For 2020 we had “practice packs” and we’d like to continue that for 2021. It worked well, and it ensured kids were training with the same coach for several weeks at a time (which helps build friendships and confidence).
For 2021 we are going to do a self-directed time trial at Merrell’s Wynalda Loop using the Strava segments (either direction). This is for MS/HS riders only.
- The Wynalda loop starts and finishes near the metal sign by the creek crossing. NOT at the parking lot entrance by the BMX lot.
- If you enter from the BMX lot, you can just ride to the Wynalda sign, turn around, and time a loop.
- If you enter from the original Merrell lot off Belmont Bypass (at the west end of the trail) just ride until you get to Wynalda and then hit the gas for a hot loop.
- If all of this is confusing, coaches will be onsite on Monday, June 7th at 6:30pm at the BMX lot to assist. This is not an official team practice, but we’ll be there to help you with your time trial if you need it.
- If you’re able, please do the TT on your own. We don’t need a lifetime best effort, just a good estimate of your speed right now.
- If you have a recent ride of the Wynalda Loop on Strava, you can submit that instead of doing a new TT.
Please submit a time for either Wynalda Loop segment
Red direction segment is Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun and runs counter-clockwise.
Yellow direction segment is Tue/Thu/Sat and runs clockwise.
Click titles below for instructions and FAQs.
What are we doing? I’m confused.
We are asking you to drive to Merrell Trail, have your rider do a timed loop of Wynalda Loop (maps and help on this page), report that time, and then attend practice with an assigned group of riders that are of similar speed. With 150 riders this year, it’s more helpful than ever to group riders by similar abilities.
I’m unfamiliar with this trail. What should I do?
About the Merrell Trail: Merrell is a 6.5 mile loop of flowy singletrack. Most of it is appropriate for beginner riders and is well-signed so you don’t get too lost. One exception is the “Sawtooth” loop which is rated “black diamond” (at least for the lower peninsula of Michigan). Beginners should avoid this loop. If you haven’t ridden the trail before, we strongly suggest doing a loop or two, on your own, before trying the time trial for practice placement.
Tips specific to the Wynalda Loop:
- This is a short loop, just under a mile and a half. Do at least 1 or 2 loops to familiarize yourself with the loop before trying to run it for time.
- You don’t need to pace yourself, just go for it. It’s going to take you under 15 minutes to complete (many of you will finish in well under 10 minutes).
- The loop has blind corners, loose turns, optional jumps and some roots. PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE LOOP BEFORE RUNNING IT FOR TIME.
- The course runs in different directions by day-of-week. Your times will be nearly identical regardless of which direction you ride the loop. For that reason, don’t worry which day you ride, again this is an approximation of speed for us.
- The rocks crossing the creek are slippery when wet. When you cross wet rocks, always try to turn before or after the rocks, NOT ON THE ROCKS or you’ll slip.
- Improving your time by a second or two is completely unimportant. We are just looking to see roughly how fast you are for this type loop.
Our recommendation: Ride the trail for fun. Don’t worry about your time. Learn the Wynalda loop. Find the metal start/finish sign and familiarize yourself with the trail. When you’re ready, time a loop. If you want more support, show up Monday the 7th and we’ll give you a hand.
What is Strava and how do I use it for this?
If you haven’t used it before, I’d suggest giving it a try before you try to record a time trial. Strava is a GPS app that runs on your phone (or using a bike computerm, smartwatch, etc). It tracks your rides, and your performance on specific segments of trail. It’s free to sign up and use (you can elect to pay for a premium version but that’s unnecessary for what we’re doing here).
If you want to use Strava for this TT do the following:
- Sign up for and install the app.
- Ride with it a few times to get used to using it.
- Ride a loop fo Merrell and see how various segments are called out from your ride.
- Ride a full Wynalda Loop, starting from the metal sign by the creek, and report your time to us using the form.
What is the deadline for this Time-Trial?
Please complete the time trial by June 9th and submit your data using this form.
I’m new to the team and need help.
Come to the Merrell TT on June 7th at 6:30pm. We will be there to help you. Park at the BMX Lot (east side, direct access from 10 Mile Rd.)
Why are we doing this? I’m not a racer.
This helps us place your child in an appropriately paced practice pack. They will be riding with other kids of similar speed.
I am not coming to practice until August. What should I do?
Please let us know now that you’ll be out until August. Do the TT some time in July. Don’t sweat it!