Milaca ride! 11/4 @ noon

[mara]

Milaca group ride Saturday, November 4 at high noon.

Bog Monster is calling my name and I am helplessly compelled to ride and bruise something.

Paul Lieske is absolutely not leading this ride :D

Directions below are shamelessly copied from the BLAST website. Thanks, BLAST!

From the Twin Cities, travel west on Interstate 94 to Hwy 101 (exit 207) in Rogers. Travel Hwy 101 North to Elk River (Hwy 101 merges into Hwy 169). Continue North on Hwy 169 for approximately 1/2 hour and take the Central Ave exit (left side of the hwy). Head north on Central to 2nd Ave. Turn left (West) on 2nd Street to the Milaca City Park.

Who's in?

[krazykatie]

I'm IN!!!:jumpy:

[KenCycle]

We rode it a few weeks ago and the trails are looking good. That will be a great ride, but I'll be unable to make it... :cryin: Have Fun!

[bigwheel]

I'm a definite maybe. There's a lot of MORC worker-bee stuff going on that weekend. If there are no conflicts, I'm in.

[mara]

There's a lot of MORC worker-bee stuff going on that weekend. If there are no conflicts, I'm in.

Well, there are no conflicts with my schedule, other than sitting through a day-long meeting on Sunday with bruises and abrasions :sick:

Optimistic pessimism, folks. mara versus Bog Monster may just edge out mara versus Bridge of Death as the battle of the year.

[Fast1]

just an FYI,

Deer hunting opens the 4th in MN. If this trail has hunting allowed in the vicinity I'd be very cautious with your plan.

[manual63]

Sweet! Bog monster...I am there!

[ryno lite]

Somebody better check on the hunting first. Remember, just because it may be off limits to hunting, doesn't mean that hunters will stay out, especially on the fringes. Also, bullets know no boundaries. I'd reccomend getting advice from a local that can confirm that there is no hunting on this land and that it will be a safe area to ride during hunting season. Either that or do a night ride when the hunters are not allowed to hunt.

[mara]

I checked the city's website and the BLAST site and neither of them has anything posted. There is nothing in the city's newsletter either, and it was pretty extensive. Anybody know for sure or who to ask?

[sensorysonic]

Hey, I just contacted Milaca City Hall. Deer hunting season opens in the Milaca area on November 4. Deer hunters are not allowed to hunt on the mountain bike trail land. Though, the area is not patrolled. I was told that other groups have had group rides during hunting season on the Milaca Trail system, but its at your own risk, as they obviously can't guarantee that hunters won't poach in there to hunt. She recommends everyone wearing orange, if we do decide to ride on that day. Basically, in the country, no matter where you ride, there is going to be a hunting presence. I wear orange even when I ride on the roads during hunting season. Even at Rebecca trail, I wear orange. I have a couple oversized orange t-shirts I use over my warm gear. Basically, a big group of us, some of us wearing orange, or other bright colors, such as red and yellow, I would think it would not be a problem. But, the hunting presense could be there on the outskirts of the trail, and maybe some might poach in to hunt. I've run into hunters poaching Camp Manitou in the past, and I'm friendly with them, as it doesn't pay to set them off, as they do have the firearm. In all my experience riding during hunting season, I've never had a situation where I was scared by hunters. They respect the blaze orange, and we should wear bright colors of preferably orange, but any bright color, red, yellow, etc. A big group with bright colors is pretty recognizable. So that's the lowdown, you guys can decide how you feel. I have no problem riding that day, but again, I'm used to the hunting scene in the country. ;)

[mara]

I'm still in.

I guess I probably shouldn't wear my fuzzy squirrel suit, though, huh?

Thanks for checking it out!

[bigwheel]

I'm not a hunter, but I don't think many people hunt during mid-day while the deer are bedded down. Early morning and late afternoon are the main times. *IF* that is true, we should be okay for a noon ride.

Still, it might be wise to wear a red Hawaiian shirt.

[Magic]

And as another note, don't wear White. It is very easy for a hunter to see something white and think it's a deer's tail and hind end. And with the bikers moving in all, that is what they will see. Some hunters don't have ethics and will shoot at sound or sight. Not really knowing what they are shooting at. Be safe and have fun. If all else fails, send Mara out into the woods with her Pulaski or Mattocks and let her have at em.;)

[mara]

If all else fails, send Mara out into the woods with her Pulaski or Mattocks and let her have at em.;)

That is the best idea I've heard all day! It has been waaaaay too long since I've gotten to really hack something up. . .

[BKocka]

i may be game.... i have room in my car for 2 people, one bike on top and one in the back.

[Magic]

That is the best idea I've heard all day! It has been waaaaay too long since I've gotten to really hack something up. . .

I was getting that feeling from you at the Summit. Just remember to hit first and disarm them. Then attack, attack!!!!!!!!!:crazy2:

[sensorysonic]

Blaze orange t-shirts, oversized, are pretty cheap. Should be able to find them at the usual suspects like Dicks Sports, Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Fleet Farm, etc. Good cheap safety precaution. Hunters respect the blaze orange! And yes, I should have mentioned that, don't wear white. Very good suggestion!! I don't think we'll have a problem. A bunch of riders together, starting at Noon. Shouldn't be a problem. Plus the trail is right next to the city of Milaca, near homes etc. The hunters know they have to be careful, and know that they are 100% sure they are shooting at a Deer, especially when they are close to the city. And how do I know all this hunting related trivia. My formative years, I was the only boy in school who did not go hunting during hunting season. So I was the only boy in school for a week. It was great!!

[Gus]

USED TO HUNT IN MILACA......and it is true that there is not much shooting during the day, believe me they are still there. Hunters tend to "NOT" move from there position in the woods or trees they sit in because too much movement forces the deer to move away from them. Hunters will sit all day waiting for the shot. But as posted earlier a noon ride should be ok as they will be looking for there kill in the early am or just before sunset. And as for the not being allowed in the mtn bike area..........BE CAREFUL beacuse shot does travel quite a ways especially if there using a handgun or rifle.
BE CAREFUL is the best bet (bright colors) wish I could be there however i will be at eagle ridge at lutsen mountain for my anniversary. AS far as I know the mtn trails are closed but were still bringing our bikes to just ride along the road and lake. cant wait.
Gus

[sensorysonic]

actually, most hunters have good ethics, and always follow the rule of shooting only if they are 100% sure. but, like mountain bikers, all it takes is a one or two poaching, and it makes the rest of the hunters look bad. I know a lot of hunters, because of where I live, and they take their sport very seriously, and they are very safety conscience.

[Gus]

Trus they do but there are always one or two.....as in mtn biking and any sport for that matter, theres always one or two and it only takes one or two to make it a bad experience. But Iin my opinion it is just common sense to be careful anytime you ride in an area that allows hunting. im just saying. I wouldnt be too concerned but I would be aware.;)

[sensorysonic]

Mara, you'll own the bog monster! :shocked:

[Fast1]

If the area is not posted with "no hunting" signs you have a very good chance of being in a hunted area possible by first time hunters or those less experienced.

I would highly recommend wearing blaze orange on your upper body
for safety purposes.

You may end up driving/pushing deer for hunters and then be within close proximatey of deer being shot at. The problems usually result when deer that are being shot at are near humans. I'm a hunter and have been in this situation while hunting and though most if not all hunters are very carefully it is easy for young hunters and those with less experience to get excited after shooting at a deer and assume since noise is nearby where they shot that deer are still moving or may be wounded. Some people also have poor eye sight and movement that is not colored with blaze orange may be easily mistaken.

I personally would not step in the woods during hunting season without blaze orange on. Controlled hunts in the metropolitan area are nothing at all like those that will be taking place throughout the rest of the state on 11/4.

[timmy]

I will be there!!

[DmacBmac]

I have never ridden Milaca, this maybe my chance. :crazy2:

[Magic]

I will be there!!

You better take advantage of me being hurt. Ride as much as you can, because I will be back.:cool:

[bobbkr]

I've ridden there on opening of deer season and have seen hunters standing along the perimeter of the park right next to the trail. Wear bright colors and make noise (not like a deer).

[gopherhockey]

I'm in!

We doing Hillside on our way back? Seems a shame to go all the way out there and not hit it as well...

[crux]

I'm in as well.

Time to break out the orange. If we are riding in a group Think that there will be less of a chance of hunters mistaking us for game.

[ryno lite]

I probably will be there also.

[Nooner]

i will try to make this -- i've never ridden there either and have heard it's good fun!

[sensorysonic]

Paul Lieske is absolutely not leading this ride :D


Hey Mara, after seeing Katie jumping the fire at The Summit, I'd be scared to lead this stunt rider group!! :crazy2:

[DMonkey]

I've not rode up at Milaca at all this year - We usually ride it at least a couple times. I have to be back by 5 though, so will not be hang'n around a much after the ride.

[flutterbyes]

Wish I could don an orange vest and join y'all...... watch out for the deer that are running away from the hunters! :crazy2:

[sugarspice]

Hi! I am supposed to go to a funeral in the morning but if possible I'll try and make this.

[Nickel]

Is this ride canceled because of hunting?

[mara]

Is this ride canceled because of hunting?

Nope! Wear your most obnoxiously bright bike clothes. We should have a pretty decent train of riders.

Hunting season made me realize just how black-centric my biking wardrobe is. Hmmm, how to accessorize with blaze orange . . . ? :crazy2:

[ryno lite]

I don't own any blaze orange, but I have this huge bright orange t-shirt that should fit over the warm clothes. I should be seen for miles and probably will be too bright to look at!

A group our size will probably ruin the hunting for the guys on the edge of the park, but they probably shouldn't be there in the first place!

[Fast1]

I don't own any blaze orange, but I have this huge bright orange t-shirt that should fit over the warm clothes. I should be seen for miles and probably will be too bright to look at!

A group our size will probably ruin the hunting for the guys on the edge of the park, but they probably shouldn't be there in the first place!


You will actually make their hunting better by moving deer for them. That is why they position themselves near the perimeter of the edge of the park.

Flashing or blinking night lights might be a substitute or nice addition to bright orange.

[krazykatie]

This is going to be like Halloween all over again...maybe I'll sport my devil cape. It gives me super powers anyway.

[sensorysonic]

Hunting season made me realize just how black-centric my biking wardrobe is.

"Well her clothes are blacker than the blackest cloth
And her face is whiter than the snows of Hoth.
She rides a rigid On-One through the heavy frost,
But on the inside she's a happy goth." --Neil Hannon

(3rd line slightly altered by Sensorysonic!) :)

[EscourtU]

Is this ride only for MORC members? If not I may be able to go (with 2 exceptions). I will have to ask me wifey. Also would anyone else have extra room for a skinny guy to tag along? Thanks.

[gopherhockey]

Is this ride only for MORC members? If not I may be able to go (with 2 exceptions). I will have to ask me wifey. Also would anyone else have extra room for a skinny guy to tag along? Thanks.

I didn't set the ride up so I'm not the ultimate say, but we have always welcomed non-MORC members to our group rides (in secret hopes that you will see how cool we are and want to join hehe).

[bigwheel]

I'm out for this one.

Have a great ride. It should be fun.

[sugarspice]

Nope! Wear your most obnoxiously bright bike clothes. We should have a pretty decent train of riders.

Hunting season made me realize just how black-centric my biking wardrobe is. Hmmm, how to accessorize with blaze orange . . . ? :crazy2:

Yes, good thought. I seem to remember picking up a vest, hat and maybe a shirt in high blaze orange style a year or so ago. Will have to dig it out!

By the way, please send me the info on that light I borrowed (or any other one you'd recommend). Thanks much!

[sensorysonic]

Hey Mike! Yeah, come out and ride with us!!! :D

[gopherhockey]

I don't own any blaze orange, but I have this huge bright orange t-shirt that should fit over the warm clothes.

Everyone should have something like this in their fall riding arsenal:

http://www.pearlizumi.com/images/shop/products/zoom/4770_129.jpg

Or if you like the added difficulty factor, one of these:

http://www.fancydresscostumeshop.com/images/small/2321.jpg

[Magic]

Everyone should have something like this in their fall riding arsenal:

http://www.pearlizumi.com/images/shop/products/zoom/4770_129.jpg

Or if you like the added difficulty factor, one of these:

http://www.fancydresscostumeshop.com/images/small/2321.jpg

Nice John, but which one will you be wearing?

[gopherhockey]

Nice John, but which one will you be wearing?

As long as we're not in Wisconsin or Iowa, I like to go with:

http://www.tvdance.com/shop/-00-images/halloween-costumes/12251.jpg

Sorry for the thread hijak... back to the group ride...

[Magic]

As long as we're not in Wisconsin or Iowa, I like to go with:

http://www.tvdance.com/shop/-00-images/halloween-costumes/12251.jpg

Sorry for the thread hijak... back to the group ride...


This is all very disturbing, but coming from you it's all good fun.;)

[sensorysonic]

Everyone should have something like this in their fall riding arsenal:

and for a total blaze effect, one of these also!!
http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/05/c0/2001_Kona_Lava_Dome-bikes.jpg

[mara]

"Well her clothes are blacker than the blackest cloth
And her face is whiter than the snows of Hoth.
She rides a rigid On-One through the heavy frost,
But on the inside she's a happy goth." --Neil Hannon

That is beautiful -- I'm blatantly stealing it to put up in my office :D

[DMonkey]

So where are all of you meeting? We used to meet somewhere up on hwy 100 N / 94 (the parking lot next to the best buy up there to car pool). Also - where do you usually start from there (the parking for the car)? We usually park by the entrance to the cemetery.. I know a lot of people park on the other side of the river in the park area. Thanks,

[Elkman]

I'm planning to be there tomorrow. I don't have any blaze orange, but I figure bright yellow should be close enough. I'll try not to wear antlers or a bushy white tail, either.

[ryno lite]

Yeah, good question Dirk, where is the meeting place?

[bigwheel]

There once was a girl from Saint Paul
who rode an On-One of size small.
With a chop and a slashy
she swung her Pulaski
and cause all the buckthorn to fall.

[CookieMonster]

I'll be going to this... anyone I could follow up there?


Thanks,
Maura

[Magic]

I'll be going to this... anyone I could follow up there?


Thanks,
Maura

Call Katie, she is going and Greg H. will be going also.

[sensorysonic]

I think we are all meeting at the Rec Park by the Forest Hill Cemetary. Directions from Highway 23 in Milaca as follows: Take Central Avenue North 4 blocks, then turn left on 2nd St. N.E. and travel about 5 or 6 blocks until you reach the Rec Park which is right on the Rum River. The Forest Hill Cemetary is on the other side of the River, and there's a walking bridge crossing the river. :)

[SuperClydesdale]

So where are all of you meeting? We used to meet somewhere up on hwy 100 N / 94 (the parking lot next to the best buy up there to car pool). Also - where do you usually start from there (the parking for the car)? We usually park by the entrance to the cemetery.. I know a lot of people park on the other side of the river in the park area. Thanks,

Sounds like there will be far too many attendees to park at the cemetary entrance. The lot across the bridge makes the most sense.

http://local.live.com/?v=2&sp=Point.rms8bc75vkk8_Milaca%2520City%2520Trails%2 520lot___

[DMonkey]

Gavin - You going? Sounds like there will be far too many attendees to park at the cemetary entrance. The lot across the bridge makes the most sense.

http://local.live.com/?v=2&sp=Point.rms8bc75vkk8_Milaca%2520City%2520Trails%2 520lot___

[EscourtU]

Wife disagreed on my trip as usual. Thanks anyways. I guess I will aim for something at a later time.
EDIT:
LOL seems like there is always something you forgot when you make other plans. What a drag. I was really wanting to meet some of you even though I am not a member YETi. I would feel kind of weird showing up with a full rigid old Trek though. But then again I believe in "It's not how big your suspension is it is how you use what you got" HAHA*snort*HAHA.

[gopherhockey]

I'm out this time as well. Too many other things going on. I also have a Pugsley that needs to be built... the recent snowflakes are making me nervous.

Have a great ride everyone! I'll catch ya on the next one. Someone get some pictures....

[Nickel]

If someone wants to carpool, let me know, thanks :D

[goatgirl]

It is a long drive up north so I suggest we plan for a tail-gate session after the ride. BYOB and perhaps grab a bite to eat at a local hamburger joint.

[woody_8_5]

actually, most hunters have good ethics, and always follow the rule of shooting only if they are 100% sure.
Well I'm not sure were you grew up but it was not around this area. I have been hunting most of my life and I stopped going deer hunting because of all the hunters out there that do not have good ethics. Sorry to break the news to ya Paul but tomorrow morning it will sound like a combat zone just before the sun rises, yes I said before the sun rises. Don't have to much faith in your yellow man on this weekend because there are not just old hunters out there but very new ones too that will dump a entire clip at sound. I've been in my stand and had bullets wiz by and let me let you that is not what I call a good time. Well with all that said I'm still going to try and make it for the ride and I'll be sporting the orange if I don't get forced to the next shift this morning.
Cheers :D

[sensorysonic]

Nicholis, my family resides in a small town, and a great percentage of the town goes deer hunting, all over the state. I'm not a hunter, but I know many many hunters, and they just aren't describing the horror stories you seem to have experienced. They send their kids to hunting ethics classes all the time, and practice safe hunts. I'm taking your experience serious, as it sounds scary, but I'm not some fool who doesn't know a thing or two about hunting season. Anway, thanks for your perspective. Your experience is shocking. I'm going to ask all the deer hunters I know this year, about their experiences. You actually have me very curious if this goes on like you're describing, or just a bad experience you had on a hunt or hunts. :D

[EscourtU]

How did the ride turn out? Sorry I missed it.

[sensorysonic]

Everyone had a great time! Great turnout!! :D

[ryno lite]

There must have been around 25 riders in the woods of Milaca today! Great ride everyone!

[woody_8_5]

They send their kids to hunting ethics classes all the time, and practice safe hunts.
That is commendable!

It has been 5 year's since I went deer hunting because of that situation and the last time I went hunting on state land, well at least deer hunting. I'm sure it was very random but still made me think about how people don't take into consideration how far the bullets travel when there not shoot into a back drop. I heard this guy shoot a clip pause and then shoot another, his gun held a lot a rounds at least 6 rounds per clip, one of those assault riffle hunters!:mad: I'm sure the deer he was shooting at was on the opposite side of a clearing way too far out on the run, not something I would be shooting at. It did not take me long to get my ass out of the woods and reported it to the DNR. If you really think about it what laws were broken if nobody was hurt well besides bad ethics and I'm sure that's how the DNR had to deal with that issue. It's water under the bridge now and I wish more people were like your Friend's and their good hunting practices. I'm not saying this is a big problem that happens all the time but there are a few bad egg's out there that get wasted at deer camp and then head to the stand or hit the bar for lunch before they go back out. Well enough of that is said so people please be safe, wear blaze orange and be choice on were you ride for the next week, especially in state land. Cheers

[sensorysonic]

A great place to ride during deer hunting season, outside the metro, is the Jail Trail in St. Cloud! Completely in City Limits, right next to the Prison! :scream:
http://www.midmncycling.org/Pages/jailtrail_map.html
http://www.midmncycling.org/Pages/where_we_ride.html

[Nickel]

Great ride and was nice to put a lot more faces to names :D

[crux]

Great ride. Nice to hit some new trails with everyone.

Will be posting up a few pics later.

[Nita]

What a wickedly fun trail! Milaca is getting lost in the pines and white birches and the Bog Monster's stutter bump trail. You gotta love those bridges too! It was nice to meet you John Ostmoe, that is one great system you've put together. And hey...Jiggers did have some awesome burgers.

[manual63]

Any pics from this ride? I didn't see too many cameras out, but there must be some.

[gopherhockey]

Any pics from this ride? I didn't see too many cameras out, but there must be some.

There are some in the Gallery. Posted under the Milaca trail area I believe.

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=523

[krazykatie]

Like always, I had a wonderful time at Milaca. It was the perfect trail with the perfect challenges to test out my new bike & pedals on. I will be posting my pics & videos soon but here is my FAV!! Anyone know how to watch it in slow mo, :laugh:

V4wtIj_gwy4

[Magic]

See Greg falls even when I don't ride with him. I think he needs more of Shad's tech tips on riding.:p

[EscourtU]

HA thats a great wipeout. At least it was a soft landing, it is always good to see someone get up unhurt after a humiliating experience. Sorry I couldn't make it. I wanted to.

[goatgirl]

where is that skinny at milaca? We have ridden there three times in the last month and I do not recognize that. That looks like a skinny at Lake Hildebrand to me....

[wildkona]

Its just a pile of wood by the lake we put a 2x6 up to and rode...:banana: