Nothing beats the adrenaline rush when muscle meets metal on a mountain biking trail. Senses soar with fresh air and natural beauty, while the heart raps out a percussion that makes the whole thing one grand symphony. It’s a pulse-racing, pedal-pounding high.
Fortunately for endorphin junkies, Winona Lake boasts ten miles of expertly designed and maintained mountain bike trails, compliments of the Kosciusko County VELO (KCV) Cycling Club. “Velo,” biking parlance for a two-wheeled, single-track bicycle, takes its name from a Latin root meaning “swift.” An undulating, forested topography, natural waterways, and local passion and expertise make this spot, and these trails, some of the best around for putting swiftness to the test.
Trailing with experts
The trails’ excellence links to design and maintenance by experts from KCV. “A couple of our guys attended International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) trail builder school to become master trail builders,” said Kris Williams, KCV president. “Several members have also been building trails for years, and have taught others.” The IMBA influence means Winona Lake trails follow guidelines for the creation of sustainable, enjoyable trails that have influenced land management agencies around the world, and are frequently adopted as best practices.
Their rarity also makes these trails special. “You can’t use bikes on state park walking trails,” Williams said. “Although we try to allow walking, biking, and running on the trails, there’s a fine balance. We have to co-exist. And it’s lots of work to maintain and find land to build a trail system of size. You’ve got to have dedicated volunteers.”
That dedication adds up to 2,000 annual man-hours a year maintaining erosion and other natural processes. The diligence and expertise pay off in drawing enthusiasts from South Bend, Fort Wayne and out-of-state to ride the trails.
Trail biking by color
But you don’t have to be an expert to use this resource right in your county’s back yard. Riders of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy Winona Lake Mountain Bike Trails, which are conveniently marked by colors, Williams said. “The trails are single track (one person following another) in a system including some beginner and some expert trails, with jumps, crosses, rock formations, and a just-established expert trail called Snake Farm. Many are beginner, and full of hills, rocks and fallen trees and short, steep uphills and downhills with two creeks. The trails are color-coded – there are many green trails that are beginner-friendly, and the level of difficulty ranges up to black and double-black trails, like skiing symbols are colored.”
The privilege of riding comes with a simple set of rules – ride in the right direction, wear a helmet, and only ride a human-powered bike. Mountain bikers follow the green and black arrows, while walkers, hikers, and trail runners follow the yellow arrows – going against bike traffic, so each trail user can be seen. The right of way is given to mountain bikers since hikers and runners can step off the trail more quickly and safely. Some black sections may not be open for hikers and runners, as designated by trail markings and signage.
Biking blossoms in community
The club’s diligence and the community’s engagement have blossomed into yearly events like the Fat & Skinny Tire Festival, in its 17th year but postponed for a year due to this year’s virus outbreak. A May weekend of all things biking, it draws locals and travelers alike for a full range of fun activities. The trails also draw riders as a yearly stop on a state-wide mountain bike race.
“Any nice Friday through Sunday there will be a nice mix of riders from in and out of town,” Williams said. “Some are staying all night and using the bed and breakfasts, dining and shopping.” It’s also a draw for recruiting industry to Warsaw, an international center for the orthopedics industry, he said.
Winona Lake trail riding never gets old
If Williams has an over-arching emotion about Winona Lake trail riding, it’s the enduring thrill. “I’ve been riding for 20 years and a new trail is great, but there’s the thrill of the familiar. Spots you’ve been working on, the first time you got a section ‘cleaned up.’ Or the first time you do it faster because you got a good flow going. Being in nature and having this resource never gets old. I’ve ridden this trail hundreds of times and I’m always amazed. There’s something new every time,” he said.
Anyone can use the trails and participate in KCV Cycling Club and its mission to educate, promote, and oversee cycling events and activities and maintain the trails. It’s due- and membership-free, nonprofit organization. Trail usage is also free and open, barring closures for the weather- or erosion-related repair. Visit the website at
http://winonalaketrails.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/WinonaLakeTrails/ for events and maintenance schedule. To learn more about KCV, visit http://kcvcycling.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/KCVCyclingClub/ or phone (574) 377.4878.
For all things magical about Kosciusko County, see visitkosciuskocounty.org