First time at Hillside

[h2oskierc]

I checked out Hillside with my brother today. It was our second time out on real off-road trails, we did MORC's mtb 102 at Leb a couple of weeks ago. We were not ready for this... The obstacles were fine, but the climbs were intense!

Where are you supposed to enter the trails? With the lack of signs of any type, I think we may have been going backward at first. We entered the trail to the east (I think, left if facing into the park), is that an exit? It seems as though perhaps you are supposed to enter from the dirt road behind the gate, is that right?

For $4, the city of Elk River could at least try to have some kind of map posted at the trail head. Then again, that is easy for an outsider to say.

I will be getting in much better shape before I head back out there. It is a shame because it is so close to my house...

[Panman]

Hi, now that you say that, there isn't much signage for the trail. You are right, enter the trail to the right of the gate, west. The trail goes around counter-clockwise. Once you get on the trail, it's hard to loose it, granted there arn't many arrows. I'll talk to Keven about putting up more signs and such.

Hillside will whip you into shape if riden a lot. I'd suggest start next spring and ride every week for sure, even twice/three times a week. You'll be in so good of shape by summer that nothing will be hard. :D Let me know about any other suggestions for the trail.

[h2oskierc]

I wouldn't go too crazy with the signage, I think just a map at the trailhead, and then another that says "Do Not Enter" to the left of the gate, along with one that says something like enter here on the other side would suffice. Keep the cost down for the city, and keep the cost down for the riders as well. Like you said, there isn't much need once you are on the trail. I could see it being really fun if I were riding it the right way! :)

Now I want to get back out there and ride it the right way and see how it is...

[h2oskierc]

Rode Hillside again today. Saw a few MORC people out there, but felt a little out of place in my white t-shirt and tennis shoes...

Hillside is WAY better when you are going the proper direction. Little more climbing than my lungs can take right now, but hopefully by the end of the season. Made it what I would guess is 3/4 around, then exited on the last possible chance to get on the road back. Nice trail, hope to get out again.

[Panman]

Rode Hillside again today. Saw a few MORC people out there, but felt a little out of place in my white t-shirt and tennis shoes...

Hillside is WAY better when you are going the proper direction. Little more climbing than my lungs can take right now, but hopefully by the end of the season. Made it what I would guess is 3/4 around, then exited on the last possible chance to get on the road back. Nice trail, hope to get out again.
That would have been myself and Pete (I think) wearing the MORC jerseys. We had a little group ride yesterday. Glad you enjoyed the trail more! I was going to put up more signs yesterday but after 3 laps I was spent. The trail is broken down into 4 sections, we're working on names. I also hope to clean some of that overgrowth soon.
1. From the parking lot to the power lines.
2. Power lines to back "out" (old drive going back to parking lot).
3. Back "out" to power lines (second time on other side of road).
3. Power lines to parking lot.