JasonDoubleU
08-18-2005, 10:17 AM
I rode last night (8/17) in some light drizzle, but that didn't dampen my spirits as I plied the trails for the first time at Mt. Kato. When I first arrived, I was struck at how quiet the place was, deserted as far as I could tell. I finally saw that it was self registration and the cost was $7 for all day, fair enough as you spend $5 just to park at Murphy Hanrehan in Savage.
There was about as much climbing as you would expect at a ski hill, the first climb up away from the chalet seems like the longest, and it is since this is the only climb to go from the bottom all the way to the top. Once on top, there are a nice mix of trails that are either flat or downhill with shorter climbs to reagin some lost elevation. Some of the trails were pretty tricky with steep drops and sharp switchbacks, but these loops can be avoided if you don't care for them. I got in nearly 2 laps before I bit it on the 'luge' a steep back and forth trail with quick steep drops and 90 degree turns. I lost pressure in my front tire as I broke the tubeless bead/seal and headed over the bars. I dusted myself off and realized that I had forgotten my pump at home in Minneapolis, but wasn't too sad as this fall shook my confidence and wasn't sure that I wanted to continue on much further. I straightened out my bent brake lever and headed home across the 'cabin run' trail back to the chalet.
While my ride was cut short, I feel like I got a good workout and had some fun to boot! I'd ride it again, but it's kind of a hike to get there for me so we'll see when I'm able to get back. With the variety of loops, you could ride for several laps with each one different than the last and probably get in about 20-25 miles before getting bored with the terrain. Overall a good trail system, thumbs up!!
Jason
There was about as much climbing as you would expect at a ski hill, the first climb up away from the chalet seems like the longest, and it is since this is the only climb to go from the bottom all the way to the top. Once on top, there are a nice mix of trails that are either flat or downhill with shorter climbs to reagin some lost elevation. Some of the trails were pretty tricky with steep drops and sharp switchbacks, but these loops can be avoided if you don't care for them. I got in nearly 2 laps before I bit it on the 'luge' a steep back and forth trail with quick steep drops and 90 degree turns. I lost pressure in my front tire as I broke the tubeless bead/seal and headed over the bars. I dusted myself off and realized that I had forgotten my pump at home in Minneapolis, but wasn't too sad as this fall shook my confidence and wasn't sure that I wanted to continue on much further. I straightened out my bent brake lever and headed home across the 'cabin run' trail back to the chalet.
While my ride was cut short, I feel like I got a good workout and had some fun to boot! I'd ride it again, but it's kind of a hike to get there for me so we'll see when I'm able to get back. With the variety of loops, you could ride for several laps with each one different than the last and probably get in about 20-25 miles before getting bored with the terrain. Overall a good trail system, thumbs up!!
Jason