Welcome to The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan!

The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of our wild lands while promoting the sport of off-road motorcycling. During the riding season, organized “trail tours” are held at various locations throughout the trail system in the northern part of the state. In addition, The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan sponsors the “Ultimate Trail Ride” – the Michael R. Burlingham Memorial Six Days of Michigan. Six full days of off-road riding – there’s nothing else like it anywhere in the world!

Your membership in The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan includes a one year subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine, a detailed map CD of the Michigan trail system, access to all CCC events and activities plus access to the members' section of this website. To join, simply click here, follow the link above, or contact the CCC office at 517-781-4805.

Spring Weather Causes Damage to Many Lower Peninsula Trails

The recent weather has brought about heavy rain, wind, ice and snow throughout lower Michigan. This has created impassable conditions at several pathways, snowmobile and ORV trails, and forest roads maintained by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the Lower Peninsula. As a result, the DNR is warning trail users that parts of some trails may be closed due to excessive amounts of standing water and flood conditions, as well as downed trees.

DNR staff is working to assess the worst trail areas, and will work with local trail grant sponsors and volunteers to best mitigate trail impacts.

“It is difficult to identify all of the sections that were affected by the heavy spring rains,” said trails analyst Amanda Matelski. “We ask that trail users exercise care when approaching these areas, and realize flooded trail crossings may be deeper than they appear. Our users will also need to have patience while our trail sponsors, volunteers and staff remove downed trees.”

Trail conditions are expected to improve moving into the summer season. It is important to note that maintenance to all designated off-road vehicle trails will be completed by Memorial Day.

If riders have questions regarding specific areas, or come across areas in immediate need of attention, please contact Amanda Matelski at the Roscommon Operations Service Center at 989-275-5151, ext. 2044.

Bridge Construction Closes Portion of North Missaukee ORV Route and Trail

The MDNR announced that portions of the North Missaukee ORV route, trail and cross-country cycle trail will close to replace two bridges along the route. The two bridge structures are located in Northeastern Wexford County, and span Chase Creek and Flowers Creek.

"Construction is weather-dependent; however, we anticipate closing the impacted section of trail around the fourth week of April," said Todd Neiss, western Lower Peninsula recreation specialist. "A temporary reroute around the bridge projects will be signed along secondary county roads to lessen impacts to ORV enthusiasts."

The construction of these two structures is to be completed by June 30, 2013. It was determined that both structures were in need of replacement due to aging bridge components, which compromises the safety of users. Both bridges are critical structures for the snowmobile program as well.

The DNR secured a grant from the Recreation Trails Program for constructing these two bridges. The Recreation Trails Program is a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration program. Questions may be directed to Amanda Matelski, DNR Trails Analyst, at 989-275-5151, ext. 2044.

25th Annual Rites of Spring Draws Near!

The 25th Annual CCC Rites of Spring is just around the corner! In anticipation of the event, the Manistee County Sheriff's office has opened both roads necessary to access the Lincoln Hills trail from Kestelwoods Campground to unlicensed ORV traffic. Trailering from the campground to the trail is no longer required for unlicensed motorcycles or those without lights. Make your plans now to attend and don't forget your campground reservations! Call Kestelwoods Campground at 231-862-3476. Details can be found here. See you at the Rites of Spring!

SB 68 the "Polaris Bill" Proposed in Michigan's Senate

Important legislation that may have significant impact on Michgan's ORV trail system is taking shape in Lansing. See the Legislative page for details!

The Map App - Help for the Directionally Challenged

At one time or another, we've all found ourselves without a trail map, often when we've needed one most. That's exactly what led CCC member Carrie Vanderhoff to author Michigan ORV Trails, the first smartphone app for Android and Apple iPhone users that puts the entire database of ORV trail maps in the palm of your hand. Click here for her story, also featured in the March 2012 issue of Great Lakes TrailRider magazine.

Sharing Our Trails

For a complete guide to trail etiquette in Michigan, click here.

This website and all content herein © copyright 2013 by The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced, distributed, modified or reposted to other websites without the express written permission of The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan.