Fargo-Moorhead area?

[Trevize1138]

There's a huge demand for off-road cycling trails in Fargo-Moorhead. And, as usual, not really any trails! You could certainly have some *very* unique trails there, considering how dang flat the RR valley is.

I just know I've got friends from college still living up there whose MTBs gather dust because there just isn't anywhere to ride. The locations that come to mind are maybe Buffalo River State Park 15 miles East of Moorhead or really anywhere along the RR Valley north or south of Fargo-Moorhead.

The only way you're going to get hills of any sort are if you follow river valleys. That's why I'm thinking of that option. Of course, you could get some interesting flat trails, too. Heck, if you can make the Minnesota River Bottoms trail fun with hardly any hills, why not Fargo-Moorhead? :)

[Thewavebb]

I have a buddy who goes to college up there and his biking season limited to Mid may through August. Which sucks, but he did choose to go to school there. I chose Winona State for the bluffs and biking rather then the educational standards. I know my priorities

[syntaxjunkie]

Having married into at least two trips a year to Margo-Forehead (and scenic Detroit Lakes!), I've spent my fair share of time bemoaning the apparent lack of interesting riding opportunities thereabouts.

Part of me is convinced that there's probably halfway decent singletrack (and believe me, it wouldn't take much) hidden somewhere within reasonable driving distance of F-M and/or DL. But other than the race course at Maplelag (which did kick my ass up one side and down the other, but isn't laid out all season long), I haven't found any. Dish!

[NateG]

. . . just west of Grand Forks. Fast looping single tract.

Nate

[Trevize1138]

Forks is still not F-M, is it? :)

I really think MORC should try to get someone in the area active on this. Buffalo River State Park might be an ideal location: 15 miles East of Moorhead, plenty of land, river valley for non-flat terrain.

You could quite rightfully pitch the idea as good for the park and local economy:
* Local bike shops would be able to sell more MTBs because of better trails in local area
* Local economy helped as people are given yet another amenity/reason to stay (have a friend who wants to move to the cities from F-M and cites trails as one of many reasons).

There are a lot of people on MTBs in F-M and no trails. Just sorta sad! If we got the right locals out there involved, IMBA schooled and active in building some trails you could create something pretty unique!

[redlinmi]

I completely agree with Chris' comments. Having lived here for the past 9 years or so (college, grad school, work), I have seen quite a few interested people come and go that have all arrived at the same conclusion about F-M: there are enough people, with MTB interest, to make something happen. We just need to get an idea/plan together and approach some folks (like Buffalo River) and get people lined up. It just makes sense given the population of F-M (200,000+) and the local shop interest in spreading the word about northwest MN and western ND riding opportunities (Island Park Cycle's Ride Guide comes to mind). Their support of riders in the community, both MTB and road, is excellent, and I am sure they have some ideas themselves about what can be done in the area.

Like many people here, I like living here and enjoy the extensive paved trail system for in-town riding. It really makes this a great place. But it would be nice to get some people together to think about a trail concept for our own backyard. I would definitely be willing to give some time and energy to a project like this, and I think MORC would find others around here that also care a lot about trail building opportunities.

[Burke]

Michael, what's your contact info?

Drop me a line president@morcmtb.org

Scott

[Trevize1138]

Michael,

Get the Island Park Cycles guys on here and start kickin' around ideas! :banana:

Island Park Cycles is the F-M area equivalent to Freewheel in terms of a high-quality bike shop for the area. If the guys there are truly serious about community involvement and already have some relationships established then we need to be talkin' to 'em and they need to be talkin' to us!

I tried looking for a site for them but to no avail. F-M is ripe for getting a MORC chapter started and *very* active in Eastern ND, NW MN.

Maybe some day the area can host a Flat Tire Festival? (get it? flat? flat like the Red River Valley? :crazy: )

[dehoff]

The closest thing to a real trail is probably MB Johnson park in Moorhead, and that's a pretty big stretch. It's only about 2 miles long, the largest change in elevation is about five feet, it becomes over-run with tall weeds mid-summer, and it can get pretty wet in spots (there's still about 1/4-1/2 mile section of the big loop that has standing water).

Island Park Cycles used to have weekly or monthly events there, but I don't think they do anything there anymore.


I believe that Buffalo River currently does not allow any bikes inside the park.

The Island Park guys are definitely the ones to get something done with this.

They used to have a website up, and are supposedly working on getting it back.

[Trevize1138]

Yeah, I remember Johnson Park north of Moorhead back when I was going to MSU (I refuse to call it MSUM!). Don't really remember what kind of land there was to work with there as far as any potential for reworking those trails into more than its current, pitiful milage, though :).

I know Buffalo River is closed to biking, but that's what negotiating with park boards is all about. Traditionally people banned mountain bikes from a park because there were no mountain bike trails and that meant that people would ride all over the place, creating new trails everywhere and ruining the natural environment. A planned, sustained trail through the park would be very different, of course.

Then again, we may be not be thinking out of the cliched box enough here. Why not a flat trail with NO vertical rise out in some field somewhere? Make it full of twisty, turny singletrack, throw in some field stones, weave in and out of those straight rows of trees bordering the farm lands. Why not a long, mostly straight trail leaving from F-M out to the DL ski hill and the trails out there? Make it a destination trail like the Maah Daah Hey or something? :)

[redlinmi]

Somewhat related to this topic, I got a chance to stop by a new shop in town this afternoon. Paramount Sports (Fargo) is a new Cannondale/Giant dealer (open for less than a month). Great guys, and they are MTB enthusiasts. I had a great conversation with a guy there I had previously met, and they are really hooked in well with the ND folks. Lots of good ideas and discussion (and interest). If you get a chance, stop by and visit their shop. These are committed local riders, so please show your support if you happen to be in town.

[charbs55]

I just found this thread today, hopefully I can revive it. I am at NDSU and am part of the cycling club. We have a large group of MT bikers in the club, and have been looking for trails since we have been here. There are a few wooded areas, but that amount to a quarter mile of trail. Maplelag is about the closest trail that there is. We have thought have putting trails in next to the river in North fargo, but then last summer the floods happend. If anyone were to get involved up here our club would surely help.

[biking_stickman]

When I was at NDSU, I tried to search for mountain biking or trail running trails...or anything resembling a single track trail and had no luck. I remember hearing many stories about one great trail along the river or another that was washed out in the flood of _____ (fill in any year).

Buffalo River State Park (10 miles east of Moorhead) offers some good trail running...check and see if they allow mountain biking.

Johnson Park (north of Moorhead) had some rough trails through the woods for cross country skiing that some people use for mountain biking in the summer.

Many of the farm areas around the FM area have fire roads cut through them...very straight but some good rolling hills and rough terrain.

When I needed my mountain biking fix, I usually headed to downtown and did some urban riding. Thanks to the City of Fargo, many of the alleys, loading docks, parking lots, and small side streets offer some rough terrain.

[biking_stickman]

Then again, we may be not be thinking out of the cliched box enough here. Why not a flat trail with NO vertical rise out in some field somewhere? Make it full of twisty, turny singletrack, throw in some field stones, weave in and out of those straight rows of trees bordering the farm lands.

When I rode Salem Hills (Harmon Park) last summer it reminded me of the terrain in the FM area. This may be a good example of what a big open field can become.

[bike>>rider]

Bit off topic, but could we get (from those living in Fargo, e.g.) a complete list of the bike shops in Fargo/Moorhead and the brands that they carry?

1) I know Island Park carries Specialized and Bianchi (at least as of last summer).

2) Scheels has Trek, Lemond, Fisher.

3) Somebody above mentioned a new Cannondale, Giant dealer.

Any other shops? I did a Google search once and found another supposed shop but I drove around and couldn't find it (I pass thru there for family reasons once or twice a year). Can't remember the name.

[charbs55]

The other shop in town is paramount sports. Its located near Old Chicago and Famous daves. They carry Giant, Cannondale, Kona and now Santa Cruz.

[redlinmi]

Here's the scoop:

Island Park: Specialized, Bianchi

Paramount Sports: Redline, Kona, Cannondale, Giant, Santa Cruz

Scheels: Trek/Fisher, Lemond

I'm missing a couple Island Park lines in there, but I just can't think of what they are. They used to have a small web site, but I can't find it. IPC sponsors the weekly group road rides in the summer (Rollag, MN area in the hills just east of here) and the local cross training sessions/races in the fall (MB Johnson Park in N. Moorhead).

Brandon: I have been interested for a while in getting some things started up here. Your assessment of the area is right on -- Maplelag is the best bet for technical trail riding, but there is nothing locally to speak of along the river corridor. The road scene here seems to be pretty big, but there are a few MTBers mixed in here and there. PM me if you want to talk sometime.

[TB0NE]

I know NDSU has a bike club as my friend used to be the president (not sure if it's still goin on since I graduated). I know they went to Utah every year for a week to do some riding - perhaps we could get in contact with them and get something rolling. There is an abundance of interest at the school I am sure - I know I've ridden down here with some people that go to school up there.....

[Trevize1138]

When I rode Salem Hills (Harmon Park) last summer it reminded me of the terrain in the FM area. This may be a good example of what a big open field can become.

I think that's exactly what types of trails need to be built in the F-M area. Building along the river makes for actual hills and trees but with the seasonal flooding it's just not practical. You'd be rebuilding the trails every year. Just because the RRV is flat doesn't mean it can't make for great trails. :)

The Minnesota River Bottoms trail in Bloomington is another example. Basically flat but still fun because of the twists and turns. You could have it dip into the river valley in a few spots and armor parts of the trail there to curb flood damage.

[redlinmi]

Chris is right on. The seasonal flooding here has been so unpredictable for the past few years that river corridor trail development would get flooded frequently. It would take a ton of work. As someone else noted earlier, even MB Johnson in north Moorhead (a city owned/operated regional park) takes on quite a bit of water (and mosquitoes!) in the summer months after heavy rain events. I don't ride cross, but I understand quite a few folks find it acceptable for that. The area is primarily a walking trail type of place for people to hike, watch the birds, etc. Many more "passive rec" activities, except in the winter months when skiers use the trails.

So...it seems to me that if we are talking about something in the immediate area, we need to be talking about a place that would not be flood-prone, accessible by a short drive (under 20 minutes), and something that would be sustainable. For me it keeps coming back to a Buffalo River concept modeled after the Camden pilot or something similar. There are quite a few stakeholders/land owners (DNR, MSU Moorhead Science Center, and neighborhing Nature Conservany lands), but I think it's the best (and most sustainable) bet.

[FarmerBEN]

I think the more we can work with the DNR the better off we are, we need to show them that by adding MTB trails at some of their less popular parks is a good way to increase traffic to those parks. With the number of parks around the state getting a foot in the door and developing a good working relationship with the DNR should probably be one of our top priorities.

[Burke]

I think the more we can work with the DNR the better off we are, we need to show them that by adding MTB trails at some of their less popular parks is a good way to increase traffic to those parks. With the number of parks around the state getting a foot in the door and developing a good working relationship with the DNR should probably be one of our top priorities.

You're right on, Ben.

We have been working with the DNR for the past couple years laying the relationship foundation to make mountain biking on DNR land a reality. The group in Marshall that works in Camden Park is beginning a pilot project to bring real singletrack to state parks. It's slow going, but at least it's going...

Scott

[Kragerud]

Greetings from Colorado,

I grew up in Hawley MN, moved to CO (Longmont/Boulder) in 2001. My brother, cousin and me rode/and still ride the single track that is available northeast of Park Rapids in Paul Bunyan State Forest. My Dad and family deer hunt up there and that aquainted us with the make-shift trail system.

some years back the State Forest allowed a motorcycle club the opportunity to build some off road trails through the forest. Most of the trails still exist. ATV's have overhauled alot of the trail BUT the trails that are to steep and twisty for ATV's are still prime.

Directions: Generally, Go east of Park Rapids on 34 take a left on the paved road that goes to Bemidji. I don't have my trusty atlas in front of me right now. Go about two miles. You'll see trail signs for ATV's. When you see these trail signs look for a gravel road on the right. Take the gravel road on the right follow it for about a mile there should be a single track that crosses the road. Hop on this and head north. It is a long winding trail that covers about 6 miles crosses a creek and will drop you into a mud bog if you don't look before you leap. Also, don't fall off your bike in the low lying areas poison Ivy abounds.

I don't recommend these trails after mid-june to mid July. Mosquitoes are incredible. Go in late spring and late summer (august or september/october).

The trail system I'm talking about is referenced on the USGS Quad maps of the area. My brother and cousin, who have now moved here to CO and I were at our local REI looking up the trail system a couple months ago. We're planning a trip back this summer. I'm looking forward to getting the Heckler in the north woods.

If any of you are looking for some great single track CO style on your way to Fruita give me a shout. I can show you around Boulder County and Larimer County. (Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins).

rjk

PS Check with the BIke Shop in Park Rapids they can give you more precise directions.

[Dave]

I'm going to school at MSUM currently and would loooooooooooooooooove to see some kind of trail to ride within 20 minutes or so of the FM area. I'm planning to do a lot of racing this year between MNSCS, WORS, and NORBA and would like to have something "technical" to ride fairly close. I don't know anybody in town that rides mountain bikes so even to go out to Maplelag or Sica Hollow-I think thats what its called-in SD, I wouldn't even know where half the trails are. I have found it near impossible to find anybody in town who would hold a conversation past, "Yeah, it would be nice." Paramount Sports has shown the most enthusiasm for mtn biking IMO, and since they're still fairly new, I would bet they wouldn't mind getting involved. I have thought about trying to get something started alot but I don't really know much about, well, getting something started.

I didn't know about the NDSU Mtn Biking club-heard about a cycling club but heard it was only roadies-are "Dragons" allowed?

Dave

[Specialeded]

Yeah Fargo has nothing lived there for ten years. Hilarious seeing kids riding big hit bikes around town such as stinkys and what not on account of there being one hill, which is an over pass and one staircase.

The river would be nice but finding somewhere that isnt owned for residential and what not is a pain. Alot of Roadies in F/M

[paulye]

If I'm not mistaken, the Dunton Lock Trails in Detroit Lakes are on DNR land. If this is the case it may be a good foot in the door for those of us in this area. I would need advice - where does one begin to begin the conversations about working with the DNR at Buffalo River? I would love to work on some local trails.

[redlinmi]

I think that's exactly what types of trails need to be built in the F-M area. Building along the river makes for actual hills and trees but with the seasonal flooding it's just not practical.

Chris, your comment is really ringing true this week up here. All of a sudden we are looking at landing some 18 feet above the flood stage by next Tuesday. It's a good illustration that trail development probably needs to look east before people get too excited about the river corridor in town. All of the established river parks take a hit as it is -- I can't imagine trying to clean up and re-establish off-road trails after a flood event like we will experience this weekend. At the rate we are going, that would have to occur about every second or third year! No fun...

[MoJoLabs]

I stumbled on this thread while looking for info on Island Park Cycles' website. I grew up just north of Fargo (the area called Highland Park now) and when I was very young (late '70's) my mom took us camping just up the river near Georgetown (MN). I think it was called the "Hudson Bay Trading Post Park" or something to that effect. Anyway, I just happened to be wasting time on Google Earth last week and noticed that the park appeared to still exist. Or at least the land is still trees and not fields. It's along the Red River, so the flooding issue would apply, but it's probably worth checking out. The coordinates of the entrance (or what used to be the entrance) are;

47deg. 5'33.91"North, 96deg. 48'54.27"West

OR... take US 75 north of Moorhead through Georgetown. Turn west/left on 170th ave. NW. It's the last left before the bridge (within meters). From the ND side, take I-29 (or US 81) north to Argusville. Go west on 25th st. (County Rd. 4) to 173rd ave. (County Rd. 31), and turn north/left. At 22nd st. (County Rd. 34) turn east/right and cross the bridge. The entrance is your first right (again, within meters of the bridge).

The place was already somewhat rundown back then. I have no idea what kind of shape it's in now or who is responsible for it (DNR? Clay County?).

Just thought I'd share...

[SKullman]

Glad to hear the Cycling Club at NDSU is still going, I was one of the creators. NDSU Graduate 1998.

We did a lot of urban "MTB" around the area, we did offroad MTB TTs at Gooseberry Mound Park in South Moorhead. Also set up an ill fated MTB race at Johnson Park. They only mowed once a year, so the trails were very short lived, so if you hit the mowed time, just right with the "dried out" time you had some sweet but short riding. Probably equivalent to riding the ski hill side of Battle Creek.

We use to be able to string sections of single track together from Gooseberry, Lindenwood, up along the Dike, through Viking to Oak Grove ending at Mickelson Park. That totalled somewhere over 6 miles.
We searched out trail north of Campus also, they ended up paving one of the nice streches we found on the north end of Elm street.

Yes I agree driving is the next option, I skipped many a class to go to Maplelag, Paul Bunyan, Akeley and Sica Hollow State Park (SD), although rumor has it they have now banned MTBs from thier trails.

Shane

[Trevize1138]

Chris, your comment is really ringing true this week up here. All of a sudden we are looking at landing some 18 feet above the flood stage by next Tuesday. It's a good illustration that trail development probably needs to look east before people get too excited about the river corridor in town. All of the established river parks take a hit as it is -- I can't imagine trying to clean up and re-establish off-road trails after a flood event like we will experience this weekend. At the rate we are going, that would have to occur about every second or third year! No fun...

Yeah, that's maybe why the Fargo area should think outside the river and build something truly unique.

I think I stated before on here that one of the popular trails in the Minneapolis area is in Bloomington along the Minnesota river. This place floods every year, so it's a bad example because of that. But, it's also flat as a pancake. Or, flat as the Red River Valley. =) What makes it fun is it's singletrack and therefore twists and turns a lot so it's never boring even though there are no elevation changes.

So, don't even bother with putting trail in the flood-prone river corridor, get a little out of town either west or east and build a bunch of totally flat trail. What you can do, then, is make it twisty and windy and build up obstacles along the way with field rock and that type of thing. If it's twisty, narrow, windy singletrack that can make up a lot for your total lack of topography.

Only issue is most of the land you'd be looking at, I would imagine, is farm land. I have no idea how willing a farmer would be to allow a singletrack course cut through his corn field. Plus, then you'd have to close it off for planting and harvesting, of course. But, it'd be open all winter!

The trail would take up some room otherwise used for crops, but not that much room and maybe memberships or other donations would be able to compensate whoever owned the land. It'd feel a lot like Harmon Park here in the Twin Cities, too, with all that field riding.

Can you imagine, too? Miles and miles of corn field singletrack! Imagine how fast you'd feel whipping along through something like that!

[Classy]

I rode MB Johnson trails yesterday. I disagree with the previous post. This park has huge potential for some great trails. There are some that exist but with just a little TLC this could be a great place to ride, in an area of Western Minnesota that offers so little.

Yes we have spring flooding and we had significant waters this spring but getting the months of July - October is worth the effort!