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As children, we played “connect the dots”. Starting with the number one, we drew a line to the next dot, and from there to the next and the next until we could see the big picture outlined on the page. Then we colored it in, and our mom hung it up on the refrigerator for all to see.
Later at school, we learned to connect point A to point B, measure the distance between and determine how long it would take two speeding trains to meet on that line. We learned about railroads, and how a century ago the railways that ran through our towns connected us to the rest of the country.
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Anyone who has used the trail in past years will agree that it winds through some of northern Michigan’s most scenic regions. They might also admit that some sections were tough to negotiate on a bicycle, snowmobile, or sometimes even on foot. So in 2007, the length of the trail was resurfaced and improved; graded and topped with crushed stone to create a hard, smooth surface that will hold up to heavy winter snowmobile traffic and make warm weather pedestrian and bicycle travel much more pleasurable. “The crushed stone compacts almost as hard as asphalt, but is far less expensive and requires much less maintenance. A project of this size and scope requires a lot of planning and coordination,” said Robin Pearson of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which purchased the land in six segments over a four-year period beginning in 1996; primarily with revenue from oil and gas wells located on State land. “These trail corridor segments are acquired by the State to provide year-round, safe, multi-use recreational opportunities. The recent improvements came through the cooperative efforts of the connected communities to raise awareness and use of this incredible pathway.”
Those communities along the trail donated a large part of the funding for the resurfacing which, combined with a Federal Enhancement Grant obtained by the Top of Michigan Trails Council (TOMTC), allowed the project to move forward to completion on deadline. “This is not the first, but it is the most ambitious trail improvement project that we’ve been part of.” Pearson added.
Northern Lower Peninsula Trailways Coordinator, Emily Meyerson, wrote the grant for the DNR, that secured 80% of the $2 million needed for the project. But it was not the grant application alone that caused the Michigan Department of Transportation to approve the funds. “There were certain individuals who really made the difference,” she said.
Jim Conboy of Cheboygan is an avid bicyclist who serves on the TOMTC, an advocate for the public trails systems in eight northern Michigan counties. Meyerson said, “Jim volunteered his time to become that squeaky wheel that went to the local government units to explain the benefits of the trail improvements. He is the one who really charged up the community support. When MDOT saw that these small communities were willing to support this financially also, they gave us the go-ahead. Without the enthusiasm and cooperation of the local people, this trail would not be what it is.”
Conboy is reluctant to take credit. “I had the chance to explain the opportunities to local organizations, and they responded. More than $120 thousand came from local folks. I think that’s tremendous.” His hope is “that someday people, bicyclists in particular, will talk about this trail as a premier location.”
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Use of the trail, which is not open to four-wheel vehicles or motorcycles, has already seen an increase in user volume. Chris Wright of Topinabee has used the trail, year round, for ten years. “My wife and I use it four or five times a week. We run, and I have to say that it used to be that you had to watch your footing all the time because the path was uneven, and there were rocks and soft spots. Now, it’s great! It’s smooth and even, but it’s still like running on packed earth; it’s not as hard on your knees and ankles. It’s wider, too, so it’s easy to pass oncoming foot traffic.” He noted that everyone is very friendly and just seems to be happy to be outside enjoying northern Michigan on a safe pathway. “And it’s just really pretty. The section that we use, from Topinabee to a few miles north, has towering trees on one side, and Mullett Lake on the other. It’s great for cross country skiing, too.”
Safety is a big part of the trail. Meyerson pointed out that “in rural areas like this, there are few places where kids can ride their bikes without being in danger from high speed traffic. That’s the number one thing that charges me up about this trail; it connects rural areas via a safe route.” Meyerson has ridden “almost every trail in Michigan, and I really believe that this is one of the most beautiful in the state. I don’t want to spoil it by telling too much, but there are surprises around every corner. Each section is unique. It’s just great, easy riding.”
The next step toward completion of the Gaylord to Mackinaw Trail is the construction of a new trailhead facility in Cheboygan. “This is going to be a fantastic public use area; not just for trail users, but for anyone. There will be restroom facilities, a picnic shelter, attractive landscaping, and a resting place along the way. The parking area will be adequate for vehicles with snowmobile trailers for parking in the winter months, or for horse trailers in the other seasons. By this time next year, it should be complete. It will be like a park right where Lincoln Street and Western cross.” That project is being overseen by the Cheboygan Trailways Advisory Committee.
In early June, 2008 a Grand Opening took place in celebration of the spirit of community that connects northern Michigan via this trail system. Simultaneous ribbon cutting ceremonies occurred in each of the villages along the route, there was a big lunch at Marina Park in Indian River with live music and shuttle service for those who wished to ride or walk in for the festivities. “This was an important occasion, and we invited the Governor, as well as other state and local dignitaries to come. We hoped that it introduced a lot of new users to the trail, as well as it was an opportunity to say thank you to the many people who worked so hard to make it happen.”
In time, more improvements such as resting benches and picnic areas will crop up along the trail. “As more people discover the excellent quality of life in this region, the trail will become even more important as a way to connect our communities to one another. We’re looking at improving signage, trail head facilities, maps, and trail markers too. Safe, non-motorized, recreational transportation plays an important role in helping to attract visitors and new residents to this area. We’re all very excited about the trail, and especially because it was the hard work of a lot of people from different communities that brought this project to the place where it is now.”
Article courtesy of Cheboygan Today magazine
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