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Espenscheid
5 reviews
4 of 5
3 miles of single-track, moderate on technical scale, lots of turns, twisting your way between trees. Some log stacks, roots, dips. One-way trail.
Summary: Actually, not bad. Better than I expected. If you have rode Palos, Palatine, John muir, Des Plaines or Rib Mtn, then it is not as good as those, but it's somewhat technical and different. Let's face it, we don't have much to choose from in IL, so I'll take it. Take the trail counter clockwise(go right) and you'll start out on easy stuff and end up with a great ride the last 1/4 of the track. I didn't mind the tight trail with trees, that's fun. However, I ended up with about 20 or so straches to cuts from brush. Some grass on the trail on spots. I rode early June,so the trail probably gets a little better as its gets ridden.
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Summary: Not only was it my first time at big E, but also my first ride of the season and first real ride on my new build.
My initial thoughts are, wow, how did this end up in illinois?
The trail as all reports say, is very twisty, tight singletrack. This ride is fun, in both directions. I found clockwise to be a little faster of an overall run, but either way shouldn't take you more than a half hour to complete a lap, it is about 3.5 mile long, based on what others have said. The trail switchbacks the small hills available to give you some nice fast descents and some twisty uphills. There are log jams throughout the trail and the trees are CLOSE!! keep your head up and look down trail to see where it will twist next otherwise you will end up like an unfortunate stormtrooper. I even came across a few deer throughout my ride. There are no huge descents, climbs or hucks, but the tightness of the singletrack combined with the twists is a sufficient XC challenge. No real need for full suspension.
Do a few laps, go both ways and for the area there is no way to be disappointed. You have to rate it based on its own accord, this isn't whistler or the glentress.
Thanks to all that have made this trail a success.
Ride On!
Recommended Route: on a weekday, like when i went, you will probably be the only person on the trail. Go both ways.
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Review Date January 12, 2004
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: bykpedlr
,
Weekend Warrior
Summary: Local bike club just added two more sections pushing it over 3 miles of technical single track. Nice place to work on single track skills, tight and twisty. Don't get caught looking around, you need to keep you're eye's on the trail or else eat bark! Check www.RCtrailcrew.org for night ride dates.
Recommended Route: clock wise or counter cw
Other recommended trails in the same area: Rock Cut State Park. Kettle Morain.
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Review Date December 1, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Every few months
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Reviewed by: Bill
,
Cross Country Rider
Summary: Tight twisty singletrack, no demanding hills but the closeness of the trees in relation to the trail will keep you on your toes. The Rockford club has really done a nice job of using every inch of space available. Well thought out trail, seems very much designed to IMBA specs.
Recommended Route: Loop trail, back and forth. Shortness (3 miles) is the only drawback.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Rock Cut
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Review Date October 31, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 3 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: old OI Punk
,
Cross Country Rider
, from Machesney Pk., Il
Summary: Great place for Rockford area Mt.B'ers to go for a different ride. Lots o' turns and twists, some areas you brush elbows on trees on side of trail if you aren't paying attention. After you have rode a few laps, try picking up the pace, it will test your manuvering skills! The trail has a few unique features, such as an arching tree over the trail. A "sink-hole", a few dips and some areas that are a tight squeeze, requiring finesse. This trail is the result of WORKING WITH the county forest preserve. Local Mt. B. club, that I am a member of, (Rock Cut Trail Crew, www.rctrailcrew.org) built it with blessings and the O.K. from Winnebago Forest folks.
Recommended Route: ALL of the trail!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Rock Cut State Park, Kettle Morrain.
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