Murphy-Hanrehan Opening Memorial Day Weekend

[Shorty]

Below is the Three Rivers Press Release regarding the new singletrack at Murphy-Hanrehan.
For current trail conditions please look here: http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21305

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT OPENS NEW
MURPHY-HANREHAN MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

The new Murphy-Hanrehan single-track mountain bike trail opens Memorial Day Weekend. Located in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage, Minn., the single-track sustainable trail is unlike any other trail found within Three Rivers Park District.

The trail’s design incorporates three key sustainable-design principles: gentle grade, grade reversals, and an out-sloped tread. These elements work together to allow water runoff to flow across rather than down the trail, significantly reducing the potential for erosion. This also helps keep the trail surface dry, allowing for the trail to open earlier in the season and sooner after a large rain event.

The footprint of the trail is relatively narrow to provide for a very intimate experience with the natural surroundings. Mountain bike and hiking trails throughout the rest of the park district are wider.

A seven-mile advanced loop, a two-and-a-half-mile intermediate loop and an eight-tenths of a mile easy loop are offered. The course also includes several technical features and varying levels of difficulty to allow a wide range of users to use the system and expand their skills. The trail offers sustained climbs through a wooded area and several interesting views of the wetland complex tucked between the more difficult trail loops. Trail visitors should use caution while riding and hiking the trail.

Development of the trail was a partnership between Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The trail is funded in part by a grant from the DNR. MORC volunteers will assist Park District Maintenance and Public Safety staff in maintaining and patrolling the trail. “This trail is the product of a great partnership between the Park District and the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists organization, which donated money for the project and provided valuable design assistance," said Three Rivers Park District Commissioner Dale Woodbeck. "The sustainable design minimizes the potential for erosion, so this trail will establish Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve as a destination for mountain bikers for many years."

Peter Crabtree, MORC Trail Steward for Murphy-Hanrehan, says the trail presents metro area mountain bikers with a new challenge, "The single-track trail at Murphy-Hanrehan adds more diversity to the types of trails available to metro mountain bikers. Roughly two-thirds of the new single track is designated as ‘Advanced trail,’ which is rare in the Twin Cities area. Murphy-Hanrehan will be popular with more skilled riders looking for a challenge, while still satisfying beginner and intermediate riders with the first two loops."

Three Rivers Park District Board Chair Larry Blackstad agreed, “This trail offers an exciting new level of mountain biking experience within the Three Rivers Park District system.”

The original mountain bike trail at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve will no longer be in use.

About Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District is a natural resources-based park system that manages park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special-use facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Park District offers facilities for every season, including picnicking, swimming, creative play, boating, fishing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, golf, camping and sledding; extensive trails for hiking, biking, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as program sites for nature, recreation, historic and farm education.

Three Rivers Park District’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system. The Park District owns and operates over 27,000 acres and serves more than 5 million visitors a year.

Contact:
Beth Johnson
Marketing Communications Supervisor
763/559-6745
bjohnson@threeriversparkdistrict.org (bjohnson@threeriversparkdistrict.org)

Tom Knisely
Media Relations Specialist
763/694-7617
tknisely@threeriversparkdistrict.org (tknisely@threeriversparkdistrict.org)

[mara]

Congratulations, Pete!

[gopherhockey]

Great job with this Pete!! You have done a really great job with this trail. You and MORC have made history this weekend...

[tedsti]

Way to go Pete!!

[JayT]

As soon as the trail dries out, the trail system is OPEN.

As John points out, it just rained and is very wet. Just like any trail system, the trail is CLOSED when conditions are wet.

Congratulations to everyone for their hard work creating this new trail system.

You can give a special Thank You to Tim Wegner. The seed for a trail system within the Park District was planted years ago. Tim was responsible for that. I can tell you Tim had hours & hours into this into the Murphy-Hanrehan trail system before any dirt was ever touched.

[Paul Swenson]

Man, what a great start to summer!

[gopherhockey]

Here is a map of the trail in .PDF format:

http://www.morcmtb.org/trailreviews/metro/images/murphy/murphymap.pdf

The gallery has also been opened up (there are a few pics in there already!)

The trail review will be posted tonight.

I posted a .jpg version of the map in the gallery....

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/542/medium/murphymap.jpg (http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4218&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

[ryno lite]

Great job Pete, Tim, Scott, and everyone else that has helped with this project so far. This took many years of hard work to accomplish! This is indeed a huge day for MN mountain biking! It's not everyday that 10 miles of brand new singletrack opens up for us. I can't wait to try it out!

[gopherhockey]

Some of what is out there waiting for you... (check gallery for more and larger versions)

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/542/medium/BR6_41.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/542/medium/BR6_11.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/542/medium/LR6.JPG

[mara]

Ryan, Shad, break out the catcher's mitts :p

[ryno lite]

I can't wait! Why is it that it's been bone dry all Spring and Mother Nature feels the need to dump on us the day before we can ride 10 miles of new singletrack? I'm glad we got the rain, but couldn't it have rained on Monday or Tuesday instead? Have I mentioned yet that I'm excited?

[ryno lite]

Ryan, Shad, break out the catcher's mitts :p

You won't need one, you're going to ace this trail first time thru!

[manual63]

Whoa!, that tree ride looks awesome! Can't wait to ride it!

Catchers mitt is ready!

[ryno lite]

Whoa!, that tree ride looks awesome! Can't wait to ride it!

Catchers mitt is ready!

Yeah, I'll probably need a catcher's mitt for that one! Although, I don't know many people who would want to catch me falling from three feet off the ground!

[tedsti]

Yeah, I'll probably need a catcher's mitt for that one! Although, I don't know many people who would want to catch me falling from three feet off the ground!

To heck with the catchers mitt, bring the camera!!

[gopherhockey]

To heck with the catchers mitt, bring the camera!!

Absolutely correct - we need gallery photos so we can build up the trail review.

Now is the time for people to become a part of the trail review or to contribute... get out there with your camera and get us photos - action, general trail photos - whatever... the more the better!

[bigwheel]

Congratulations to Pete and everyone that worked to make this trail happen.

[mara]

get us photos - action, general trail photos - whatever... the more the better!

Don't forget mara falling off a tree photos -- you can really never have too many of those :D

[TrailPatrol]

Having ridden Murphy several times with the old trails, anything was bound to be an improvement, but it looks like you all have done a super job! MH is going to start giving Leb some competition as the premier MTB destination in the south 'burbs.

Reminder to NMBP patrollers-For liability and risk management reasons, 3RPD requires you be signed up as part of their volunteer program to patrol at Murphy. Contact Deb Volser at volunteer@threeriversparkdistrict.org or (763) 559-6706 to sign up.

Great job, all you who put time into this project. I will have to venture down there some time to see/ride it.

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[gopherhockey]

In case people didn't notice, the new Murphy will be open for a much longer riding season. It won't be under the same short riding season that the old trails had.

Did we thank 3RPD for helping make this happen yet? If not, a HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to 3RPD!

[undsioux7]

Congratulations to everyone who made this possible. :banana::banana::banana:


Too bad I am going out of town until Sunday Night. :hit:
But, I might be able to report back on singletrack details from the Spirit Lake Reservation just south of Devils Lake, North Dakota though. :banana:
Too bad its raining there right now. :hit:

[mara]

Anyone have thoughts on what gear to try at Murphy? Leb gear? Leb gear plus teeth? :confused:

[tedsti]

The climbs at Murphy are pretty gradual. Leb gearing should be plenty low.

Anyone have thoughts on what gear to try at Murphy? Leb gear? Leb gear plus teeth? :confused:

[gopherhockey]

I just realized I have Murphy, Terrace, Leb and Salem all within about 12 miles of my house.

:D

Ok, I knew that before.. but it just hit me again....

[TML]

Way to go Pete, 3RPD and Murphy crew.

Looking forward to riding it sometime next week!

[ryno lite]

I just realized I have Murphy, Terrace, Leb and Salem all within about 12 miles of my house.

:D

Ok, I knew that before.. but it just hit me again....

I have the big drive to Murphy, 18 miles. Theo, Leb, Terrace, and River Bottoms are all within 12 miles of my house. Oh well, I think the extra 6 miles is worth it! I also hate all the stop lights and mall traffic I have to wade through on the way to Murphy.

This is exactly why I chose to live in the south metro! I just couldn't handle being too far from the trails I ride and work on!

[RiverRat]

That's four trails you don't need to drive to!

I only have two that I don't need to drive to. Theo and River Bottoms (Light rail helps on this one).

I just realized I have Murphy, Terrace, Leb and Salem all within about 12 miles of my house.

:D

Ok, I knew that before.. but it just hit me again....

[BKocka]

so let's get a group ride going when the trail is dry... any takers!?

[Trevize1138]

Woo hoo!!! :banana:

[gopherhockey]

so let's get a group ride going when the trail is dry... any takers!?

There is one for next Thursday, but it doesn't mean that we people in town this weekend can't get something going earlier... if the trail opens I plan on being there almost every day this weekend. :D

[Trevize1138]

so let's get a group ride going when the trail is dry... any takers!?

John L posted a group ride for Thursday but I'd like to get out there with a group opening day whenever that is. :)

[gopherhockey]

BTW: I think I just heard the Leb parking lot breathe a sigh of relief! :p

[ryno lite]

I want super dry weather today! I might be gone this weekend and today is my only chance to ride. I need DRY WEATHER right now!

[Kingbozo]

Question about the "bridge" in those pictures: Do you ride up or down the steps on that?

[ryno lite]

Down the steps.

[Kingbozo]

Down the steps.

That makes me happy

[Trevize1138]

This all looks so awesome. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked on this one! If I haven't given you guys enough props so far it's only because I was that confident you guys would do this right. :)

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[ryno lite]

That makes me happy

Me too! Don't be fooled though, those are pretty big steps and it's kind of high up, so visually, it will be intimidated the first few times.

[ryno lite]

This all looks so awesome. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked on this one! If I haven't given you guys enough props so far it's only because I was that confident you guys would do this right. :)

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Having seen many parts of the trail already during work sessions, I can say that it is a great trail. It will be different than our other local trails, the scenery is awesome, and it's longer than our other metro trails. The trail tread will be tighter than Leb and the layout is pretty cool. I have been eagerly awaiting my chance to ride this for months! Minnesota mountain bikers are in for a big treat!

[jzipfel]

Thanks to everyone who was involved in getting this done. The pictures and trail map look great. Even though it is about a 30-40 minute drive for me, I can't wait to ride it.

Looking at the trail map and pictures one thing popped into my mind:

24 hour race:banana:.

Not to take anything away from Afton, since I love that race and will continue to have it on my calendar, this place reminded me of Landahl on Kansas City. It has been hosting a Granny Gear race for a few years and the trail is great. Since MH has the big parking area, sure seems like an ideal place for a large event, even a 12 hour. I know I am getting ahead of things, since the trail just opened but just can't help thinking that this would be a great venue.

Thaks again everyone.

[Shorty]

The only races Three Rivers has shown interest in having are time trials.

The trail is pretty narrow for any other race format.

[ryno lite]

The only races Three Rivers has shown interest in having are time trials.

The trail is pretty narrow for any other race format.

A time trial could be pretty cool out there.

[jzipfel]

The only races Three Rivers has shown interest in having are time trials.

The trail is pretty narrow for any other race format.


That's a shame. If you have ever ridden Landahl, you will see that they can effectively run a 24 hour race on trails more narrow than MH.

[gopherhockey]

More pictures have shown up in the gallery...

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/542/medium/PB240006.JPG

[trompete]

More pictures have shown up in the gallery...


AHHHH! The anticipation is killing me.

[ryno lite]

AHHHH! The anticipation is killing me.

It's killing me too!

Although, I'm more than happy to wait until it is dry to ride it.

[SPR]

Congratulations Pete and the others who put this together, the trail looks awesome. So when did all this get done? I didn't realize there were active trail building sessions going on to complete this in such a short amount of time. Also where is the official trailhead parking and access? And how much does it cost to park?
Thanks again

[KleinCrazy]

Parking is now free and can be found at the old mountain bike trailhead.

[waitabit]

Congratulations Pete and the others who put this together, the trail looks awesome. So when did all this get done? I didn't realize there were active trail building sessions going on to complete this in such a short amount of time. Also where is the official trailhead parking and access? And how much does it cost to park?
Thanks againIt was built by a contractor, thats why it was done so quick.

[gopherhockey]

Just got back from my first "official" full lap. Trail was damp and slow, but will break in over time.

The filter before the expert area was fun - I'm going to get hurt on that thing one of these days I just know it. :D Rode the log ride which was a bit scary but fun... Saw Ryan out there and 3-4 other people having a blast.

The bridges are all really well built. One or two are really high up but wide enough not to be dangerous. The step down bridge was a bit more of a drop than I expected being that high up, but will be a real signature for Murphy.

I think the best part so far is the way you can ride for quite some time without doing multiple laps. Refreshing not to have to do 3-4 laps and still not feel worked. Hopefully all our other trails can continue to add milage and meet the 10+ mile goal as well.

This will be one fun trail.. just needs to be ridden in.

[mtnbykr]

Me too! Don't be fooled though, those are pretty big steps and it's kind of high up, so visually, it will be intimidated the first few times.

how wide is it??
are those 2x12s for the drops??

[ryno lite]

how wide is it??
are those 2x12s for the drops??

I'll bet the step drops are about 8-9 inches high and the bridge is kind of high giving a weird feeling that it is harder than it really is.

[Shorty]

how wide is it??
are those 2x12s for the drops??

The step bridge is 30" wide, and about 4 feet high at its highest point.

The first 4 drops are 9 inches, and the last one (to dirt) is about a foot.

[igor]

Screw U guys! (In my best Cartman voice) I'm ridin' Leb! It should just be me and the tumbleweeds. Just the way I like it.

[ryno lite]

Pretty tough and slow lap tonight. Trail was on the damp side of tacky and still needs to be ridden in, so it's a slow ride. It's going to be pretty great when we've ridden it in! If you are looking for a smooth ride, wait a week, but if you can, do a lap and help us pack it in. It seems like it is never ending! It sure was exciting to finally get in there. Looked like about 10 or so riders tonight. Saw John and Ted flying on the trail and got to finish my lap with Pete who was doing the trail photography thing. Hopefully it gets to dry out so I can do it again real soon!

[Uncle Leo]

The step bridge is 30" wide, and about 4 feet high at its highest point.

The first 4 drops are 9 inches, and the last one (to dirt) is about a foot.

Just for comparison, does anybody know how wide the 2 bridges in XX at Leb are? (the 2 shortly before the camelback)

[Shorty]

So when did all this get done? I didn't realize there were active trail building sessions going on to complete this in such a short amount of time.

Thanks Roger!

While nearly all of the trail was constructed by the contractor last year, Three Rivers has been putting in a lot of time getting the trail finished... they built and installed all the bridges, boardwalks, and signs. Crews have also been helping with the finishing of the trail.

A small group of MORC volunteers has been working on some of the trouble spots and the technical features since last fall (huge thanks to Three Rivers for building and hauling the advanced qualifier!).

We'll continue working on trouble spots and technical features throughout the summer (and the years to come).

[Trevize1138]

Ice is cold.

Fire is hot.

Murphy is awesome.

I did my first ever lap this morning at 10:30 and was unsurprised at my thorough enjoyment of it.

The pleasant surprise was the expert loop which I had expected to be nothing but one obstacle after another like Leb. Instead it's got a lot more spartan use of obstacles. I didn't ride all of them and several of the big rock obstacles caught me by surprise due to being positioned right around a tight corner. Due to the sheer length of the trail I couldn't imagine how tired I'd get going through that section with an "obstacle density" similar to Leb's.

It's nice that the challenge in the expert section is not just obstacles but a lot of good, hard hill climbing and just plain old length. This is one big trail! I had aspirations of a second lap and I might have done it had the rain not started up. But, another go at it would have broken me pretty well, I think. :)

I can certainly tell the trail's got some tweaks to do in a few places. Tire tracks were going across the outslope on some of the grade reversal bench cuts here and there and a few spots seem destined to be braking bump downhills. But, it's nice to know that MORC's got the volunteer power to go in over this next year and touch up places like that.

I'd say the flavor of Murphy is quasi-epic. It's no 100 mile Maah Daah Hey but it's certainly the longest metro trail so far and the length feels genuine. There's no repeating of any loops or sections to get in a long lap like at Leb. You do 10 miles on 100% unique trail and there's something satisfying about that.

[gopherhockey]

There's no repeating of any loops or sections to get in a long lap like at Leb. You do 10 miles on 100% unique trail and there's something satisfying about that.

Poor Leb... everyone always comparing themselves too it. ;)

The pleasant surprise was the expert loop which I had expected to be nothing but one obstacle after another like Leb.

You must not have been paying attention when we mentioned how MORC doesn't cookie-cutter its trails. Its called variety, and its a good thing!

Your report is spot on tho. I too enjoy the way its without obstacles (believe it or not) I think there were only 3 obstacles you *had* to go over - the filter, a big log, and a huge rock ride. (I actually could have gone without the log and rock) Sometimes its just good to get out there and ride without having to concentrate as much. The length was the best part. I think in the fall the views are going to be incredible out there.

[Shorty]

Started a thread over in the Murphy forum for discussions of the new trail and what is planned in the future:

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?p=215788#post215788

[dave t]

Just for comparison, does anybody know how wide the 2 bridges in XX at Leb are? (the 2 shortly before the camelback)
I would say the Leb bridges are just a bit narrower than most of Murphy's. May not be in reality but that was the feeling I got. Also, except for the advanced qualifier, they have smooth transitions.

[ryno lite]

I would say the Leb bridges are just a bit narrower than most of Murphy's. May not be in reality but that was the feeling I got. Also, except for the advanced qualifier, they have smooth transitions.

The two bridges in the XX loop are a lot less wide than Murphy's bridges. Murphy's bridges are great, but they pose no challenge to the nerves, except for the expert qualifier with the skinny and the step down bridge. The rest are all wide. The are great looking and well built bridges. Three Rivers did an outstanding job building all the bridges and wooden features. Three Rivers has been great to work with on this project!

[ibismojo2001]

Single speed gearing??? Anybody? As hilly as Leb? Thx

[GettingFaster]

Single speed gearing??? Anybody? As hilly as Leb? Thx

I comfortably rode my SS with the same gear ratio that I use at Leb. If the trail were more packed down, I would have gone with a cog 2 teeth smaller. As a fair warning, you'll feel like you're geared ridiculously low in the beginning part of the trail, but it will pay off as the terrain becomes more difficult.

[stoneage]

it's certainly the longest metro trail so far
That's a good thing. Two laps at M-H isn't as boring as 6 laps at Theo.
Single speed gearing??? Anybody? As hilly as Leb? Thx
2-1 or a cog or two higher depending on strength. I sat the whole time with a 34-17.
See Johns elevations here. (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?p=215835&posted=1#post215835)

[Shorty]

We had great weather for the first full day!!

Thanks to everyone for getting out there and compacting the tread.

Hope you had fun!!

Sunday trailwork will start in the next week or two... look for a post in the Murphy forum.

More Murphy Discussion here:
http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=29