Review Date
October 21, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: EclipseRoadie ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This trail rocks. It's become my instant favorite for being fast, fun, and interesting at every turn. This is a trail that can be as hard or easy as you want to make it with lots of little launches and cool stunts throughout the track. Will be visiting again. Weekly.

Recommended Route:
The old trailhead is bulldozed over so park at Carl's and ride down the multiuse trail to the right, along the street. Take a right on Yonkers road (first dirt rode on the right) and ride halfway down to the green electrical boxes on the left. Cut into the woods there and you'll run into singletrack. Turn right and start your ride.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Honeyrun, 4winds

Review Date
March 31, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: ZOOM-DH ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I don't know why this trail includes the word "bitter" in it because there isn't anything bitter about this trail. This trail is awesome.

My buddies and I have ridden this trail several times and I just don't think it's possible for it to get muddy. We have ridden right after heavy rains and even during heavy rains and the trail sheds water like you wouldn't believe. I think those guys at Oz Cycles must spray the trail with Rain-X or something.

The trail is divided in to four quadrants (Q1-Q4) and if my memory is correct, Q4 is the quadrant with some really cool challenges including a wooden berm (almost like a wall ride), several jumps, a few nice drops (one that is around 6 feet) and a couple tree-rides. They are really moving things forward down there to include trails for everyone.

The other quadrants range from beginner to intermediate in skill level and none of the drops on Q4 will sneak up on you; everything is pretty easy to see as you approach it. There are a couple of elevated ladder bridges to get across creeks so just take a look at them before you ride them and determine if you're up to riding them or walking them.

If it's too wet to ride your trails, give the guys at Oz Cycles a call before you head down and get the 411 on their trails. Most likely they will have great trails and all the bike goodies you will need for a day of singletrack bliss. I'm gonna give the Bittersweet 4 out of 5 chilis because I want to see more drops and jumps!!

Recommended Route:
Just park at Carl's grocery store (they have awesome pre/during/post-ride chicken strips!) and drop in to the trail. Keep riding until you have ridden quadrants 1-4. You will have to cross a couple of low-traffic roads to get from one trail to the other but it's hard to get lost at the Bittersweet.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I don't know, I never get tired of riding the Bittersweet. I've heard there are several other great trails down there, though.

Review Date
November 17, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mountainblur ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
The trail was sweet. I was in the neighborhood and it just rained the night before. It was in great condition. The trail was fast, fun and a bit of technical stuff. Great trail.

Recommended Route:
per bike shop

Other recommended trails in the same area:
SAC river

Review Date
October 5, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Big Jim Mac ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Next time you are at Lake of the Ozarks and get tired of hanging out at Party Cove take in this sweet trail. First time I've been able to get into the big ring for any length of time on a Missouri trail. I was surprised that this didn't have any killer uphills. It does have some fast downs though. While this trail is relatively easy, it features many stunts that are a little on the dangerous side. I would recommend checking their condition -- the first one has claimed many collar bones. When I rode it was missing a piece of wood, you won't notice it until too late as the ladder climbs and then turns before you go down. Many of the stunts are just 2x8s or smaller and the penalty for failure will be great. Most have ways around and signs that let you know which way to go: wimps left, real men right. Love this trail!

Recommended Route:
Stop at Oz for a map, parking lot at Carl's Hardware (not the defunct Carl's Grocery on Dam Rd.) There's a paved bike trail next to HH, take this a few yards until you see the green arrow painted on the asphalt pointing into the woods. This is just a few miles past Lodge of the 4 Seasons, HH to Bittersweet Rd. But do stop by Oz, they are on the strip just before Bagnell Dam.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Honey Run (when it really opens), Trail of the 4 Winds. If you ask Tim he will tell you about a double secret trail that few know about.