Very disappointed

[SpecializedMTB]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.

[setzep]

Sorry you feel ths way. I'm sure the people that do ride the trail won't miss you if this is the way you feel. Also, I'm sure the three river park people won't miss you sliding around the corners getting the horse people pissed. It's worth to note that this trail is only a few months old and people do trailwork every Sun. If you would like to see this trail less "lame" you could always help on one of the Sundays so you'd be less pissed next time you rode it. sorry... couldn't resist. :D

[NewTicker]

Tear:cryin:

[Heuy]

If you would like to see this trail less "lame" you could always help on one of the Sundays

He's got a point, to calmly explain it, the contractors built the basic trail. True there are few obsticles. This in part is because the technical terrain features (TTF) were to be put in by people who actually ride. I.E. just as it is with Leb. the trail work crew gets a large amount of latitude in what they want to do.

Who is this mythical trail work crew? those that care enough to show-up on trail work day.;)

Being that Murphy is new trail the TTF are few and far between. I know the last time I volunteered there we could have used a few extra hands. The more people that work the faster it gets interesting. Also, the more drifting or skidding that is done to damage existing trail the more trail work crews have to stop improvements and do maintence instead.

[ppgc]

I am still trying to figure out how a gravel road is more fun then single track... :banghead: From your profile it doesn't look like you have a job, you are 17 and probably have the summer off. I am sure the trailwork crew could use a hand or two down there.

[THUMP!]

We have a Leb, we have a Theo, we have a River Bottoms, etc...why do you want them all the same? Murphy is my favorite ride as I can get in a good xc workout with a few obstacles along the way. Personally I favor this over Leb as I would like to do more riding than tricks...but that is why it is nice to have variety. If they filled Murphy with tons of tricks, while I probably could ride them, I would probably look for another trail.
Variety is the spice of life!
P.S. If you want the trails a certain way join the Murphy crew for trailwork.

[ninjanick]

Welcome to the opening day thread. That dead horse has been beatin. Your firm beliver in the trail fairy I presume?

[I_Fall_Alot]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.

Oh, boo-hoo. :cryin:

I agree with most of the other posts. It's nice to have a variety. Sometimes I get bored with doing a couple loops at Leb just to get some time in on my bike. Murphy takes me nearly an hour and a half to ride. (Yes, I'm slow. And I like to take breaks. So what). It's nice to have a long trail to ride.

Good job Murphy crew.

[Guy Incognito]

I agree with the majority here also. Murphy is a nice change of pace from Leb. Variety is, indeed, the spice of life. It is a different beast that requires different disipline. It is already a favorite of mine, but that is opinion, and everyone is entitled to them even is opinion sounds like "whining". Just keep in mind the amount of obtacles do not make the trail, the trail buiildiers make the trail

[SpecializedMTB]

Whatever, I get that its a new trail. I overdid the reaction a little but it was mainly because I wasted precious gas money to try something new and I don't have a job.

From your profile it doesn't look like you have a job, you are 17 and probably have the summer off. Exactly correct:cool:

Well i like challenges, and I gave my opinoin of what I thought of the trail, my neighbor two years younger thought exactly the same.

[Danimal]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.

Maybe you could volunteer for trail work and have an impact on how trails are built. Sorry you were upset over the trail, but not every trail is the same for a reason. Different workouts, different terrain, different riding.

Volunteer and make a difference, the reason Leb is the way it is because of the type of riders who volunteer for trail building. They are technical riders and they put a ton of sweat & tears into their trail. If you want to change a trail get out there & help out instead of whining about it.

[Nickel]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22209

[SpecializedMTB]

sorry but i am not going to help that trail, waste of gas money to drive there, but i do help Leb every once in a while, End of this thread it is getting pointless.

[Guy Incognito]

Whatever, I get that its a new trail. I overdid the reaction a little but it was mainly because I wasted precious gas money to try something new and I don't have a job.

Exactly correct:cool:

Well i like challenges, and I gave my opinoin of what I thought of the trail, my neighbor two years younger thought exactly the same.


Opinions are something only to be shared when they agree with the majority..:).

Seriously though, opinions are great pro or con, just keep in mind the amount of work (not by me) that went into these trails before you tear into the design. Remember that you had to pay for the gas, but you did not have to pay to ride. See you on the upside

[SpecializedMTB]

if I had to pay to use a trail, i would say f#@% it unless it was the best trail ever made and go do some urban mountain biking which I already do sometimes.

[bigwheel]

We have been working on the Leb single track for (I'll guess) about eight or nine years and still continuing to make improvements.

In contrast, Murphy has been open for a little over two months. The crew is doing great work. Give them a chance.

[DanB]

I love the variety of trails we have and I wouldn't say any of them are bad. I do have my favorites but I still ride pretty much all of them and enjoy every ride. :)

Bob has a very good point. Leb has grown and evolved into a much different trail than it was in the beginning and I do think Leb rocks no doubt but not everyone feels that same way. For every opinion there is another different and very contrasting opinion, that's the beauty of diversity. That is also the reason why all of our trails are a little different from each other I believe. Someone had a vision and took the iniative to get involved and took the time to get a trail approved then kept up that hard work until it became reality and now we get to ride it. Lucky for us someone took that time and volunteered without getting paid one penny for their hard work.

I will say it's hard to hear someone say something so negative of something that so many have worked so very hard to create and care so much about. It's kind of like I tell my kids. If someone offers you something you don't like that they spent a whole day cooking you don't say "ick no way!", you simply say no thank you with a smile. :)

As I've gotten older I've learned to bring things to my Aunt Elaine's as I am not a huge fan of Lutefisk (or the myriad of other Scandinavian dishes that continually amaze me year after year). :sick: I guess the same theory could be applied to trailwork. If you want to change the menu you are probably going to have to get involved and help the cook.

[ebrandel]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.

I'm confused.... maybe you meant to say:
I got a chance to check out Murphy today. It seems like it may have some great potential, but I really wish it had some more challenging technical sections. Is there any work being done to enhance the trail and, if so, when is the next trail work session?

Disclaimer: I'm not one to really comment about trail work since I haven't done any yet, but I'm also not posting up about how a new trail is "very boring" and how "pissed" I was that I wasted the time even going to it. As if any day biking can be a waste of time... I don't know if I've ever been upset about riding a new trail for the first time. New is always good, even if it ends up not quite being what I was hoping for.

[jitterjepp]

As I've gotten older I've learned to bring things to my Aunt Elaine's as I am not a huge fan of Lutefisk (or the myriad of other Scandinavian dishes that continually amaze me year after year). :sick: I guess the same theory could be applied to trailwork. If you want to change the menu you are probably going to have to get involved and help the cook.
I agree for the most part. The only thing is that I can say is that its a 17 year old kid. If were all out there making what may seem to some like old person trails are we keeping up with the times and are there going to be future trail workers or just us getting older and older and eventually nobody but us caring about it and finally we get to old to ride and walk through the woods with pulaskis and shovels and everybody forgets about mountain biking like it never even happened?

Just an observation. Thats all. I remember my first skateboard with metal wheels. I've been catching the x-games at the Mill after work and I'm saying my old skateboard tricks were a far cry from going up a 30 ft half pipe and doing a couple flips. And then there is the bxm stuff. Holy Crap-a-noid! That doesn't look anything like BJ's track did when I was a kid.
I don't think evil kinevil even did stunts like that when I was a kid.

But you still don't see stuff like that much anymore.
Wsq3dWTrRWA

[decoeric]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.


Why all the hate! Show Murphy some love. Murphy is a great trail. But you should beware, I hear the Lebanon Gnome throws a little extra bad karma at people who bash the trails. But the real answer, you don't like it; don't bad mouth it, or do some trail work there and change it. Or even better just don't ride there and keep your mouth shut. There are a lot of people that work very hard on these trails and I am sure that they loved reading that you hated their trail. Show a little more respect... :banghead:

[Shorty]

Like many have said so far, the trail is not complete. There are a lot planned obstacles to be built over the next couple years. Nearly all of them will be optional and with ride-arounds. Gnarlier stuff than Leb too... with the exception of rock-work (the Leb folks have strong backs).

Constructive criticism is welcomed, but rants are far less effective. If there are valid points in a rant, they will be addressed... but for the most part rants are just the result of someone venting, and they'll be treated as such.

Kyle - If you change your mind and decide to come to trailwork, bring a parent/guardian along to sign the liability waiver (if you're under 18 yrs old).


.

[soupboy]

WTF is with this BS sense of entitlement? Simultaneously bagging on a brand new trail whilst turning up your nose at contributing to its further improvement on any level?

Weak sauce. Go do you urban riding...and stay there.

if I had to pay to use a trail, i would say f#@% it unless it was the best trail ever made and go do some urban mountain biking which I already do sometimes.

[decoeric]

WTF is with this BS sense of entitlement? Simultaneously bagging on a brand new trail whilst turning up your nose at contributing to its further improvement on any level?

Weak sauce. Go do you urban riding...and stay there.


Well said Mate...

I guess I was kind of pissed when I read his post. I feel guilty that I am not able to make it out to the trail work sessions, that is why I became a member of MORC. I wanted to support the MORC community since I cannot make it out and work on the trails, so I became a member at a little higher level and will continue to do so.

I guess for the me the trails all hold something a little different, since I live down in Apple Valley, I am perfectly located. If I want log piles, rocks, a teeter and a gnome of death I go to Lebanon, if I want a short quick fun ride I go to Terrace Oaks, if I want a longer ride with great views, bridges and a step down thing, I go to Murphy. I guess for me I appreciate the time and effort that goes into building a taking care of these trails. And I would never rip any of them. If they were all like Lebanon what would be the point? I guess that just comes with age and the fact that I don't have to worry about "wasting" gas to get to a trail... Jobs are good.

[bwsmithcom]

lol, i find this funny because murphy trail is now my favorite in the metro area. i love the fast, curvy singletrack without having to worry about large logs and rock gardens.

thanks to all the trail builders that build and maintain all the great trails in the metro! :)

call me a wimp but please keep murphy relatively obstacle free, if i want to damage myself and my bike there's always leb which i do visit quite frequently.

[sensorysonic]

Also, the more drifting or skidding that is done to damage existing trail the more trail work crews have to stop improvements and do maintence instead.

I'm not sure if you're making a general comment on drifting and skidding, or in regards to Kyle's post. Kyle did say, "I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun." That's not drifting on the trails. Also, Kyle is 17. I think its cool that he posted his opinion. Nice to see a young dude posting up. Also, at 17, it would be interesting to see how many MORC members were volunteers. Yes, I know, some of you probably volunteered a ton in highschool. I know I sure didn't volunteer for anything when i was in highschool. I was busy with school, social stuff, and sports. At 17, i wasn't volunteering. Also, to ask a 17 year old dude to drive to a trail for volunteering, when gas is $3.00 a gallon; that's a lot of money for most 17 year olds.

[berrywise]

Like many have said so far, the trail is not complete. There are a lot planned obstacles to be built over the next couple years. Nearly all of them will be optional and with ride-arounds. Gnarlier stuff than Leb too... with the exception of rock-work (the Leb folks have strong backs).


How about the obstacles get made into ride arounds so that the trails remains nice and fast and flowing :D

[Shorty]

How about the obstacles get made into ride arounds so that the trails remains nice and fast and flowing :D

That's the plan... with the exception of a few more dirt berms and a rock garden (or two at the most).

The rock gardens on the main line won't be uphill, or the kind you have to grind through.

[widespot]

Like many have said so far, the trail is not complete. There are a lot planned obstacles to be built over the next couple years. Nearly all of them will be optional and with ride-arounds. Gnarlier stuff than Leb too... with the exception of rock-work (the Leb folks have strong backs).

Constructive criticism is welcomed, but rants are far less effective. If there are valid points in a rant, they will be addressed... but for the most part rants are just the result of someone venting, and they'll be treated as such.

Kyle - If you change your mind and decide to come to trailwork, bring a parent/guardian along to sign the liability waiver (if you're under 18 yrs old).


.


I rode there for the first time today and I liked it, took my time since it was new to me, but it seemed to flow nice. Gnarly really has never been my thing so I like ride around options to be available, the last thing my pregnant wife needs is for me to come home with a broken arm.

Great trail and obviously much work was put into it. I noticed folks out working today shoring up the wash outs, thanks.

As for the complaints, when I was 17 and mountain biking any trail this nice (or as nice as any MORC trail for that matter) was probably illegal to be on. ;)

[Trevize1138]

A buddy and I went to Murphy to try something new. BAD CHOICE!! Very boring trail, there is nothing there only a couple obstacles every once in a while. Was so pissed at how lame the trail was that, I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun. Just so you know I am comparing this to lebanon a trail i love to ride almost every day.

I think the new trail's awesome. ;)

[SpecializedMTB]

you're making a general comment on drifting and skidding, or in regards to Kyle's post. Kyle did say, "I had to go mess around and drift on the dirt road to have a little fun." That's not drifting on the trails. Also, Kyle is 17. I think its cool that he posted his opinion. Nice to see a young dude posting up. Also, at 17, it would be interesting to see how many MORC members were volunteers. Yes, I know, some of you probably volunteered a ton in highschool. I know I sure didn't volunteer for anything when i was in highschool. I was busy with school, social stuff, and sports. At 17, i wasn't volunteering. Also, to ask a 17 year old dude to drive to a trail for volunteering, when gas is $3.00 a gallon; that's a lot of money for most 17 year olds.

Thank you for saying that and as I said before the only reaon I got so mad is because I used up gas for something I didn't like.

It seems to me like you guys think opnions are like butt holes, everyone has one but they should be kept to themselves.

[BikerKitty]

Well i like challenges, and I gave my opinoin of what I thought of the trail, my neighbor two years younger thought exactly the same.

I rode Murphy for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was awesome...very windy, twisty, nice views, and cool obstacles for a new trail.

I found this post especially funny...'cause yeah, it's often that if I don't agree with the thoughts of a 17-year-old, I'll turn to his 15-year-old neighbor for a second opinion. (please note: sarcasm in use)

Sorry you didn't like Murphy - no one here is trying to squash your opinion, but with age comes finesse, and the ability to cut people down in that constructive, "Minnesota Nice" way we've all come to know and love. ;) Once you've got that down, you'll be able to help build a trail you'd be thrilled to ride any day of the week, no matter how much gas costs.

[Smurf]

Thank you for saying that and as I said before the only reaon I got so mad is because I used up gas for something I didn't like.

It seems to me like you guys think opnions are like butt holes, everyone has one but they should be kept to themselves.

I don't see anyone even suggesting that you should keep your opinions to yourself....however, maybe you could think about expressing yourself in a way that would be less insulting to the people that put a lot of time and sweat into building that trail. So you didn't like it....say what you didn't like and what you'd like to see change instead of just saying that the trail sucks and was a waste of your time to ride.

[THUMP!]

Kyle, did I happen upon you at Murphy yesterday at the log ride?

[biking_stickman]

I wasted precious gas money

Assumptions:
Beat up high school car gets 20 miles/gallon
Gas is $3/gallon
Round trip from "Near Lebanon Hills" to Murphy and back is 15 miles

15 miles x ($3.00/gallon) x (1 gallon/20 miles) = $2.25

I guess there are better things you can spend $2.25 on. Maybe a sweet jump at home.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3/rsouthan/napseg1.jpg

[TrailPatrol]

Yes, I'm slow. And I like to take breaks. So what.

Ditto on what she said! (If you don't like my speed, pass me, but tell me before you try driving me into the brush. :mad:)

You tell 'em, Janet!

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[Trevize1138]

however, maybe you could think about expressing yourself in a way that would be less insulting ...

Example:

Brian, you're stupid and ugly and I think you should buy stocks low and sell them high.

Brian's likely course of action:

Call me stupid and ugly back and then buy high and sell low just to spite me.

;)

[manual63]

I like a lot of replies I have seen here.

Why should all the trails be the same?

One thing to keep in mind when going to any new trail......trails take time to develop into something better. The plans for Murphy are to have more advanced features added. We could wait until all that is added before we open up the trail.......or we could open up the trail and allow it to evolve over time, just like Leb did and just like Theo is doing. Actually, all trails should hopefully always be evolving to meet the needs to new and older riding styles and just to plain fix issues, which you don't know exist until people start riding them.

I have said this a zillion times. If you are disappointed or want something in a trail, you need to get involved. Making negative remarks allows us to know you are disappointed, but I didn't see anything in the original post that stated what could have made it better.

I like Murphy....it's something different and is has some fun downhill flow sections. If you don't like Murphy now, make sure to keep coming back as new features get added. So far since the trail opened, I can think of 3 that have been added.

[dberlin1]

I hope that MH doesn't get the same type of feature that Lebanon Hills and Worth Park have, or at least has a way to avoid them. I moved from the Bay Area two years ago (still work there so I get to ride the Santa Cruz Mountains which are amazing) and have a home in Tahoe where I do a ton of riding. MH is the only ride I really like in the area (besides the river bottoms which is kind of flat but pretty and the raft is fun.) I find the rock-gardens, log piles, and other features really detract from getting in a good flow and keeping my speed up.

I have no problems with rough riding. I just think that the man made features reminds me of the half pipe and slope style courses in snowboarding. I am a free rider in all sports.

Thanks for all the hard work in making MH. I was going to give up riding in MN until I checked it out a few weeks ago.

[JayT]

"unripe tomatoes" - BB

[jitterjepp]

Gritting teeth ....for both sides. :nono:

[butter]

I have to agree with most here in that I like the variety that the trails offer. You get a little something different depending on where you go and ride. Considering the terrain doesn't vary a whole lot, this is quite the accomplishment.

I think MH offers some great flowing ST and I can't wait to see what is in store for the future.

Personally I think the thread starter was trolling for a reaction and I wouldn't put too much weight on his criticisms.

[chewie_52]

lol, i find this funny because murphy trail is now my favorite in the metro area. i love the fast, curvy singletrack without having to worry about large logs and rock gardens.

thanks to all the trail builders that build and maintain all the great trails in the metro! :)

call me a wimp but please keep murphy relatively obstacle free, if i want to damage myself and my bike there's always leb which i do visit quite frequently.

Oh my goodness...that's exactly how I feel! It took me awhile to make it out and try Murphy, but I did about a month ago and I've been going there 4-5 nights a week! It is without a doubt my FAVORITE trail in the metro! I like the fact that it's relatively obstacle free and ride arounds on most of the existing obstacles. Only two that I can't get through is the expert qualifier and the log right after marker 68 or 69? (I think...I'm not sure) but it is just a downed tree right across the trail and my chain ring gets hung up on that everytime so I just get off my bike and walk over it now. Other than that...I make it through everything else just fine...love the step bridge! Put in my best time last night at 1:09:36...hope to get under 1:05 by the end of the year! Great work Murphy crew!!!!

[Sodbuster]

If you are short on resources and don't have a job the answer is simple. GET A JOB!(unless you are physically unable to-my apologies if this is so)

[danomyte]

Hey man, I know money's tight when you're in high school and it feels like it was a waste. Think of it this way, there is now another trail that people will go ride so less of them will be riding at Leb (least not as often). So you paid $5 in gas for your home trail to be less crowded...