Trail Conditions In Detail - Mammoth

[iceskier]

Rode at lunch today, man it is nice to be back on the dirt. 90% tacky with a couple of wet spots. A few more days with weather like this and it will be perfect.

I did not ride Skull or Washing Machine Loops. I would assume Skull has some moist areas, and that Washing machine is great.

[undsioux7]

I rode a little bit around 2:00. Started at the school on the south side and did most of the (skull I believe) loop and that was about it for me! I am kicking myself for sitting on my @ss all winter.
The return trip on the skull loop was less wet then I anticipated but still wet in areas. I would agree with your assesment of the trail condition.
Even though i did feel I was riding in mud most of the time (because of my conditioning, lol), it was good to get out though.

[icculusjr]

Sorry to post on this page, but my friend and I are going to try the Farm tomorrow for the first time. Does anyone know what the conditions are like over there? We would like to see it before it is gone for good.

[iceskier]

Just guessing, but Mammoth is usually drier than The Farm and when it is wet, it is not that fun. Could be OK though. I know that the start of the trail is blocked by the construction fence, but you can work around it. Don't know how the fence is blocking though.:confused:

[icculusjr]

Thanks, I will let you know what it is like

[FormerFarmKing]

We had a small group out last night and the trail was pretty good. The sections that are the oldest were in the best shape and some of the newer trail was still a bit soggy. Several streams are still flowing, but things are drying up quick. A hail/rain storm shortened the ride a tid and we skipped the Original Sin loop.

Last season the trail saw more traffic than it had before and it really helped wear it in. Get out there and ride!

[JFehren]

I rode everything but skull loop last night. What a great ride. They've made some changes over the last time I rode it (Novemberish) and the trail is pretty dry now. Be careful because there is a homeowner that posted no trespassing signs on part of the trail that used to be open. It wasn't much so it's not a huge deal. Get out and ride, conditions are great.

[FormerFarmKing]

Skip that section of trail and take the crushed gravel for a tid bit. You will see a new entrance on the left after a ravine.

[RedSquirrel]

It's wet out so I know the trails are muck, but how did the trail look recently?

Specifically, LOD1&2. LOD exit board all nailed down and sturdy? LOD2 chicken wire on & tacked down, totally off or wobblin in the wind still?

Last time I was there a huge bridge was built over the ending stream, all good like that still?

Washing machine loop still visible, I remember last fall it was tricky (leaves) if you didn't know the course.

Hey, how come Mammoth doesn't have a "trail conditions" link on the main page?

No more questions. Yeah, itchy to go out to M. I can't do weeknights or I'd join the g rides. chow.

[Wolfchimp]

It's wet out so I know the trails are muck, but how did the trail look recently? It is in good shape.

Specifically, LOD1&2. LOD exit board all nailed down and sturdy? LOD2 chicken wire on & tacked down, totally off or wobblin in the wind still? LOD 1&2 are both solid.

Last time I was there a huge bridge was built over the ending stream, all good like that still? Bridge is intact but you may have to deal with a little mud at the exit of it.

Washing machine loop still visible, I remember last fall it was tricky (leaves) if you didn't know the course. The trail is clear and completely visible.

Hey, how come Mammoth doesn't have a "trail conditions" link on the main page? I recently talked to John Lundell about adding Mammoth to the Conditions page. I am guessing it should be added soon.

No more questions. Yeah, itchy to go out to M. I can't do weeknights or I'd join the g rides. chow. I'll post up when we plan to ride on the weekends! Thanks for the questions Heath!:D

[JFehren]

I've been out there a few times this spring and the trail is in great shape. Most recently I went yesterday and it could use another day or so of drying, but I'm heading out tomorrow again. Everything that was knocked out of shape last year before the winter has been fixed and they've made some nice changes to the trail. Anyone have any idea if they're still meeting thursdays at 6 for a ride? I was there a week and a half ago and didn't see anyone there.

[FormerFarmKing]

We had a group of 6 out yesterday and the trail was a blast. There are a couple of areas that remain wet and they will be dealt with soon with either a bridge or culvert. Groups are usually meeting at about 5pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

[RedSquirrel]

Thanks. Did the trail this weekend, it was fantastic. So nice to roll a couple big logs!!

Maybe some time I'll make it out to help. Keep posting session work times. Every night this week it's either a kids concert, kids soccer team mtg, Buck Hill or something!!

[Wolfchimp]

Rode last night. There are a few muddy spots but the rest of the trail is in good condition. The Farm Crew has started rebuilding some of the log piles in "Original Sin" (aka Washing Machine Loop) so ride with caution. LOD1 and LOD2 are solid too. We have finally had a good dry stretch so get out and ride! Happy trails!!!

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail was good and dry last night for the group rides. It is starting to get a bit overgrown already......

[devo kenivel]

rode it last night too. good but a little warm. who's doing the re-routes in there?

[FormerFarmKing]

The reroutes are constructed by Farm Team members.

[Wolfchimp]

Trail was in great condition last night! We had about 13 people riding. GREAT GROUP AND GREAT RIDE!

[FormerFarmKing]

It would be great to get a group out there to start trimming back some of the tree branches and bushes that are overgrowing right now. And the grass for that matter. I know the 2 Mammoth guru's would love the help.

[Wolfchimp]

They have my email and they know I'd be happy to help. I may just go out and do a little trimming myself though. I need to buy a lopper first though.
I agree that it is time to start trimming though. I got whapped in the face one too many times last night!

[DMonkey]

I was one of the people who rode last night and it was a good night to ride.
No rain at all - it was pretty hot/humid though.

Porter,
Thanks again for showing the new re-routes..

[Wolfchimp]

Hey no worries man! It was a great ride. Nice to meet you too! Hopefully I'll see ya out there again. Thanks for the post-ride brew!

[undsioux7]

And it rocks! A little overgrown in some parts but that just makes it more fun not knowing whats around the next corner!!

Ran into a new guy to Mammoth and showed hime a little bit of it.
Nice riding with you Jeremy, just post here or PM me if you want to ride again!

[s1ick]

Blaine, it was blast today. Can't believe all the trails I’ve been missing. Thanks for letting me tag along with you today.

[FormerFarmKing]

Many man/woman hours were put in this past Saturday at the trail. Grass was mowed, branches clipped reroutes blocked, etc. Trail is in sweet shape!

[Wolfchimp]

Sounds like the trail is in great condition after the trail work. Sorry I couldnt attend! Nice job and thanks to all that volunteered their time.

[undsioux7]

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the hard work done on the trail. Hopefully I will get a chance to help with trail work someday and give a little back. Saturday mornings just don't work for me.

I did help pull some tree branches off of the trail a couple of weeks ago that someone must have decided to drop off from their truck instead of taking it to a proper waste place. Ran into one of the Farm Crew's wife while removing the branches but for the life of me I can't remember her name. So I guess I helped out a teeny tiny bit. ;)

[BKocka]

so i rode mammoth this weekend.

after working on the trail for a day, i thought i would be semi comfortible riding it alone.

nope. :D

it was fun tho. luckily i grew up in chaska so whenever i felt lost i pretty much just had to find a bearing point and I was good to go. Maybe ill make it out for a group ride one of these nights.

also saw a guy there riding alone coming out of the gravel path by the pavilion. not a lot of activity that night.

i felt like it was really dense- not that that is bad but I guess its just not my style.

once i get more used to it tho it should be sweet.

:banana:

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail is in great shape right now...enjoy!

[Spintowin]

I Grew up in CO and used to be a good technical rider (until I got a sales job, started travelling and got fat). :etard:

Regardless, I am back on the bike trying to get my lungs and legs to where they need to be and have been spinning around Carver County paved trails to get my base.

So, even after reading the warnings on Mammoth, I rode (attempted) to ride Mammoth for the first time this morning (by the way - cool singletrack- from what I saw).

I was able to get through the first part easily (past Lake Grace) and eventually found the railroad tracks (took the high trail above the tracks with the steep drop down).

From there, I didn't see anything to the right (probably didn't go far enough) and went to the left (where there is a red pole) and went in. This was fine, and I eventually ended up in a grassy field and saw a tower of some sort (so thought I was on my way to the trail that splits the lake on the map).

But, it just looped me back to the tracks and I followed straight across and wandered around and ended up close to the tracks and 41 (looks wrong on the map).

So the Blind Squirrel question is - where did I go wrong after the tracks trying to find the rest of the trail toward the lake?

Aftern leaving, I also looked for an entry point up by 82nd and didn't find one. I'm not sure if there is something to get you in on the North side of the trail - across the street from the Arboretum Spring Peeper Park?

Finally, where is the best place to park at the start of the trail? I saw the construction crew showing up and didn't know if I should have parked somewhere else...

Look forward to riding Mammoth with a clue...

[FormerFarmKing]

You need to cross the tracks after that steep hill down to the tracks and go left. Ride about 100 yards and you'll see a trail that goes in to the right and then heads left to parallel the tracks. It starts out grassy and then turns into some sweet and tight single along the edge of a ravine.

You're going to continue to get lost, but keep exploring. There is nearly 13 miles of trail out there and it's fragmented. It'll take several loops with riders that know the trail before you'll be able to find most of it on your own.
Show up on a Tuesday or Thursday night at about 5 and a group will be going out. Also, stay tuned to this forum and look for posts from Porter as he tends to lead rides on Wednesdays.

[Neckroll]

Rode Mammoth yesterday morning for the first time, got VERY lost until we ran into the only other 2 people on the trail, who were excellent guides and showed us around the entire north side of the system. I'm out of shape and slow, so I didn't catch their names (they talked to my buddy more while waiting for me to catch up) but I'd like to thank them because the warnings against riding alone the first time are right on the money. I'll definitely be back as often as I can, the Farm crew has done an excellent job making a challenging and ever varying trail system. Only complaint/warning would be the broken glass and occasional barbed wire in the middle of the trail, but I guess those are risks you take when enjoying trails that aren't quite as "official" as others. I like the more "adventure biking" feel of it, though, and hope that doesn't change.

[Aberrix]

I rode mammoth 6/26 - 7pm-ish

We had spurts of rain all evening (scatted t-storms), but the trails looked pretty good considering. A very fun ride indeed.

[Wolfchimp]

The trail is in great condition. There are a few soft spots in the usual places. As usual, it was a grrrrrreat ride last night! Anyone ridden the new rock at the end of the "Original Sin" loop yet??? Looks doable but a little sketchy to me.

[FormerFarmKing]

We had a group of 11 out on Monday night and the trail was FAST!

[Tower]

We had a group of 11 out on Monday night and the trail was FAST!

You mean we had a Farm Team/ Team Ricoh cage match which was very fast... Shredding shirts, drawing blood, Dominator losing a point, Zamboni being sent to Denver almost in a bodybag, but no further cracking of frames...

It was cool being led by the Master Trail Builder/ Farm Team Yoda... He's got sections within sections and new landmines poping up all over...

Makes you not feel too bad when you drive by the Barklay Farm and see the earth being moved... She is all but gone...

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail was primo last night and we had a 16 person train rolling through. New bikes'o'plenty....

This rain will be great for the trail and will likely get soaked up quickly.

[sakmeister]

Rode Mammoth on Saturday morning...despite a few sprinkles, the ride was great! This was my first ride on this trail and I loved it. I can't wait to go back again, provided I can remember how to navigate it.

[devo kenivel]

went yesterday day and the trails were in awesome shape. not too dry and not wet at all. it may have rained there last night (not sure) but it would have done nothing but help the trails unless of course it rained A LOT!!

[robc]

For anyone who rides Mammoth regulary...how quick does it usually shed rain? It is supposed to rain today and tomorrow morning. Think the trail will be good to go by saturday morn?

Thx!

[Wolfchimp]

It tends to dry out pretty quickly after the rain because the trails are hard pack. IF there is sun during the day on Friday, they should be ok. Unfortunately it is supposed to be overcast for the next few days.

[redwood]

Delicious plums falling off the trees near the top of the 1st big climb!

[hendu]

Has anyone riden Mammoth lately? Is it wet out there?

[frogfacepierre]

it's kinda wet in spots, for the most part its damp and leafy

[hendu]

I made it out yesterday. The trail was little muddy, but not too bad. You're right about the leaves. It's hard to distinguish trails. I got lost about 3 times, just after the skull loop. I kept ending up in the fields. There are a lot of crossing trails. Overall, it was great. I like Mommoth a lot.

[Wolfchimp]

Yep the leaves make it a little more difficult to distinguish which is the main trail. You'll have to come out tuesday 5pm and ride with the group. Fall riding is the best!!!

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail is in very good shape and the leaves have been packed by riders for the most part. The 2 cul-de-sac sections have some deep leaves in a few spots as they always seem to fall at once. Yesterday the trail was tacky and fast.

[Wolfchimp]

I ran some of the trail at lunch yesterday and there were some greasy spots. Other than that, it is in good condition. Get out there and ride before the snow flies!

[FormerFarmKing]

We had a good group out with lights last night and the trail was a blast. There was a bit of grease in the open areas, but the leaf covered trail in the woods was mint. This year is by far the best year at Mammoth and it is due to many more trail improvements as well as more traffic. It would be great if people kept riding the trail when the snow flies so we have another trail option for the Winter.

[dave t]

It would be great if people kept riding the trail when the snow flies so we have another trail option for the Winter.

This sounds like a sceduling request for the Pugsley grooming team aka zamboni squad.

[FormerFarmKing]

The Zamboni's are the best trail packers around!

[Wolfchimp]

The trails are in good condition. There are a few soft spots though, due to the damp weather. If the snow holds off, we'll have solid dry riding well into December.

[Cousin J]

FYI Log of death 1 (?) has a broken bridge on it.

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail was in great condition yesterday. It is rock hard and the leaves are trampled down so the trail is easily visible even on the Peninsula and Original Sin loops. These loops have been very tought to navigate in the Fall, but the increase in riders has really helped.

[ddauwalt]

Hey all. It sounds like the trails are in great condition (as of 12.11.06). I'll be in town from WY over Christmas, and am wondering if I should haul a bike back. A current condition and projection (for next Saturday, 12/23, and beyond) post would be greatly appreciated! thanks in advance.

[RedSquirrel]

Interesting. You'd really haul your bike here? I'd think you'd be in full on ski form being from Larmie area.

Anyhow. We've had a real dry fall then we got some rains recently. Since it's been freeze thaw freeze thaw weather. Crazy highs well over 40, lows near freezing. With that said, the ground has mosture, be ready for possible surface muck and peanut butter like trail if warm out.

However, it appears lows will be near 20 each night, a little snow is in forecast, mostly cloudly. So more than anything I imagine snow and ice spots as ground will stay frozen sky will be grey.

Yeah, bring the mtn bike with small studs and go early mornings. You may be able to bage near 15 miles per lap this trip with better vision than July.

today's weather.com fcst....
Today (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=0)Dec 17 38°/22°10% Mon (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=1) Dec 18 32°/21° 10%
Tue (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=2) Dec 19 Sunny 38°/24°10%
Wed (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=3) Dec 20 Few Snow Showers 36°/30° 30%
Thu (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=4) Dec 21 Snow Shower 36°/31° 40%
Fri (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=5) Dec 22 Snow Shower 36°/28° 40%
Sat (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=6) Dec 23 Scattered Snow Showers 35°/23° 30%
Sun (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=7) Dec 24 Partly Cloudy 30°/19° 20%
Mon (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=8) Dec 25 Partly Cloudy 29°/21° 20%
Tue (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/55416?dayNum=9) Dec 26 Rain / Snow Showers 32°/21°30%

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail was dry and a bit dusty last night; no sign of mud anywhere. Beware, the exit of LOD1 is still broken.

[dave t]

Does anyone know if Mammoth is snow, ice or mud? I would like to ride Sunday but don't want to mount the studs unless I have to? Or, is it just a squishy mess better left alone. I know there was way more snow out there than here in the Lebanon area.

[goatgirl]

Have not been riding there since before the snow. I work out there and the snow is melting just like here; however, I am thinking of riding at lunch on Monday if the weather is below freezing. If it is refreeze conditions, studs would be good. I am doing a road/trail ride to West River Road through mpls and back on the paved trail.:banana:

[FormerFarmKing]

They got 8" or so of snow on New Years Eve and the folks I know that have tried to ride didn't make it too far; even on Pugsleys. The problem is that no one got out there when the snow was fresh and it became crusty on top and softer underneath. Basically, you break through the snow and come to a stop.
Mammoth has not been good for snow riding in the past because many of the main users are hardcore xc skiers and they put their bikes away, snow in the Metro or not. If you do try a ride out there, please post what you experienced.

[Mountain Jam]

Slow going to unpassable. Did not see any other tire treads, looks like the occasional hiker and wildlife are the only trail users. Would not suggest riding Mammoth unless your up for hiking with your bike.

[Farmer's Tan]

Rode today. A few soft (but not soggy) spots but in pretty good shape (unlike me).

[JFehren]

Went today as well and it was great. It's been well taken care of and there is some new stuff in there that's pretty crazy. How about that drop off of the log in skull loop? Didn't try it today because I forgot my helmet at home. Next time maybe.

[hendu]

I rode the skull loop last night and it was great. There were a few puddles (especially at the half way turn around) but, the majority of the trail was in good shape.

[ninjanick]

Got everything done except skull loop. Everything is damp/tacky/nice, except some low areas are still pretty wet. Into and out of the peninsula loop there were some pretty soggy areas. Trail from parking lot to the train tracks had toilet paper running along it in the trees, odd.

[JFehren]

I like the additions they put on to the trail recently. Someone apparently has a death wish but at least they're optional. A question for someone who might know more; does anyone know the story behind the abandoned house? These sorts of things have always intrigued me and it really caught my attention.

Jerod

[ninjanick]

Are you refering to the big new yellow house that doesn't apear to be done?

[JFehren]

No it's actually off the trail and is most definitely abandoned. It's probably only about 10-15 yrs old and it's a mansion. It just really piqued my interest considering it seems to be in fine condition other than the fact that whoever lived there boarded it up and left. It's on a lot that's probably nearly 70 acres so it's worth some coin out in that area.

[ninjanick]

Haven't noticed that, is it on the skull loop, as I haven't gotten to that yet?

Gonna hit the trail again tomarrow after work right around 5, anyone else?

[Farmer's Tan]

I heard it is the old Redmond's place. The guy that owned the Redmond's hair product company that used to be in Chanhassen. It has been for sale but they have been unable to find a buyer, I think they were asking something like $24 million. I heard that they once hired a couple of guys to replace all the light bulbs in the house and it took them two days. The seven acre pond in the back is/was stocked with bass and walleye but the aerators stopped working so I don't know if it froze out. It's a shame they let this place go. I guess money can't buy happiness.

[ebrandel]

I heard it is the old Redmond's place. The guy that owned the Redmond's hair product company that used to be in Chanhassen. It has been for sale but they have been unable to find a buyer, I think they were asking something like $24 million. I heard that they once hired a couple of guys to replace all the light bulbs in the house and it took them two days. The seven acre pond in the back is/was stocked with bass and walleye but the aerators stopped working so I don't know if it froze out. It's a shame they let this place go. I guess money can't buy happiness

He sold Redmond Products (which he started in his garage, Aussie was the major brand) for about $300 million, and now has a 66,000 acre (that's a little over 100 square miles) ranch in Colorado. My friend's father worked closely with him. He's a very "interesting" guy. That house is 26,000 sq ft.

Edit:
Couple other tidbits: The house is on 300 acres (or at least was originally on 300 acres). The living room is 2600 square feet with 30 foot ceilings. And it's now owned by one of his ex's who lives elsewhere in Minnesota.

[ninjanick]

How the hell am I missing this place? Which loop is it off of?

[Farmer's Tan]

It is way out in the skull loop, as far out as you can get and then on the way back it is on your right.

[ninjanick]

Funny I ran into a guy at the lot who ran into it too, he described it as shangralaa! It really freaked him out as it was getting near dusk.

[JFehren]

Yeah it does have kind of a creepy quality to it. What a shame. If I had known about that pond last year I would have brought out my rod. There were some nice fish washed up on the shore. Makes you want to jump into that stream further down doesn't it? You can kind of smell it in the lake it drains into at the beginning of the loop.

[ChaskaBKR@theFarm]

if any of you have questions about the redmond/webber property...i've been friends with the family for 4 years and have practically grown up there. they had an offer a tad bit more that the 24-25 million someone posted, but the developers are having trouble with zoning rights and the family still owns it. they have had some vandalism lately and the police patrol the property on occasion, so i suggest not trying to "check out" the house. im an architecture student at ndsu and that house is a beautiful dwelling, i cant believe they are trying to sell it. some family troubles caused them to put it on the market last fall i believe. the whole 210 acre property is amazing and if someone wanted to venture over there, i know how to get into the house and the family wouldnt mind if someone wanted a tour. 26,000 sq. ft., elevator, gunrange in the basement, wine cellar, observatory, panic room, cave, bomb shelter, and bedrooms bigger than my whole damn house. like i said if someone would like a tour, dont just go on the property, the family still goes out there. but i would love to go back for old times sake....so let me know, the property is ridiculous, i cant even explain

[ninjanick]

Wow, very intresting thanks. Rest assured, my intrest was purly to observe from afar. I promise my next post to this thread will be about the trails condition.

[runjwalker]

Rode Mammoth for the first time ever yesterday. The trails were in good shape, not to wet but pretty tacky. If you go there this week I recommend using armor all on your tires, I didn't and mine got very packed with dirt so traction was not the best. I was on my single speed 29 full rigid with fairly low profile tires though. It was a tough ride on the full rigid single speed this early in the year, really let's you know how out of shape you are. Mammoth is by far the most technical, most challenging and most fun trail I have ridden yet in Minnesota since moving from Utah. There are some great ups and downs, nice switch backs, tight and twisty, flowing sections, and amazing obstacles. The only teeter I saw was pretty steep and gets your heart rate up the first time you do it, not to mention you have to turn on a dime after it. Loved it. Still have a few things to tackle next time, I gave them a couple try's and moved on. The hardest part is not knowing which way to go, although the trails seemed tough no matter what direction but I could tell we went the wrong direction on some sections which made the obstacles very difficult. Some of those hills practically killed me on my single speed. I'm bringing the full suspension next time, I recommend at aleast a front shock since the trails are pretty rough and intense. I have never been so tired in my upper body since Utah, the rigid fork kicked my ass.

There was that no trespassing sign, further up from that there was a sign in the trail itself that said, "animal nesting area, bikers do not go any further". I'm not really sure why bikers would cause a problem with animals nesting, I couldn't imagine them nesting on the trail itself? I also can't see why bikes would disturb them but not hikers, especially since we saw a hiker with a dog!

I thought that Mammoth was a MORC run trail system but we didn't go down that section anyway.

Does anyone know where you can get a map of the trail systems? Either online or printed!

Definitely my favorite trail, way more challenging than Lebanon in my opinion.

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail is in good shape with a tacky surface and a small amount of slippery mud. It'll be sweeter tonight. Several trees are down as I'm sure there are on all local trails from last weekends wind.

Yes, there is a new NO Trespassing sign on the Osprey loop, so please stay off it. There is a pair of Osprey that use a manmade perch each year to raise little Osprey. Stay off this loop and go straight to Original Sin via the gravel trail.


Brent- Mammoth is NOT a MORC trail. If you want a tour, we ride Tuesdays and Thursdays at about 5pm. Meet at the soccer field parking lot off of Pioneer Rd. Map? Bring your Garmin, you'll have to make your own.

[DMonkey]

Dave,
thanks for the update. I'm surprised that the trail is in good condition today - didn't Chaska get rain last night? I live in Mpls by Theo and we had a decent storm last night. So, I did not bring a bike with me today.

Also - I think maybe it would be good to start trail conditions by Month & Year (for all of the trails) - seems like it would make more sense instead of the 5 pages here & 40 pages that are in the Leb/Theo posts.

Like some of the new additions to the trail, helps keep Mammoth one of my favorite trails.

[FormerFarmKing]

Yes, I believe there was some rain out there, but the ground is soaking it up. Today's warmth should dry it out quickly.

[ddauwalt]

Hey all:

I'm going to be in Chaska over Memorial Weekend and I plan on doing some riding. Are the Osprey done nesting yet? Or will they be in the next ten days so that I can ride Mammoth in its entirety? Will the No Trespassing signs disappear when they're done?

I might be posting next Friday or so looking for some guides/riders once I get my schedule ironed out.

thanks, dan

[WildBill]

I see the post that says Tues. & Thurs. around 5pm from soccer fields. Is anyone going to be there tonight 5/17/07? From mapquest I take it that it McKnight Field?

[PJJ]

We rode Mammoth for the first time Sunday and what a great ride. All trails were awesome, each with it's own twist and in great shape - - a tree that had fallen across the trail was being removed as we were riding out. Kudos to whoever made and published the GPS map with the arrows; it made finding and navigating the trails a lot easier, especially for first-timers - - yes we found them all using just that map. We'll be back for sure!

[Chug]

Trail was great and empty for a 6am ride this morning, lots of cars in the lot after we got done with lap 2. Tired and needing a beer.

[ejonb]

I ride Mammoth every Tuesday and Thursday morning starting at 6:30 a.m. starting behind the Jonathon School entrance. Anybody else interested in riding that early? I'm about an hour and forty minute lap time when I do all loops, but could go faster or slower if it meant company.

ejonb

[DT5150]

I'm up for it sometime. Maybe next week we could try. Email me at j_oman@yahoo.com and we'll schedule a time. I can ride it at about 1 hr 40 min. as well.

[lostboy]

I can't seem to find the map posted, where am I missing it, I also didn't see mammoth under the trail guide. did it get removed? Thanks

Edit: I found my answer in another post, and a map

[ninjanick]

Rode everything but the osprey loop yesterday. A little slick in spots. Saw others out as well. One large tree down on two way connecting trail on north side, its near a creek bridge.

Also, on the south end there is a little section of trail that runs on a narrow strip of land that is between a gravel trail and the backs of those strip of newer town houses. Anyway, it appears someone has gone through a lot of trouble to keep us off that section. They piled a bunch of deadfall up on the entrance to that section including some yellow cation tape. It could be removed easily enough, but thats not something I'm wanted to mess with yeaterday. I guess I wonder how the trail builders feel about that sorth of thing? Do you push your luck there and risk complaint, or give up on that section of trail?

Anyone, hitting the osprey loop yet? Is nesting season over?

[dave t]

Also, on the south end there is a little section of trail that runs on a narrow strip of land that is between a gravel trail and the backs of those strip of newer town houses. Anyway, it appears someone has gone through a lot of trouble to keep us off that section.
Is this the section on the ridge that almost looks right into their upstairs windows?

I always felt kind of "Peeping Tomish" on that strip anyway, especially after dusk. A fun section to finish on but I didn't like being right next to the homes.

[ninjanick]

Yup, that be the section I refered to. Fortunetly its a pretty short section.

[undsioux7]

Just rode a bit of Mammoth and there is a turtle laying her eggs on the trail. It is on the switchback up to the prairie.

I didn't do much of the trail, but what I did was nice and tacky with just a couple of soft spots. I would guess Skull loop and Washing machine loop are a little slicker.

[ninjanick]

Yup, I've noticed more then one nesting on the switch backs, and also one on the north end of the little single track connector / shortcut from gavel to gravel.

[ninjanick]

Lot of people out there tuesday evening. I back tracked a 100' on the skull loop to hit a rock pile over and some dudes were coming in and thought I was going the wrong way, sorry about that guys (if you read this stuff). Anyone hitting the pinnsula or osprey loop yet? Nesting season over yet? I'm itching to start riding a complete lap! Plus I like that loop for it's long runs without technical features, and the long climb out. Its kind of refresing after all the other technical stuff out there.

[FormerFarmKing]

Peninsula loop is now re-routed to keep away from the Osprey perch. It is now shorter and not quite as fun, but better than shutting it down completely. You'll see the left turn when you get to the Bird Nesting sign.

[ninjanick]

Awesome, thanks!

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail is rocking fast, but overgrown right now. Hopefully there will be a trail work sesh on June 30th.

[hendu]

The trail is in great shape. It's riding fast and some nice citizen did a great mowing job.

[ddauwalt]

Hey all:

How is Mammoth rolling these days? Overgrown? Is the Osprey back open after the nesting season, or is it closed for good? Are there still group rides during the week.

I'll be in Chaska off and on for about two weeks begining July 30th and am looking to get some laps in.

dd

[ninjanick]

Its in real good shape. In early July some very nice people with weed eaters cleared out a lot of the grassy sections, very nice.

Ospery loop signs and bypass are still up, but I've ridden the full loop a couple of times and have not been dive bombed or fallen into any booby traps.

[Markus]

I am fairly new to singletrack riding and I am having a blast!! I want to get as much variety in my rides as possible so I want to try as many trails as possible. I have ridden Theo, which is right by my house, and Lebanon and I plan on riding Murphy this weekend but I was trying to find more information about Mammoth.

Why is Mammoth not on the List of Trails? From what I have read, Mammoth sounds like a great place to ride but I could not even find location information about Mammoth on the MORC website. I was finally able to track down the location on singletracks.com. Is there even a trail map for Mammoth?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Mammoth is near my work and would be a great stop after a tough day to work off my frustration. ;)

[Ish]

Why is Mammoth not on the List of Trails? From what I have read, Mammoth sounds like a great place to ride but I could not even find location information about Mammoth on the MORC website. I was finally able to track down the location on singletracks.com. Is there even a trail map for Mammoth?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Mammoth is near my work and would be a great stop after a tough day to work off my frustration. ;)

Mark,
This question just came up again recently. There is more information here.
http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22404&highlight=mammoth

[Markus]

Thanks for pointing out the information to me, that was very enlightening.

Anyone out there familiar with Mammoth willing to contact me "offline" willing to provide any other information about Mammoth? Strictly Unofficial of course!! ;)

Mark

[Magic]

Thanks for pointing out the information to me, that was very enlightening.

Anyone out there familiar with Mammoth willing to contact me "offline" willing to provide any other information about Mammoth? Strictly Unofficial of course!! ;)

Mark

Get in touch with Poter Million (Wolfchimp). He can fill you in on what you need to know.

[Markus]

Thanks to all of you who either sent me a PM or posted a message on the forums!!!

[Guy Incognito]

Trail is 95% tacky ridable and 5% tacky wet. Many down trees, cleared the ones I could man handle others are going to need a saw. Big ones blocking the eagle cliff trail via the route to the log of death II and 3/4 the way through the skull loop.

[FormerFarmKing]

Oh boy was it good last night. One crash resulted in a hernia, but he's tough.

[Tower]

Farm Dave, who's down???

Say it ain't the FXP5XR... Pirate is looking to bleed him up at the annual Farm Cheq rope a dope... Too bad you ain't going to be there ring leading...
Mammoth did me good last Sat... Huge contusion to the left glut... Rock trap after LOD2 caused full loss of all Ricoh points...

Oh boy was it good last night. One crash resulted in a hernia, but he's tough.

[JFehren]

Any try it yet this year? I'm going to give it shot later this week.

Jerod

[JFehren]

Ugh it's not looking so good. Most of it has been posted this spring and they've chopped it up in a bunch of different pieces. I didn't try and access the whole thing but I would guess half of it is gone. What a shame. If you know the trail you can still string together a good ride but it's been pretty well neutered.

[iceskier]

What portions have been chopped up?

[JFehren]

I only found that washing machine loop was open on the east side of the ride. I didn't get to try skull loop though. The big grassy downhill is gone, the big chickenwired log was closed, and osprey loop is closed. When it dries up I'll see what skull loop looks like.

[iceskier]

What happened to the grassy downhill?

Is the Oakridge loop closed or just the log ride done?

Peninsula(Osprey) loop has been posted for some time now and has not been a problem as long as you do not enter there during nesting season.

I would have thought that of any loop out there, Skull would have been affected soonest as housing developments have been approaching the trail for a few years now.

[DT5150]

I too saw the signage out there earlier this week. The signs read, "Private Property; No Trespassing". It doesn't say who is responsible for the posting though.

I entered at the north end on the gravel path, north of "Washing Machine/Original Sin". Riding south on the gravel, I saw signs posted at the bottom end of the grassy decent and at the entrance to Oakridge Loop, L.O.D. #2. Later, there also was a sign posted by the singletrack on my return towards L.O.D. #1. I chose to exit on McKnight Road at that point with two of the Farm guys who I ran into at that location. They too were both confused about where these signs came from since this is all Chaska city property, not private property. You can see the map at Chaska City Hall, which verifies that the city owns it.

[JFehren]

If this is the case I can ask around a little bit. I'm a fireman in Chaska and I know a few guys that also work for the city. It was my understanding that the city owned most of the property as well.

Jerod

[RedSquirrel]

If this is the case I can ask around a little bit. I'm a fireman in Chaska and I know a few guys that also work for the city. It was my understanding that the city owned most of the property as well.

Jerod

In respect of the original trail workers......who ceated and maintained trail for years, let's not involve the City until farmers come to town. If a farmer is movin on we should still be patient.... I feel until creators ask for help or for "City" intervention, relax. The farmer will do what they need. A farmer confused needs time to think before asking for government hand. These trails are way way different, let the farmers decide please......hold.

[Former Ex]

In respect of the original trail workers......who ceated and maintained trail for years, let's not involve the City until farmers come to town. If a farmer is movin on we should still be patient.... I feel until creators ask for help or for "City" intervention, relax. The farmer will do what they need. A farmer confused needs time to think before asking for government hand. These trails are way way different, let the farmers decide please......hold.


+1....what he said. Just take it easy. The builders of this trail will investigate and decide what can/will be done. There has already been some talk.

[JFehren]

Good point I'll keep it tight. If they need some help I tell them to get ahold of me and I can put them in contact with the right guys.

Jerod

[dave t]

Any more info on this? If I drive all the way over there, I'd want to know I can ride the majority without having to know secret access points.

[xcharvey]

Hello All

Is there an update on Mammoth? I just got back from college and haven't bee out there yet and don't want to trespass or do things I shouldn't. Thanks

[Mountain Jam]

Not sure about trespassing issues but the trail is riding nice. Watch out for tacky spots in the low lying sections.

[Bike junky]

Anyone riding Mammoth this Saturday? If so, can I join you? I don't seem to be able to figure this trail out. I always get lost and miss a lot of the trail. :banghead: Please let me know if anyone who knows the trail is riding there this Saturday, and can I join you? Thanks!

[Pain Cave Spelunker]

Anyone have an update on the trail conditions?

[dave t]

6/15/08
Lots of slimy corners and the streams are flowing. One spot was under water and we bypassed. As a whole, things were all right but there were certainly spots that could use some seriolus drying.

[jspang]

I have ridden this trail for the last couple of Sundays. It is a little greasy is spots. There is a group of 3-5 riders that meet on Sundays around 10am. We park by the school and go in from there. If anyone wants join us, the more the merrier. I have gotten a little turned around in there and tend to miss the Oakridge and Original Sin loop, but will be trying that this coming Sunday.

[bovaddict]

I lost a bunch of money out of my sweatshirt while riding there today. I saw 3 dudes on intense bikes about to start riding when we were leaving.. if anyone finds this that would be very nice of you to return it to me. its in the couple hundred dollar range in cash.. no this isnt a joke and i know if anyone found it they most liely arent on here checking out would think about giving it back but its worth a shot.

thanks guys!

btw first time on the trails today and it was pretty fun!

[bovaddict]

forgot to post.. found the money thanks for those that inquired and helped!

sounds like ill be riding there beginning of next week with a buddy from here.. anyone else down?

[neste]

Rode Mammoth Friday with Slick Willy and conditions were great. Beautiful day. Leaves can make things a little squirrely in the corners, but that adds to the thrill. Even though the temp got up in the 40s, none of the trail thawed out. If you're discouraged by the closed trails at Murphy and Leb, check out Mammoth.

[Tower]

Mammoooth is dialed.

Way to go Farm Team!

Tight, twisty, technical, lurking death traps (keep tuned or you'll miss them)... Surely you don't want to skip the Farm traps...