Trail Conditions in Detail - Theodore Wirth

[fatbaldpop1]

i love my daughter erin. She also really likes to watch old bald men bike, thats why i make such a great father.

Happy Valentines day to all

REMEMBER
cars-r-coffins
:)

[flombe]

I rode the Pugsley at Theo tonight. Several Pug passes have been made of the north section since the latest snowfall. The conditions should be perfect for big volume low pressure tire setups. No ice. Studs not required. The south section was sketchy for the Pugsley - needs a few more passes. Enjoy.

[flombe]

Rode the pugs today. All in all good riding condition but getting soft and there are a couple of slushy puddles near the RR tracks. Watch for ice if you ride after it freezes up tonight. After freezing it will be fast! Studs not required. For now!

[flombe]

Rode the Pugsley with lights tonight. The trail is in beautiful "summer-like" condition. Frozen hard-pack, grippy, fast! Studs not necessary. Get out and ride before the next thaw!

When the temps near 32 deg. F. or higher this weekend, the trail will soften and the slushy mud puddles will reappear. Best to avoid these conditions to prevent damaging the trail.

[jag]

Hey Flombe you should take it over to the tubing hill for some speed runs. The main run is fun but the steep side runs are funner.

[flombe]

Hey Flombe you should take it over to the tubing hill for some speed runs. The main run is fun but the steep side runs are funner.

Now, that is an intriguing idea! The climbs would be good too. What goes down, must go up first!

The latest thaw/freeze cycle has made it possible to ride a Pugsley anywhere there is snow! Or, no snow.

[flombe]

3 Pugs laps, the last with 3 other Pugs from Team Ricoh, has the trail packed and ready to roll.

One muddy spot at the low point in the pines near the RR tracks. Someone blazed a bypass to avoid it, but it is best to not do this.:nono: Better to carefully ride or walk through the muddy area.

The Sunday afternoon forecast looks bad for riding, but the rest of the week looks great!

[SprocketHead]

... Someone blazed a bypass to avoid it, but it is best to not do this.:nono: Better to carefully ride or walk through the muddy area....

I rarely chime in on stuff like this, but... If you can avoid Mud by riding on a hunk of frozen tundra, why not?
...To me, this seems like a clear cut exception to the "Don't Bypass the Trail" Rule.

[jitterjepp]

I rarely chime in on stuff like this, but... If you can avoid Mud by riding on a hunk of frozen tundra, why not?
...To me, this seems like a clear cut exception to the "Don't Bypass the Trail" Rule.
It seems to me like people trying to make clearcut exceptions to the rule "don't ride wet muddy trails" Go ride the bike paths or sit on the trainer.

[SprocketHead]

It seems to me like people trying to make clearcut exceptions to the rule "don't ride wet muddy trails" Go ride the bike paths or sit on the trainer.

Point taken,,, I was not trying to create controversy, only to apply common sense: If the trail is 99.9% snow packed and you come across the 0.1% mud, why not ride on some frozen stuff?

[bigwheel]

Point taken,,, I was not trying to create controversy, only to apply common sense: If the trail is 99.9% snow packed and you come across the 0.1% mud, why not ride on some frozen stuff?

At Leb, we go through some pains to close off "alternate routes" even in the winter, because they quickly become permanent. After a hundred or so bikes stomping down the vegetation (even below the snow) and breaking branches, the vegetation dies, and you end up with two muddy spots, plus another area that needs to be reclaimed. I haven't been over to Theo to see the problem spot, but in general, the trail is laid out in the areas with the best drainage. The "alternate route" will likely end up worse than the original one.

Keep in mind, that Leb is about 8 1/2 miles. So, even 0.1% mud means a 45 foot section of mud and deep ruts to repair. It's not a fun or easy task, and it becomes a problem area in the future, every time it rains.

Mike, I know you are a trail worker and will be one of the people that will help with spring repair work. I just want to discourage people from riding all over the place.

[flombe]

At Leb, we go through some pains to close off "alternate routes" even in the winter, because they quickly become permanent. After a hundred or so bikes stomping down the vegetation (even below the snow) and breaking branches, the vegetation dies, and you end up with two muddy spots, plus another area that needs to be reclaimed.

This was the train of thought I was applying to Theo. Similar to how creating a work-around for a downed tree, etc. is not a good idea, i.e. it creates repair work for the trail workers which reduces time dedicated to trail building.

It seems to me like people trying to make clearcut exceptions to the rule "don't ride wet muddy trails" Go ride the bike paths or sit on the trainer.

The trail was in near perfect frozen condition yesterday with the exception of the one muddy spot which was approximately 3' long. Hopefully people stay off this afternoon and allow the trail to freeze up nicely for the rest of the week!

[SprocketHead]

This was the train of thought I was applying to Theo. Similar to how creating a work-around for a downed tree, etc. is not a good idea, i.e. it creates repair work for the trail workers which reduces time dedicated to trail building.

The trail was in near perfect frozen condition yesterday with the exception of the one muddy spot which was approximately 3' long. Hopefully people stay off this afternoon and allow the trail to freeze up nicely for the rest of the week!


Interesting!.. Thanks for the info guys, I had no Idea it was that critical. Sometimes I forget that our trails really do rest on a delicate ecosystem.. I never was much of a tree hugger, but this all makes sense to me...
...Preservation of our trails is VERY important to me/us!

[manual63]

Please do not make ride around trails to avoid muddy spots. Remember this?!

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=23693&page=4

It does a lot of damage and creates a lot of work for us. Work we could be doing to add more fun to the trail.

Even if it's snowcovered, it's not a good idea to make a ride around. It still creates a new unauthorized trail and then a bunch of other riders will start using it and wearing it down.

If the trails have muddy spots.....it's time to stop riding them. Even if it's only in a couple of areas. Thanks! The MOCA trail crew!

[dave t]

If it's the only area that is even questionable yet, maybe someone could get a sled and drag in a 3" block of snow/ice from a nearby parking lot.
At this point the sun is not on your side for it to be a long-term fix but it's an option that could prevent a trouble spot and keep it open a bit longer.

[manual63]

I guess it's a judgement call. But I would not ride any trail once the dirt (which is mud at this point) is exposed. I just don't want to create additional work for trailworkers.

To me....it's not such a big deal that I have to stay off the trails for a couple of months. I guess I don't see why people have to ride off-road right now. That is why I XC Ski, ride BMX, run, ride road, and do all these other activities. Like I suggested last year, this is a good time of year to go play around on your mountain bike in the urban environment and brush up on those skills. Play on the curbs, practice going over things, bunnyhopping, and so on. Then when the trails do dry up, you have some new skills to dial in your singletrack riding with......:)

But some people just feel the need to go ride on the trails anyway........sigh.

[flombe]

No issues right now and the forecast looks good until Sunday when the next thaw begins.

If the forecast holds, I suspect the trail will be closed for the season by Sunday. It appears several riders were out this past Sunday afternoon and new soft spots are developing.

Use your head and do not ride when the trail is soft! Ride now while it is still FROZEN!

Beware, there are a couple of surprising ice spots. One near the tracks took my non-studded Pugs down tonight!

[Lezgo Cycling]

I guess it's a judgement call. But I would not ride any trail once the dirt (which is mud at this point) is exposed. I just don't want to create additional work for trailworkers.


So last night we rode a few laps and there are a COUPLE spots where the dirt is showing. Now we rode late about 9pm so it was frozen, BUT you can tell that some have been riding when it was just slightly too warm for it. Most of the trail is ok and covered in just a little bit of snow, but if it warms up like they say and if it were up to me THIS WEEKEND WOULD BE PERFECT TIME TO POST IT CLOSED....please dont ride the trails when its warm, as it develops ruts in the trail. There are a couple spots like I said where the dirt is showing and starting to develop ruts.

[jag]

It'll be fine this weekend. The ruts are frozen solid and it is not warming up much until maybe sunday. I might be out there tomorrow warming up the legs for sunday and if i see a soft rut the pug will push it back into place.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Sorry I should have been more clear...it should be ok through sun but it supposed to warm up as of sun night mon morning then it will really have to be watched closely. This weekend SHOULD be ok, but im busy and not riding til sun at ER so........thanks 2 pins :D

[manual63]

This is for Spring thaw. Please stay off of the trails until they reopen after all the snow melts and dirt becomes solid again.

Thank you....Theo Trail Crew!

[At the Gates 2121]

This is for Spring thaw. Please stay off of the trails until they reopen after all the snow melts and dirt becomes solid again.

Thank you....Theo Trail Crew!

how close to reopening ??

[Nickel]

Have to see how much it rains this week.

[spooky612]

we were wanting to ride theo tomorrow. is this gonna be ok? anyone?

[MrBatzloff]

My guess would be no. We had a lot of rain yesterday, and there's still some frost creeping up.

Be patient.

[Nickel]

Patience kids.

[jerryloss]

I rode by theo last night and I noticed the orange fence on the north exit of the warm up trail was on the ground.

I'll be riding that way again tonight, should I "resurrect" the fence?

[LMARX]

I rode by theo last night and I noticed the orange fence on the north exit of the warm up trail was on the ground.

I'll be riding that way again tonight, should I "resurrect" the fence?

Yes. I got a PM from Shad this morning and he said it could be up to 2 weeks before it's ridable, depending on weather.

[Nickel]

That would be much appreciated Jerry. I'm surprised it has even been up this long. Hopefully the end of this week will not be as wet as predicted.

[jerryloss]

Some one beat me to it.

I was all excited to be useful for once. :mad:

Yes. I got a PM from Shad this morning and he said it could be up to 2 weeks before it's ridable, depending on weather.

[Slimpee]

I walked it tonight w/ Steef (who had on his lovely Dirt Boss shirt) and Shawn J and it's getting close but definitely still too soggy. I think that if the rain holds off it could be open within a week or so to get it really dry enough but it doesn't look like that'll be the case.

We turned away 10-15 riders most of whom were pretty cool about it. A few, though, tried to pretend like they didn't know it was closed. Pish-posh.

[steef]

It also looks like we have quite a few rutting and cupping issues to deal with on the trail. Some pinning rocks need to reset also.

[Trevize1138]

What do you guys think the chances are the trail could be open for riding tonight? :crazy:

[Stonehenge]

It also looks like we have quite a few rutting and cupping issues to deal with on the trail. Some pinning rocks need to reset also.
Will moist soil be best for correction as you get the adhearing/ compacting then dry out for more durable/ harder set. Just wondering

[jitterjepp]

We ran into a lot of people last night while walking the trail to look at what/where we need to start for trail work. The riding people have done so far has caused a fair amount of dammage. If we saw you out there and you don't know why we want it to remain closed this is why.

I'm not trying to belittle anyone with the image below but it basically boils down to this in my best shot at making image diagrams with the data programmers photo shop (MS paint).

http://www.generationoutdoors.com/trials.gif


Some of the dammage is in the areas they went through last fall with heavy equipment and cut roots for oak wilt. We'll have to go through these areas again. When we went through initially it was late fall and it was getting dark too fast for us to have enough daylight time to get everything done. The heavy equipment also cuts fairly deep into the soil so it takes some time and work to get it compacted. We're going to need some more volunteers out there when we start so we can finish up fixing the dammage and get started on the new stuff.

[spooky612]

im down with helping!

[Chug]

I just got a report that the fencing has been ripped down and many people had been riding.

Lame.

[spooky612]

thats wicked lame folks. spread the word and educate its the best we can do!

[steef]

Is anyone up for a trrailwalk/education session tonight?

[THUMP!]

I see Leb is opening tonight...what is the strory with Theo?

[Trevize1138]

I see Leb is opening tonight...what is the strory with Theo?

(drums fingers on desk ...)

[Therevlev]

Ok, I'm completely new... I've been hearing all of this talk about Leb.. And patiently waiting because A) I want the trails to be in great condition, and B) I'm pretty sure Leb is a long a** drive from Rockford. So, with that being said, what are the odds of being able to ride there this weekend? :jumpy:

[rihaha]

Not very good with the rain coming up. Sorry

[jadoescher]

Is Theo open? I was going to swing by there today to see if it is.

[Trevize1138]

Not very good with the rain coming up. Sorry

The forecasts they are a-changin'. Only a 30% chance of rain now and nothing on the radar.

Would be nice to know if the trail's open or not. I'd like to ride tonight, too, but I'd like to know that I wouldn't be a "poacher" riding a dry, ready-to-go trail that's "closed."

[gopherhockey]

This is why we close these threads until the trails are open. "are we there yet, are we there yet?" :banghead:

[gopherhockey]

Just got word that Shad is checking out Theo as we speak. Should have a report back shortly. Let he or one of the DBs be the next one to post up please.

[gopherhockey]

Shad just reported Theo is open.

If it rains, all best are off however. Ride while you can.

Again.. for all those who aren't getting the point... don't post here if you don't have a trail condition or item to report. We want to keep the latest trail conditions at the top of the thread at all times. If you "top" one, your post will be deleted.

[b_rogo]

The rain held off and the trail was in GREAT shape tonight.

[manual63]

Trails are wet after the rain. It is supposed to continue to rain for a couple of days. Please give them at least 48 hours to dry after it stops raining.....thanks!

[manual63]

Since today was much nicer than expected with a good amount of sun and wind and tomorrow is expected to be in the 60's and sunny.

Projected rideable date: Late Sunday afternoon (5/4)

Please check conditions before you ride, the forecast may change.

[Neckroll]

Is 5:30 late enough in the afternoon? Conditions still say wet but last post was yesterday. Don't mean to do the "are we there yet?" thing, but I don't want to be a poacher.

[gopherhockey]

Is 5:30 late enough in the afternoon? Conditions still say wet but last post was yesterday. Don't mean to do the "are we there yet?" thing, but I don't want to be a poacher.

Trails are drying up faster than we expected. Shad would know better, but in case he doesn't post up I'm guessing you can head out just about any time now.

Thanks for not poaching!

[Samyal]

I rode today and found that the trail head and a spot about half way through was pretty muddy otherwise the dirt was holding together.

[Trevize1138]

I rode today and found that the trail head and a spot about half way through was pretty muddy otherwise the dirt was holding together.

The two short, very muddy spots are first on the woodchip trail just before the south entrance to the main loop and the stones laid down there to fix last year's muddy spot ... which now seems to have migrated. Go wood chips!

The other one is another recurring trouble spot just up the ski trail from there where the singletrack crosses it from White Pine Flier onto Connundrum. You get splashed with mud pretty good on both those spot but they're each only 10-15 feet long but every other part of the trail is totally perfect.

[flombe]

The two short, very muddy spots are first on the woodchip trail just before the south entrance to the main loop and the stones laid down there to fix last year's muddy spot ... which now seems to have migrated. Go wood chips!

The other one is another recurring trouble spot just up the ski trail from there where the singletrack crosses it from White Pine Flier onto Connundrum. You get splashed with mud pretty good on both those spot but they're each only 10-15 feet long but every other part of the trail is totally perfect.

I second this! Excellent shape if you ignore the issues caused by the ski trail/service road. The bumps/ruts from the root trenching are mellowing and add to the the fun now. Go ride!

[Ol' Dirty Biker]

Rode today around 6PM. The trails were very dry (dusty in spots even). The only wet spots were the two previously mentioned spots that cross the Ski trail.

[DmacBmac]

Get out and ride it!!! I did a few laps this morning and besides the two wet spots the trail was great.

Side not: Stop riding around the wet spots!!!!:nono::nono:

[manual63]

Trail is wet from rain. Please stay off of it until it dries out again. I am guessing sometime late Thursday afternoon.

[manual63]

Trail was just barely dry enough to ride during trailwork yesterday afternoon. It was ridable though and should be even better today.

[Ol' Dirty Biker]

The trail was moderately better than perfect from 4:30-6PM today.

[werts]

rode theo today for my first time and i gotta say i loved it.

that said shortly after one of the trail crossing there is a quick little hairpin turn with a built up log pile in the middle. through out my three laps the logs got looser and looser fill finally a couple fell off, i placed these back on, but its going to need some work

[THUMP!]

Rode it yesterday, it was in great shape...as opposed to my current shape!

[col200]

...shortly after one of the trail crossing there is a quick little hairpin turn with a built up log pile in the middle. through out my three laps the logs got looser and looser fill finally a couple fell off, i placed these back on, but its going to need some work

I questioned that pile as well. Was that built by MORC members? I like the placement of it but fear it's gonna fall apart quickly.

[manual63]

Log pile is makeshift by someone who probably wanted to get over a fallen tree or something. We have it in our notes to remove it......probably next Wednesday.

Thanks for all the trail updates! Trail is in great shape, go out enjoy!

[werts]

Log pile is makeshift by someone who probably wanted to get over a fallen tree or something. We have it in our notes to remove it......probably next Wednesday.

Thanks for all the trail updates! Trail is in great shape, go out enjoy!

if there was a fallen tree there its gone, the placement is actually quite fun, it just needs some rebuilding.

[Slimpee]

Is this the one that showed up toward the end of last year after the storms?

I remember the first time I rode it it was very unexpected but fun.

[batjerk]

Rode today. It's too wet right now. It was getting greasy, so we bailed.

[toasted33]

Hello muddy buddies,
Anyone been out there today? Has it dried out from Saturday night's rain?

Thanks!

[widespot]

Trail is tacky and fast. Watch the skidding tho. Made it up rock garden both times through, wOOt!

[Skazi]

Trail was absolutely perfect this morning. I took a casual pace, and breathed it all in.

The clouds outside now look like they want to change that, though.

[toasted33]

I went out Monday and it was just like you said, awesome. It was even a bit dusty on the Enchanted Forest loop. Even the La Brea Tar Pit at the trail head in the back was drying out. I hope to get out again tonight too (if it's dry).

Word up!

[toasted33]

it was great out there. fast and fun. It seemed like someone backfilled behind the first tree. That is much appreciated.

To the guy(s) who went over their bars - I hope that you recover quickly.

Word up!

[sich0015]

I rode Theo today and conditions are great-fast and flowing. I enjoyed the new "more difficult" sections. Nice work trail crew!

[MrBatzloff]

Any thoughts on riding late this afternoon?

[OCary]

Trail was great yesterday after the 'rain' we had.

Edit: Note that the 'rain' was just a few sprinkles and the trail was not wet yesterday. Riding today should be awesome.

[jjrsds]

Theo is excellent now, get off the website and ride. Susannah and I rode our SS with flat pedals and had a blast, nice job to the trail workers. New section is fun and different, nice use of riding us over what is there. :banana:

One of the best parts of the ride was catching up to Heath W and his two sons on their way out of the trail. Fun to see a father taking his two sons out for a ride and they looked like they were having a blast. Nice talking to you Heath and good to see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Lastly, if I ride a steel single speed at Theo with 2.6 tires is it cheating? Actually I don't care if it is I had a blast.

[nigel]

Superawesomesweetgnar conditions today! A bit dusty, so maybe we'll actually get some of that rain to keep it down, but it was really nice out there today.

[The Buckthorn Killer]

I was finishing the ride just as the rain was started. 6ish It may have rained 2 minutes. Not enough to knock the dust down.

A guy from the thursday night races cought up to me on the south section. I didn't hear him sneak up on me. Spooked me alittle, So I poured on the speed. He is a great rider. I think his name was Kirt. ( bad w names) So he lead the first half of the north section. Like two F-16's we flew threw the woods. Left, right, over the logs, down the hill. He couldn't shake me. At the half way point he let me pass to chase me down. I made it about 8 turns, went into a flat spin, and the goose was cooked!


I tryed to work the " I'll hit the brake, and he'll fly right by" line, and "I too close for missels, have to swich to guns" line in.

[Pain Cave Spelunker]

I road 2 laps last night around 7pm. Trail is in great condition and is extremely tacky. Watch out for rain today if it isnt already raining.

[b_rogo]

I was out there from 6:30-8:00 pm tonight. The sprinkles throughout the day did not have an effect the trail; it was smooth and actually dusty. It started raining harder as I left though, so who knows what tomorrow will bring

[BikerKitty]

I was out there from 6:30-8:00 pm tonight. The sprinkles throughout the day did not have an effect the trail; it was smooth and actually dusty. It started raining harder as I left though, so who knows what tomorrow will bring

I'm guessing it'll be closed at least tomorrow...it's been POURING at my house in North Mpls for about 2 hours now.

[OCary]

Wet. As of 9am, Friday May 30.

[jzipfel]

Saturday was perfect I hear from a friend. However, rains last night. Since it was a 10 minute rain any thoughts or first person accounts for conditions today?

[soupboy]

I think it might be fine by early afternoon. Theo drains well but the hail likely covered the dirt with a heavy coating of wet leaves.

[flombe]

It was in excellent condition on Saturday. Just dry enough that no wet dirt was sticking to rubber. I left at the first clap of thunder around 5 PM. The storm dumped 3/4" of rain and covered the ground in marble and bigger size hail. With the high humdity and light breeze, my guess is it will not be dry enough until Monday.

[Ol' Dirty Biker]

Trail was great today at 7:30PM. There was only 1 slick spot. It was in the South loop on the downhill just before the concrete obstacle. The North loop was perfect. Hopefully a few others can squeeze a ride in before the next rainfall...

[manual63]

<p>I am at Theo right now. The trails are too wet to ride. There is a lot of damage already.....please give them another day to dry out......if it doesn't rain.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thank you,</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Theo trailwork crew</p>

[manual63]

Today would be one of those days we could use someone to hang out and educate riders about riding wet trails.

[manual63]

Theo was too wet to ride yesterday and since it rained overnight, I am certain it's going to be too wet to ride today.

I know it sucks to have to keep waiting, but please give the trails a full no rain day to dry out. From the looks of it, today isn't going to be a no rain day....:cryin:

[manual63]

Please cancel any weekend riding plans. The trails are going to take at least a couple of days to dry out after this and the forecast isn't looking promising.

Theo was pretty wet yesterday and I don't see it drying out very quickly.

What is with the weather this season!!! Total suckage!!!!.......:mad:

[Quanz56]

Yea no kidding! First the grasp of Father Winter wouldn't let go and now can't stay dry for more than a day it seems!

Ridiculous... :banghead:

[OCary]

Friday AM. Very, very wet.

[flombe]

Friday AM. Very, very wet.

Yup, 1.25" of rain on Thursday night.

The high winds should help today!

[manual63]

My guess is that they won't be rideable until Sunday sometime. Hopefully we don't get any more rain.

[nigel]

Anyone know if it will be good by 6pm if we don't get any more rain? I may have to take a road ride up and check if nobody knows.

[gzerbe]

I was just out at Theo - it pains me to say this but it is very wet and not ridable - it might take a couple of days still to dry out...

[nigel]

I was just out at Theo - it pains me to say this but it is very wet and not ridable - it might take a couple of days still to dry out...


Grrrrrrrrrr, looks like a road ride is in order. Thanks for the update!

[Rocky Mountain]

Could someone please check out Theo and report back if the trail is dry enough to ride?

Most of us have been stuck in the house due to the wet weekend and are itchin to ride.

Thanks,
Jason

[MrBatzloff]

I'll be checking it out on my way home today, but that won't be until 530. I'm kind of thinking it could be good to go with the heat and wind today...and it'll have been more than 24 hours since the last rain.

Shad, what do you think?

[manual63]

Shad, what do you think?

I am 95% sure the trails will be too wet to ride today. They have gotten saturated and need at least 2 good dry warm full days to dry out.

If someone does check the trail, don't just go in a few feet and think....it's all good. The best section to check out first is Section 5. That is the tight twisty section (has the concrete curb skinny in it) just before crossing the ski trail and heading towards the exit after the table top.

If Sect 5 is wet and slimy, then NONE of the trail should be ridden.

BTW: Thanks for asking and being respectful of the trails. Rep points for you indeed!!!!

[MrBatzloff]

BTW: Thanks for asking and being respectful of the trails. Rep points for you indeed!!!!

Of course...And thanks!

[gzerbe]

The wet part yesterday was after the fast downhill coming off the concrete barrier - it was really muddy (old river bottom days kind of mud) - if you walked in on the trail going the wrong way for 5 minutes you would know very quickly...

[manual63]

Got a report from the trail. They are still muddy and not in good shape. Apparently people have been riding them anyway......:banghead:

[MrBatzloff]

I also checked section 5, around 530, and though not Gumbo-like, it was definitely in the "pudding" family.

It did look like quite a few people had been riding (including a group from Trips for Kids I passed on my out).

My guess would be tomorrow afternoon, if it's nice and sunny all day tomorrow (but only if it's nice and sunny all day tomorrow).

[manual63]

Continue discussion here (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?p=290407#post290407)

This section is for trail conditions only

[tacdad]

Was out there around 2:30, still has a few soft spots. Ridable in my opinion (like that matters) but Minneapolis PD was sure having fun!

[Slimpee]

Minneapolis PD was sure having fun!

Do tell!

[tacdad]

Well, coming around a bend and seeing a line of about 20 officers on mtn bikes catches your attention quick. They were bike cops in training.

[flombe]

Stopped by Theo last night while riding pavement, walked into section 5 after the concrete skinny and it is in terrible shape. Puddles, mud and a work-around has been blazed after the berm. Drag! The puddles will take several days without rain to dry out.

Also checked the unsanctioned trail that starts at Glenwood and heads north. Mud with tracks.

[Pain Cave Spelunker]

Still too muddy as of 1:30pm. Saw lots of mud puddles. Ground is still very damp. I would wait till tomorrow morning before venturing out.

[Samyal]

Do you really think it is ready by now?

[Steven W.]

Do you really think it is ready by now?

Theo was in GREAT shape. A few wet spots, but i'm sure they are the chronic type. That was my first time there this year...had a good time. Good job Theo crew!

[widespot]

Trail was in good shape, mostly, about 5 wet spots. The last area after the berm was the dampest. It seems most of the wet spots were on the edges of the trail on a line that didn't seem like the normal line to me, which could cause some widening.

I was going to put some sticks down on the edges to cover the muddy spots, but wasn't absolutely sure they were on the incorrect line.

Honestly, trail is mostly dry. I think most of the mud is from cutting corners.

I need to make it out Wednesday for trail work to help repair the damage.

[alien]

I was at the trail at 7:00pm and it was in good shape. A couple of spots in the low sections of the trail looked moist and a few along the edges, but it was easy to avoid all of them. Much of the trail was dusty dry. When I was leaving the trail there were four high school age kids up ahead of me that I heard talking about how much fun it was to ride after the rain the other day. I wanted to talk to them about not riding on the wet trail, but they hit the gas and I couldn't catch up. It seems like I have been waiting for so long to get back on the trail, and it was worth it. This was the first time I saw that expert section not blocked off, I didn't take a look at that. Is that part of the trail open now?

[Pandl]

I was there about 2:00 and had a great time at Leb for the first time since about Januar/February. Agree with the others on mostly great conditions, cept for a few puddles. If I would have more time, I would have walked some of the trail and trimmed some of the slappers. But, I didn't have time, didn't have my snippers, and didn't have a trail worker shirt with. Saw Ted at the beginning of XX. Loved the new route.

[danomyte]

I was there about 2:00 and had a great time at Leb for the first time since about Januar/February. Agree with the others on mostly great conditions, cept for a few puddles. If I would have more time, I would have walked some of the trail and trimmed some of the slappers. But, I didn't have time, didn't have my snippers, and didn't have a trail worker shirt with. Saw Ted at the beginning of XX. Loved the new route.

Paul,
Is this about Leb or Theo???? Are you cornfused or just trying to cornfuse the rest of us?

[Kingbozo]

Couple of "holes" with deep tread marks. Strange thing is, most of them were not where the natural line is.

Somebody created a little bypass right past the berm. It confused me and I ended up on it before I knew what was happening. Swore at myself for that one. On my second lap someone had already blocked it off. NICE!

Shad's changes to the table top are GREAT. I am in no way shape or form a jumper, but I cleared the top and landed on the backside on my second lap. Man that felt cool!

Well the metro got drenched again tonight. I suspect the trails will be too wet to ride tomorrow.

[Pandl]

Paul,
Is this about Leb or Theo???? Are you cornfused or just trying to cornfuse the rest of us?

Whoops, I was confused. Sorry to confuse you.

[manual63]

Shad's changes to the table top are GREAT. I am in no way shape or form a jumper, but I cleared the top and landed on the backside on my second lap. Man that felt cool!

Thanks! That is awesome and exactly what I wanted the table to be able to do. It should be for everyone to ride and hopefully learn on if they ever feel like catching some air.

[Nick]

I respectfully disagree, I feel like now it is no challange at all. Not only can I not get the same height, if I have any speed at all I clear the whole landing. It fells as if it was built for the verticaly chalenged... then again I am a former BMX amatuer dirt jumper. But really, I am not challenging your effort, I appreate everyones work, even though I cant spell right now.

PS: Trail Conditions; road both trails Sunday at 5pm. Some muddy spots, not too bad though. brought my girlfriend along and she made it around both loops without any major bumps or bruises

[Kingbozo]

Forgot to mention the little rock garden that is followed by an immediate right turn (right after a single log crossing, right before another little rock garden) seems to have developed some lose rocks. Not sure if it matters.

[jitterjepp]

Forgot to mention the little rock garden that is followed by an immediate right turn (right after a single log crossing, right before another little rock garden) seems to have developed some lose rocks. Not sure if it matters. I think I know the one you speak of. I worked on that one a couple weeks ago because there were some other loose rocks there.

I'll be by there tonight and I'll check it out.

[soupboy]

Wirth/Legion NAG at 6pm tonight.

[soupboy]

Quote of the night - "...I should have a sperm on my shirt...".

I'm not naming names but Meghann that was inappropriate. Also, FWIW, they travel in packs.

[Pandl]

Wirth/Legion NAG at 6pm tonight.
Good trail conditions.

[MrBatzloff]

The trail was SO SO fast last night.

Thanks a lot trail crew. It looked fantastic.

[Drexler]

Thank you for your hard work MORC team. I was there yesterday around 7 p.m. and the trail looks great considering the amount of rain last week.

[Samyal]

There's a tree down in the first section before the uphill rock obstacle

[Samyal]

Its too big to ride, except i'm sure Shad could.

[ryno lite]

Trails were dry and fast! That one tree everyone is talking about needs to be removed, but other than that it's in great shape. You can definetely see the damage that was done by riders on wet trails earlier this season. It's going to take some work to fix these issues. Great job trail crew!

[The Buckthorn Killer]

Leave the down tree ALONE. It adds a new chalange to the trail, at a good spot that doesn't kill the flow. The fallowing turn most riders skid anyway, crossing the log will only help the trail long term.

It's ridable, keep trying.

[DMonkey]

I agree the tree is totally ride-able. I made it every time, even the first time when it surprised me..
It could maybe have a little better build up (or down as it were) on the back side, that would make it so not so many would be grinding over it.

[jitterjepp]

I agree the tree is totally ride-able. I made it every time, even the first time when it surprised me..
It could maybe have a little better build up (or down as it were) on the back side, that would make it so not so many would be grinding over it.

I agree. I went over it fine on my cyclocross. The grinding will eventually wear it out to the point where it will be the right height. Its anyones guess how long the build up will stay together though.


Someone also mentioned that there is a common skidding area right after it. This is true so maybe for the time being at least we can just leave it and see?

[manual63]

The tree was removed last Wednesday. Unless there is a new one I don't know about.

Why was the tree removed? First off, Theo is an Intermediate trail. There are some tree/log rides in the trail already. I agree it was rideable by many of us, including myself, but not by 90 percent of the users of the trail. That being said, we do have plans to add such features along the trail, including a tree ride (long ways skinny style) that Shawn found. But since this is an intermediate trail, we have to always have a ride around option for such features. Also, if we don't make a ride around option......people will make one anyway.

Section 6 will have all the technical options we want to have in Theo. We are almost to the building stages. We were supposed to start in June and guess what.....it rained a bunch and people rode the trail when it was wet. So the last few weeks have been solely to repair all the damage that was done. When I say riding wet trails delays future projects I am not joking.....it really does. We can't leave the main trail in poor shape while we work on new sections. Maintenance comes first before new building. Really, we need to figure out a way to educate riders so they stop riding the trail when it's too wet to ride.

Anyway....rant off. Tree is gone and the trail is in pretty good shape right now, a few areas still need rework (meaning we fixed them early spring and now need to fix them again).

[mara]

Leave the down tree ALONE.

Sorry Tom, but you're a couple days too late.

We debated, but decided to take the tree out because people were making their own reroutes in an area where there isn't that much ground cover to begin with.

I do agree with you that the corner needs love. It and a multitude of its peers are on the to do list for this season. Suggestions are always welcome and often implemented.

[danomyte]

Theo is too wet right now. I was there at 4 and it was too wet, several puddles on the trail. Then it started raining again as I was leaving... but I don't think that really amounted to much. I would think it would be good by tomorrow afternoon if the rain holds off.

[Ol' Dirty Biker]

Today Theo was dry as Kool-Aid Man when he falls down drunk and spills his guts out. Oh Yeeeah! Ride it!

[syntaxjunkie]

Hoping to ride Theo tonight (Tuesday, 7/8) after work. Anyone been out there today, post-rain? If, so is everything kosher for riding?

[manual63]

For some reason I feel the trails are very....very wet right now. Please give them two days of rain free weather to dry out. In other words, plan not to ride Theo until at least Saturday afternoon.

We just spent a bunch of time fixing damage from people riding on the wet trails after the last the last rain. I would prefer not to have our crews redo all that work again this year.....we have already done it twice.

Thank you....Theo Trail Crew!!

[DaHowie]

Preachin' to the choir, friendo. I believe that some 'Others' like the muddy track after a rain. I was ready to get out today. [/lurk]

[manual63]

Preachin' to the choir, friendo. I believe that some 'Others' like the muddy track after a rain. I was ready to get out today. [/lurk]

Are you being serious?!

If so, I think the "some others" could show up to trailwork and help fix the damage they are causing.

Sheeeeesh......no respect for the trail at all!!......:confused::confused::confused:

[DaHowie]

I am not an 'Other'. I have ridden 5 miles to Worth and turned around and ridden home before. At the same time people are moving the barrier to ride anyway.

Preachin' to the choir: To commend an opinion to those who already accept it.

Sorry for the confusion and respect to those that maintain the trails regularly.

[manual63]

Ah.....gotcha. Sounded like you were planning on heading out after the rain....or something.

Yeah, we know people like to ride it when it's muddy. During the Tri-Loppet we had a good amount of rain. There happened to be some Bike Patrollers (not me, I was in the event) who saw riders go into the bike trails right after the rain.

Isn't "Turbo" the name of one of the Breakin' Dudes?

Anyway, this section if for trail conditions...........uh.....and the trails are wet....;)

[charles3000]

I was at Eriks bike shop picking up a hydration pack for tomorrow, and it just got all crazy and started raining! I mean sure, it was a pretty rainbow and all, but what a crappy time to rain!

[SLP Punk]

With all the rain the past couple of days, I'm going to assume the trail is wet today. I was planning to ride around 11:30, but now I'm not sure that'll happen. Anyone been out there this morning?

[charles3000]

I'm planning on going tomorrow (sunday). Will that be enough time for Theo to dry?

[99FSRComp]

Friggin' windy for another road ride.

[soupboy]

Rode it Saturday around 430pm. Great condition. Couple "puddles" but otherwise fine. Should be AOK Sunday.

[tacdad]

Was great this morning! Started about 8 and did a couple laps. Wasn't the only one, saw a tandem, man in front wearing a MORC jersey, woman on the rear doing all the work.:D

[stuntjunkie]

Did a few laps lastnight, pretty tacky, was almost part of a crash, a baby deer decided to hang out on the trail so the three of us darn near barreled into it as we hammered around a corner.

[werts]

theo was super fast and fun tonight, perfect conditions for cranking out some hot laps

[Trevize1138]

I posted an update to the master conditions page, too, but the trail's about perfect, so go ride!

[OCary]

Wet. Really wet. Poured on today.

[manual63]

Most likely still wet from the rain yesterday. If someone checks it out earlier today, can you please post up conditions.

[Slimpee]

Just came from there. Too wet to ride.

[DmacBmac]

Just came from there. Too wet to ride.

Thanks for saving me a trip Justin!!:)

[OCary]

Wet. Soaking rain this morning.

[blake.remmick]

Anyone know how the trail looks today?

[rideharder]

.dry.

[BanHammer]

what about today?

[Scotch]

it was awesome at 4 today, but it sure was humid!:etard:

[BanHammer]

When I got down there it was nice but there wasn't much light left. Traffic on 94 sucked.

[stuntjunkie]

Trail was great tonight, nice and tacky. Ran into who I am assuming were Mike and Kenny, on a Stumpy comp and a cannondale F3? Dump loop was messed with, the first initial log hop was raised up and both my buddy and i hit our chain rings on it. Illegal trail work?? other than that I noticed some of the preventative measures being put in to keep people on the trail. Great work to the trail workers out there keeping things fun.

[BanHammer]

Hey nate that was actually Me(kenny) and Dave on the F3. Mike has a stumpy pro..... We ended up only gettting in one lap as light was fading fast. Heading out there tonight again.

[OCary]

As of 8:45 am, most of the trail was too wet to ride. Might be rideable by evening tonight if no rain throughout the day.

[OCary]

Wet. Raining @ 10am, Tuesday, August 12th.

[Bikefreak]

Looks like the rain stopped around noon. What are the chances that it will be ridable by 4:00 or 5:00 pm ?

[Slimpee]

Looks like the rain stopped around noon. What are the chances that it will be ridable by 4:00 or 5:00 pm ?

knee-jerk reaction: not good. Play it safe and stay off unless we hear otherwise.

Thanks for asking!

[OCary]

Wet due to more rain Tuesday evening.

[kona_rider]

Anyone been out there today? How are the conditions?

[steef]

Wet...

[OCary]

Currently raining.... so.... Wet!

[col200]

I'm guessing the trail should be pretty good by tonight. Anyone want to confirm/deny this?

[mara]

I'm guessing the trail should be pretty good by tonight. Anyone want to confirm/deny this?

I haven't been out there, but I'd guess it will be in pretty good shape.

There were a lot of riders out there immediately after Wednesday's storms, some due to lack of knowledge, some that were just jerks . . . I've been afraid to look at the aftermath.

[kona_rider]

Rode it last night around 7pm and it was perfect - no mud, just fast and furious!

[THUMP!]

Was really nice today, tacky and fast. I'm not sure I dig the latest obstacle...guy stopped right in the middle of the trail to take a break and cause me to hug a sapling. Let's go back to taking the bra off the debutante, it was much easier.
Sincerely,
Nigel Incubator-Jones

[Kingbozo]

Nice conditions today, except for the tree I hit with my wrist, head and chest. Due to that I was leaving verrrrry slowly and noticed something. On the "big" log pile, right at the base of the approach side, one on the logs has a couple of large nails in it that are about to start poking out.

It is the log pile that is immediately followed by a sharp turn to the right.

[OCary]

Monday night riders: I've put a hammer in my pack to take care of the nails. No sense in all of us bringing tools.

[OCary]

The previously protruding nails on the big pile before the tight right/left near the north entrance have been taken care of.

Trail is dry and fast. Excellent conditions.

[Kingbozo]

Glad I wasn't hallucinating

[werts]

rode theo this afternoon, it was super dry and fast, some of the sections feel a little loose, but its nothing too bad.

[flombe]

Super dry and super fast. Ride!

[OCary]

Significant amounts of rain in the past 12 hours. Very wet.

[manual63]

The trails will not be ready to ride until mid day Friday or later if we don't get any more rain. Please stay off of them until then. Also, if you hear about or see anyone going to ride the trails, please help us out by educating them. There seems to be a lot of people riding the trails right after a rain and if this keeps up, Theo will end up having a bunch of armor rocks and many in the corners where we don't want them.

[manual63]

I rode the trails Friday afternoon and they were in great shape. Tacky in most areas, but still a few bone dry spots so be careful.

[ShodoPan]

So... is it raining in Minneapolis right now? Is it raining enough that a ride this evening is a bad idea?

[manual63]

The trails will be too wet to ride today and most of the day tomorrow. The trails really need this rain. Please stay off of the trails until they completely dry out.

Thank You!
The Theo Trailworkers

[rihaha]

Trail was in good shape 9-3-08, only 2 damp spots that I saw. The skinny camelback thing in the south loop had a log fall off of the end. Put it back on but it is pretty loose.