Welcome to the 20th MCMBA Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge!

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! $25 

Join us for a day of exploring by bikes around Milford's well-connected trail system! 

Milford is an official Pure Michigan Trail Town and we are here to celebrate and showcase all that is offered. Five singletrack mountain bike trails and several paved pathways are fully accessible from Downtown Milford. Create your own adventure with fellow riders or join a group ride across this vast trail system.  After riding, join us on the patio of Main Street Grill for a drink then grab a bite from one of the local eateries.

Tailor your ride from family-friendly paved rides, guided epic shreds, or take it all in with your own curated adventure.

THIS IS NOT A RACE. This your chance to explore, expand your community, and find new favorite places.

Visit the links on the left to learn more about the connected trail system and how to prepare for the event.  Looking to conquer a new challenge?  Try one of our GUIDED RIDES like the GRANDE TOUR, GIRLS GONE DIRT ladies only ride, INTRO'S TO HIGHLAND & PROUD LAKE, or go big with the CENTURY CHALLENGE!  

PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN THROUGH JUNE 5 @ NOON. COST IS $25 (DAY-OF IS $30). Youth 15 and under are FREE with an adult registration! All proceeds benefit the MCMBA trails we all love and enjoy.

Registration includes: One beverage ticket that will be good for a beer from the MCMBA Beer Tent at Main Street Grill, or a pop. You will also receive access to all guided rides, a name plate for your bike and the Festival booklet that includes detailed maps of the entire trail system.

Event proceeds benefit The Motor City Mountain Biking Association. Learn more about the MCMBA by clicking HERE

REGISTER NOW  TO JOIN THE FESTIVITIES AND SUPPORT LOCAL CYCLING!

Interested in getting your tires dirty?  Huron Valley United Racing is a competitive mountain biking team comprised of K-12 student athletes who compete at team events and at the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) 6-race youth-only race series each fall.  Coaches are registered and certified through MiSCA standards.

Learn more about Huron Valley United and how to get involved by following them on Facebook! 

The Motor City Mountain Biking Association is a section 501c3 advocacy organization focused on preserving, protecting, and promoting mountain bike access and diverse riding opportunities on Metro Detroit’s public lands through education, communication, and unified action. Originally established in 1990 as the South East chapter of The Michigan Mountain Biking Association, now a member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.

Each year, our active membership contributes over 4,000 hours of service, primarily developing and maintaining area trail systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places value on volunteer hours, which translates to the MCMBA contributing over $82,000 in direct labor annually to our local parks and mountain bike trails. Fundraising events, including this years Milford Bike Fest, help support this work by providing for equipment and materials for bridges, kiosks, signs, and other capital improvements for our parks.

Working with our partner organizations, volunteers like you maintain over 100 miles of singletrack across 13 mountain bike trail networks in Livingston, Oakland and Wayne counties. In addition, we are pursuing development opportunities for new trail systems in several communities.  

The MCMBA, and the trails you ride, depend on your support! Come see where you fit in.
www.mcmba.org 
 

Sponsored by Huron Valley United Racing, our local MiSCA Team!

Lets play a game! How about a digital scavenger hunt on bikes??? Find the clue, upload a pic, win prizes!

• Check in starts at 9:00 AM and the hunt begins at 10:00 AM

• Download the GooseChase app and click on the "Milford Experience"

• Find and complete missions around Milford in 4 different zones;

• Milford Trail, Proud Lake Trail, Highland Rec trail, and Hickory Glen.

• Each team will have until 2:00 PM

• Complete as many challenges as you like. Take it easy or go crazy. Just have fun!

• The scavenger hunt will have challenges for kids and adults of all skill levels. Choose the ones that work for your age level.

• Huron Valley United will be on hand to assist any families that need help navigating Milford and the trails.

• Check in procedures:

  • Download GooseChase App

  • Open the "Milford Experience" Challenge

  • Choose the age category for your youngest team member. There is an "Adult Only" option.

  • Children groups under 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult. MBF does not provide daycare or babysitting services.

  • Scavenger Hunt Awards - 2:30 on the Patio of the Main Street Grill & Tavern! Good Luck!

AGE GROUPS:
5 and under (must have 1 adult)
6-8 (must have 1 adult)
9-11 (must have 1 adult)
12-14 (must have 1 adult)
15+ (no adult required)

Please download the GooseChase App prior to joining this adventure!

Endurance racing is taking Michigan by storm.  With events like the Lumberjack, Marji Gesick, and Coast 2 Coast Gravel Grinder on the horizon, Milford is the perfect training grounds for those looking to get the miles in.  

THIS IS NOT A RACE!

The Challenge: Your must ride the entirety of all 6 MTB Trails that are part of the Milford Bike Festival:

• Highland (A, B, C, D Loops)
• Milford MTB Trail
• Island Lake (Blue, Yellow, and Purple Loops)
• Kensington Connector
• Proud Lake (Loops 3 & 4, Garden Rd and Wixom Rd Connectors, Campground Loop)
• Hickory Glen
• You must travel by bike the entire time; no other modes of transportation between trails! 

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFO

• Ride the 6 trails in any order you choose, or follow the provided GPX file loaded onto your personal device (official file will be available before the event).
• Be aware and respectful of other events and trail users in the area. This is not a race.
• Please visit the MCMBA TRAIL GUIDE for more info!
• A small section of Proud Lake Loop 4 is ridden twice to keep you off gravel roads in the area.
• When registering you must check the CENTURY CHALLENGE box when you register!
• PRE REGISTRATION ONLY! NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE.
• PLEASE plan your adventure so you complete the ride and report to officials by 5:00 PM 
• We recommend starting at sunrise, or thereabouts, for this one. 
• YOU MUST DROP OFF A COMPLETED WAIVER AT THE REGISTRATION TENT SOMETIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
• You must find some way to provide proof of your ride.  Garmin, Strava, etc. needs to be used so that you can provide a file to the organizers who can review your ride.
• THIS IS A SELF SUPPORTED RIDE with no aid stations or SAG support.  
• Have an emergency plan in place just in case you need assistance. Your emergency contact should be a person not participating in MBF.
• Please visit the "How to Prepare" section to brush up on your self-supported ethos.
• You will pass retailers and well pumps a few times throughout the day for refueling. 
• We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you choose park/gravel roads, and bike paths where available to connect each trail system.  Avoid busy thoroughfares such as Milford Rd.
• Milford's trail connectivity is a big part of what makes Milford such an incredible Michigan Trail Town, so take advantage of this!

THIS IS NOT A RACE. You will be judged on route completion on June 6, 2026 ONLY. Ride your ride at a pace that you can maintain for the day. Please plan your route and timing accordingly to finish by 5 PM. Once completed, head to the after party on the patio at Main Street Grill to check in and receive your completion award/gift. We understand that some may finish after 5 PM—no worries! Lisa Johnson and Kate Hartman will be available to check you in.  If you do not receive an award/gift, please contact Tom Hermann at tom.hermann@mcmba.org.

"Why do I want to do this?" "Why would anyone do this stuff?" People who ride 100 miles on dirt with knobby tires in one day, don't ask these questions. It's just in their DNA. Nothing to prove to anyone, but themselves. 

Back this year is Caffeine Soul as the DJ!  The after-party is presented by Milford Collective and Milford Kitchen.

The MBF Group Rides are open to all festival registrants and will start at the Expo on Liberty St.

MOUNTAIN BIKES AND HELMETS ARE REQUIRED!

All of these rides are "no drop," meaning we will not leave anyone behind.  Carefully read the descriptions of each guided ride below to determine which one is right for you. Please come prepared with basic tools, flat/tube repair kit, water, snacks and everything else you think you may need!

Learn more about the MCMBA trails HERE.

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THE GRANDE TOUR (3 options) - Presented by Trek Bicycle of Walled Lake and Royal Oak, Powered by Trek and Team Consolidated

Departs at TBD - Meet up in Expo Area at TBD

The most popular guided ride, The Grande Tour will traverse approximately 30 miles of singletrack, gravel roads, and paved paths. It includes the Milford MTB Trail, highlights of Proud Lake, and Highland (C Loop). This ride will split into several groups that will stage at the same time with staggered starts.  The lead pack will ride a more "spirited" pace of about 11-13 mph on average, followed by two no-drop groups riding at an average pace of about 8-10 mph.  Riders should be comfortable with riding 30+ miles in the dirt!

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CASUAL FAMILY RIDE (PAVED) - Presented by Milford Township Parks & Recreation

Departs at TBD - Meet in Expo Area at TBD

Join the families and coaches of the Huron Valley United MTB Team on a scenic tour of the Village of Milford. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the local history along the paved pathway and beyond. There will be plenty of photo ops as we take breaks along the way. Suitable for all ages and skill levels.

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GIRLS GONE DIRT

Departs at TBD - Meet in Expo area at TBD

Join us for our women's specific social ride, led by a certified, all female team of guides. Expect to ride at a casual, no-drop pace. The ride is about 15+/- miles of the Milford MTB Trail and Proud Lake loops 3 & 4. This is suitable for all levels of riders. 

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INTRO TO HIGHLAND

Departs at TBD - Meet at Expo area at TBD

Prepare your taste buds! Highland MTB Loops are some of the spiciest old-school, technical singletrack trails in Michigan. You will need to work a little harder to get through this smorgesborg. This retro mountain bike greasy spoon hasn't changed in decades. MCMBA chefs have worked hard to maintain the exact recipes that "Highland Bob" introduced over 30 years ago. Fill up your plate the first time, because not everyone is able to go back for seconds. Hope you like rocks and root vegetables. Bon appétit!

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INTRO TO PROUD LAKE

Departs at TBD - Meet at Expo area at TBD

Proud Lake has changed dramatically over the past several years. If you haven't been there in a while (or ever), then you are in for a surprise. It is hands down one of the best flow trails in a 50 mile radius. But that's not all Proud Lake has to offer. There's trail that meanders through a serene pine forest, rolling glacial hills, and singletrack that was built by the Boy Scouts back in the 1950's. Expect a 10-12 mile adventure from the village of Milford to a trail system that feels like your riding in the UP. Beginners welcomed.

ALL RIDES ARE SELF SUPPORTED

• Directions, maps & trail info is provided as a guide for your planning.
• However, this event relies on each participant knowing their own abilities and limits and arriving prepared to safely tackle whatever challenge they choose.
• A helmet is required for all rides. 
• All roads are active during this event and extreme caution should be used at all road crossings and when riding on roads.  There will be no law enforcement or volunteer presence at road crossings. 
• All applicable laws and ordinances are in effect during this event.
• Trails and paths you may ride during this event are shared-use with other riders, hikers, runners, and possibly equestrians.
• Cyclists yield to pedestrians and everyone yields to horses. Always exhibit good trail etiquette.
• All MCMBA singletrack mountain bike trails are directional, unless posted otherwise.
• The MCMBA Mountain Bike Patrol will be on-hand in Downtown Milford and patrolling on the trails throughout the day. While our patrollers are highly skilled and dedicated, the footprint of this event is too large to depend on them for all emergencies and breakdowns that may occur on the trail.
• CALL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES REQUIRING EMS, POLICE, OR FIRE. 
• Due to the event spanning multiple municipalities and two counties, always know where you are.

We make every attempt to provide registered riders with accurate maps (event booklet or GPX files in some applications) to navigate to each trail, as well as clear markings on each trail as navigational aides.  However, each rider must accept responsibility for their own navigation and should not rely solely on trail and event posted signage.  Unfortunately, trail & event signage is subject to damage or vandalism. We can not guarantee these navigation aides during the event.

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!  You, your family, and fellow riders are depending on you.  Own it.

We suggest you always carry the following items while out on the trails:

• Event booklet containing trail maps
• A cell phone with a fully-charged battery, phone numbers for other riders in your group (if applicable), and a non-riding emergency contact
• Ample amount of water
• Snacks, energy chews, electrolyte supplements, medications
• Bike multi-tool & other tools
• Flat repair kit with spare bike tube
• Chain missing links/master links
• Basic first aid kit
• Sunscreen and bug spray

Water sources are limited along the routes.  Well pumps are managed by the DNR and the MCMBA can not guarantee these pumps will be operational. Well-pumps may be found at:

• Proud Lake Recreation Area Equestrian Trailhead (Garden Rd.)
• Island Lake Mountain Bike Trailhead

 Water & snacks may be available for purchase from many retailers along the routes, including:

• Holden's Deli, near the exit of the Kensington Connector at Kensington Metropark (2055 S. Milford Rd)
• Kensington Farmhouse Grille, on the north end of Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd)
• Wolverine Lake Party Store, south of Hickory Glen Park (297 Glengary Rd)
• CVS Pharmacy @ GM & Milford Rd intersection.

The MBF EXPO will be located on Liberty Street between Main & Union.

• All Group Ride rides will stage at the Expo 15 minutes before their scheduled start.

Registration/Check-in will be open on day-of from 7:00AM to 11:00AM at the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street. Please notice that some group rides begin during this registration period, so plan accordingly.

Post Festivities will be on the patio of Main Street Grill and Tavern (327 N. Main Street) 

Free and metered parking options are available throughout Downtown Milford. Click HERE for more info.

 CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! 

Create your own self-supported adventure!
Below are some resources to help you decide what your day will look like. Every ride should include basic tools, cell phone, plenty of water, snacks and other necessities you may need while out on the trail.  While the Mountain Bike Patrol will be around to assist with mechanical failures and medical issues, all riders should be prepared to support themselves while out in the wilderness.Your registration packet will include a handy booklet with trail maps and trail network links.

MOUNTAIN BIKE AND HELMET IS REQUIRED!

Milford Mountain Bike Trail - Your closest option to all the festival action! The trail is approximately 6 miles in length and intersects with the paved Milford Trail multiple times. Tight and twisty, this intermediate level singletrack loop will test your technical prowess and add some surprises to kick up the fun factor. Take it at slower speeds to make it more beginner friendly. Located just west of downtown, between Commerce and GM Roads.

Proud Lake Recreation Area - Access the ever evolving singletrack network of Proud Lake from the Trailhead at the corner of Childs Lake and Dawson Roads, or ride in on one of the three 2-way connector trails... the Kensington Connector from Milford Rd, The Wixom Road Connector, or the Garden Road Connector. Built over the last several years, Proud Lake has plenty of manageable climbs to get your heart rate up, but you will be rewarded by some of the best downhill in Southeast Michigan. Loop 4 is singletrack sweetness, peppered with everything you could want in a cross country trail.  Loop 3 ("Hermann's Dream") is a rollercoaster of flow that you will want to session over and over.  Finally, located on the east end of the park and separated from the rest, but connect-able with a two-track road, is the Campground Bypass, a bonus section of beautiful pine covered singletrack that takes you to the Lakes Community Pathway and leads to Hickory Glen.

Kensington Connector - Part of the original Chief Pontiac Trail, a Boy Scout trail built in 1958, it connects Proud Lake (Loop 4 at Old Plank Rd) to Milford Rd on the east side of Kensington Metropark. 2 miles of simple singletrack gets you between two major park systems without having to leave the bike path! Two-way traffic is present on this trail. (Pro-tip: West bound is the fun way!)

Island Lake Recreation Area - A stacked loop, singletrack highway that entertains beginners and advanced riders alike. Lots of flow, mild climbs, and plenty speed if you feel the need. Nothing overly technical but a faster pace can alter that perception. 18 miles total within three loops: Blue Loop (beginner - 9 miles), Yellow Loop (Intermediate - 6 miles), Purple Loop (sandy & rustic with great views - 3 Miles). While you are welcome to make the drive, it is a 10 mile paved path ride over from Downtown Milford to the trailhead for those trying to put some extra miles in the bank.

Hickory Glen - Tight and twisty, with very little elevation so beginners will find this trail manageable at slower speeds. Great opportunity for advanced riders to test their handling skills at higher speeds!  Approximately 6 miles in length, Hickory Glen is accessible from Proud Lake via the paved Lakes Community trail (approximately 3 miles away). It is possible to reach this trail from Proud Lake without riding on any roads thanks to these great pathways!

Highland Recreation Area - These four loops are great for experienced mountain bikers who want to push their limits. The locals describe this network as "old school singletrack." Expect a lot of twists and turns, frequent elevation changes, roots, rocks, and depending on your pain tolerance... lots of gritty smiles! The entire system is 16 miles in length, but thanks to shortcuts and 4 stacked loops, one can choose their own adventure without having to commit to the whole challenge. Its all accessible from downtown Milford by gravel roads and other trails in the park, depending on where you cut into the trail.

OTHER OPTIONS:

• Looking to stay close to downtown?  This short 7 MILE LOOP will take you to Milford MTB Trail and back via the Trailhead at Jankowski Field
• If you're ready to put your bike skills to the test, then learn the A-B-C-D's with this challenging 19 MILE ROUTE from downtown Milford to Highland Recreation Area. Your grit will be tested... and rewarded.
• Find your "WOO-HOO!" on the Proud Lake Recreation Area trails. This 21 MILE Proud Exploration route will not disappoint.
• For the true explorer, however, look no further than this 38 MILE ROUTE to Hickory Glen via the Kensington Connector, Proud Lake Recreation Area trails, and the Lakes Community Trail.
• If you just can't choose, and want to see it all, then the CENTURY CHALLENGE is for you
• If you still want to be self-supported, but need some direction, check out our Guided Rides to explore the trails with local, seasoned ride leaders.