When did the new trail(s) open up?

[hockeynut]

When did the new trail(s) up in the old "Margaritaville" and "Henke's Hollow" area open up? I know that I biked this section after the last scheduled trailwork session and it was just as the .pdf map says. Someone was very busy!!!

On a side note... I'm pretty new to biking, and just got clipless pedals (and wiped out a few times)... so I just wussed out and walked parts of this trail (next time I'll rack myself up a few times and try them out). Looks pretty cool though. Good job to someone.

On another side note... what percentage of trails are actually on the old published map, and anyone have any plans on making a new one? (I'd be willing to attempt this job if I knew how... assume it's a GPS and photoshop type thing)

[bikebud]

We opened up the new sections about 2 weeks ago. We got most everything cleared on our last trail day and then a couple of us spent a few evenings there doing dirt work and adding the little bridges. I've been able to ride the section a couple of times now and it's cool; nothing like we've done before up there. There's a bit of dirt work left to do on the section after the spin-cycle ravine but it's all doable right now. Some more tires on it would probably save us the time with shovels and rakes!

As for the amount of trail not on the map I'd have to say that now about 1/2 of our single track is not on the map. The original map does need to be updated. It was done with GPS and the accompanying software. If you are interested in tackling that project let me know. I don't have a GPS but I understand that it didn't take too long the first time around.

Kris

[hockeynut]

Kris,

Since at the moment I don't have a GPS or the software (although I am thinking of getting it for fishing and hiking and biking etc.), I better not volunteer to start up this project. If I had the equipment I'd be more than happy to try to map the singletrack (although a lot of it would be mapped by foot I think:cool: ).

Z

P.S. Trailwork this Saturday correct? 9:00 AM?

[bikebud]

Thank you for your interest in helping map the trails on Memorial. Please keep in touch if you do happen to get the GPS. We'd love for someone to update the map! We may get around to it later this summer after all the new trails are up and running.

Yes, trail work is this Saturday at 9 am. We'll meet up on top and focus on the ravine section that was built last year. We have some maintenance to do and a new section of trail will be added. Tell your friends!

Kris

[gopherhockey]

Thank you for your interest in helping map the trails on Memorial. Please keep in touch if you do happen to get the GPS. We'd love for someone to update the map! We may get around to it later this summer after all the new trails are up and running.

Yes, trail work is this Saturday at 9 am. We'll meet up on top and focus on the ravine section that was built last year. We have some maintenance to do and a new section of trail will be added. Tell your friends!

KrisOne thing I always struggle with is that you get the most accurate GPS at the very end of the year when all leaves have fallen. (with a typical home GPS system). Land Managers often have access to super-GPS sytems with real accuracy that can compensate enough for summer GPS work, but I have never had luck until even into November at Lebanon Hills....

MORC has access to 2 GPS units I believe if all else fails, you can certainly use mine... as long as we can post the GPS data on the web site of course ;) I have 3-4 GPS software packages as well, including the Topo Minnesota one that seems fairly accurate.

[hockeynut]

After my first trailwork session up on Memorial Bluff, I would venture a guess that if the old .pdf map is still the most current, there are at least 50% more trails, if not more that aren't there. (In fact we opened up a nice new section of trail this morning)

I don't know much about mapping trails, but I'm guessing even if the reciever is recieving ok, you almost have to walk the trails, correct? Otherwise I would think tight switchbacks etc. would get missed.

I can think of a few different forms of a map:

1.) printable .pdf pretty much like what's available now in the trail review just with the added trails

2.) maybe a nicer looking one that could maybe be available at the bike store in town and to keep John happy :p

3.) a web version that would maybe have links to pictures and stuff

Other Red Wingites may have better input or ideas....

I'll let you know if I would like access to an MORC GPS. I am gonna do some research on them and maybe pick one up (would be cool for fishing, hiking, etc. as well... and I love gadgets).

Z