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

ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE June 5th at NOON! Day of registration is $5 more!

Come join us for a day of riding bikes around Milford's well-connected trail system! 

Did you know that 5 single track mountain bike trails are fully accessible from Downtown Milford?  Join the Motor City Mountain Biking Association for the Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge as we showcase some of our favorite mountain bike trails, raise money for trail maintenance and youth cycling, and then celebrate by supporting local downtown establishments!

Tailor your ride from family-friendly, paved-path rides to an all-day epic adventure combining all 5 trails and totaling up to 100 miles.

Start in Downtown Milford and Create Your Own Adventure with fellow riders across the vast trail system.  After riding, grab some nourishment from the local establishments and celebrate a day well spent exploring and enjoying the trail system.

This event is not a race; all skill levels are welcome to this Bike Fest and Trail Challenge.  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 the 100-mile Challenge*!  Head over to the link on the left to learn more about how to complete this epic adventure! *Not guaranteed to be exactly 100-miles!

The cost is $25 per person during pre-registration.  You'll get a beverage ticket*, a map booklet, name plate for your bike, and a warm fuzzy feeling that all proceeds will go to improving and building new singletrack in the area.  As always, youth 15 and under are free with an adult registration!  Day-of registration jumps to $30. 

*You'll receive one beverage ticket that will be good for a beer from the MCMBA Beer Tent at Main Street Grill, or a pop from Main Street Grill.  Additional beverages will be available for purchase from Main Street Grill or other downtown establishments.  We'll do our best to accommodate everyone, but the MCMBA Beer Tent will be first-come, first-served.

Event proceeds will benefit cycling in Southeast Michigan! Visit "About the MCMBA" trail advocacy in the metro Detroit area.

Select "Sign Up" above to support cycling and lock-in your spot at the festivities!

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! 

South Lyon Cycle

The Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge welcomes our Title Sponsor, South Lyon Cycle.  Voted one of the Best Bike Shops in Southeast Michigan.

South Lyon Cycle offers bike advice, parts, expert service, as well as new bicycles.  We are thrilled to have them join us in supporting the MCMBA and cycling in South East Michigan!  Follow them on Facebook and drop by their tent on June 3rd and tell them thank you in person.

Established in 1990 as part of the MMBA South East chapter, the Motor City Mountain Biking Association chapter is a section 501c3 advocacy organization focused on preserving, protecting, and promoting mountain bike access and diverse riding opportunities on Metropolitan Detroit’s public lands through education, communication, and unified action.
Each year, our active membership contributes about 4,000 hours of service, primarily developing and maintaining area trail systems. The Bureau of Labor calculates volunteer time at an hourly rate of $23, which means that the MCMBA annually contributes over $82,000 in direct labor to our local parks and mountain bike trails. Our fund raising events help support this work by purchasing tools and equipment for our volunteers, providing materials for bridges, kiosks, signs, and other capital improvements for our parks.

Working with our partner organizations, our chapter maintains over 100 miles of singletrack across 12 mountain bike trails in Livingston, Oakland and Wayne counties. In addition, we are pursuing development opportunities for new trail systems in several communities.  

 The Motor City Mountain Biking Association is a member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, an advocacy organization focused on state-wide cycling issues..

The MCMBA, and the trails you ride, depend on your support and membership!
Visit www.mcmba.org to learn more about our trails, events, and how you can help.
 

Join us for a family friendly BIKING Scavenger Hunt sponsored by our local MiSCA team, Huron Valley
United Racing! Teams of 4-6 will use the digital app, GooseChase, to find and complete missions around
Milford in 4 different zones: Milford Trail, Proud Lake Trail, Highland Recreation Area and Hickory Glen.
Check in starts at 9AM and the hunt begins at 10AM. Each team will have from 10AM until 2PM to
complete as many (or as few) challenges as you like. Take it easy. Go crazy. Whatever works best for
your team. Use the "Milford Experience" on the Goosechase app. 
The scavenger hunt will have challenges for kids (and adults) of all ages and skill levels. HVUR will be on
hand to assist any families that need help navigating our amazing town and trails.
**During check in you will be prompted to pick an age category for your team to compete in. This is
important if you have children on your team. The age of your YOUNGEST COMPETITIVE player will
determine which age category you choose. If you’re an adult only team or adult solo participant, you will
select “adult only team.” Please note, this is not a daycare or a day camp. 
Age group awards- 2:30 at Main Street Tavern!
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+

Please download the GooseChase app prior to joining this adventure!

The Century Challenge- Sponsored by the Milford Downtown Development Authority- NOW 100.3 Miles! 

The undeniable resurgence of endurance racing is taking Michigan by storm.  With events like the Lumberjack, Marji Gesick, and Coast 2 Coast Gravel Grinder on the horizon, we have a fabulous training ride at your fingertips for those looking to get the miles in.  Once again we will host the official Milford Trail Challenge! 

The Details

Your ride must include all 5 trails that are part of the Milford Bike Festival: Highland, Milford, Island Lake (including Purple Loop), Proud Lake/Kensington Connector, Hickory Glen.  You must travel to all 5 trails on your bike; no driving in between trails!  Ride them in any order you choose, or follow the provided .gpx file loaded onto your Garmin or similar GPS device (official file will be available a week or two before the event). Be aware of and respectful of other events going on in the area (e.g. the Island Lake Triathlon will use the paved paths that connect the state park and Kensington earlier in the day, so this may be a better trail to save for later in the day).  Please visit our "Trail System" section if you would like to learn more about the trails themselves!

You must ride the ENTIRE TRAIL'S SYSTEM.  That means ABCD at Highland, all of Proud Lake, etc.  Please familiarize yourself with the trail systems ahead of time so you don't miss a section!  Is it 100-miles exactly? Nah, but we promise its close enough!

UPDATED Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50435064

Note: One section in Proud Lake is new and may not exactly line up with the actual trail.  Please follow the signs and please don't go off trail.  A section of Loop 4 is ridden twice to keep you off of the gravel roads in the area. 

No additional cost with registration, however you must check the box when you register! PRE REGISTRATION ONLY! NO DAY OF CHALLENGE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE!  We recommend starting with the sun (or before - bring lights!) for this one.  YOU MUST DROP OFF A COMPLETED WAIVER AT THE REGISTRATION TENT DURING 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.  Fortunately there are a handful of party stores within shouting distance from a few of our trails.  Have an emergency plan in place in case you need a ride to bail you out.  Please visit the "How to Prepare" section of this page to brush up on your self-supported ethos.

We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you choose park roads, dirt roads, and bike paths where available.  Using busy thoroughfares such as Milford Rd. is unnecessary as there are several safer, lighter traffic options to get between trails.  Our safe trail connectivity is 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 only on June 7, 2025.  Ride your ride at a pace that you can maintain for the day. Century Riders, please plan your route and timing accordingly to finish by 5 PM. Once completed, head to Main Street 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 with your Strava trace and home address.

Why do I want to do this?

Why does anyone do any of this stuff.  If you're the kind of person who will ride ~100 miles on the knobby tires in one day, that question likely doesn't exist in your brain space.  At this time, your reward is bragging rights and the stories you'll ultimately get from your day's journey.  

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

Looking to explore the trails but could use a guide?  Want to make some friends out on the trail?  Please join us for the official Milford Bike Festival group rides!  These rides are open to all festival registrants and will start from the expo area of the festival (on Main Street and Liberty Streets in the heart of the Village of Milford, see event map for details).  MOUNTAIN BIKES AND HELMETS REQUIRED!   Please ensure your bikes have wider, knobby tires and properly functioning brakes.  You do not need the latest and greatest carbon steed to ride with us, just a bike that works!  All of these rides are no drop, we will not leave anyone behind.  Check out the descriptions below to determine which ride fits into your fitness and skill level.   If you want to know a little more about the trails than what we describe here, consider reading our trail descriptions on the "Trail System" section!  Please come prepared with basic tools, replacement tubes, water, and whatever else you think you may need on your ride! 

Triple Trail Grande Tour

Presented by Trek Bicycle of Walled Lake and Royal Oak, Powered by Trek and Team Consolidated

Departs at 9:15 AM - Meet up in Expo Area at 9:00 AM
NEW ROUTE ALERT!   Back by popular demand, this route will traverse approximately 30 miles of dirt roads, singletrack, two-track, and paved paths.  This year the ride will explore the sweet singletrack of the Milford Trail, the variety of Proud Lake and the Kensington Connector.  Along with a quick rest stop at Gilbert Willis park . This ride will split into several groups that will start at the same time.  The lead pack will ride a more "spirited" pace of about 15 mph on average, followed by two no-drop groups riding at a pace of about 10 mph.  Riders should be comfortable with riding 30+ miles on singletrack and two-track trails before attending this ride!

Intro to Highland Guided Ride

Presented by Huron River Lactation Consulting

Departs at 9:30 AM - Meet up in Expo Area at 9:15 AM
Want to ride Highland, but are a bit intimidated? Join Huron River Lactation Consulting on a painless (hopefully) tour of the high points and beauty of the area's most technical trail system.  Highland is an adventure of rocks, roots and hills and unparalleled awesomeness.  Be prepared to work hard, breathe heavy and have a great time!  Warning: Highland is not a beginner trail!  If you are a beginner, look below to the Intro to Proud Lake ride. 

Intro to Proud Lake Mountain Bike Ride

Presented by Cycletherapy

Departs at 10:30 AM - Meet up in Expo Area at 10:15 AM 
The home base of not only the Milford Bike Festival, but Milford itself.  This ride is geared for more beginner riders, but anyone is welcome!  Expect to go at a more fun and casual pace, and thanks to the trail's close proximity to town and paved paths, know that you will never be too far downtown Milford.  

Kids/Family Bike Scavenger Hunt

Sponsored by Blue Birch Outfitters, supported by Huron Valley United Racing

Departs at 10 AM- Meet up about 9 AM at Expo Area

Join us for a family friendly BIKING Scavenger Hunt supported by our local MiSCA team, Huron Valley
United Racing! Teams of 4-6 will use the digital app, GooseChase, to find and complete missions around
Milford in 4 different zones: Milford Trail, Proud Lake Trail, Highland Recreation Area and Hickory Glen.
Check in starts at 9AM and the hunt begins at 10AM. Each team will have from 10AM until 2PM to
complete as many (or as few) challenges as you like. Take it easy. Go crazy. Whatever works best for
your team.
The scavenger hunt will have challenges for kids (and adults) of all ages and skill levels. HVUR will be on
hand to assist any families that need help navigating our amazing town and trails.
**During check in you will be prompted to pick an age category for your team to compete in. This is
important if you have children on your team. The age of your YOUNGEST COMPETITIVE player will
determine which age category you choose. If you’re an adult only team or adult solo participant, you will
select “adult only team.”
Age group awards- 2:30 at Main Street Tavern!
Age Groups:
5 and under (must have 1 parent or guardian)
6-8 (must have 1 parent or guardian)
9-11 (must have 1 parent or guardian)
12-14 (must have 1 parent or guardian)
15+

Adult chaperones will be present, and parents are encouraged to ride.  No one will be left behind, each ride will have an adult sweep!  All routes use paved path and singletrack with a few connector roads in town.  MOUNTAIN BIKES AND HELMETS REQUIRED!  You do not need the latest and greatest carbon steed to ride with us.  Any bike with properly functioning components and wider, knobby tires will do.  Please make sure riders come prepared with water, spare tubes, and basic tools if you can carry them.  Ride chaperones can assist with any trailside repairs that may take place. Please note this is not a daycamp nor a day care service.

Girl's Gone Dirt

Departs at 10:30 AM

Join us for a women led, women's social ride at Bike Fest. The group will meet up at 10 am and be ready to roll. Prepare to hang out and ride at a casual pace and no drop ride. We are not out to set PRs or QOM, we are here to enjoy each other's company and support one another and meet new friends.

We will head out to Milford Trail first, roughly 5.5 miles. After Milford we will head back into downtown to refuel. Then head out to Proud Lake and ride loops 3 and 4, roughly 6 miles. After that we will head back downtown to enjoy the festival! Ride will also have a sweeper and some support throughout the ride. This is for all levels of riding.

All rides are self-supported!

Directions, maps and trail information has been 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.  For more information about the difficulty of each trail that is showcased in this event, visit out Trail System Page.  Guided Group Rides are an excellent way to explore the trails with experienced riders who know the locale well.  We highly suggest that you plan to explore with others for moral and physical support.  A helmet is required for all riding.  All roads are active during this event and extreme caution should be used for all road crossings and road riding.  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.  Always exhibit good trail etiquette to other users and respect the safety of others.

• All MCMBA singletrack mountain bike trails are directional; always ride in the published direction for bikes.
• Always maintain control of your bicycle and be prepared to yield to riders, hikers, runners, and equestrians.  Many other trail users will yield to you; always be courtesy and communicate your actions.
• Proud Lake trails are shared with equestrians.  Always watch your speed and use extreme caution when encountering horses to avoid conflict.
• Many paved paths have speed limits; obey speed limits and other published rules.
• A triathlon will be in progress at Island Lake State Recreation Area during the morning.  Use extreme caution when crossing the roadways and and always yield to vehicles and cyclists in the roadway.

Safety is up to you!  You, your family, and fellow riders are depending on you.  Own it.

The MCMBA Mountain Bike Patrol will be on-hand in Downtown Milford and scattered on the trails throughout the day.  These dedicated and skilled patrollers are ready for both medical emergencies and mechanical breakdowns on the trails.  Each patroller is certified in basic first aid and CPR and carries the knowledge and tools for common bicycle mechanical issues.  Our bike patrollers can be easily found in the distinctive red-and-white Mountain Bike Patrol bike jerseys and will have a matching placard on the front of their bikes.

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.  Therefore, we depend on each rider to be prepared for all contingencies they may encounter while out and about, and ask that all riders look out for the well-being and safety of each other.  Remember, this event is NOT a race!  For all emergencies requiring police, fire, or EMS: DIAL 911.  Due to the event spanning multiple municipalities and straddling two counties, always know where you are and provide a detailed location to the 911 operator to avoid delays in emergency response.

We make every attempt to provide registered riders with accurate maps (within the event booklet in your packet) 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, much of the chapter's permanent trail signage and temporary event signage is subject to theft and vandalism.  It is an unfortunate reality that our chapter and land managers contend with regularly to ensure the malicious intent of a few does not detract from the quality of the trail and the enjoyment of the riders, however, we can not guarantee is may not affect this event.

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

• Event booklet containing trail descriptions, trail maps, and other useful information
• 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 and energy gels/chews
• Bike multi-tool and tire levers
• Spare tube and/or patch kit
• Chain missing links/master links
• Basic first aid kit
• Sunscreen and bug spray

 Water sources are sparse along the routes.  Hand pumps may be found at:

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

Note that these pumps are managed by the DNR and the MCMBA can not guarantee these pumps will be fully functional during the event.  Water may be available for purchase from multiple convenience stores along the routes:

• 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)

Other stores may be available farther off the routes.  Again, the MCMBA can not guarantee water will be available for purchase at all of these establishments.

Located in southwest Oakland County, historic Downtown Milford is packed full of local shops, restaurants, and bars.  Best of all, it is at the center of a one-of-a-kind mountain bike trail system with easy access to singletrack and paved trails for riders of all skills.

The Bike Fest and Trail Challenge is hosted by the MCMBA located on the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street.  The camaraderie of the riders and the fantastic local entertainment of the festival are complemented by the excellent food, beverage, and gracious support by Main Street Grill and Tavern.

Registration and packet pick-up from 7:00AM to 11:00AM will be at the corner of Main Street and Liberty Street..

• Registration from 7:00AM - 11:00AM (late registration will be at the tent outside Main Street Grill!),
• the Huron Valley Mountain Bike Club leading a family/kids group ride/scavenger hunt,
• Group Ride staging,
• the MCMBA Mountain Bike Patrol with first aid and general assistance.

Festivities will start around 11:00 or so on the outdoor deck of Main Street Grill.  You can redeem your beverage tickets, register, buy merchandise, and renew your MCMBA membership at the beer tent adjacent to the bike sculpture once the festivities begin.  

Main Street Grill and Tavern is located at 327 N. Main Street in Downtown Milford, adjacent to the landmark bicycle sculpture.  

Free parking is available throughout Downtown Milford.  However, please avoid parking in any lots reserved for patrons of specific establishments.  All parking ordinances remain in effect during the event.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

Create your own self-supported adventure!
Protect your head, wear a helmet. Also pack 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!

SINGLETRACK - Mountain bike required

Milford Mountain Bike Trail - Your closest option to all the festival action! Approximately 6 miles in length and intersects the paved Milford Trail multiple times. Tight, twisty, intermediate level single-track that will begin to test your technical prowess but still provides enough flow to add some fun factor.

Proud Lake Recreation Area - Accessible from Garden Rd or the Kensington Connector. Trails are shared use with equestrians. Loose and sandy in spots, simple in nature but plenty of manageable climbs to get your heart rate up! Trail system has 2 loops and 3 connectors that total approximately 10 miles, and gets you to the Kensington Connector or Hickory Glen. Loop 4 is a flowy loop of singletrack sweetness.  Loop 3 (aka Hermann's Dream) is a rollercoaster of flow.  The Garden Road Connector (formerly loop 2) and the Wixom Road connector (formerly loop 1) are fun old-school type two-way sections.  Finally the Campground Bypass is a section of beautiful singletrack that takes you to the paved pathway to Hickory Glen.  In between you can test your speed on the Proud Lake two-track section.

Kensington Connector - Connects Proud Lake from loop 4 to the east side of Kensington Metropark from Old Plank Rd to Milford Rd. 2 miles of simple singletrack gets you between two major park systems without having to leave a bike path! Two-way traffic is present on this trail. 
(Pro-tip: West bound is the fun way!)

Island Lake - A singletrack highway that entertains beginners to advanced riders alike. Lots of flow, speed if you want it, nothing too technical but expect some climbs. 18 miles total within three loops: Blue Loop (beginner - 9 miles), Yellow Loop (Intermediate - 6 miles), Purple Loop (sandy & rustic for all skill levels, 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, but not a lot of 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 - This trail is great for experienced mountain bikers who want to push their limits. This trail has it all. Expect a lot of twists and turns, elevation, roots, and rocks, and depending on your pain tolerance... lots of smiles! The entire system is 16 miles in length, but thanks to shortcuts and 4 loop options, one can attempt just a few miles without having to commit the entire day to exploring this trail system. This is accessible from Main St Grill via 3-4.5 miles of dirt roads, depending on where you cut into the trail.

Not sure where to start?  Check out our Guided Rides to explore the trails with seasoned leaders and other cyclists.  If you're more into a self-guided ethos, you can check out some route-starters we put together for you:

• Just getting started or looking to stay close to downtown?  This 7-mile loop will take you to Milford Trail and back via the Jankowski Field trailhead.
• If you're ready for a workout and to put your bike skills to the test, then start with your A-B-C-D's with this 19-mile route from downtown Milford to Highland Recreation Area.
• Chances are you haven't spent much time on the Proud Lake Recreation Area trails.  It's only a little over 21-miles to hit all 4 loops of Proud Lake from downtown.21 Mile Proud Lake West Exploration route.
• For the true explorer, however, look no further than this 38-mile route to Hickory Glen via the Kensington Connector trails, Proud Lake Recreation Area trails, and the Lakes Community Trail.

And if if just can't choose, then maybe the 100 (ish)-mile Challenge is for you!

Your registration packet, which you will receive during check-in, will include a handy booklet with trail descriptions, trail maps, and trail system links.