CAMBA: Cable Cluster

These trails didn't excite me the way others did. I only rode half of Ojibwe and Esker and wasn't a huge fan of either. Esker is an easy beginner trail. Ojibwe is a bit technical, and I likely would have enjoyed more if it weren't at the end of my point to point out of Hayward. I would give Ojibwe another go when I go back to ride as a full loop on fresh legs. It would make for an intermediate ride with many roots, rocks, and sharp turns.

Took my 16 year old son on this trail. He is slowly gaining an appreciation for MTN biking as he is a varsity Alpine skier. He loved the experience! Esker is tough on the hands and the gut. Perfect combo of ups and downs with semi-technical challenge.
The end had him smiling till tomorrow. Lots of rock in the beginning smooths out to a downhill that can not be matched for a beginner. The circle around the lake is why we do this. Take it fast!

This is for the Ojibwe trail in the Cable Cluster. Seely Pass flows, Ojibwe does not. I started on the north end TH and went counterclockwise. I think the trail flows better clockwise. This is a rocky, rooty beat fest. There are some flowy sections but they're short and rough. Well maintained and marked well, it's just a rougher trail. Rock, rocks, roots, some rock garden sections and then more rocks. Beautiful trail but it was just a bit more technical than what I wanted the day I rode. I went on a Saturday and it was nearly deserted so not lots of traffic. Getting to the north end TH is a gorgeous drive on fire roads so be prepared for a slow drive there.

Short & fat trail was closed at the the Telemark lodge. Had to ride roads back

I found this to be a Jekyll and Hyde trail system. The good stuff was great, but the not so good stuff, which was plentiful, was a huge distraction. Other than the Ojibwa trail, the bulk of the system is largely uninteresting. The area has done a great job building trails for everyone (hikers, cyclists, classic and skate skiers, ATVs) into this area, but the various trail types are constantly criss-crossing each other and the frequent double bulldozer width ski trail intersections disrupt the flow and the feeling of remoteness. The trails are exceptionally well marked -- if you're a skier. If you get off the singletrack as a cyclist, you may have some difficulty finding it again. After exploring the area, I was happy just to focus on laps on the Ojibwa trail, which is not as difficult as the black rating given it, but still bobs and weaves through the woods in a wonderful way for most of its length.

This trail is the reason to come to the Cable cluster. There were some annoying reroutes (seemingly around some new construction) during my trip (8/2015) so the final configuration may change, but all the original stretches were very good. Half of the route is marked black, but I wouldn't even call it dark blue--an average intermediate wouldn't have any trouble.

Multiple trails of varying surfaces ranging from asphalt (few) and gravel roads to wide grassy ski trails and extreme single track. Signage is good but with all the ski trails in the area there can be some confusion. If difficult single track is your cup tea the Ojibwe Trail will make your cup flow over. After a heart pounding climb the Esker Trail gives you a wonderful view on top of the glacial feature. Then descend to scenic views of a lake. Danky Dank Trail ( accessed via the Esker Trail) is new single track that is currently an out and back route. I believe that Danky Dank may be a connector to the Namakagon cluster when completed.
The Cable Cluster is connected with Seeley and Hayward Clusters. This has the potential to put a smile on your face for a minimum of a long weekend to a week or more. From beginner to expert all will enjoy the variety of trails available at the Cable Cluster.

Fast, flowy, and scenic! Miles and miles of trails to explore with a variety of rolling terrain and a backcountry feel.

As another reviewer stated, this was one of the first "contemporary" mtb trails in the area. Inheriting all of the landscape and natural features of the nearby Rock Lake, Namakagon, etc. areas and applying IMBA's early standards resulted in a truly exceptional ride for the area. So while it may not have the latest berms to spec or anything, it's still an absolutely joyful ride end-to-end. Is really a great sample of the area. Agreed that the first climb isn't a great debut, but it's also in no way of how the rest of the ride will go. Just crank through it and enjoy the first winding descent and rock garden and observe how fast the time passes.

The Ojibwe is the first complete singletrack trail that CAMBA developed. As such, it is a bit more primitive (i.e. pre-IMBA standards) than their more recent offerings. It is completely rideable but it doesn't flow like their latest developments. It is a fun and somewhat challenging trail. Not the best choice for a beginner as it starts out with a longish uphill grind with plenty of roots, rocks and tight turns to test your balance. Once you get to the top of the initial climb and hit the start of the loop you'll get some relief but it will continue to throw surprises at you from time to time.