Dirt paths and the Spring thaw combined for a great time as I got out and got dirty on my mountain bike.

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Fort Custer is the preferred destination for mountain biking, but riding groomed trails during the thaw can leave lasting damage. Instead, I headed for Emmet Township's Ott Biological Preserve in Battle Creek.

I used to live across the street and spent a lot of time back there on 2 wheels and on foot and was surprised to see the trails have been completely redone and are now barrier-free.

A little wider than a bike path, the gently-rolling, curving paths are easily traversed with a stroller, wagon or wheelchair.

Not so easy going on a warm day in March after a snowy Winter, though.

 

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