Duh!

[syntaxjunkie]

So, I finally got around to paging through the new Minnesota Monthly. You know, the issue they do every year that lists all of the places you can go biking in Minnesota: roads, bike paths, mountain biking trails, etc.

The issue that makes no mention whatsoever of the Minnesota non-profit MTB advocacy group with the most comprehensive trail listing in existence (That'd be us).

The issue that doesn't even so much as provide a link to our website for people to learn more about getting involved in riding and trail advocacy.

You know, the one you can find on the web here:
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/mnmo/sponsored_section/biking_2004/biking_2004.html

I'm not mad at MM--I'm kicking myself for not thinking about getting us into this issue, which I've only been receiving for, oh, a decade. And as part of this public act of contrition, I'm asking if anyone out there has any contacts at Minnesota Monthly or thoughts as to how we could get ourselves included in the next issue.

Reply to this post, please. I'll be here, slapping myself in the forehead.

[bigwheel]

Sounds like a letter to the editor from might be worthwhile. THEY are the ones that should say DOH! for not doing their research before writing the article.

[manual63]

Wow.....that's a pretty short list of MTB trails.

Uh, do they have any cyclists help them with this sort of stuff? I mean....are we really that not noticed? :confused:

[syntaxjunkie]

Wow.....that's a pretty short list of MTB trails.

Uh, do they have any cyclists help them with this sort of stuff? I mean....are we really that not noticed? :confused:

I know, I know. That's why I'm kicking myself.

I think Bob's on to something. I might drop an email to their online ed. and see if we can't get a link for MORC put in the page. Imperfect, but a good start towards having more presence next year.

[Don Youngdahl]

It's not surprising they'd miss mentioning MORC, as it's possible the magazine is published elsewhere, maybe a long way from Minnesota.

When I contacted the editor of Twin City Sports (I think that's the name of the paper) about their failure to mention either MOCA or MORC in their cover article about Mayor Bybeck and his support for the mtb trails at Wirth, I found the paper's entire staff was located in Wisconsin. Not Hudson either, more like Madison or other points east.

Don Youngdahl

[redwood]

On a positive note, Theo Wirth did get a mention in the current issue of backpacker magazine. It's mentioned in some little blurb about outdoor activities in minneapolis.

[The Buckthorn Killer]

I pickup a copy yesterday hoping to see some thing from MORC in it. I to was disipointed we weren't in it.

Don't be too hard on yourself Charles. We (MORC/Riders/Air breathing Humans) all need to be thinking of ways to promote are cause.

The mag had stuff on racing events and clubs, but nothing about groups that promotes biking from the ground level.

[syntaxjunkie]

Thanks, Tom. I just hate to miss opportunities that can help us raise the profile of who we are and what we do, especially at a time when we're looking beyond the metro area in terms of new trail opportunities.

On the bright side, I have a good, long headstart on next year's issue. :D

As this year progresses, the new trails at Wirth, the opportunity at Murphy and other pending projects like the trails in Rochester, Marshall and even Cayuna will help us raise our profile state-wide and give us a better story to tell.

And if they still won't include us, MPR can kiss my membership dollars goodbye.
:banana:

[flombe]

Maybe this is what Tom was referring to - "MInnesota Cyclists 2005 Events Directory". I picked up a copy today at Baja Del Sol and there is no mention of MORC or MOCA, but I did see COGGS and some other familiar groups listed. The publication is put out by what appears to be a local organization. Website too >>>>>

http://www.minnesotacyclist.com/index.php

[mtnbykr]

....but I did see COGGS..... listed.

too bad their mailing addy is wrong and there's no mention of a website...

oh well

kl