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Ulrich Park
7 reviews
4.71 of 5
Currently the system has two different trails; one in the main part of the park, the other is across the railroad tracks. These trails are very technical and twisty. Lots of short, all-or-nothing climbs, a few fast downhills. Burning lungs are common with those on the verge of being out of shape. Those with at least intermediate skills will fare well...not really a place for beginners who are not over-achievers.
Travel West out of Cedar Falls on Highway 57. Turn right on Union Road. North on Union Road about .3 miles
and turn right on Skyview Drive. There is a brown sign for Ulrich Park at this intersection. The park is located at the end of the road.
Summary: I used to ride George Wyth alot when I went to school here in the early to mid nineties, so I've been bringing my mountain bike back with me the last few times from Denver, CO to hit some of the old "nostalgia" rides (along with FDR park in Dubuque - see reviews). Stumbled across Ulrich park through this site, and tried it out instead of GW. Wish it'd been around when I was living here.
The trail, in comparison with GW is much more varied and interesting. More ups and downs, more technical sections (really nice tree work, guys), some small bridges, and even a few drops into creekbeds. Very fun. The trail compares better with FDR than anything nearby, but doesn't have the length or climbs of FDR.
Someone has put a good deal of time into these, and it is appreciated. I'm always struck by the amount of really nice, hilly, wooded terrain there is in Iowa (particularly Eastern/Northeastern), and that it's such a shame more of it isn't developed into trails. There's a certain type of riding here (loamy soil, tight turns in dense woods, trees and creeks) that's a complete contrast to where I ride now (CO an UT), and it's a very welcome change. I really enjoy bringing my bike back these days to sample a few people's labor of love. So a general "thanks" to everyone who is trying to make something special for very few people.
If there is an effort to make these longer, I'll hit 'em next time I'm in town. Well, I'd probably hit them either way.
Recommended Route: Followed the orange flags the first time around, then just randomly hit all of the parts I really enjoyed on a second loop. If time had permitted, I'd have done more loops.
Other recommended trails in the same area: FDR in Dubuque - similar but longer with more topography. George Wyth/Hartman is fine, but is much mellower. Sugarbottom, of course. Next trip back, I'm going to make a concerted effort to get up to Decorah to ride there - the reviews look promising.
Transplants - bring your bikes home with you, the riding is getting better back here!
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Summary: Fun trails. Hard to hammer because of lots of tight turns and tight trees. Great use of limited acreage. Hard to tell where you are going, but that is fun also and I seemed to get funneled back to a place I recognized. Make sure to go across the tracks. I agree - best single track north of Iowa City and south of Rochester (haven't ridden Decorah)
Recommended Route: Are there routes?
Other recommended trails in the same area: Sugarbottom
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Summary: This system continues to improve through more riding. We actually had expanded the system to the NorthWest, but it was flooded very badly earlier this Spring due to bad storms in the state. There is a new sub-loop that was built this year. There isn't much area to work with in this park, but what has been used, has been used to the fullest extent. This is THE best riding within 90 minutes drive from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area...even though it only measures about threepointfive miles. I promise that the lower, extended trail system will be rebuilt and maintained with the same vigilance as this system. A must-ride for anyone in the area.
Recommended Route: Listed above.
Other recommended trails in the same area: George Wythe, Lower Hartman, Greenbelt system, and hopefully more to come.
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Review Date October 14, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 4 of 5
Technical Difficulty 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: Kevin
,
Weekend Warrior
Summary: Someone takes really good care of these trails. They are trimmed up nice and cleared pretty regularly of fallen sticks and branches. The single track is awsome and the use of the features in the tarain is great. I am so glad I found an area like this to ride around here, it was badly needed. Two thumbs up to the who ever is maintaining this killer trail system.
Other recommended trails in the same area: None this good with in 1 1/2 hour drive.
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Review Date December 17, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: Andy
, from Waterhole, Ia
Summary: These trails are great! They continue to grow as the weeks pass. They have a little bit of everything including climbs, desents, twists, turns, water crossings, a vintage view of Cedar River Valley from a native? hardwood forest perspective, soft landing spots and even the potential for coed video sessions. If you love to ride dificult single track and are within an hour drive of Cedar Falls you must check them out. The extra use with assist in the trail packing process. Then even us 220+ pounders can roll with the best of them.
Recommended Route: Take Hwy.57 West out of Cedar falls about a mile past Hudson rd. to Union rd. Turn right on Union rd. and go .5 mile to Skyview dr., turn right and go .5 mile to Ulrich park.
Other recommended trails in the same area: dirt type trails
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4.71 of 5
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