Reviewed by: Rabidskier ,  Downhiller

Summary:
I have recently moved back from Wyoming where finding an aggressive place to ride is as easy as stepping out of your back door. I culture shocked pretty bad because of the lack of whitewater kayaking, downhill skiing, and mountain biking opportunities. I remembered France Park from my old BMX days (We use to put lifejackets on our handlebars and ride off of the cliffs) and decided to try it out one day. I would have to say that I was pleased with some of the trails that I found to ride. I was able to bloody my shins up and went over the bars twice on my first ride. The best riding is some off pique stuff on the West and Soutwest side of the swimming lake. There are some slides that go off to the East towards the water that will give even the best riders some pretty good pucker factor. You will have to carry your bike back out, but they are fun.
The biggest drawback is that the best riding areas are very small and will get old fast. One afternoon is about all that I could get out of it. There are plenty of smooth trails and singletrack for recreational riders if that is your cup o' tea.
FINAL COMMENT: What is it with all of these people giving directions on how to sneak in and pirate ride. More than likely they are riding a $1,000 + mountain bike with $300 worth of gear and can't afford a $7 pass for the park. Pull your heads out before they shut down the trails like they did the cliffs for diving. Maybe they are a bunch of snowboarders in the off season or something. (Sorry if I offended anyone, but it really pisses me off when you get someplace decent like this to ride and a few people ruin it for everyone)

Recommended Route:
There is a pretty good network of singletrack and beginner/intermediate trails throughout the whole park. Most of the white knuckle stuff is in the area West of the swimming lake.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The place in Warsaw is fun, otherwise go to Wisconsin or Michigan.

Reviewed by: holzhaus ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I went to the park to meet with the park superintendent, Wes.

I learned a lot about what's going on. Wes drove me all over the park on a
gator. They have built new horse trails. The horses are a concession, where
people pay to go for a trail ride. The park is not supposed to allow any
other horses. Most of the new horse trails are separate from the bike/hike
trails. But about 1/2 to 1 mile of bike trail is now "horse only".

Here is what I think will need to happen to improve riding experiences in
the park and as a result increase the number of paying customers / people
camping and riding through the weekend:

1) Mountain bike riders in the area (including Lafayette area) need to
organize and get a LEADER. The leader will keep close contact with the park
board and Wes to help with decisions and provide CONSTRUCTIVE input. I've
started things rolling and I will help all I can - but I live 2 hours away.

2) This rider group should make an agreement to work "X" number of labor
hours improving trails, placing signs, etc. in exchange for a season pass to
ride in the park. Nobody wants to volunteer their labor when they have to
pay $7 to do it. But there will definitely be takers if the park offers a
season pass based on a certain amount of work. This also eases the riders'
frustration with "where does my money go" if the trails are nice for those
who are paying.

3) Riders should be vocal and serious about asking others NOT to SNEAK IN
for a "free" ride. When this happens the trust is broken with riders as a
user group.

4) France Park needs to lower mountain bike fee to $3 or $4.

Feel free to pass this freely to ANYONE who might help the cause. Bike
shops, clubs, etc.
France Park can definitely regain its greatness for mountain biking with
cooperation between riders and the park!!

Please contact us if you can help this effort.
Brian Holzhausen
(317)308-6449
www.DINOseries.com