Review Date
June 28, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: blackhammer ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
If you haven't been to Franke yet this season, things have changed. The local bike club (3rvs.org) with the permission of the parks board took over maintaining the trails. One of the biggest complaints against Franke, that the trails weren't clearly marked, has been addressed. The trails are now marked with posts and arrows for the main trails. There's now a beginner and intermediate trail with an east and west loop. There are also four advanced (marked red) sections that you can ride from the intermediate trail that have plenty of log rolls, drops, and climbs. We also have a kiosk in place up by the BMX track parking lot with a map of the main trail. Franke's always been a place that can handle different skill levels well. The trail work has been geared towards helping beginners by marking the trails and towards skilled riders by adding sections that can challenge anyone.

Recommended Route:
Head for the BMX parking lot at the back of the park. Stop at the kiosk and check out the map. Then head for the starting post for either the east or west loop. The local club ride at Franke is on Monday nights at 6pm. There's usually a fast and slow group lead by locals.

Review Date
July 6, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: jake83399 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I've been riding these trails for a long time and even went to day camp here. I try to ride it 2 times aweek and still find new trail all the time. Great place to ride for all skill level. If you haven't ben there GO you won't be disapointed.

Recommended Route:
Start at bmx track and go west. the best riding is in there

Review Date
May 27, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Habecker ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
First let me say that I am more of a weekend warrior that enjoys just getting out and hitting the trails. This area for me is fun to ride with some up and downs on the East side of the BMX track. While there are no killer down hills there is one hill that is fun as hell just to bomb down on the trails which are on the West side of the BMX track. I like the variety of the trail there are some spots to cross the stream that runs through the trails to get some other trails. For the up and down portion there are some hills back by the train that the zoo runs these hills are on the North East side. Very easy to navigate around with getting lost. I am not sure who maintains them - but they are in good shape. The best bet is to ride early in the season back here. Last year it was hot and a ton of bugs when you stopped for a breather.

Track is mainly single and the times I have been out there (weekends) it has not been to busy. There are some markings on the trees this is from people who have tried to map out the lay out of the race before they took the markers down. Some are red and some are yellow. These mean nothing as far as level that I know of.

There is one weekend out there when they have some bug cub scout camp out and the kids are all over there in the trail. Not sure of the weekend that occurs- so if you do slide out to ride you may see kids running around out there.

I think there is a little bit for everyone here - you may be disappointed if you are from an area where you have ridden down ski slopes in the summer. GET OUT RIDE HARD!


Thanks to who ever takes care of the trails out there

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Winona Lake

Huntington Reservoir

Review Date
April 28, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: andrewdewey ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Just wanted to post a 2008 update regarding this trail. There is a group of riders that are trying to formalize and perform regular trail maintenance here throughout the year.

The trail is in pretty good shape this year so far and are drying out pretty well. There are some low lying areas that hold water and due to the later than usual spring, they are a little late to dry out.

Due to some late winter flooding, the creek that runs next to some of the trails has caused some erosion and brought the bank of the creek right next to the trail in some sections. Just a warning to pay attention as you ride along the creek.

Other than that, have fun riding.

Check out a few local cycling website's forum for any up to date info, rides, or races.

www.drtconsulting.net
http://3rvs.com/joomla/index.php

Recommended Route:
One of the new initiatives with trail maintenance is proper way finding. Trails can be pretty confusing. The best route is to attempt to look for the red arrows or dots on the trees and ride in that direction.

Review Date
May 16, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: alf ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I recently moved to town and the word is that Franke is the only "real" trail in town. (I rode the trail at Winona Lake last weekend --awesome!)
Franke was surprisingly good. Lots of varied terrain. No killer hills, but quite a few ups and downs.
I will echo many of the previous comments and reviews, this trail needs maps and signage.
Nevertheless - solid, fun, trail.

Recommended Route:
Not sure. I had the most fun on a section of trails that did not seem very heavily used. Did I stumble upon a secret spot? I dont know...

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Winona lake