Access points

[homebrewbiker]

It just occurred to me that as Wirth becomes more popular parking may beocme an issue. I do not think it is a good idea to park at the main golf course, and we don't want to get those guys upset with people using their lot for the trail. Not sure about the Par 3 course, that lot is usually not too full. Other options I guess would be the Church over on Golden Valley Road and Wirth Parkway. Or the Bed and Breakfast Parking lot that was posted in regard to trail building.

Of course, if you spring for the Minneapolis Parks Pass you can Park at Wirth Parkway itself by Quaking Bog just on the West Side of 55.

As to accessing the trail I generally have used the dirt road close to the Par 3 Course, but recently I have been biking in from home and going through the Apartments/Hospital right off of Golden Valley Road. Maybe this is not a great idea, but I don't think it is too intrusive to be going in on a bike, obviously a bad idea to park inside there.

[noise_is_life]

I think it is going to up to the MPRB to worry about that, since we are now an authorized activity. Seems like the Par 3 lot or the Chalet lot are good options.

Lots of the people that currently ride Theo ride there from home or some other location (like Kenwood Cyclery or One on One).

The official entrances to the trail will be at the corner of Theo Wirth Pkwy and 55 and the iron gate. The section south of the tracks will actually exit on the paved path (vs. the railroad tracks as it does now) and will use the paved path to get to the north side. MPRB will also be moving the fence next to the gate so that it will be possible to ride through.

[homebrewbiker]

Seems like the Par 3 lot or the Chalet lot are good options.
I suspect that parking at the Chalet may not fly at some point, I don't think the folks running the golf course are too thrilled with people using their lot for biking, but perhaps this is not correct.

I know that when a friend and I were riding on some of the paths around the chalet (looking for the bike trail), we were told that it was private and only for golfers. Luckily the guy had some idea where the trailhead was and pointed us in the correct direction. But he seemed pretty annoyed at the same time as being helpful (probably so we would get off of the course).

Not much of a big deal to me since I can bike from home.:)

[Tetreves]

I just park in my garage and no one has complained yet!:etard:

[noise_is_life]

I suspect that parking at the Chalet may not fly at some point, I don't think the folks running the golf course are too thrilled with people using their lot for biking, but perhaps this is not correct.

I know that when a friend and I were riding on some of the paths around the chalet (looking for the bike trail), we were told that it was private and only for golfers. Luckily the guy had some idea where the trailhead was and pointed us in the correct direction. But he seemed pretty annoyed at the same time as being helpful (probably so we would get off of the course).

Not much of a big deal to me since I can bike from home.:)
I was under the impression that that was all run by MPRB, they use it for other activities in the winter, you would think they could share the parking lot in the summer.

[Trevize1138]

I park in the Par 3 lot in such a way so that I'm blocking 3 spots. Then, as I'm riding away, I make sure to scream obscenities at any golfer I see and make sure they know their days of Theo golfing are over 'cause we're building MTB trails now, beeeeyotch!

... but, I sometimes park in my garage, too ... that works ... :crazy:

[Sellout]

How do I access the trail from the par 3 lot (is this dirt road pretty obvious)?

[noise_is_life]

How do I access the trail from the par 3 lot (is this dirt road pretty obvious)?
Yep, it is just south of the lot. You can see the gate from the lot.

[bkyatty]

From the par three go south on wirth pkway about 120 yards. Take a right on the dirt driveway with the bar across it. You can either go left after 50 yards to cross the tracks and go to the south part of the park or continue on the dirt maintenance road to the rest of the park. For another place to park that will not upset the phosphorous loving geese hackers, you can park at the Schaper Park parking lot. It is on the northside of 55. It is the last exit from 55 until you get to hwy 100. Some one said something about parkign at Room and Board. I just think that may be sketchy bc during their weekend sales they also are giving announcements about illegal parkers. I just got back from doing the wirth loop. It was pretty good condition. Had to get off a few times to walk through the mud, which was only at a few low spots and at the north corners on the southside of tracks. Beautiful day, until my clipless pedal malfunction and I fell on my leg with my bike...on a 10 inch stump. My dogs are pissed that I can't walk tonight......

[ryno lite]

I know a great place to park! Chris D's driveway!

[noise_is_life]

A group I ride with always parks behind Whole Foods and rides up the paved paths, picking up pieces of singletrack along the way, so there are many options.

[Trevize1138]

BYOB (the 2nd B stands for both booze and BBQ foods)

I say we plan a Ghetto Group Ride! Everyone meet at my place (just 1 block south of Sunrise Cyclery!), ride the greenway to Brownie and Theo, then back to my place for beer and BBQ!

I know a great place to park! Chris D's driveway!

[homebrewbiker]

BYOB (the 2nd B stands for both booze and BBQ foods)
I say we plan a Ghetto Group Ride! Everyone meet at my place (just 1 block south of Sunrise Cyclery!), ride the greenway to Brownie and Theo, then back to my place for beer and BBQ!
That sounds great but where is Sunrise Cyclery? I can bring some homebrew. :crazy2:

[Trevize1138]

That sounds great but where is Sunrise Cyclery? I can bring some homebrew. :crazy2:
On 2nd Ave S, 1/2 a block north of 31st St! Jamie McDonald (10 year Freewheel shop veteran) has been running it since he opened it May 1. :)

Hmm ... I just may have to make good on my promise of a ghetto group ride. Shad, Andy and I just did one last night (minus BBQ and beer, though ... pity). We stopped by Sunrise to tune up Andy's rear der and then did Brownie, Theo, Brownie in that order (followed up by a lap around Calhoun to admire the view ... if you catch my meaning ;) )

Hmm ... maybe time to post a separate thread for this?

[berrywise]

followed up by a lap around Calhoun to admire the view ... if you catch my meaning
Do the pimp shades do double duty and disguise the direction that your eyes are looking?

[Trevize1138]

Do the pimp shades do double duty and disguise the direction that your eyes are looking?
Check the 'tar ... I forget that people can see EXACTLY where I'm looking ... :hit:

[KleinCrazy]

On 2nd Ave S, 1/2 a block north of 31st St! Jamie McDonald (10 year Freewheel shop veteran) has been running it since he opened it May 1. :)

Hmm ... I just may have to make good on my promise of a ghetto group ride. Shad, Andy and I just did one last night (minus BBQ and beer, though ... pity). We stopped by Sunrise to tune up Andy's rear der and then did Brownie, Theo, Brownie in that order (followed up by a lap around Calhoun to admire the view ... if you catch my meaning ;) )

Hmm ... maybe time to post a separate thread for this?
I'd be in for it, and would also be able to bring along some homebrew, but in about 4 weeks :embarass: , it just went into the secondary fermenter.

[Trevize1138]

I'd be in for it, and would also be able to bring along some homebrew, but in about 4 weeks :embarass: , it just went into the secondary fermenter.
Obviously, there will have to be more than just one Ghetto Group Bike/Beer/BBQ ... :cool: