There’s always money* in the banana stand**

*dry dirt

**The Badlands trails at Island Lake State Recreation Area

I’ve mused about Detroit’s trails and terrain over on The Radavist in the past. But something I didn’t mention was this one trail that I have been smitten by in the last year or so. That trail is The Badlands at Island State Recreation Area. What was once a spaghetti bowl of social trails is becoming a more navigable and sensible trail network that you can ride in any weather and in any season.

The Badlands takes place on the dune-y south side of ILRA, and has an active sand mine in the middle of it. There’s fences up around it so there’s no real chance of accidentally ending up in there. But the 10ish miles of trails out there are fun on their own, but especially when the weather is bleak.

this part isn’t in my route below but you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it

Ideally you want a proper plus or fat bike since the ground is typically so soft. I’ve ridden out there on my REEB Donkadonk, Stooge MK4, and Stooge Rambler with 26 x 2.8” tires with no issues. It’s a good spot or single speeding too.

The turns are pretty darned fun, it’s highly pumpable, there’s great views, and it just puts a smile on your face. Bring your sense of adventure, be okay with getting lost, and have fun with it.

Don’t sleep on the bonus lines!

It’s still kind of hard to figure out the best to ride the trails to get all the good stuff in in the right direction but here’s my preferred way. Note that the purple loop is supposed to be directional based on days but most folks prefer it counter clockwise.

When the weather is crap, I’m grateful that there’s always money* in the banana stand**.

PS: Global Fat Bike Day is this Saturday 12/7/24, and the Motor City Mountain Bike Association is hosting a ride. Meet at Spring Mill Pond at 9:45 AM. Picture at 10, then they roll. I’ll be out of town otherwise I’d be there.