Any new trail on Memorial this year?

[Wolfchimp]

Is any new trail going to be cut on Memorial this year?

Gus...how are the trail signs going? Is it actually going to be marked this year?

[hockeynut]

I talked with Gus about a week ago, and there are a few "smaller" projects that are on the docket. A reroute (to help with some erosion issues), a reroute (to add some distance and a bit more freeridish flair - nothing too terribly crazy to my knowledge) and a more permanent bridge leading into the Quarry.

Gus or Kris will have to verify the accuracy of this post though, but there are a few cool things in the works for sure.

Z

[bikebud]

Hey Isaac. Saw you out enjoying the weather day with the running shoes on. The trails are almost dry enough to put the cleats on and the runners away!

Yes, we have some rerouting that we are planning. In fact some of the rerout has been cut but needs the dirtwork and final trimming done. Gus and I were up when the snow was still covering some logs, but at lest a trail is present!

We've got plans in the works for a bridge in the quarry but we are waiting for some city approval on that project. They're all for reroutes that eliminate erosion but we have to sell them on this project. It will allow for an independent loop in the technical quarry area, the city just has to give the thumbs up. If we're lucky, they'll pitch in for some lumber like they did last year. We can thank Red Wing for the lumber that allowed for the log ride in the quarry and the teeter!

And I can't forget Porter! We gonna get out and ride this year? Seems like we kept missing each other last year. I have signs in the garage even as we speak! It's one of my pet projects that has to wait til the ground thaws enough to sink in a post hear and there. But the routes will be marked this season!

Look for updates on trail work beginning late this month if the weather holds!

Kris

[Wolfchimp]

Kris- I'll drop you a PM if I'm planning on heading down to Red Wing. That way we can set up a ride. Keep me in the loop and I'll conitune to check for new postings. Take it easy. -Porter

[shourtt]

How are the trails drying up at Memorial? I hope to ride this week end, and fear the metro trails will still be closed.

[waitabit]

I'm dying to find out too, I cant wait to hit that trail.

[hockeynut]

I'm going to try and walk the trail tomorrow or Thursday and will post up here what I see. My guess is that if it stops raining, gets sunny and stays windy it'll be alright for the weekend. Though the quarry could still be a quagmire.

Also, FYI - the gates are still closed for some reason by the city (maybe there is an "official" opening date?), but I saw a bike or two heading towards Mississippi National Golf Links to hook up with the trail by the golf course last Saturday after biking to Cannon Falls and back.

Maybe Kris will chime in since I think he actually lives at the base of the bluff, but barring that look for an update in a couple days.

Zac

[bikebud]

Chime! Yeah I would think the trails should be in pretty decent shape come this weekend. The south side single track will be great!

I noticed too that the gates are closed on the road but I saw some new guardrail along the road at the bottom of the hill. I'm thinking that the city is holding off for a while and installing some new guardrails on the road. For what it's worth the road is open for hiking so parking at the bottom and riding up is always a possibility.

A word of warning for all those who do ride in the coming week or 2. Please don't ride the teeter. On a winter hike we noticed that a significan crack in the lumber has occured and the teeter will need to be repaired or rebuilt. We don't know exactly what happened but it's going to be fixed ASAP!

Kris

[hockeynut]

Thanks for the chime Kris. I'll more than likely be up on the bluff one or both days at some time or another.

Keep me posted if you need a hand repairing/rebuilding the teeter (whether materials or actually doing the work). I don't have the skillz to ride it (or if I do I'm too wimpy to try it) but it's a great addition to the trail. igiesen at charter dot net if needed.

Zac