Lebanon Hills Trail Review

[gopherhockey]

The trail review software we were running under our own trail review section no longer works with our latest forum software. Therefore, I'm testing this as a method of doing trail reviews.

Please post trail review style comments only. We will be moderating this thread closely and cleaning it up as necessary. This should be a place where visitors can come to see honest and well thought out trail reviews. This poll will be linked directly from the Lebanon Hills trail review here on the MORC site.

Thanks, and enjoy...

[GO_BIG]

Just a quick thanks to the whole Lebanon crew. I just rode the whole network last night before the rain set in. These are the best trails I've seen since I moved to the Minnesota last fall. There are fairly technical parts as well as some short climbs and fast downhills. For the most part I liked everything. The only thing I thought that became a little repetitious was log pile after log pile. Other than that the only downside is the length of the trails, I didn't want them to end.

KEEP RIDING....

[Danimal]

I would have given it 5 stars but those damn logs going uphill on the XXX were unneccesary, they kick my arse every time. A Chair lift up and over that section would be nice as well:D

[bigwheel]

I would have given it 5 stars but those damn logs going uphill on the XXX were unneccesary, they kick my arse every time. A Chair lift up and over that section would be nice as well:D

Aren't you riding a Cannondale Prophet, which has 5 1/2 inches of suspension? That should pretty much nullify the effect of any logs.

[hockeynut]

Lebanon is a sweet place to ride, but I'd say, for me, it's not a "5". Love the flowing singletrack, love the great condition the "hordes" of awesome trail workers keep the trail in.

Since I don't have time at the moment to haul my butt up to Leb for trail work, I don't really feel right saying much negative as I have used the "if you don't like it come out to trail work and have your voice heard" thing too, but since you asked for it... My only nit to pick would be that to me there seems to be too many "unnatural" features. I'd rather bike on a trail that has the challenge come strictly from the terrain not as much man-made stuff (if I had my druthers). That and the insane crowds on any nice day make me go to Terrace Oaks as often as Leb when it's open.

Thanks for the great trail.

Isaac

[gopherhockey]

I'd rather bike on a trail that has the challenge come strictly from the terrain not as much man-made stuff (if I had my druthers).

Thanks for the review. Interestingly enough I kind of agree. Problem is we'd have a pretty boring trail if all of Lebanon were *completely* natural. (it would be one big beginner loop) The good news is that other trails will be more like that, so we'll get something for everyone.

I prefer trails with lots of natural rock challenges. We just don't have that type of terrain here, so we do what we can.

[crux]

One major limiting factor here in the Midwest is terrain and just as important soil type. Sure we can grow crops like mad here but for trails they require significant maintenance to keep them going. The rock sections are probably my favorite sections there and I don’t always make it thru clean, but that’s what I like is the challenge.
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Would like to see some significant hills, but with soil type and erosion don’t think that it is going to happen unless we get one ambitious trail crew one night willing to haul rocks and hand place each one to armor the trail. BTW anyone know what percentage of trail workers v.s. users that this trail sees over the course of a year? Would venture to bet that it is less than 1%.
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We do have the terrain at Leb. To make some sections much more difficult and enjoyable, but would want to place it in the expert section to ensure that we would not be imposing upon any other existing trails. Also ensuring that only more experienced riders would take the path. Currently there are some short sections of trail that are in the process, if you really want to see some feature in the trail then get involved MORC and help out during a trail building session. (Ok I’ll get off my soap box now.)
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Regardless Leb. remains one of my favorite city trails.

[dave t]

I just want to throw in my $.02 on the logs.
If Leb were left as nature intended, trees fall where they may and only dropped to the ground and not cleared, there would be at least a dozen logs on the trail that would not be piled up nice and easy to get over. Some of them would even be big enough that very few riders could even get over and most would never even try.
I really like the over-sized extra tough ones and don't really care one way or the other about some of the others. I do agree that some out there are more a chore than a challenge but they are what they are.

That said, I should be able to get back out for trailwork next week to lobby for bigger not more logs.

[ryno]

Everything about Leb is great! I spent a season riding Leb on a rigid and at every chance I could. I've upgraded to FS since and the only advantage I felt was increased speed through the downhill sections. FS also seems to have mad me more lazy....like bump / bump/ trees/ bump compared to the constant attention to the trail when on a rigid. It did help my riding and climbing techniques with a rigid....just ramblin on (my $.01)

[tedsti]

The current trend is to go more for quality than quantity on the log piles. It we are going to put one in, it is going to get your attention.

I really like the over-sized extra tough ones and don't really care one way or the other about some of the others. I do agree that some out there are more a chore than a challenge but they are what they are.

[gopherhockey]

The current trend is to go more for quality than quantity on the log piles. It we are going to put one in, it is going to get your attention.

Yup, what he said.

We're going to let some of the old piles die and not get replaced. When we build one, it will be built to last and we will try mix it up a bit - like the oversized pile we started.

Dave T is right... if we truely left the trail as nature intended most of us wouldn't be able to ride it clean. You can blame mother nature for starting most of the log obstacles... if she drops something its an obvious sign. ;)

[Tetreves]

I just want to throw in my $.02 on the logs.
If Leb were left as nature intended, trees fall where they may and only dropped to the ground and not cleared, there would be at least a dozen logs on the trail that would not be piled up nice and easy to get over. Some of them would even be big enough that very few riders could even get over and most would never even try.
I really like the over-sized extra tough ones and don't really care one way or the other about some of the others. I do agree that some out there are more a chore than a challenge but they are what they are.

That said, I should be able to get back out for trailwork next week to lobby for bigger not more logs.

I really liked that HUGE tree that fell in Terrace Oaks last year (or was it two years ago....)

A couple rollers to get you going on each side (and a HUGE effort), and you could make it. It was almost 3 feet high...

[jjrsds]

Keep it going. Lebanon flows great and I like that it seems to change as the trail crew maintains and improves it during the season. The little changes keep me on my toes. I tend to not ride lebanon to much about once a week or so during the season and usually by myself during the day. The trail is dang fun to ride, log ups and drops, rock gardens, rock ups and downs, tetter, bridges and alternate routes keep from getting boring.

[376]

I rode Lebanon for the first time last night and loved it. Definitely a 5. I come from a motocross background and couldn't afford that sport anymore. This is the first mountain bike trail that really satisfied my off road urge. I ride a Trek4300(first mountain bike I've owned) with just front suspension. This trail makes me want to invest in a full suspension bike very soon.

[Tom]

I hope I'm doing this right I'm new to this website and forums,If it is not right I'm Sorry.
I personally like all the Log piles, I would like to see more obsticles on this trail.Are there any more new sections planned for this year?
This is a Great trail and my hats off to all of those working on it,GOOD JOB,thank you for the hours of enjoyment.

[goatgirl]

Leb continues to impress me with its variety of terrain and trail obstacles. Having such a jewel within our metro area makes us very lucky mountain bikers; indeed, the work that is put into building and sustaining Leb reflects the level of stewardship towards the sport of Mountain biking shared by MORC and the numerous other volunteer workers here in MN. I have recently paid a visit to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">CA</st1:State></st1:place>, riding some of their most popular trails and yes it was grueling climbing to the top of the mountains and exhilarating flying down; however, the trails were severely eroded showing lack of sustainability. The fact that most if not all the trails are illegal is another reflection of lacking stewardship; arguably, it may be a way to avoid litigation. I enjoy our trails in the woods and am grateful for the opportunity to ride as much as possible!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Let’s hear it for the wonderful trails here in MN!<o:p></o:p>

[Wolfchimp]

Aren't you riding a Cannondale Prophet, which has 5 1/2 inches of suspension? That should pretty much nullify the effect of any logs.

Dan just likes to complain a lot!!! Ha ha ha.:D There is always something with him.;)

[Tex]

As I stated in another thread, I just went to Leb last weekend for the first time in a while and I had a blast. It's an ultra smooth trail, with good flow. The only thing it lacks is any "real" hills, both up and down, but there's not a whole lot we can do about that.

With that I said, I can hardly wait to see what the new Murphy is going to be like. I can remember -way back when- we used to call Lebanon "little Murphy" because both trails were so similar, Leb was just a shorter loop with less climbing. Does anyone remember the old downhill at Leb, with the jump/banked turn down at the bottom? Man, that used to be 'da bomb" as we used to say :D.

[stoneage]

jump/banked turn
It got REAL nasty after that 100 year rain. I saw some pretty wicked yard sales there. I'm going to see if you can still spot that area from the new trail, to see how well it reestablished.

[homebrewbiker]

I was just out today for the first time in several months.

The X loop is definitely easier now that the climb into the rock garden is gone. Next time I am there I will have to see what the first XX turnroff is like.

That new qualifier to the XX section looks a lot better than the old one. The old one had turned into not much of a qualifier. I have taken enough spills on the XX that I opted out (aka wussed out). I think the new qualifier will definitely help keep people out who should not be in there.

Looks like the trail workers have been busy this year (I thought trail work was pretty much done at Lebanon so all of the changes came as a pleasant surprise).

Keep up the good work!

[RichZilla]

I just rode out there at Leb today for the first time in over a year. Wow, nice job guys! I only get the time to go there and ride about once a year, and I'll say with confidence that I'm pleasantly surprised each time. Man, the crew there does an excellent job of building things. I rode my new Demo 9 this time (50lbs & 9 inches of suspension f&r) and I've never had so much fun. I did three laps, the last one without the X & XX loops because I was getting tired but I wanted to do the faster ending downhill sections. The only way to make it more fun on that bike would be more and bigger rock gardens & jumps.:shocked: Hahaha!

[stoneage]

I think the new qualifier will definitely help keep people out who should not be in there.
That didn't work. 4 people in there that shouldn't have been. I saw two walk over the log pile, and then they watched me ride over. Caught a young couple without helmets. Informed them that lids are a good idea, and they just smiled. They were too cute to mess up their hair.
Lots of new trail since I last rode this spring. Nice job on the new technical bypass. Wish we had more of that over at Theo. The new intermediate addition is sweet also, as is the exit trail that replaces the ski trail. Good job!!!

[crux]

Would have to say that qualifier helps, but there are always those who will bypass our best efforts. If someone does happen to injure themselves in there then they can't claim that they did not know that this was a more advance section. We all ride at our own risk and understand what we are getting into each ride some just can't accept the price when they do go down and attempt to reclaim monitary satisfaction via lawsuits. Yeah the qualifiers help.

[Shorty]

Qualifier (or filter) probably isn't the best name for it. Something like representative feature, or warning feature, would be better.

Like Andrew said, these features are designed to show trail users what they should expect when they ride the rest of the trail. It is there so riders can make the decision for themselves. It is not necessarily designed to keep people out... although it often leads to riders making that decision.

[stoneage]

Yeah the qualifiers help.
I suppose they do. It's always a personal decision to get in over your head, and that's what these n00bs were doing.:confused:

[dave t]

I finally rode for the first time since Tuesday when we "finished" the new section. I think it is the most technical section out there now. Lots of wheel stoppers to work around.
I was surprised to find the little pit full of "baby heads".:banana: :banana:

I have been trying to get that feature for a long time and there it is!!

Was I just to busy pulling the big rocks from the woods to notice it going in or was it a "trail fairy" addition?

[gopherhockey]

I was surprised to find the little pit full of "baby heads".:banana: :banana:

I have been trying to get that feature for a long time and there it is!!

Was I just to busy pulling the big rocks from the woods to notice it going in or was it a "trail fairy" addition?

The trail fairy was in there last Thursday morning doing a little work and started the pile. Its nowhere near complete and I don't know if its the right place or not, but its a start...

Would be cool to get a wheel barrow out there and some people to collect more - I bet we could get a huge pile in no time.

[Uncle Leo]

I finally rode for the first time since Tuesday when we "finished" the new section. I think it is the most technical section out there now. Lots of wheel stoppers to work around.

I rode both Friday and Saturday, so far I'm 2 for 6 on the new section.
I have a lot of trouble getting around the hairpin with any momentum to get me over the step-up. AFter that if I was still moving I just powered through the rest on adrenalin.

[crux]

First time back on the trail, even though I'm a bit slower it was great to be back on the bike. Even though I can't risk a big fall still rode some of the new section and it will be a challange once done. As for now had to dab or walk several features.

[nigel]

Would be cool to get a wheel barrow out there and some people to collect more - I bet we could get a huge pile in no time.

I have two of them in the shed at Terrace if you need one.

D

[dave t]

Its nowhere near complete and I don't know if its the right place or not, but its a start....

I think it is in a pretty good spot. The best spot would be all down slope but I'll sure take it where it is.
It would be cool to see how that whole corner and approach to the table rock would ride as baby heads.:D
If the materials are not right there, I know where a whole bunch more can be found.

Would be cool to get a wheel barrow out there and some people to collect more - I bet we could get a huge pile in no time.

I still have the box built for my all terrain hand truck that I used in my summer sod project. It would work great to haul rocks. I also have a old garbage can that we could carry with the rock cart.

With trail work officially over, Monday and Wednesday are my open nights.

[Getrdone]

I haven't rode this trail for years and I had a blast Saturday morning! I'm spoiled due to living next to the Mammoth trails but this was a way fun change of pace. I'm not a huge fan of lots of man made obsticals but it really works on this trail! Fast-nice flow-jumps-some technical sections. The new looking rock garden looks gnarly but rides nice. The huge log piles were super smooth. etc/etc...

Nice work Crew!!

-Jason

[funky-funky-chicken]

Now that I have had more of an opportunity to ride the "new" rocky section (really wish there were a better way to refer to sections of trail) I have to say that this is my favorite bit of trail.

I rode 3 laps on Sunday. Two laps of Intermediate-x-xx-x-out, final lap I took the new intermediate exit instead of going back through the x. This gave me 5 cracks at the new rock section. Rode the fixie and managed to figure out a good line/approach. Cleaned it with no dabs 3 out of 5 attempts. There were quite a few strikes of pedals and cranks.

I didn't ride very fast on Sunday, just took a nice leisure pace and played on the bike. Trying a number of sections without using the brake. Rode the skinny on the camel-back, rode the Teeter, balanced in the middle with a track-stand and back-pedaling until I had to bail to the side. Just playing around, taking different approaches to obstacles. Tried to learn how to pull off a decent bunny-hop riding fixed. Reminded me of just how great this trail is, how many different features and choices there are. It was a LOT of fun, given my mood, more-so than just blasting around trying to get from start to end. (Which can be fun too!)

Great job to everyone who has participated in whatever capacity of helping design, build, maintain, etc.

[Ish]

the "new" rocky section (really wish there were a better way to refer to sections of trail)

Some of us are calling it "Ted's Man Curve". Hopefully it will stick

[AndrewMay]

A quick thanks to all the guys who've put in time on the trails. Rode them yesterday for the first time this year and it was AWESOME!

[bakkeb]

The trail was awesome today. The "dream out" is really bad. Glad there is some talk about fixin' it. Glad I got the bike for it. I made the ladder climb..finally!! 1-7! Christ almighty! But this time "Ted Man's Curve" got me! Damn him!! Saw the brand new Gnome. It's nice having a Gnome there again. I realize how much I missed it. Met some cool riders (Anna & Josh) I haven't met before. Had some beers. Now I'm chillin' in the a/c relaxing with....

[®y$GåÅ®D]

wow, after this week, i hadn't been to lebanon hills since i was like fourteen. last night a friend and i did the whole jedi night session on the basic loop, and a few days before that, with the most difficult loop in the middle too. all the sections are pretty fun, the most fun being the ride out from the more and most difficult to the parking lot. you can really let it fly in those sections, and the twists and turns are such you can really hold speed and pump the contours. the obstacles are bleh, mainly the log rolls. the teeter totter was sorta fun, and the platform with the skinnier split off was cool too.

[MadIrishman]

you can really let it fly in those sections, and the twists and turns are such you can really hold speed and pump the contours.

Unless you "pump" a little too vigorously, lifting your front wheel too high on a corner, losing traction - then dumping your bike and disclocating 2 fingers. Not that it happenned to me 3 weeks ago or anything ;) , but I now have what the doctor calls a "flexion contracture" in my hand.

Lesson learned - As soon as you start to think "I'm having way too much fun for this to be sain", it may be time to slow down a bit.