Levis Trow Weekend - Oct 20-22 - ROLL CALL

[gopherhockey]

This is the semi-official roll call for Levis this weekend. Please post up your name(s) if coming, when you think you'll get there and if you need any help from the rest (i.e. tent, a ride etc.)

I'm planning on heading out sometime in the morning on Friday. May or may not convoy with Greg H. and Troy S. depending on how early they feel they need to get on the road.

[BKocka]

My self, Noah Jensen and his buddy wade will be showing up later in the night on friday (we will be leaving the cities at about 7:00 pm on friday beacuse noah has to work.)

We will be staying at levis friday and saturday night, and then driving to cable for sunday and monday.

[bigwheel]

I also hope to get out on Friday morning. If the weather is bad, all bets are off.

[jeffgude]

I'll be leaving mid-day on Friday, and there for the weekend. I may be incommunicado during Wed and Thursday.

[prospector]

I should be rolling out sometime early Friday as well. The truck is still packed from the previous weekend. I'll throw some wood in the back as well. Its more fun to throw it on camp fires then into boring little fireplaces.

[Tower]

Team Ricoh/ LCR/ Farm Team/ BPB will be making our 2nd annual Fall pilgrammage and have representation at this shindig... From 10-20 people will be showing up by Saturday to ride til beatdown...

Magic is acting team translator and camp site guardian...

[Magic]

Greg H. and myself will be leaving on Friday morning. We will see what time John wants to get out of bed and if he will follow us down.;) The weather looks good for the weekend, let's all have a blast and get some late fall riding in. See ya all out on the trails.

[Kosk]

- PK
- Friday Night
- No

[CookieMonster]

I'll be heading out on Friday morning...would like to follow the caravan of Troy and Greg, & John.... katie is letting me borrow a tent so I'm all good there...now just need to purchase a sleeping bag :D Okay I need to stop playing around on the computer and start my drive back to Minneapolis.....

Laterz

[nord0306]

Weather permitting, I am leaving Friday evening after work and "I don't need any help" (we'll see how accurate that is on Sunday)

[manual63]

I plan to be there, not sure on what days yet. This will all depend on weather.

[phaberman1]

Team Ricoh/ LCR/ Farm Team/ BPB will be making our 2nd annual Fall pilgrammage and have representation at this shindig... From 10-20 people will be showing up by Saturday to ride til beatdown...

Magic is acting team translator and camp site guardian...


Roger that.

Over?

BTW, nice sig line Mr. President.

[Rocky Mountain]

Plan on leaving late afternoon on Friday. Camping Friday and leaving late Sat or Sun. If the weather forecast looks like rain on Fri or Sat then will back out. Hopefully there will be enough room at the trailhead for everybody camping.

[Tower]

Roger that.

Over?

BTW, nice sig line Mr. President.

Former x-president thrice removed, copy that...

You know the drill... It's all training fo 9-15-07 and I am not in the running...

But as acting president, the 21, wait, 19 mile roundabout is still manditory... I will pull the train again tho...

Back on subject... The Ringer confirmed your arrival to Levis as late morning... Be ready for a 1PM Hot Lap up Toad Road returning for landing down Pile Driver (if we don't blow by the vector)...

Looking forward to the cage match with our Farm Team sisters... Barry Too Scary to make an appearance... He and Stoenhenge will be trading riddles...

Over?

[krazykatie]

Darin & I plan on leaving bright n' early Friday morning. We'll be roughin' it in the RV. Tiffany is in for the weekend and April & Suzannah are still considering!!!

[DMonkey]

I'll be heading down on Fri late afternoon or night..
Leave more than likely Sat. night.

Either will be going there with Jason and/or Hann-Yu..

[shakedownma]

I would really like to go this weekend, but I have just started riding. I am curious as to the difficulty of the riding. I have done Lebanon (all moderate) and Wirth, both rode once with not much problem. I am up for challenges, do I give it a go?
If so, I would leave on friday anytime and am willing to give a ride.

[gopherhockey]

I would really like to go this weekend, but I have just started riding. I am curious as to the difficulty of the riding. I have done Lebanon (all moderate) and Wirth, both rode once with not much problem. I am up for challenges, do I give it a go?
If so, I would leave on friday anytime and am willing to give a ride.

Levis is full of different difficulty levels. It lends itself well for large group rides because people can select what they want to do. Most of the challenge is not any harder than Leb if you can ride the X and XX. There is some climbing compared to most our trails. There are outside loops though that are real beginner to intermediate type that fit any riding style.

I don't think we all need to ride in one big huge group if there are people not wanting to do the toughest stuff. And... we're patient for those who want to try the new stuff.

Whats the worst case scenario - a brief ride and you get to hang around the bonfire with all the crazies! ;)

I say do it!

[ryno lite]

Weather permitting, I'll be heading out Friday late morning with my brother Paul.

[Nooner]

i will be there friday night (8ish?), ride saturday day/night and take off late saturday or early sunday.

[[defective]]

I'll be able to ride for a few hours Friday afternoon, and maybe a few more Sunday afternoon - using Levis to bookend a weekend trip to Madison.

Anyone else gonna be rolling then?

[Wolfchimp]

I am planning to get over there late on Friday night. I'll be bringing the box of beef franks again! Free for anyone who wants one, or two, or more.

[TML]

I should be good to go as well. Providing it's not downpouring, I'll be heading out friday after work. I'll probably roll into camp around 7:30 or so.

Plan to camp Friday and Saturday nights and roll out early sunday morning.

[bigwheel]

;183985']I'll be able to ride for a few hours Friday afternoon, and maybe a few more Sunday afternoon - using Levis to bookend a weekend trip to Madison.

Anyone else gonna be rolling then?

Weather permitting, we will likely get there by early Friday afternoon, and be up for a ride. We'll have to play it by ear for Sunday, depending on the weather, plus how tired and hung over we are. We can exchange cell numbers on Friday.

The forecast is rain, but that's a long way off.

[jeffgude]

Weather starting to look a little dicey.

[BKocka]

dudes.

its only supposed to be cold, not all rainy. gosh.

[RedSquirrel]

dudes. its only supposed to be cold, not all rainy. gosh.

Right on! There may be 30%, 40% or more of weather but a 100% chance I will ride & have a blast!!!!


Former x-president thrice removed, copy...roundabout is still manditory...be ready

Yes sirs!! Intercept and copy that. Strategy "let me go" accomplished on home front. Caravan with appropriate supplies will convoy & meet at location.

[Tower]

Yes sirs!! Intercept and copy that. Strategy "let me go" accomplished on home front. Caravan with appropriate supplies will convoy & meet at location.

Roger that vector victor...

Plan for a 1PM takeoff up Toad Road... Don't forget the lights to get you to Goat Dance and back...

Over?

[RedSquirrel]

Roger that vector victor...
Plan for a 1PM takeoff up Toad Road... Don't forget the lights to get you to Goat Dance and back...
Over?
Copy sir, 1pm, lights. Afraid of this "goat dance", but will muster courage for mission.

[BKocka]

so are you guys going to help me set up my friggen tent at 10:30 pm friday night!? ha.

we are getting there so late i hate it.

[gopherhockey]

so are you guys going to help me set up my friggen tent at 10:30 pm friday night!? ha.

we are getting there so late i hate it.

If you don't mind drunken tend builders messing with your tent, I'm sure you'll have lots of people willing to help out. ;)

[BKocka]

as long as you dont break any tent poles like i did to porters tent at the summit.

[RedSquirrel]

Duct tape works good as a temporary tent pole fixie.

[Kosk]

so are you guys going to help me set up my friggen tent at 10:30 pm friday night!?

tents, schm-ents, totally unnecessary:

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/537/11summit2006.jpg

[BKocka]

tents, schm-ents, totally unnecessary:

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/537/11summit2006.jpg

ha. i would freeze. my sleeping bag is only a 0 degree, so even in a tent i am cold.

[Magic]

ha. i would freeze. my sleeping bag is only a 0 degree, so even in a tent i am cold.

I know it gets cold down in the valley, but a 0 degree bag should have done you just fine. Maybe it was all the alcohol in your body that made you freeze. Thins the blood you know.

[At the Gates 2121]

If you don't mind drunken tend builders messing with your tent,

john did you have a few to many already you are slurring your words already he he he :banana: :banana: :banana: <=== my drunken banana man

[ryno lite]

Not all zero degree bags are created equal. Lots of sleeping bag companies like to claim they can be used at temps they shouldn't be used. My brother got a bag as a gift that was claimed to be a 0 degree bag and he froze at the Summit, while my 15 degree bag will take me down below 15 degrees no problem.

[BKocka]

I know it gets cold down in the valley, but a 0 degree bag should have done you just fine. Maybe it was all the alcohol in your body that made you freeze. Thins the blood you know.

i didnt even sleep outside at the summit haha. i was in the top of the chalet with all that warm air ;)

but my 0 degree bag is too big for me (because lets just admit it, im a little girl) so there is too much air space that cools me down; it doesnt insulate well. It's an REI brand mummy bag. But I will survive this weekend, even if its chilly. Ive done it before so i am guessing i can do it again.

[RedSquirrel]

but my 0 degree bag is too big for me (because lets just admit it, im a little girl) so there is too much air space that cools me down; it doesnt insulate well. But I will survive this weekend, even if its chilly.

Sleeping bag survivial tip. Guaranteed to bring 2-3 hour intervals of warm comfy sleep sessions. Bring a few extra pairs of old jeans. Bake or near bake many 6-8 inch boulders in or near the fire. High density rock like granite works great! Before crawling into the bag take a boulder, at appropriate temperature of course, and wrap/stuff in an old pair of jeans. Place jean/boulder/heater in bottom of bag. I guarantee you will be warm for hours. I also guarantee at next potty break you'll grab a new boulder from the coals. Caution!! In extreeme cold or drunken conditions things appear much cooler than they actually are. You'd be amazed and a bit sober at what can melt in the cool night air....

[Fast1]

i didnt even sleep outside at the summit haha. i was in the top of the chalet with all that warm air ;)

but my 0 degree bag is too big for me (because lets just admit it, im a little girl) so there is too much air space that cools me down; it doesnt insulate well. It's an REI brand mummy bag. But I will survive this weekend, even if its chilly. Ive done it before so i am guessing i can do it again.


You could just return it to REI for one that fits your body size .... They will refund/exhange just about anything for any legit reason.

[BikerKitty]

i didnt even sleep outside at the summit haha. i was in the top of the chalet with all that warm air ;)

but my 0 degree bag is too big for me (because lets just admit it, im a little girl) so there is too much air space that cools me down; it doesnt insulate well. It's an REI brand mummy bag. But I will survive this weekend, even if its chilly. Ive done it before so i am guessing i can do it again.

Did you get a women's specific bag? If you didn't, make sure you do that. And a tip someone else gave me ;) was to bring a wool blanket to throw on the top of your bag to help hold in the warmth.

I was a little chilly at Afton in my 25+ bag, so I'm gonna swap it out at REI (well, not really swap, since the one I want is like $100 more :( ) for something warmer, but I really, really liked my bag once I got another fleece blanket inside it with me and the wool on top. It's a Kelty women's fit bag, and it fits like a glove.

[Fast1]

most forget that you need insulation between you and the ground other than your sleeping bag.. thermarest insulted pad is an example..

This will make a huge difference in how warm you are while sleeping.

[Rocky Mountain]

most forget that you need insulation between you and the ground other than your sleeping bag.. thermarest insulted pad is an example..

This will make a huge difference in how warm you are while sleeping.

Inflatable Queen size air matress will be plush. What's not to like about anything inflatable?

Trying to hijack it one post at a time!

[Kosk]

insulation between you and the ground other than your sleeping bag

ding ding ding, we have a winner. 9 out of 10 times this is the reason, not the bag itself. Ground insulation is key. The conduction between the bag/body direct with the cold ground is much more effiecient at making you cold than the convection between the air and the lofted outer layer of the insulated sleeping bag.

werd.

[BikerKitty]

most forget that you need insulation between you and the ground other than your sleeping bag.. thermarest insulted pad is an example..

This will make a huge difference in how warm you are while sleeping.

I had a pad under me, too...the Thermarest one...I think I'd like something a little thicker though, maybe two of them? 'Cause it still felt REALLY cold under me. The second night I threw my old crappy Coleman sleeping bag around my Kelty, and zipped myself into both of them, and that seemed to help a lot, having another layer underneath me.

Just to make this relevant to the topic -- I don't think I can make Levis after all. :( I really, really need to pack (I'm moving), and I think if I'm gone another weekend (this would make like ten in a row), my cats will revolt.

If I change my mind, I'll post up, or call Katie's cell. Man, I really wanna come...but other than this weekend, I just don't have ANY other time to pack.

[Nickel]

Is there potential for a ride for those <s>too deprived</s> too cool to go to Levis? ;)

[BKocka]

most forget that you need insulation between you and the ground other than your sleeping bag.. thermarest insulted pad is an example..

This will make a huge difference in how warm you are while sleeping.

i know i have one and use it religiously.

[Magic]

The weather looks good for riding this weekend. Cool and cloudy with a chance of rain on Sunday. Hope to see ya all down at Levis.:D

[BKocka]

so what is everyone else bringing for food?

I have a ridiculously long list of goodness to eat that I am shopping for tonight.... also... I am bringing brownie mix and making scrambled brownies over the fire (sounds gross but it is so absoloutly tasty) so give me a heads up if you think you are going to want to try it and then i will bring a large amount to make up.

oh and I will be showing up around 8 or so, not 10:30 pm anymore. heck yes for not having your drunkos help set up the tent in the middle of the night. ha.

[Magic]

I to have food shopping to do tonight. We roll out tomorrow in the morning. This will be one of the better trips at Levis. We will have a big crew down at Levis.

[Wolfchimp]

See ya down there! I'll be packing tonight and rigging up a makeshift tent pole since mine happened to break this past weekend.

[Kosk]

See ya down there! I'll be packing tonight and rigging up a makeshift tent pole since mine happened to break this past weekend.

Is it broke or bent? If it's bent, you should be able to pick up a sleeve to slide over the pole at the bent spot and brace it. Most tents come with one of these sleeves as a "just in case". They are just a short piece of aluminium pipe a little larger in diameter than the tent pole.

[BKocka]

oh its broken. i broke it.

[tedsti]

You can buy replacement tent pole pieces just about anywhere.

See ya down there! I'll be packing tonight and rigging up a makeshift tent pole since mine happened to break this past weekend.

[ryno lite]

If you like the tent and it worth something, bring the pole to Thrifty Outfitters at Midwest Mountaineering and they will be able to fix it by putting a brand new section in. They do great work and don't cost too much. Might be too late for Levis though.

[Wolfchimp]

The poles are scandium and aren't cheap. I already talked to Alps Mountaineering (the manufacturer) and I am sending it in on Monday after using it at Levis. I have had to fix many tent poles in the past so I know what I am doing but thanks for all the input. I have always been impressed with how fast other people on the forums are to offer help. Thanks again. I'll make it work. See ya at Levis!

[BKocka]

The poles are scandium and aren't cheap. I already talked to Alps Mountaineering (the manufacturer) and I am sending it in on Monday after using it at Levis. I have had to fix many tent poles in the past so I know what I am doing but thanks for all the input. I have always been impressed with how fast other people on the forums are to offer help. Thanks again. I'll make it work. See ya at Levis!

dude you should let me help pay for it... its my fault its broken..... :redface2:

[CookieMonster]

If my cold does not let up I'm out for this weekend.

[Wolfchimp]

dude you should let me help pay for it... its my fault its broken..... :redface2:

Tony said he would pay also. I am trying to see if they will warranty it first though. I'll let you know. Thanks.

[Tower]

Yo Wolfchimp!!!
Did you hear the Farm Team is coming out of hiding for this little shindig... The Team Ricoh/ Farm Team cage match will commense...

If you recall Ricoh claimed you to B team status so no double agent strategizing allowed...

If you recall our point system, that may just bump you up to A Team status with a few points collected on the Goat or any other sister...

[Wolfchimp]

Yo Wolfchimp!!!
Did you hear the Farm Team is coming out of hiding for this little shindig... The Team Ricoh/ Farm Team cage match will commense...

If you recall Ricoh claimed you to B team status so no double agent strategizing allowed...

If you recall our point system, that may just bump you up to A Team status with a few points collected on the Goat or any other sister...


i think I can make that happen. Ten-Four! Over!?!

[Magic]

Ten-Four! Over!?!

I like to collect points. I'll take one from Porter and two from Tower, Ha!

[Wolfchimp]

I like to collect points. I'll take one from Porter and two from Tower, Ha!

You'll only be gettting back some of the points I took from you at 24hours of Afton then. Ha ha ha.:D

[Magic]

You'll only be gettting back some of the points I took from you at 24hours of Afton then. Ha ha ha.:D

Point given for that one! But watch out for the Magic Man on the night ride!

[RedSquirrel]

I have always been impressed with how fast other people on the forums are to offer help.

Porter is bound to get some help with his tent this weekend....this is going to be good..... point up.

Point Beer? = -1

[Tower]

Point given for that one! But watch out for the Magic Man on the night ride!

Caution--- If you know el Magician you know how he got his moniker... You never know when all of a sudden the disappearing act has been pulled out of his hat!!!

But no fear... el Magican reappears just in time to finish the beatdown... Imagine that.

Like he says... You can't punish what you can't see... Or something like that...

Don't forget the "You go ahead, I'm the team slow guy" trick either... Watch out for point loss on that card trick!!!

Didn't mean to give away team tactics, but that's the double agent rule...

Over?

[bigwheel]

Looks like they revised the forecast from pure-suck to tolerable.

[Magic]

Looks like they revised the forecast from pure-suck to tolerable.

We'll have lot's of fun Bob. ;)

[RedSquirrel]

So is it "Full" or "New" MOON that brings out the crazies?

Oh yeah Full Moon makes Magic howl (glad that won't hppen) and not sure about new moon....

[Crash]

So is it "Full" or "New" MOON that brings out the crazies? .

Isn't it blue moon?

http://www.mrwheelerdealer.com/ebay/other/BM.jpg

[gopherhockey]

Its none of the moons you guys have posted... I just can't post a picture of the one that I have in mind :crazy2:

[ryno lite]

Is everyone still going to brave the weather? The forcast has improved so much since yesterday, that I'm sure most people are still in! I guess I'll be heading down there sometime around late tommorrow morning, so I hope to see a bunch of us down there! Should be there early to mid afternoon to get the prime camping spots!

[Kosk]

Anybody know if there is potable water where we are camping? (I've already got the beer part covered)

Where exactly are we camping, at the trailhead or down the road at the camp ground?

[Wolfchimp]

The Trailhead is where I plan to camp and I believe that is where everyone else is setting up camp too. There are nice bathrooms there and the water is good.

[gopherhockey]

The Trailhead is where I plan to camp and I believe that is where everyone else is setting up camp too. There are nice bathrooms there and the water is good.

Yup, its the one off Fischer Ave. with the better facilities.

Anyone check to be sure the facilities will even be open? I heard a few times that people have found them closed.

I just emailed a few people to see...

[ryno lite]

Yup, its the one off Fischer Ave. with the better facilities.

Anyone check to be sure the facilities will even be open? I heard a few times that people have found them closed.

I just emailed a few people to see...

Might be a good thing to know!!!

[gopherhockey]

Here is what I got back:

The Bathroom (M&W) are open all yr and have hot and cold water. The chalet is not open unless you'd make arrangements with the forstry dept (715-743-5139 Brian Duell)

[Wolfchimp]

Here is what I got back:

The Bathroom (M&W) are open all yr and have hot and cold water. The chalet is not open unless you'd make arrangements with the forstry dept (715-743-5139 Brian Duell)



Maybe since we have such a large group, we could arrange for the chalet to be open???

[ryno lite]

Here is what I got back:

The Bathroom (M&W) are open all yr and have hot and cold water. The chalet is not open unless you'd make arrangements with the forstry dept (715-743-5139 Brian Duell)


Thanks John for getting the info!

[BKocka]

uhm..... john........... i hope you remember to bring your extra light for me :)

[mtnbykr]

Is there potential for a ride for those <S>too deprived</S> too cool to go to Levis?

duluth 10am...

[Tower]

For those on the fence, the weather is shaping up just fine...

Lurking Team Ricoh & Farm Team, mount up... Game on!!!

Don't forget the 99 cent footwarmers...

HELP- If your arriving today and you run into Magic do not allow him on his bike today or tomorrow morning... Trying to block another one of his tricks for when the games begin tomorrow afternoon... He'll use the "I'm beatdown from riding on Friday" card trick... Ricoh ain't havin' none of that...

Greg if your out there do not allow the Magician to starve you on the drive over!!!

Out.

[gopherhockey]

uhm..... john........... i hope you remember to bring your extra light for me :)

Yup, your light is charged up and ready to go!

Game on everyone! Bob and I are heading out in a couple hours.

Don't forget to bring some wood everyone! We can't expect to find anything on site, so if we don't bring enough its going to be a very small fire. Bring what you can, or get some along the way... pllleeeaaassseeee.

[gopherhockey]

Via email:

Levis Mountain Bike trails are 100% open at this time. Next closing date is during the November gun deer season.

Warming house would be open all the time during the cross country ski season. This time of year it is only open when someone pays a reservation fee for a group gathering. The flush toilets are open though.

If you plan to camp right at Levis trailhead, the camping fee is $5.00/night for anything that someone sleeps in. You may pick up miscellaneous wood laying around the area. Firewood can also be purchased at Russell Memorial Park/Campground, which is 3 miles straight south on County Highway J. Camping is not allowed on top of the Levis Mounds. Register camping by using the same registration form that you use to pay for trail passes.


Mark E. Heil, Administrator
Clark Co. Forestry and Parks

[gopherhockey]

I just arranged to have the warming house open and heated while we are there. The cost is $100 and I agreed to pay it on behalf of the groups, so we will come around at some point and hope that people will donate toward the cause.

I think it would be well worth it to have a warm area like that available.

I was told no partying in the warming house and I promised we would keep it civil in there.

[gopherhockey]

Here is one route to get there for those who need it:

Take 94 to 121, which is the exit just past Osseo (and before Hixton - if you get there you went too far for these directions)

Go on 121 east and it turns into 95. 95 is the road on the south side of Levis. I believe you will pass through Alma Center and Merillan on the way to Levis.

Go past the first trailhead and take the first left, which should be Fisher Ave. (may also say Colombia Road). Take that about 1/4 to 1/2 mile and the campground will be on your left.

Anyone who reads this and knows better feel free to correct me.

[CookieMonster]

I will be heading out to Levis tomorrow morning early....what time do you all expect to be up and heading out to ride?

[BKocka]

I will be heading out to Levis tomorrow morning early....what time do you all expect to be up and heading out to ride?

why arn't you coming out tonight!?!?!?!?! :jumpy:

[CookieMonster]

Okay Okay.... I'll get my act together and come out tonight....not sure what time I might be arriving....but I will be arriving tonight :D

[BKocka]

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss. that's what im talking about!

[tedsti]

John stepped up big time and got the warming hut opened up. If there is any whining about it being cold, John has the right to slap said whiner.

[BKocka]

John stepped up big time and got the warming hut opened up. If there is any whining about it being cold, John has the right to slap said whiner.

hahahahahaha. ha. haha. i love it.

ps i have the worst posts latley. who posts up "hahahahahaha. ha. i love it." ??

oh wait i do.

[krazykatie]

Okay Okay.... I'll get my act together and come out tonight....not sure what time I might be arriving....but I will be arriving tonight :D

Maura...you can crash with us in the RV! I didn't bring airmatress but i do have a sleeping bag. We're just about there!! :jumpy:

[Wolfchimp]

I may just end up crashing in the chalet or under the overhang of the chalet if I get lazy and dont want to set up my tent.

[Tower]

I may just end up crashing in the chalet or under the overhang of the chalet if I get lazy and dont want to set up my tent.

Hey Wolfchimp-

When you leavin'? Tonight or tomorrow morning? If you leave tonight, keep an eye on Magic and his trickery... He is not authorized to ride until Team Ricoh shows up so that he can't use his card trick of "I'm burned out from riding already..." Like a pack of hyena's Team Ricoh attacks their own...

We should arrive by 1100 hours tomorrow...

Out.

[Wolfchimp]

I'll be over there tonight. I think I'll be arriving around 2300hrs. I'll keep my eye on him. My guess is that he will have already ridden at some point today.

[Tower]

I'll be over there tonight. I think I'll be arriving around 2300hrs. I'll keep my eye on him. My guess is that he will have already ridden at some point today.

Don't let the Magician disappear on his bike tomorrow morning... Tie him down and make him do a whodini if you have too... Don't worry about feeding him while tied down, he's on the supermodel diet...

[TML]

Hit the jackpot with my latest scavenge for wood. We be set.

See ya tonight! I'll be rollin' in by around 20:15.

[KenCycle]

What a nice ride, really enjoyed riding with the group. Just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcome. Jamie and I enjoyed meeting so many new friends. :)

[Hathor]

What a nice ride, really enjoyed riding with the group. Just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcome. Jamie and I enjoyed meeting so many new friends. :)


Are you home from Levis? One question: was everyone alive when you left? No 1st degree burns from fire riding?

[manual63]

Are you home from Levis? One question: was everyone alive when you left? No 1st degree burns from fire riding?

John is just fine Liz. He had all his limbs and no burns......;)

[CookieMonster]

Had a great time this weekend.... The riding was awesome!! Sorry I bailed and went to sleep early last night.... Just means I have more energy to go ride Leb today :banana:

[gopherhockey]

Posted up 15 or so pictures of the weekend in the Gallery under Group Rides (or click on today's date to see all of that day's new photo posts) I hope to post more soon.

If you got good pics of the weekend, please post em' up. Especially those that got the group photo before Saturday's morning ride.

[krazykatie]

I just posted a few also! Levis was awesome...so glad I went.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/kdandkayla/mtbikingoct06012a.jpg

[gopherhockey]

Some of the classic moments (feel free to add yours):

Brianna and company driving up to the bonfire and tossing a frozen pizza at Troy, who had asked them to pick up a pizza for him when they ran to a nearby store.

Maura waking up Sunday morning and stating at the morning fire: "I'm going back to ride Lebanon Hills!"

1 minute....

Troy and Randy - you da man! Thanks for bringing all the great firewood.

Local trailbuilder showing up at 7:30pm on Saturday to go on the night ride.

Bob stating "There is no more climbing, right?" after each big climb.

Being kept awake all night by the major snore-fest.

30 seconds....

Fire ring made out of fire rings.

Everyone pitching in $5 to perfectly cover the $100 warming house fee. Luckily we didn't really have to use it that much, but it was nice to have it there just in case.

Nobody getting hurt.. at least not seriously or that I know of.

Krazy Katie pulling a tree down on top of herself at the top of Toad's Road.

Watching ~26 people doing a huge group ride Saturday morning.

Another couple of great capfires.

1 minute....

Waking up Saturday morning to see the entire area full of tents.

All the great junk food.. especially that carrot cake!

Most people saying "I can't wait to do it again, we should make this a annual or bi-annual event..."

BTW: who is licking Jeff Gude's head in that group photo... geesh.... ;)

[manual63]

Everyone pitching in $5 to perfectly cover the $100 warming house fee. Luckily we didn't really have to use it that much, but it was nice to have it there just in case.

Oh believe me, it was worth it!!! I am glad to have had a place to hang out and stay warm...at least until the fire got big enough to make that a nice warm spot.....:)

Maura impressed the crap out of me after seeing her come back from Saturdays ride and hear she rode all the way to the farthest trail loop and back.

I had fun and everyone was a blast to hang out with. Hope to do this again for sure.

[prospector]

Just posted a couple of photos from trip. Thought i'd cruise out to the sidewinder today and take a couple of pix since most didnt get out there. i'll post more after a shower. Sidewider trail is a blast.

[CookieMonster]

Maura impressed the crap out of me after seeing her come back from Saturdays ride and hear she rode all the way to the farthest trail loop and back.




Yeah....I'm good like that :cool:

[JayPee]

Damn, I wish I could have made it to this, sounded like a fantastic time. On Friday I did blow past a mini-van on I-94 with MN plates carrying 3 bikes on a hitch rack. One bike was a Santa Cruz and one was Surly, was that anyone here?

[ryno lite]

I'd imagine that it was Bob and John. If it was a brown Astro, it was them.

[JayPee]

Yeah, sounds right. I tried to give a thumbs-up but I suspect is was misinterpreted.

[bigwheel]

Damn, I wish I could have made it to this, sounded like a fantastic time. On Friday I did blow past a mini-van on I-94 with MN plates carrying 3 bikes on a hitch rack. One bike was a Santa Cruz and one was Surly, was that anyone here?

Yeah, that was probably us. Ventana, Surly and Sana Cruz. Other Surly was in back. Sorry to not see you. We were trying to figure out how to work the radio.

Great weekend, everyone.

[sugarspice]

Excellent riding this weekend and so nice to meet everyone! Thanks for the photos, JL!

[Magic]

Great ride with great people and good weather. Had a blast meeting everyone. We will have to do this trip again next year. I hope everyone had a good time and I'll see you out on the trails.

[gopherhockey]

Definitely is going to have to be a yearly event at the very least.

Hope everyone who was at Levis is starting to think about Fruita already! :D

[Magic]

Definitely is going to have to be a yearly event at the very least.

Hope everyone who was at Levis is starting to think about Fruita already! :D

Fruita, I'm still healing up from Levis. How was the Sunday ride, John. I'll heal up soon and see you all on the night rides.;)

[Wolfchimp]

I had a blast this weekend!!! Good company, good riding...good food....what more can you ask for? I was beat after the Sunday ride with the LCR guys....good times though. We rode Sidewinder forwards and backwards....awesome new addition to the Levis trails system! We even made friends with a porcupine up there. Good riding everyone and once again...for those of you that I hadnt officially met, its always nice to put faces with names! See ya on the trails!

[ryno lite]

Yeah, it sure was a great time! It was easily my best mountain biking trip of the year! Like others have said, it was great to meet everyone and hang out with a great group of people. We had over 40 people riding on Saturday. Truly amazing. Can't wait to do it again in '07!

[TML]

What a great weekend!! I couldn't believe the number of people that showed up! A train of 27 for the morning ride. Then another dozen or so later on with the LCR crew.

And the women. . . Dang! Boys, watch out. There's a whole group of ladies that will quickly be kicking our butts up and down the trail. It's awesome to see such a good ratio of women on the trail. Thanks for putting up with a bunch of toddler-like guys and making the camping and riding such a fun time.


Good memories:

-Hann-yu riding around with packing foam on her bike all day.

-Wondering whether Ryan was still alive when we hadn't seen or heard from him by 9:45 in the morning.

-Scrambled brownies

-Katie's leaning tree

-The slow train, led out by Heath. We all wondered what the heck was going on, untill we realized what Heath was doing, and then saw how cool it looked to see 27 bikes all moving down the trail about a foot apart from each other.

-Bob and John going to bed around 10, sleeping for an hour or two, then getting back up to hang around the fire and have another beverage with the LCR guys.


I'll try to get some of my pictures up soon.

[Magic]

Typical LCR fashion, wait for the people to leave the fire, then swoop in like vultures for the heat. Sorry to wake Bob and John, but they came out for round two with LCR at the fire. Moments to remember:

Hann-yu riding down Piledriver.

The slow train with Heath in front and me and Porter laughing at everyone that was asking what was going on.

Katie killing the trees on top of Toad road.

Doing Northface, Porky Point and Piledriver with Poter and Noah.

Having Pizza delivered to me by Brianna.

The killer night ride with LCR and the trail guy from Levis.

Catching back up to the group after dealing with the sisters and finding Cookie Monster looking at me like a deer in the head lights. Follow me I said and she did.

The nightly fires without anyone riding a bike thru it.

My own self tunedown in front of the group ride. For those who didn't see it, thank you and for those who did, I also thank you.

And last but not least, doing Corkscrew the wrong way, thanks John.

Great time was had by all and thanks for the warming house John, it was nice to have open.

[manual63]

We were trying to figure out how to work the radio.

The radio doesn't work like bike lights.......close, but just a little different....:crazy2:

[krazykatie]

Katie killing the trees on top of Toad road.


I beg to differ...It was more like....dead trees trying to kill Katie!:laugh:

[shakedownma]

I just wanted to thank everybody that came out this weekend. Being that this was my third ride ever, and first with total strangers, I felt welcomed and part of the group. For the people ahead of me in the pack, you are welcome for the long rests. For the people behind me, I apologize for making you wait. I would love to join you guys on more rides soon, but the bike is in need of a derailleur. I hope I can scrounge up the funds to fix that quick. Cheers to a great weekend.
Matt

[gopherhockey]

I just wanted to thank everybody that came out this weekend. Being that this was my third ride ever, and first with total strangers, I felt welcomed and part of the group.

You are very welcome Matt - you are a great example of how anyone can come out to a ride like this and fit right in... I really hope you can come out to more of our rides. Was fun chattin' with you around the fire etc. as well.

[Wolfchimp]

I just wanted to thank everybody that came out this weekend. Being that this was my third ride ever, and first with total strangers, I felt welcomed and part of the group. For the people ahead of me in the pack, you are welcome for the long rests. For the people behind me, I apologize for making you wait. I would love to join you guys on more rides soon, but the bike is in need of a derailleur. I hope I can scrounge up the funds to fix that quick. Cheers to a great weekend.
Matt

I thought you said you were going to sell your car and pick up the Trance? :pOnce you get that der. hanger let me know. I'd be happy to help that bike up and running again. Nice meeting you and nice job on the trails!

[Kosk]

40 more pics up in the group ride catagory. My apologies if you don't see yourself in there somewhere. So many riders, it was hard to get everyone in.

Here's a link that is "pre-searched" to the pics I just added:
clicky-clicky (http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showgallery.php?mcats=535&si=LevisTrow+10%2F06&what=title&name=Kosk&when=0&whenterm=&condition=and)

[Wolfchimp]

Nice pics Pete!!! That one shot of us riding behind you turned out pretty sweet.

[DMonkey]

Hey - just wanted to thank everyone for another great time riding.

Wish I could of hung around for Sat. nights fun, I'm sure with all of that fire wood something had to happen!

I really think we should do more of these trips. The group of riders that I used to ride with (still do with some/most) used to do these, but now almost never.
Levis, 9-Mile, Chequamegon, & Sugar Bottom (IA) - are all great locations for these kind of trips. (never actually rode at SB, but have heard good things)

Also - Sorry for not really having any pics to add to this, both of the batteries on my camera were messed up (or it's the camera), I will post the few I did take tonight.

I am also am planning on Fruita again..

Looking forward to the next group ride!

Thanks again,

[DMonkey]

OK - I had to take a quick look at the pics..

Got some great shots up there. I have two questions though..

Where the hell is that new bridge? The one that looks it's up on the top of one of the mounds?

Next - why didn't we hit that on the 2nd ride on Saturday?!

Thanks..

[Magic]

It's a new trail called Sidewinder, we did it for the first time on the night ride. Then some others went back and did it on Sunday. It is well worth doing.

[gopherhockey]

OK - I had to take a quick look at the pics..

Got some great shots up there. I have two questions though..

Where the hell is that new bridge? The one that looks it's up on the top of one of the mounds?

Next - why didn't we hit that on the 2nd ride on Saturday?!

Thanks..

As Troy said, its on the new Sidewinder trail. That trail was way out toward the back of the trail system... during the 2nd ride most groups stuck to the overlook area and didn't venture back out that far.

We should have hit it that morning when we were right there, but it wasn't on the ride agenda at the time...

[Magic]

As Troy said, its on the new Sidewinder trail. That trail was way out toward the back of the trail system... during the 2nd ride most groups stuck to the overlook area and didn't venture back out that far.

We should have hit it that morning when we were right there, but it wasn't on the ride agenda at the time...

Ya, we opted to climb Corkscrew. Was that on our agenda. John and I like to climb. And just for Bob, this is our last climb. Ya right.:D

[Kosk]

I went to do a nice easy solo ride sunday morning and ended up feeling the flow and decided to take Porter's advice and check out Sidewinder. Really glad I did!

Its a neat little loop that "billy-goats" around that big knob that is back there. It puts you just about right back to where you start too (at the yellow jacket/buck hill/upper hermosa/ski trail intersection), just a little ways in on upper hermosa if I recall correctly. The trail itself is very picturesque, as well as the views from it. Not for the faint-hearted though, a tumble on this trail and you might not stop for a while. I saw two porcupines that apparently are living along the rock ledges, as seen in the first pic below.

If you didn't get to hit this section up, you've now got a good excuse to go back.

Sidewinder:
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/DSCF0623.JPG
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/DSCF0641.JPG
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/DSCF0638.JPG
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/DSCF0640.JPG

[Magic]

great pics of the new trail. We saw the porc's on the night ride also.

[Tower]

It's a new trail called Sidewinder, we did it for the first time on the night ride. Then some others went back and did it on Sunday. It is well worth doing.

You should have been there Magician, We went for the Team Ricoh point and did it backwards...

Team Ricoh has a hard time with "Do Not Enter- Wrong Way" signs... But we fessed up when we saw Dean (local trail builder)... He just laughed and I wouldn't be surprised if he tried it himself when we told him it was less of a threat backwards...

Easier backwards means keep riding it the right way...

[Magic]

You should have been there Magician, We went for the Team Ricoh point and did it backwards...

Team Ricoh has a hard time with "Do Not Enter- Wrong Way" signs... But we fessed up when we saw Dean (local trail builder)... He just laughed and I wouldn't be surprised if he tried it himself when we told him it was less of a threat backwards...

Easier backwards means keep riding it the right way...

I wish I would have stuck around for that ride on Sunday. It would have been cool to do it backwards. Since I really didn't see much at night when we did it for the first time. We will be back and do it then.

[DMonkey]

Troy, John, -

Thanks for the info.. That does look like a sweet trail - def. is a good reason to go back, but to tell you the truth - we used to hit Levis 2 or 3 times a year anyway (with at least one camp over).

Pete -
The pics look great thanks!

Also - Wish I would of went with those of you who went down Pile-Driver - the rest of the other trail wasn't that fun..

[Wolfchimp]

Sidewinder might be my favorite trail out there now. It was a lot of fun....forwards and backwards!

[Nooner]

thanks for organizing and leading john. and thank you everyone else for the fun riding. it was great meeting you all for the first, second, and maybe nth time and hopefully we'll all run into each other out on the trails!

[Nita]

What a great time :D and regardless that it was really cold in the morning, I will never OVER dress again. Talk about sweating and then freezing...! Thank you everybody, it really was fun!

[wildkona]

Looks like you guys had alot of fun. I so want to go next year!!!!:D

[BKocka]

so much fun was had.

you guys should've come to rocklake up in Cable with us after levis. it was so good! best riding I have done all year long.

[Magic]

so much fun was had.

you guys should've come to rocklake up in Cable with us after levis. it was so good! best riding I have done all year long.

Do they have pizza delivery up their also? If so I'll take the same as what I ordered at Levis. Plus another side of coffee.;)

[gopherhockey]

so much fun was had.

you guys should've come to rocklake up in Cable with us after levis. it was so good! best riding I have done all year long.

I have heard a lot of good things about the rocklake area. Perhaps this will be a group destination in 2007...?

I'd like to see us do 9-mile as well.

[Magic]

Sounds like we have alot of riding to do next year. Better start planning it out now, plus it would be nice to get back to Levis again. But some new places would be nice. Just make sure we have camping so we all can sit and be merry.:)

[BKocka]

Do they have pizza delivery up their also? If so I'll take the same as what I ordered at Levis. Plus another side of coffee.;)

Oh I am sure we can work some pizza and coffee out.

Rocklake was amazing. The locals said it wasnt super technical, but I think they were smoking crack before they said that. TONS of rock gardens- the Hildibrant Loop is super technical- and some really nice flowing Single Track. It was awesome because we were out there all morning and it started to snow. It was unlike any riding I have done in this state.

Next year could either be 9-mile, which i have yet to do, or the cable area trails. There is just so much there to choose from.

I did have 2 nasty falls tho at Rocklake... i now have a brused rib and a gash on my right thigh. thats the only lame part of the trip, but well worth it if you ask me.

[gopherhockey]

Just thinkin' outloud....

April: (early) Midwest Mountain Bike Summit in KC http://www.gorctrails.com/festival/

April: (late) Fruita http://www.fruitamountainbike.com/festival/

May: ?

June-August (nothing - too many things going on)

September: Summit / ?

October: 2nd Annual Levis

[BKocka]

looks like a good list to me... now if only i had that much vacation time....

[TML]

That's lookin' like a good list to me too. I'm going to try and hit the midwest summit this spring. Not sure if I'll be able to swing Fruita or not.

[flombe]

Oh I am sure we can work some pizza and coffee out.

Rocklake was amazing. The locals said it wasnt super technical, but I think they were smoking crack before they said that. TONS of rock gardens- the Hildibrant Loop is super technical- and some really nice flowing Single Track. It was awesome because we were out there all morning and it started to snow. It was unlike any riding I have done in this state.

Next year could either be 9-mile, which i have yet to do, or the cable area trails. There is just so much there to choose from.

I did have 2 nasty falls tho at Rocklake... i now have a brused rib and a gash on my right thigh. thats the only lame part of the trip, but well worth it if you ask me.

I rode Rock Lake for the first time on Friday morning. Great trail! I felt like I was riding in Colorado, but without the long lung-busting climb and mountain views. Some parts were technical, some rocky and rooty, no brutal climbs. I managed to put on 16 miles due to some backtracking (i.e. map confusion). Highly recommended.

[RedSquirrel]

I rode Rock Lake for the first time on Friday morning. Great trail! I felt like I was riding in Colorado, but without the long lung-busting climb and mountain views. Some parts were technical, some rocky and rooty, no brutal climbs. I managed to put on 16 miles due to some backtracking (i.e. map confusion). Highly recommended.

Rock Lake vs. Levis Trow... Both are great trails!! Visited both 1 time so far... Did new expanded rock lake loop and plenty of Levis. I must say after the grand tour of Levis, it's much better for variety and challenge.

[Nita]

I would love to do that cluster of trails next year as a big group ride. Its my favorite set of trails and we usually do a 20 mile loop that takes us through five of the trails including Patsy Lake and Glacier. Its only about one hour more in driving from Levis.

[TML]

I spent an entire weekend with these charaters?!?!?! :D

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_003.JPG

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_006.JPG

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_009.JPG

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_012.JPG

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_011.JPG


More in the group ride gallery. What a great trip with a great group of people!

[gopherhockey]

I spent an entire weekend with these charaters?!?!?!






http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/Levis_011.JPG


More in the group ride gallery. What a great trip with a great group of people!

A classic! Great Pictures Troy!!

[bigwheel]

LOL!

Troy always has a way to bring out the best in people.

[Magic]

LOL!

Troy always has a way to bring out the best in people.

I think Brianna looked like that the whole weekend!;)

[BKocka]

Crap! Come On!

(that is typical me, fyi. once you guys get to know me more, you will see all of my insane faces).

[gopherhockey]

I think Brianna looked like that the whole weekend!;)

I think that picture needs to be put in the main photo rotation on the home page... :D

[Magic]

I think that picture needs to be put in the main photo rotation on the home page... :D

Yes it does.:)

[BKocka]

well i mean we all know i am ridiculously good looking so obviously that photo needs to be on the main page.

its just a given. ha.;)

[Magic]

well i mean we all know i am ridiculously good looking so obviously that photo needs to be on the main page.

its just a given. ha.;)

Yea, that's it!:crazy2:

[BKocka]

clearly troy, clearly.

[RedSquirrel]

I'm not so sure about the looks thing B, G or whatever is the thin to say. :crazy2:

Kosk, really sweet pics. I stole & put on my site. Painful to look at. Must go back to Levis.

Video Couresy of LCR-Ricoh (http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=cd0324ed5f50f68f7440334ed02f7504.1050595&fr=yvmtf) video was slowed way down for view-ability...

,