Review Date
October 31, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Don Martin ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I have been ridding this trail since 2003. It has been improved by the Earth Riders and is a real nice challenge. When I first started ridding, I followed the fall line trails wherever they went. I didn't care where they went, I WAS RIDDING! The main trails were at the time too hard for me. I couldn’t ride the whole trail and had to push my bike a lot. But I saw plenty of riders climbing and descending where I couldn’t. There were downhill rocky sections where I bailed because I didn’t want to crash and burn.

Now the trails are marked and there are maps to show the beginner and advanced trails. Both are fun and challenging. I’ve never had a bad ride there. If ridding counter clock wise is boring, ride clock wise. There are challenges for all levels. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

There are rocks and roots that require you carefully to choose your line. There are also smooth fast sections that challenge your braking skills.

Recommended Route:
Ride both routes and mix them up

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lawerence River Trail
Clinton Lake

Review Date
March 25, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: KC_Lounger ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
This trail is ever expanding and fun to ride. Earthriders is constantly updating the trail, so if you haven't been there lately check it out.

You can get some really good speed through sections, and some are really rocky and bounce your around. There are lots of roots and rocks, and a few creek crossings.

Check out www.earthriders.org for the latest trail conditions.

Review Date
December 27, 2005

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: ZOOM-DH ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I thought it was about time someone wrote a recent review on the trails at Shawnee Mission Park, so this review is being written in December of 2005. I live about five miles from the trail head and I probably haven't ridden these trails in about two years. Why? Well, to be honest, they sucked. They were so rocky that you could never get in to a good groove and it seemed like you were either climbing or decending all the time. The climbs were pretty steep and the decents were rutted and eroded. This trail just wasn't much fun, even on a good day. So I thought nothing of driving the 35+ miles to LRT or Landahl to get my ride on.

Fast forward to the present: I was running short on time and wanted to squeeze in an MTB ride. So I thought I'd settle on Shawnee Mission park since it was so close. I parked up by the tennis courts and the marina and decided to make the best of it. These trails have definately changed, and changed for the better. No longer are the climbs too steep for a single speeder such as myself and the trail is chock-full of groove and rhythm. The guys who are working on this project (Earthriders.org I think) are definately making some huge improvements to this trail.

Unfortunately, the trail has been cut a lot shorter at the present. It really only takes about 15 minutes to make a lap now, but they are planning on expanding the trail quite a bit in the future. I'm sure within a year or so this place will be a fantastic place to ride. It's a great place now, just a little on the short side. These trail builders have certainly breathed some life in to this trail system. Kudos to you, whoever you are.

Oh, and that really steep little off-shoot with the three drops is still there....I hope this remains a permanent fixture there (hint, hint).

I'm giving this trail a 3 tire rating, however it's not in any way due to a lack of quality, just quantity. What there is to ride out there is great, every inch of it.

Recommended Route:
Park up by the tennis courts and marina, take the trail north (the tennis courts will be on your right) and you'll come to a "T" as soon as you go into the trees. Either way is good. At the present it's nice to ride one lap in one direction and when you come back to where you started, ride the opposite direction.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lawrence River Trail (LRT) and Landahl

Review Date
November 10, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: EarthRider ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The existing Shawnee Mission Park Mountain Bike Trail System will be completely overhauled over the next few years. Many of the trails at SMP are fall line trails that, while fun to ride, are horribly eroded and continually getting worse.

Earth Riders Mountain Bike Club has been approved by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District to lead the renovation project. For more details or to volunteer your help visit the Earth Riders website at www.earthriders.com.

Review Date
May 13, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mountainblur ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
This was the first time for this area and it was great. I would have to say this was the best trail that I have found in Kansas. There are always hills to climb and decend. There are technical areas and just good speed areas. I love the rocks and the roots everywhere.
Good ride. Fun.

Recommended Route:
same as above

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lawerence River Trail