BC... The closest to DT SP?

[JSkater127]

i guessing that battle creek is the closest trail system worth riding to downtown saint paul. Am I Right? If not can anyone tell me where the best riding closest to downtown is. when i say the best i mean the steepest most rugged terrain possible.

my next question is what is the best way to get to battle creek from DT STP by way of bike? thanks for the info in advance. If i don't get a ride in soon i am not sure what i might do.

let me know.
thanks again.
james.


-just drink the dunn bros. coffee. you know you need it. :etard:

[mara]

The trail fairy voices in my head make me say " The trails at Battle Creek and everywhere else are probably unridable right now. Please let them dry. "

That said, Shepard Road turns into Warner Road as it leaves downtown. There is a paved bike trail that cuts off from Warner Road on the right before highway 61 ( kind of across from Mounds Park.) It will take you under 61 to the lower parking lot for Battle Creek.

[dave t]

It sounds to me like you have some urges that would be best taken care of away from trails that many people have spent very much time and energy to get built.

My suggestion is that you should find a nice sand pit or construction zone somewhere that will have REALLY radical terrain for you to exorcise the FR demons. Those areas are no less off limits than the closed trails and riding there won't get a entire trail system shut down.

There are some nice looking gravel pits out 94 toward hudson and the rosemount / apple valley area has a bunch. I'm not telling you to ride them but I am ASKING you not to get the legal areas shut down.

I know it is tough because I use to love to go bashing through raw woods on deer trails and between the trees all off camber and with the fall line. It makes the toughest trail look like a sidewalk and is tons of fun. You just can't justify doing it in an area with legitimate trails. Not unless you are a totally selfish, unresponsible pr#$@.

[waitabit]

He did'nt say he was riding it now!And what's with the gravel pit comment?He can ride anywhere he want's!

[Brick]

If i don't get a ride in soon i am not sure what i might do.


James,
You may have to wait a little while yet, but keep in mind, BC will probably open fairly early in the season. The terrain there tends to drain and dry fairly fast. I believe the trail was ride-able by the first part of April, and "officialy" opened about mid month last season.

......patience grasshopper......

e.

...note-I think the terrain on the west side of the ravine will be most to your liking...:cool:

[dave t]

He did'nt say he was riding it now!And what's with the gravel pit comment?He can ride anywhere he want's!

I'm sorry if it looks like I said he can't ride anyplace he wants. That is not what I meant. However, judging from his post, it seems like James is starting to develop an itch to do some intense freeriding and it sure looks like he wants it a lot sooner than the middle of April. Now I'll bet even James will tell you that NONE of the MORC trails (yet built - props to Buck at Spirit and the Steeplechase crew) come close to scratching that itch. The Farm might do it but it's not real close to StPaul and I've heard time is ticking down out there. I totally understand and agree with the reasons for building trails that last and I know they are built as aggressively as allowed.

Now, sorry if I'm wrong, but I would guess James is a rider who stands at the top of a nasty slope, looks for a wicked line more or less straight down the hill and goes for it. I know that temptation is kicking me in the head when I'm out riding. I just wanted to point out an opportunity, off limits or not, for that type of riding. If anyone decides to give in to the urge and ride like that at any of the hard earned trails that have been built in the area parks, they should get in just as much trouble as if they get busted in a gravel pit. It isn't just their own problem in the parks because they threaten to get these areas shut down.

So what I'm saying is if anybody is going riding out of bounds or building their own stunts, why not just go someplace where their actions won't jeopardize other's hard work. Off limits is off limits wheather it is a legit trail area or someplace else.

Sorry James, I didn't mean to accuse you of being an irresponsible trail poacher.

[fisherbikefreak]

Alternative route with some decent climbs and decents. Take 7th St. or 3rd St. to Mounds Blvd. Follow Mounds SE through Mounds Park. Hop hwy 10 and follow Upper Afton to BC or follow the paved path down to the Warner Rd path (use Mara's info). Either way is a nice paved ride.

If you are looking for some fun hills to ride I know of some near DT St. Paul. I'd be up for a ride some evening if you let me know in advance so I can come prepared to work for the ride. The bluffs south of the river make for a fast decent. Also, there are some low-income homes built on a great riding hill north of Regions Hospital. I have been plotting lines through this property all winter. I can't wait to ride it.

I work in DT St. Paul and live on the Gateway. Always up for a ride. Email seanDOTmcdermottATstate.mn.us.

[Buck]

Hey guys,
Thanks for not raggin' on the lone Frer looking for some riding. Urban gets boring and judging by all the posts on the board eveyone is itching to get in the woods and ride.

I know there are some awesome gravel pits and quarrys in the Metro to rip in, I just don't know where they are. Try Paging Standard, he rides a D9, I know he knows where the good quarrys are.

I've actually been in active pits, the workers don't seem to mind as long as you are where they aren't, hell I've even had workers come and watch, so I'd
be more worried about riding on wet trails and gettin' bagged on by other riders...

L8R
Buck

[waitabit]

I'm sorry if it looks like I said he can't ride anyplace he wants. That is not what I meant. However, judging from his post, it seems like James is starting to develop an itch to do some intense freeriding and it sure looks like he wants it a lot sooner than the middle of April. Now I'll bet even James will tell you that NONE of the MORC trails (yet built - props to Buck at Spirit and the Steeplechase crew) come close to scratching that itch. The Farm might do it but it's not real close to StPaul and I've heard time is ticking down out there. I totally understand and agree with the reasons for building trails that last and I know they are built as aggressively as allowed.

Now, sorry if I'm wrong, but I would guess James is a rider who stands at the top of a nasty slope, looks for a wicked line more or less straight down the hill and goes for it. I know that temptation is kicking me in the head when I'm out riding. I just wanted to point out an opportunity, off limits or not, for that type of riding. If anyone decides to give in to the urge and ride like that at any of the hard earned trails that have been built in the area parks, they should get in just as much trouble as if they get busted in a gravel pit. It isn't just their own problem in the parks because they threaten to get these areas shut down.

So what I'm saying is if anybody is going riding out of bounds or building their own stunts, why not just go someplace where their actions won't jeopardize other's hard work. Off limits is off limits wheather it is a legit trail area or someplace else.

Sorry James, I didn't mean to accuse you of being an irresponsible trail poacher.

David, thanx for the explanation, I too apologize if I sounded like I was coming at you too strong.

[JSkater127]

as i know i have posted before. i know the difference between muddy unrideable conditions and dry paths. i just sick of people posting "its muddy unridable, stay away." And whats with you thinking i'm gonna get BC shut down? I head they have way worse things going on there besides illegal trail riding ... like 4 wheelers and paintballers.

and by the way its way more than an itch!

thanks
james.

ps. to those again to just post here to uphold others rules. speak for yourselves, but please do it away from me. :etard:

[RoostRider]

Not to dredge up a dead argument.... but this is actually on topic...


The hills between Mound Blvd and Warner (i think)are very close to DT and on your way to BC.... they are wicked steep and fun to ride.... not sure if they are legit or not... they're not posted about anything and I have never seen people on them before.... you can go up and down them on your way to BC to extend the dirt time on your way to BC and back

[At the Gates 2121]

my next question is what is the best way to get to battle creek from DT STP by way of bike? thanks for the info in advance. If i don't get a ride in soon i am not sure what i might do.

let me know.
thanks again.
james.


from kellog go to warner road and take the trail to the left it lead directly to the park.

Salem hills is a good trail not a lot of elevation change but it is in invergrove heights off of robert street take a left on upper 55th and go about 3/4 miles to the right

[Little D]

I used to live next to Mounds Park and rode those trails on my way to Battle Creek, or just rode those trails.

From what I understand it is perfectly legal to ride them and MORC has tried to find someone to be a trail steward for their development in the past.