Review Date October 2, 2008 Overall Rating
5 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty
4 of 5
Technical Difficulty
5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
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Reviewed by: snobrder5
,
Weekend Warrior Summary: Markham park is an absolute gem in the middle of the south florida expanses of pavement....it's not a LONG ride, but what it lacks in distance, it more than makes up for in fun! Lots of short, steep descents, some tight switchbacks, a few gut busting climbs, some really technical sections too....the trails are in great shape, really buff and groomed....there's a good amount of man made obstacles out there, such as ladder bridges, some skinnies, a teeter-totter, some banked ladder bridges, etc...there's a little "freeride" section, has a big hip jump, a huge double into a medium sized 2 pack, a small-ish table top (that i destroyed my arm on), a ladder drop, and prob a couple new things since i've been out there last...i dont think i've ever heard anyone who has ridden markham, say that they didn't like the trails. there really is something for everyone, even with bypasses around the stuff that maybe you can handle...the trails are all really well marked, but it is easy to get lost, so it's recommended that you show up on a sat or sun, and ride with one of the 200 or so locals that are there...during the week, there are considerably less people.....but even on weekends, the parking lot can be full, and sometimes you just wont see anyone else on the trails...not like it gets really crowded.. Recommended Route: well from the parking lot, i usually go warm up loop, then rock garden, armadillo, redback, and then turn right by the lake and head down to traverse...this takes you into supercross and eviction (really short section)..you come to a clearing, then head straight across into outback (REALLY fun trail)...there's gut buster of a climb that turns up and to the left....at the top you can either make a super tight right hand turn and keep going to the outback extension, or go straight at the top of the hill and go down a hill and out by the lake...(that's what i do)....follow the double track by the lake around to gunrange (the most technical section at markham), do the gunrange loop, and then go back the way you came, and pick up the outback extension....another really fun section with some crazy downhills....then you come out at that clearing again, and head straight across to crimescene, then jetski, then teds twisted trail (dont go too fast on the DH, cause you can loose it really easily), then you go into lost ring, then bermuda triangle (which i usually skip), then washing machine, and then alligator alley....after that you can hit deep dark forrest, and RT 66, both fun trails. Other recommended trails in the same area: Oleta River State Park...a little further down 95, traffic usually horrendous getting there though....stupid miami traffic. If you head up to Palm Beach County, Pinehurst is really fun for a short trip (dont go out of your way to find it), and the new Quiet Waters is also good for a short, non technical, basic aerobic workout....The two powerhouses in south fla are without a doubt markham, and oleta....the best blend of speed, distance, technical challenge, and good climbs and downhills....everywhere else is ok, but doesn't really compare to the big two.
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Review Date September 21, 2008 Overall Rating
5 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty
5 of 5
Technical Difficulty
5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
|  |
Reviewed by: turner_dave
,
Cross Country Rider Summary: This trail is located in Sunrise Florida about as far west as you can go on the 595 freeway without running into the everglades. There are 9 miles of single track and about 3 miles of double track that will test the skills of any rider. Water is available at the bike wash. Helmets required. All riders need an access pass available for free at the park office. Recommended Route: The trail system starts at the trail head gate and winds counter clockwise around the lake side ridges. Follow the signs and ride within your ability. Expect rock gardens, decent but short climbs, man made obstacles and features. There is a new free ride section hidden within the system. Ride with a local for your 1st lap and to get an introduction to the trail direction. Don't forget hydration. Other recommended trails in the same area: Oleta River park Miami. Quiet Waters trail Deerfield Beach. Amelia Earhart park trails Hialeah.
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