descents, and that big loop trail design that makes you feel like you’re far away from everything. Then roll on to the flow, berms, rollers, jumps and rock piles of the DTE Energy Foundation Trail.
Triple Trail Challenge is the single largest fund-raiser for the Poto MBA, so register today! More info about Triple Trail Challenge, including a map, can be found here: http://www.tripletrail.com/about.php.
Membership promotion – Join or renew your IMBA membership with auto renew at 2025 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. 13 here or to help with handing out merchandise and registration packets at Jolly Pumpkin Dexter on Sept. 11th here.
Get the new Poto Jersey! – order by July 27
Two styles in two color options are available in Men’s or Women’s sizing and feature:
- Relaxed-fit, v-neck trail tee
- Quick-drying polyester allows airflow to keep you cool
- Shaped longer rear hem for full coverage when in riding position
- $80 – Trail Jersey Short Sleeve
- $85 – Trail Jersey Long Sleeve
$15 of every jersey sold will come back to the Poto MBA.
These are custom made to order and will ship directly to you. We will not have extra jerseys for sale or exchange. ***The standard quote time for custom orders is 8 weeks.***
All orders must be placed by July 27. Order your Poto Jersey here (Note: You will need to create an account to view the jersey page.)
Volunteer Opportunities
We continue to look for volunteers for trail maintenance and adoption, trail coordination and board membership. See the presentation for more on these opportunities.
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.
2025 Poto MBA Events – Save the Dates*
September 12 and 13 – Triple Trail Challenge
October 11-12 – MISCA race @ Heritage Park
October 25 – Batman Ride @ Pinckney Recreation Area
November 28 – Black Friday Ride @ Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti
*Additional events and links to Facebook events will be posted as finalized
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.
