Ride Camp Manitou, it's closing!!!

[Panman]

I've heard that YMCA has sold the land that Camp Manitou is on and it'll be developed. So get out and ride before time runs out! Does anyone else have more details??

[DanB]

Have you rode Camp Manitou lately? I rode it a week before the Motorcycle race and they were marking the trail for the race and they were going right down the singletrack in a number of sections. After I saw that I pretty much gave up and figured it would be shot this year after the race. Maybe I'm wrong but I haven't been back so I don't know. An update if you know the trail conditions would be great.

[ryno lite]

That seems kinda fishy. Doesn't make much sense because they are currently building a big new ampitheatre. Why would they invest in something like that if you were going to sell the camp. Maybe they are selling part of the camp. I have no personal knowledge so I am only guessing. Hopefully it's not true. I've heard the rumors before, but they haven't been too reliable.

[sensorysonic]

The trail is in great shape. The moto race went down a few sections of the multi-use trail part and a few very short sections of singletrack. The sections they raced on are in very good shape. They brought in equipment and repaired the sections that were tore up. I rode out there a lot right after the race to pack in a single track path on the repaired sections. With all the rain we have had, everything has settled in very nicely. The whole trail is in good shape, even the few sections of multi-use trails the race was on. Obviously, with all the rain, the grass is high in the more open sections, kind of like Salem Hills last year. I was just out at Monti riding a week ago and had a great time!

[Panman]

That seems kinda fishy. Doesn't make much sense because they are currently building a big new ampitheatre. Why would they invest in something like that if you were going to sell the camp. Maybe they are selling part of the camp. I have no personal knowledge so I am only guessing. Hopefully it's not true. I've heard the rumors before, but they haven't been too reliable.
Yeah, it is kind of odd. This is just what I heard from a co-worker who lives near there. Maybe it is just a part of it, but he was saying it all went. Is there a good way to find out for sure? Paul, I know your there all the time, you have any contacts?

[Matthew]

I was riding manitou over the long weekend and it was in bad shape. It doesn't look like anyone has been riding there at all and a lot of the trail markers were down. There is also a lot of overgrown areas and trees down. Is the trail closed?

[Panman]

As far as I know, the trail is still open, just not maintained. I rode last week and it was in bad shape too. Not sure what is going to go on there.

[Don Youngdahl]

I heard from a dirt biker that they are selling off some of the land for development, and that this will leave too little land for any future hare scrambles. Don't write it off for mountain biking until we see what's left.

Don Youngdahl

[Panman]

Thanks for the update Don. I wasn't sure what was going on there, just heard it was sold.

[sensorysonic]

I rode Manitou yesterday, and cleared all the trees that were down, except for 3 of the big variety on the south side of the trail, which runs next to the highway. This section of trail has a bypass which runs along the road. These three trees will have to be removed by chainsaw. The trail is very overgrown, as it always is at this time of summer. The trail itself is in perfect condition, except it is severely overgrown. I think the best time to do a trail clearing would be late August, as a thorough trail clearing would then last through fall and next spring. I don't think Matthew was on the mountain bike trail. The mountain bike trail is well marked with white arrows. There are a lot of different trails at Manitou. He may have taken a wrong turn. Also, with the foliage being thick, some of the arrows become partially covered by leaves, etc. Check intersections closely for white arrows, and if you are going down a trail for a long time, and don't see an arrow, you are on the wrong trail. I would say, even if they sell off the east side of Manitou, most of the trail will be intact. It is definitely worth keeping interest in this trail. They are building a brand new amphitheatre in the camp, so I would think they are only selling off the flat section of land on the east.

[bobbkr]

It looks like there was an article in the Monicello Times eluding to the possible sale of some of the camp property to developers. I could not open the link. Lets plan a ride soon. Ryan? Paul? Don?

[bobbkr]

Here is a clip from the Monticello times:

Before the meeting adjourned, the group also came to a consensus that the YMCA Camp Manitou, west-southwest of the city, should be preserved as parkland if the YMCA decides to sell it in the future.

Mayer spoke particularly strongly about the opportunity the city and county had as governments to make a positive impact by preserving Camp Manitou as a park.

“You can do something that will make a difference for generations and generations and generations to come,” he said.

Maybe this is good news. If this property becomes a park, there might be a better chance to work with the land managers to improve the mountain bike trails.

[Panman]

This is good news. The last I heard was they were going to sell half it to developers. The trail is in very bad, over-grown shape. I wouldn't ride it until fall or if it gets weedwhipped. But, if you want to go, let me know.

[bobbkr]

Is there MORC member who lives nearest to Monticello who could contact the city and voice our concerns? Greg LaVallee? Paul Lieske? Ryan Panning? I would sure hate to lose this trail. I live a long way from it, but like to ride it when I can.

[Panman]

Paul has really taken charge at that trail in the last year. He might be up for it, or already has.

[jmorrow]

Was just over at camp Manitiu today and yes it is very, very over grown.
I wounder If we are all talking about the same parts of the trail because the parts I was on today were really in bad shape. As far as over grown parts. It was hard to even see the trail in some parts. Anyway the trail needs lots and lots of work if we are going to be keeping it. There also looks as if there has been alot of dirt bike and four wheeler action out there making some parts really lose.

[sensorysonic]

The Manitou Park trail system is a multi-use trail system with many different types of trails. The trails that are wider and loose are not the mountain bike trail, except for a few short link up sections. The trails that are very loose are horse trails and dirt bike trails the camp kids ride on. Manitou trail is always, every year, the past 6 years, very overgrown in the summer. The trail just needs a proper mowing. Twin Cities trails like the River Bottoms become way overgrown also, if they are not mowed. The Manitou trail is completely clear of down trees, unless the last windstorm knocked some down. The trail is one good mowing away from being awesome.

[Panman]

Tuesday! Come out and help!! :D
http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17545

[darnelian]

I am a day late, I would love to have come out to work on Camp Manitou...I have been riding there for many years as it's right next to my parent's house. Unless much effort is put towards maintaining Manitou trails, it will not be perfect...However...it is a real treat and a great adventure to ride at Manitou. You will find many suprises along the way, including random objects, fast down hills, carp everywhere in the streams. I have spoken to the Camp Director and Manitou and the trails will stay aren't going anywhere. She also said that she loves to have people come out to help work on the trails, as the budget is limited and she is the only one who can work on these trails...These trails are seriously fun and everything links up to the main trails eventually, so don't worry about being too lost.

[bobbkr]

Aren't we looking for someone that lives in Monticello to be the Trail Steward for Manitou? Danielle?
By the way Ryan, I stopped by the section of tight single track near the horse barn and trimmed for another hour or so yesterday. It was like working in a jungle, hot steamy and overgrown. No downed trees.

[darnelian]

I could be interested in that...what does this title entail exactly???

[bobbkr]

A trail steward is the "point" person for a particular trail. They are responsible for the trail building and maintenance (not doing it all the work but coordinating the work) and working with the land manager on all the issues that may come up. The qualifications would be having attended IMBA trail school and being a diplomat. In the case of Manitou, we need someone who is a resident of Monticello to attend the meetings, etc. You should talk to John Lundell or one of the other trail stewards to see what the job entails.

[Panman]

I could be interested in that...what does this title entail exactly???
Mainly we'll need someone who lives in Monticello to support the Camp Manitou trails. The city might buy the land so we'll need to get into their master plan. To do that residents need to voice their support for mtb trails.

[Bret Wallis]

So I have just moved up to maplegrove and need a place to go and this sounds like a good spot. I have just duste off the old trek from '96 and need to know where I am goin any one wanna show me and help me out?

[Panman]

Well, Camp Manitou is very overgrown yet. We didn't clear the entire trail. Hillside or Theo Wirth would be better choices. Hillside is very physicaly demanding, lots of hills and turns. Theo is somewhat technical but much flater. Not sure what part of Maple Grove you're in but I'd guess Theo is closer. Both are very fun though.

[bobbkr]

Check bikeblast.com for directions to Manitiou, Hillside, Milaca etc.

[Bret Wallis]

It seems the website for bikeblast is not working, any chance somone can get me directions.

[bobbkr]

I have a map on my home computer I will send you. Ryan, do you have the blast maps?

[ryno lite]

From what I hear, I wouldn't recommend the trail right now for someone who is not familiar with it. It's very overgrown and might not be signed well. The combination will make it easy to miss the best sections and get lost. It's actually a big place if you don't know the way around it.

[ryno lite]

It's my brother's closest singletrack and he loves it out there, but he won't even ride it right now because it is so overgrown. Wait till it's cleared or fall when the weeds start to die off.

[Bret Wallis]

I have a map on my home computer I will send you. Ryan, do you have the blast maps?

Cool, if there is anyone that wants to go riding let me know. maps are good to. this is one of the best forums I have ever joined.

Bretwallis@gmail.com:banana:

[The Bull]

Does nayone have an update on the trail conditions? I would like to ride there this weekend. Thanks.

[Panman]

Paul Leski cleared most of the trail the other day. Most of it is cleared except the last little bit. I'm not sure how do describe where though. If Paul sees this maybe he can provide a little more insite.

[sensorysonic]

I cleared all the down trees for about 70% of the trail. There's a major tree down right before the steep switchback climb, and that's where I stopped for the day. I'm planning on finishing the rest of the trail later this week, or this weekend, depending on weather. I'll post when I've completed the whole tree clearing for the trail.

[sensorysonic]

I completed clearing the down trees at the Manitou trail today! All the down trees have been cleared except for one medium/big oak that is across the boardwalk at about the 9 mile mark of the trail. Pretty easy to portage over this oak. Also, the trail is pretty well marked. Just follow the white Blast arrow signs, and also my 'homebrew' white arrow signs. Only follow the white signs. Ride on mates!

[darnelian]

let me know next time you work on the trails out there. i am interested is helping.

[ryno lite]

I'd like to give my brother Paul a little pat on the back for all the work he's done at Camp Manitou this year. He's been out there 30+ hours cutting all the trees that have fallen on the trail this year. He does this all by hand. He doesn't have a chainsaw, so he cuts them with a little hand saw. There's one or two trees left out there, but that's only because they are too big for a hand saw. The brush that should be cut back has died for the year, so Monti is ridable and in pretty good shape. Ride it now, because by May the brush will be back again and it won't be rideable. Thanks Paul for the hard work!

[bobbkr]

Lets do a group ride on the 22nd to check out all of Paul's hard work. How about 10:00?

[The Bull]

I rode on Monday and the trail was in good shape. Thanks for the hard work.

There were clear signs of motorcycles on the trail, as some of the single track is rutted and loose. It appears the riding was over the weekend.

The other challenge is that the trail signs are difficult to find and it is easy to get turned around on the trail (I rode for 24 miles on Monday, but it was only one lap). If you ride with a regular, it will be a great experience.

Thanks again for the hard work.

[ryno lite]

You were not on the trail for quite some time. The mtn bike trail is only 12 miles. From what I have heard from my brother, there hasn't been any dirt bike action on the real trail. There are many dirt bike, horse, and hiking trails out there, so you probably were on some ligit dirt bike trails. It isn't marked that well and all it takes is missing one sign and you can ride around forever on all the other trails and miss all the cool singletrack.

[The Bull]

I was definitely on snowmobile trails and the motocross trails, but did eventually find my way back on the single track and there was definitely one motorcycle that rode much of the single track as evidenced by the corners that were freshly rutted and top soil that was turned.

Still a great trail to ride however.

[sensorysonic]

The Camp Manitou trail is approximately 10 miles long. The first half of the trail, first 5 miles is probably 30 percent duo-use trail. Basically, existing trails, used by dirt bikes, horses, hikers, was incorporated into the mountain bike loop. The more twisty tight sections are the Blast sections, and I haven't seen any recent evidence of dirt bikes on these sections. There's a lot of trails out there, and some important corners that are easily missed, and then you are exclusively on dirt bike trails. Since the mtb trail incorporates existing duo-use trail with single track, it is very easy to get on the wrong trail. I've done the best that I can to mark the interesections with arrows, but yes, they are many times hard to see, if you aren't looking for them. Manitou Park is a duo-use park, with the camp offering dirt bike riding for camp youth members. Also, the staff ride dirt bikes out there on a regular basis. The official 10 miles, especially the first 5 miles, has a lot of duo use, so yes, there will be dirt bikes on these sections. I would say, if you are on a trail for a very long time, and don't see any white signs, either Blast or white arrow signs, you are on the wrong trail. Some of the tighter dirt bike trails look a lot like mountain bike trails. Also, there should be just one down tree on the mountain bike trail. The down tree is on the boardwalk, at about the 9 mile mark of the 10 mile loop. Its oak, so I'll have to hike in sometime with a big saw, to cut that one out. I trimmed it up, so its easy to portage over.

[Gus]

Riding it in the fall sounds great and im always up to ride a trail I have not done yet, but I looked att he trail conditions and as are many of the trail anmes this one does not have directions.....how do you get there? Isnt it off 25 in monticello? please reply

[sensorysonic]

Here's a link to a map to Manitou trail: http://www.midmncycling.org/Pages/monticello_map.html

When you drive into the entrance on the west side, about a block down the road, you'll see a billboard on your left, park your vehicle there. The trail starts right at the west entrance of the park. You should see some Blast signs and a single track trail going North. The trail runs north along side the tar highway Briarwood Avenue. The trail is in the evergreens running North between the tar highway and the open field. You'll travel North for about a half mile or so, then you'll turn east and go across a field road. The field road travels east, and brings you into more evergreens. Just follow the white arrow signs from there. At any intersection, look around for arrow signs. All intersections should be posted, though with the 40 mile an hour wind gusts today, one could blow down. Anytime I ride the trail, I repost the intersections that have markers blown down. Also, there's going to be a group ride coming up at Monti. That's a good time to get to know the trail, and ride with some fun people from the Twin Cites Bike Club. Here's the post I received from Bob who heads up this ride:

"I'm tentatively planning a ride at Monticello for 10/22 at 10:00. I have been in contact with a guy who lives in that area that has done a lot of recent trail work and says that the trail is in good shape. Mark your calendars." -- Bob, http://www.mtn.org/tcbc/

[Gus]

that sounds great with the group ride but if thats the case one question and maybe its just me but they require helmets i assume ? because it may be just me but i have tried many different helmets and just cant find the one i like therefore dont wear one....the only ones ive liked are full faced and it looks kind of funny wearing a full face in the middle of summer and your not downhilling....as for 10/22 would you mind a tag along ? i would love to go and be shown the ride
gus ....

future trailwork dates would be appreciated to, as monti is not to far from my house and i am finally able to get more involved as i was a couple yeara ago.

[sensorysonic]

I'm planning on attending the group ride and I'm not a member of TCBC. I would assume, if one is an official member of TCBC, then helmets are required. But, this ride at Monti has been in the past, open to anyone. The last ride we had people from BLAST and Mid MN Cycling in St. Cloud, and guys like me with MORC. So its pretty much up to you on the helmet.

I'm pretty sure that BLAST is planning some trail days this coming spring. When I hear about any BLAST trail days, I'll let you know. I've written your name down, and will email you through the MORC site.

Danielle, I also wrote your name down. Thanks guys for asking about trail work. I'm hoping for great things with this trail in the future. Once properly cleared and signed, we'll have a very cool trail once again at Monti! :cool:

[Gus]

Sounds great, now one more quick qeustion....do you knwo anyonef rom mid mn cycling group because i checked out there website and tried to email someone from there but auto response said the email is no longer availabe etc. cant wit to ride it.
gus

[DanB]

I am a member of MMCC but I've moved to the city, so I am not involved anymore. I can get you in touch with someone from the club though.

Thanks, Dan

[bobbkr]

It looks like the group ride is on (weather Permitting) for 10 on Sunday. Don't worry about it being a TCBC ride. That's just a means of communication. Everyone is welcome.

[DanB]

Rode the camp last night and it's in the best shape I've seen it in a long time, so a HUGE thank you to all involved. :D

I forget until fall when I ride it just how fun the Y Trail is. It just kind of incorporates everything into it. Signage was great too!

[Gus]

So then its on....sunday the 22nd weather permitting. Ill see you there. Maybe bring a newbie with me if thats ok

[sensorysonic]

I cleared the oak tree across the boardwalk, and opened up some of the buckhorn sections of the trail. Manitou should be completely clear of down trees now!

[Nickel]

Just wondering how a fairly newer rider would do with the group ride? I haven't been biking much so I am not the quickest I should be! Thanks for all of your work.

[sensorysonic]

Nicole, I think this would be a great group ride for you! They'll be 2 or 3 different groups for this ride. Bob Bryan, who organizes this ride, will be leading a group who rides along at a nice easy fun pace. Bob's group rides for fun and enjoys the trail, and everyone stays together. Bob is a great leader, and he knows the trail inside and out. Bob would love for you to come out, and ride with his group. There will also probably be a medium paced group and a fast paced group. So you should definitely come out!!

[bobbkr]

There should be a variety of riders. Everyone is welcome. I will be probably riding slow after riding Milaca all day on Saturday. Can't wait!

[Nickel]

Is there a Subway nearby? It's my post-ride food of choice! :D I would like to talk with some TCBC people because I've gotten info from them at every biking event but never ended up joining. I found the directions but it might be helpful for them to be posted on the trail guide page?

[DanB]

There is a Subway right at the turn off to Camp Manitou it is on the Northeast corner of the intersection.

[sensorysonic]

Here's a quick link to the directions to Camp Manitou trail, for anyone who might need them.

http://www.midmncycling.org/Pages/monticello_map.html

[sensorysonic]

Nicole, I'm going to email a few people in MORC as the directions should be on the trail guide page! Great suggestion!!

[Nickel]

This trail was great fun to ride! I got to meet a lot of great people, and got to eat good food too. :D

I think the right turn that hooks up with 90th St NE should be labeled as Chelsea Rd. I didn't realize that 90th didn't intersect with MN-25, which is my bad. I should have checked the map. But it might be confusing for someone just using the website map.

[darnelian]

damn! bummed i missed this ride...

i hate the title of this thread. we need to start a new one. paul, any trailwork happening this week?

[sensorysonic]

Danielle, sorry you missed Bob's group ride :cryin: I think the next trail session will be this spring. I'm very optimistic that Manitou will be in great shape next year. I've talked with BLAST and Ryan Panning and we are planning to properly brush mow the whole trail, and we'll definitely need people for pruning the face slappers, etc. So when these trail days are organized, you'll be the first to know! And thanks a lot for offering to help, that's awesome!! :)

Nicole, glad you had a great ride, and found the location of the trail!! Bob's group rides are way fun! I knew you'd have a grand time!! :D

[Nickel]

===

Nicole, glad you had a great ride, and found the location of the trail!! Bob's group rides are way fun! I knew you'd have a grand time!! :D

Oh boy, actually I completely missed the group ride because I got lost in Monticello and no one seemed to know where the YMCA camp or the road was (at least at the gas stations). I thought I would be able to catch up with them, but I was unsuccessful. I did have a great ride though, it was really quite beautiful. I got turned around at one point and couldn't find the way out so I ended up backtracking and I know I missed out on some of the trail so I'll have to go back :D I did meet a lot of nice people back at the trail head though :D

[sensorysonic]

Check it out, Camp Manitou is now on the official Twin Cities Metro Area Trails Forum section!! ;) Thanks John:p