Leb, Thurs 8/30 @ 7pm (DAY/NIGHT) <-- Gnome Returns Ride!

[gopherhockey]

We're back at Leb again this Thursday.. no excuses! Get your lights ready as the 2nd lap will be (mostly) in the dark! :banana:

This is the start of the most fun riding of the entire year...

As always please be there with plenty of time to prepare your lights - might want to test em' before you arrive just in case.

Hope to see people there. Circle will form as usual, just a bit later. (and OC after) We will be having a moment of silence and then a toast to our poor lost gnome. Or IS he...????

NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!

Lets celebrate the passing of August and our journey into the best months of the riding season!!!!!

[krazykatie]

I'm there B*tches!:bunny:

[Gravityjunkie]

What the hell happened to the gnome?

[timmy]

I'm going to try and make the first lap but can't make the night ride since I some how lost my lights.:banghead:

[krazykatie]

I'm going to try and make the first lap but can't make the night ride since I some how lost my lights.:banghead:

yaaaaaa! my timmaaaay is coming! No night lap for me either...we'll hang in the lot and :beerme:

[gopherhockey]

What the hell happened to the gnome?

Some a$$ F#)$*er stole it. They have sealed their fate in life.

I'm going to try and make the first lap but can't make the night ride since I some how lost my lights.:banghead:

I will likely have a spare set available, as will a few others...

[charliebrown]

Melissa and I will be there.

[bigwheel]

I'm in. :cool:

[ryno lite]

I'll be at the Fair. Have a great ride!

[wildkona]

I'll be there!!! I have some cateye doubel and triple shot lights if anyone wants to buy some so they can do some night riding this season.

[Nita]

I can't wait to try out the new lights!

[Disaster on Wheels]

I should be there! I don't have lights yet, so I will probably just do one lap...

[dakotabuck]

I'll be there, both laps.

[jeffgude]

I should be able to make this!

[fallingup]

I'm there. Would love to do the night lap, but don't have any lights cuz I'm a loser. Anyone have a set I can borrow...?

[rihaha]

I can do the first lap. No lights for me either. Wouldn't mind trying a night lap if I can borrow an extra set or I'll just join the circle early.

[forum116]

I will be there for the first lap as I have no lights either

[THUMP!]

Going to try and make it for the first lap as well.

[V2Neal]

I'll plan on being there if I get off my butt and put some tires on my ride. No night lap, lights not done ... yet. :cool:

[Nicole]

Consider me there! I will probably be there early even because I'll be coming directly from work-hopefully get two laps in myself-both in the daylight though cause I am yet another without any lights :cryin::cryin:. So if anybody wants to and can get there early give me a holler-I probably will be riding by 6pm.

If anybody has lights they wouldn't mind letting me borrow that would be spify-you too can give me a holler!

If I don't find lights, I'll be heading up the circle after my day laps, so those that don't have lights still plan on staying for the afterparty! I want to see all the others when they emerge from the darkness!

[charliebrown]

So if anybody wants to and can get there early give me a holler-I probably will be riding by 6pm.
!

6pm works for me... I think Melissa and I could be there at 6 if wouldn't mind us joining you.

[Nicole]

No problem. The more the merrier-besides you'll probably lose me at some point anyway. :D

[Disaster on Wheels]

Consider me there! I will probably be there early even because I'll be coming directly from work-hopefully get two laps in myself-both in the daylight though cause I am yet another without any lights :cryin::cryin:. So if anybody wants to and can get there early give me a holler-I probably will be riding by 6pm.

If anybody has lights they wouldn't mind letting me borrow that would be spify-you too can give me a holler!

If I don't find lights, I'll be heading up the circle after my day laps, so those that don't have lights still plan on staying for the afterparty! I want to see all the others when they emerge from the darkness!

I could probably be there by 6pm as well. Give me a call on Thursday!

[Lezgo Cycling]

I originally had plans but they have since changed and I am doing everything I can to make this. But while I have a cheap light for the bars I will be there to ride at 530 6 if I can make it. 1 lap maybe 2 in the daylight.
hoep to see ya there

[fallingup]

:banana:I'll be there by 6:00 too! :banana:

Finally get to do some ridin'!

[manual63]

Cool. I might want to get there early and ride a day light lap....then do some night laps. So if people will be there at 6:00, I will meet up with them.

Shad

[DMonkey]

I should be in for this ride, guessing 6:30 though - we'll see how the day goes.

All you all with out lights, I do have a spare set.. But there is a lot of you - not sure how to work that one out.

See ya there,

[ninjanick]

I'll plan on being there if I get off my butt and put some tires on my ride. No night lap, lights not done ... yet. :cool:

You wipin me up a set there too? You are afterall a ups reapir man with an awesome set of tools.

I think I'll make this ride but I'll probably get there a bit early and head out for bonus laps to make the most of the light.

[forum116]

i will try and get there around 6 as well. I would like to get in 2 laps before dark. There will be 2 of us for sure possibly 3.

[gopherhockey]

Sounds like lots of people riding at different times. Hopefully everyone will have time to hang around at the end.

I wasn't going to promote going to the OC as the new requirement of Leb rides, but I happen to have Friday off this week so if anyone wanted to go I'm up for it. I think a certain waitress there is expecting us.

[charliebrown]

Sounds like lots of people riding at different times. Hopefully everyone will have time to hang around at the end.

I wasn't going to promote going to the OC as the new requirement of Leb rides, but I happen to have Friday off this week so if anyone wanted to go I'm up for it. I think a certain waitress there is expecting us.

Have you ever thought of going to the OC in Apple Valley? I know they have a party room type thing that would maybe be good to get out of the smoking air??? But maybe since it will be nice out that doesn't matter, ok nevermind..

[Pandl]

Hey, I have Friday off too! Can't get to happy, going to the Fair Fri morning, so don't wanna waste the whole morning sleeping... Hope the drying fairies are out in force the next 34 hours.

[Disaster on Wheels]

I have Friday off too and it will be my last one off for a long time- so I would be up for going to the OC!

[V2Neal]

I'm going to try and make it there by 6 or so. Hopefully before, but not 100% sure.



Nick - yeah, I'm planning on making 3 lights to start. :cool:

[bigwheel]

If the trail is wet, maybe we should do a suburban/urban paved trail night ride to test our lights.

Alternative 1: Meet at the lot where 13 meets Mendota Heights road, ride to St. Paul and back, on the trails both sides of the river. It'll be about a 16 mile ride, and a decent test for our lights. (If the group is small, we can also meet at my house, about 3 miles away, but still on paved bike trail.)

Alternative 2: Meet at Leb (parking lot or covington lot), bike over to the Highline Trail, ride the highline both ways, and head back for beer. My guess is that would be about 10 or 12 miles.

We could alternatively start a half-hour later for these rides to extend the darkness portion.

[Lezgo Cycling]

id be down for that.....im faster on pavement :D and while I have a cheap light it is not trail worthy

[DMonkey]

Would it be worth it to see if any of the other trails might actually be dry? Such as Theo or RB?
If I were to pick an option, it would be option 2.

When we do our spring "road" riding - we usually go from Tugg's at St. Anthony & Main - lots of options of riding along the river and more than few choices on post ride libations.

Just thought I'd throw 'em out there..

[fallingup]

I have Friday off too and it will be my last one off for a long time- so I would be up for going to the OC!

I however, do not have Friday off, but that is neither here nor there... I'm always down for OC!:crazy: I've pretty much perfected the art of looking productive while being hungover & tired!

[Nicole]

I should be in for this ride, guessing 6:30 though - we'll see how the day goes.

All you all with out lights, I do have a spare set.. But there is a lot of you - not sure how to work that one out.

See ya there,

We could arm wrestle for them!! :D

[Nicole]

Sounds like lots of people riding at different times. Hopefully everyone will have time to hang around at the end.

I wasn't going to promote going to the OC as the new requirement of Leb rides, but I happen to have Friday off this week so if anyone wanted to go I'm up for it. I think a certain waitress there is expecting us.

Need you even asK John!!:D
Need not fear, You won't be alone at the OC!
See you all Thursday on the trail or at the OC...

[Nicole]

I however, do not have Friday off, but that is neither here nor there... I'm always down for OC!:crazy: I've pretty much perfected the art of looking productive while being hungover & tired!

Proud of ya sister!!

[DMonkey]

Sounds like lots of people riding at different times. Hopefully everyone will have time to hang around at the end.

I wasn't going to promote going to the OC as the new requirement of Leb rides, but I happen to have Friday off this week so if anyone wanted to go I'm up for it. I think a certain waitress there is expecting us.

I think the OC goes with out say doesn't..

[gopherhockey]

Need you even asK John!!:D
Need not fear, You won't be alone at the OC!
See you all Thursday on the trail or at the OC...

Sweet... I knew I could count on ya'll... :p

[mvangundy]

:banana::banana:i will be there:banana::banana:

[dakotabuck]

Sounds like lots of people riding at different times. Hopefully everyone will have time to hang around at the end.


I'll be there at the appointed time. Can we park in the main Lot, or up by the tennis courts? I'm really looking forward to trying out the new lights. Hope it dries out.

I think a certain waitress there is expecting us.

Gizzle fo Shizzle!

[gopherhockey]

Sun has been out all day... I'm betting we'll be a go for Leb tomorrow.

Lets park in the main lot. We'll have to be sure we're outa there by 10 but if we're headed to OC anyway then we should be ok.

[timmy]

I'm still planning on the day half of the ride, but I'll be passing on the night ride and the OC though.

[THUMP!]

I will see all you early birds at 6pm!

[gtbikes]

I have a spare light and battery but not the mount (duct tape?) to anyone wanting to join the "cool" kids:fool:. However my first night lap at leb was with no light riding between two "lighted" riders, cool ride. My legs are still shot from Afton and other extracurricular activities at leb yesterday to be speedy...guess I'm starting the "slow" xx only group:D

[CookieMonster]

I'm there!! I will be coming straight from work - don't get done until 6:30 so I'll just plan to either try and catch up with everyone at some point on the trail or in the parking lot later.

[gopherhockey]

Random question: anyone have a use for a 19" CRT computer monitor thats in pretty good shape? I know most are going flat screen but if anyone has a use or it I'll bring it tonight and its yours.

[THUMP!]

Schedule just keeps getting busier and Leb is such a haul for me on a workday...I will have to pass and ride Theo instead. Hope everyone has fun!

[BikerKitty]

I'm coming to this ride! But won't be there until 7ish. Maura, maybe you and I will get there around the same time. I'll be the slow one in the back. ;)

I haven't ridden Leb since last summer. *gasp*

[Lezgo Cycling]

Random question: anyone have a use for a 19" CRT computer monitor thats in pretty good shape? I know most are going flat screen but if anyone has a use or it I'll bring it tonight and its yours.

I could use a larger screen

[Lezgo Cycling]

So the trail conditions say close til at earliest this afternoon.....are we going to just skip the ride and go to OC or meet somewhere for a mtn bike road ride if its still closed ?

figures the one thurs I can show up and its still clsoe right now

[gopherhockey]

It will be open by ride time. I walked in and the trail was drying up but there were a lot of low spots that were still muddy and would eaily rut up with riders.

I figured give it the afternoon. Those low spots can harden up enough to pack in vs. spread out and we should be ok.

Regardless I figure the lot should be open by 5-6pm. I'd like to accomodate those who want to do earlier laps.

I haven't heard back from Dakota County yet, but I did see they went in with mowers to take care of the ski trails this afternoon.

[bigwheel]

If the lot is open, I will be there ready to ride at 7pm. (the scheduled time)
if the lot is not open, I plan to park at the tennis courts, just north of the lot.

If the bike trail is open and rideable, we'll ride the trail.
else, I plan to hit the paved trails for about 12~15 miles.

Afterwards, probably head over to OC.

Extra light:
I have an extra set of homemade battery packs on the charger, but one of them was looking flaky when I put the meter on it. So, 80 percent chance that I'll have a spare handlebar light that will work for an hour or so. (twice that long on low beam)


I'll be using a make-shift handlebar setup on my bike. But it'll still be nice and bright.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Ive been confirmed....:D the wife says its ok to play tongiht. So I will be there for the early ride around 545-6. Ill hold down a spot in the lot if its open. For the others coming for the early ride ill look for you otherwise if im there ill be in a light green ford taurus

later Gus :banana:

[gopherhockey]

I have one extra light as well. Wasn't sure until now if I'd get it working but it appears a-ok now.

Don't forget... if anyone borrows lights its good to be there a bit early to leave enough time to get them mounted.

I'm in on Bob's plan.

[Lezgo Cycling]

so coming from brooklyn center, whats the best way ? I was thinking 94 - 35w

Suggestions other than that

[tedsti]

so coming from brooklyn center, whats the best way ? I was thinking 94 - 35w

Suggestions other than that
35W to 62 to 77 to cliff

[Lezgo Cycling]

so Just to be sure becasue I normally come from home....35W south to 62 east to 77 south, to cliff road....right? to Jonny.......

[Disaster on Wheels]

so Just to be sure becasue I normally come from home....35W south to 62 east to 77 south, to cliff road....right? to Jonny.......


That's correct!

[Ymmit]

Mostly correct, make a left on Cliff. Unless you were saying to cliff road....right? as in to cliff road....correct? Then you are 100% right.....er.....correct.

[Nicole]

You could just take 35W down to Cliff and then take Cliff all the way over to Johnny. 77 sucked the other day when I took it. 35W went smooth last night from 494 to Cliff. Cliff may have lights but it never is bad...just some thoughts...


so Just to be sure becasue I normally come from home....35W south to 62 east to 77 south, to cliff road....right? to Jonny.......

[Pandl]

And/Or, get to 35E south to Cliff left to Johnny Cake Ridge Road right to the lot...

[Ymmit]

Or you could take 35W south to Black Dog Rd, head east to Silver Bell Rd, cross over Hwy 13, go to Blackhawk Rd make a right, take that to stop sign (Deerwood Dr) make a left. Take that to Johnny Cake make a right all the way to Leb.

[krazykatie]

I'm coming to this ride! But won't be there until 7ish. Maura, maybe you and I will get there around the same time. I'll be the slow one in the back. ;)

I haven't ridden Leb since last summer. *gasp*

:banana: Timmy and will ride in the back with you ladies. I'm going early to get a lap in beforehand too.

[krazykatie]

I'll be there, both laps.

I got your cord..don't let me forget!


Oh My! way funny! :laugh: :deadhorse:

[Lezgo Cycling]

You could just take 35W down to Cliff and then take Cliff all the way over to Johnny. 77 sucked the other day when I took it. 35W went smooth last night from 494 to Cliff. Cliff may have lights but it never is bad...just some thoughts...

I could do that too so then it would be 35w to cliff road and go RIGHT to johnny ? I am leaving around 445 or so and tryingt o be there by 6

[pkg17]

I will be there at 6pm for a lap or two.

Might make it for one at the OC. Hockey at 6AM tomorrow. UGH!

[dakotabuck]

I got your cord..don't let me forget!


Cool! Thanks

[krazykatie]

oh and no OC for me. I'm a responsible young college student as of Monday and tomorrow my mommy responsibilties are returned....Little me comes back from grandmas!!!! :banana::banana: :banana::banana:

[manual63]

Uh...."Gus"....just stick with your first plan.

35W South to
Cliff Road (left) to
Johny Cake (right) to
Leb lot (right) to
Parking space (wherever) to
Mount bicycle (however you like....:)) to
Intermediate loop trailhead (hopefully behind me so you don't slow me down....:banana:)

Hope that helps.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Uh...."Gus"....just stick with your first plan.

35W South to
Cliff Road (left) to
Johny Cake (right) to
Leb lot (right) to
Parking space (wherever) to
Mount bicycle (however you like....:)) to
Intermediate loop trailhead (hopefully behind me so you don't slow me down....:banana:)

Hope that helps.

Yes that helps except I think now I will do this ......


35W South to
Cliff Road (left) to
Johny Cake (right) to
Leb lot (right) to
Parking space (wherever) to
Mount bicycle (however you like....:)) to
Intermediate loop trailhead (hopefully in front of you so I have to go faster.... :banana:

[Lezgo Cycling]

getting ready to head out soon...see you all around 6 for the early ride

[gopherhockey]

Don't forget that the lot may be closed. Trails are open. Its going to be tough to find alternate parking for everyone if the lot doesn't open up in time for the 6pm rush.

Also, the trails are likely still filled with small sticks and possibly even some trees, so the early group should really ride with caution - and thanks for taking care of all the tire pokers! ;)

[Lezgo Cycling]

early rush meet at the tennis courts or what ??????

[Lezgo Cycling]

maybe we meet at the jenson lot and ride over
http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LeisureRecreation/Parks/LebanonHills/JensenShelter.htm

[Gravityjunkie]

I'll be there. Got some new parts on the bike and can't wait to see if I got the creaking out of the Bottom Bracket.

See you guys out there!

[bigwheel]

can't wait to see if I got the creaking out of the Bottom Bracket.

That creaking is coming from your knees.

[BikerKitty]

I just spent an hour and 20 minutes in the car on the way home. And I only had to drive from downtown to North Mpls! ARGH! That'll teach me for feeling too crappy and allergy-ridden to bike in this morning.

Anyway, this is lame, but I can't sit in any more traffic, and I wouldn't get there until like 7:30 now anyway, so I'm going to have to do Leb another day. Maybe I'll leave work early next week.

Headed out for a lap or two at Theo and then riding down to the Washburn library.

I'm bummed - really was hoping to see all you guys!

I'll have to look for group rides this weekend - I'll be around.

[krazykatie]

I just spent an hour and 20 minutes in the car on the way home. And I only had to drive from downtown to North Mpls! ARGH! That'll teach me for feeling too crappy and allergy-ridden to bike in this morning.

Anyway, this is lame, but I can't sit in any more traffic, and I wouldn't get there until like 7:30 now anyway, so I'm going to have to do Leb another day. Maybe I'll leave work early next week.

Headed out for a lap or two at Theo and then riding down to the Washburn library.

I'm bummed - really was hoping to see all you guys!

I'll have to look for group rides this weekend - I'll be around.


Great ride tonight! Big thanks to Timmaaay for helping wit my skillz
Bummer! I was hoping to see you. There's always Gnome Fest!:gnome:

Great ride tonight! A big thanks to Timmaaay for helping me out wit my skillz:D

[smklugherz]

Thanks for the great ride tonight. Next time I will have my light for the second lap.

[[defective]]

Thanks, everyone, for for reminding me how fun group rides are. I've been neglecting my dirty social time all Summer. Maybe I'll reform myself for Fall and start showing up more often.

Seeing the owl with the limp bloody rabbit in its talon perched ten feet above us was really really cool.

[wildkona]

Good times...:laugh:

[ninjanick]

Seeing the lights head off onto the trail was sweet. I'm looking forward to giving that a try.

[krazykatie]

;234988']Thanks, everyone, for for reminding me how fun group rides are. I've been neglecting my dirty social time all Summer. Maybe I'll reform myself for Fall and start showing up more often.

Seeing the owl with the limp bloody rabbit in its talon perched ten feet above us was really really cool.

yea Scott maybe you should show up more often:p

OMG!! That owl was THE coolest thing. I'm still in awww...we were so close to it and the one time i didnt have my camera on the trail:banghead:

The owl was adorable....poor wittle bunny:bunny:

[forum116]

Had a good time riding last night. I didn't get to stay around afterwards this time. This was my second group ride and hope to make to a lot more as i am still new around here. I was the guy leaving in the black yukon as you were getting ready to go in for the night lap. See everyone next week hopefully

[charliebrown]

We had a great time as well. The mini-circle was fun, lots of laughs... And the owl with the dead rabbit was very cool... See you all out there.

[gopherhockey]

Yes, the Gnome made his re-appearance last night at Old Chicago after the leb group ride. Here are some photos (more to come):

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/lebgroup_106_Medium_.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/lebgroup_117_Medium_.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/lebgroup_120_Medium_.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/lebgroup_088_Medium_.jpg

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/lebgroup_082_Medium_.jpg

[Lezgo Cycling]

nice pic of gizzle with the gnome ...now we just have to fix her bike so she can become one of us


stupid drive home......no one told me I had a headlight out I was pulled over immediatley after leaving OC and then once more around mntka on the way home. :banghead: ill have to fix that

Greta times though ill be back

[bigwheel]

Great ride, everyone. It was nice to be finally riding again.

Not to self: Do not use rubber gasket to hold a 35 watt bulb in hot weather. The melting rubber did look cool as it was smoking on the stops, though.

[Nita]

Finally new lights, and I can actually see the trail and not depend on Bob to ride behind me to light my way! I wish we could have two night rides at Leb a week.

[DMonkey]

Had a great time, but I was hurting a bit, got this cold - and the cold meds were really messing with me.

First night ride this year and well, it def. was great seeing all of those lights thru the woods.

I'm starting to think that Tramp of a Gnome made an escape to get some attention for it's return.

[gtbikes]

Yeah, I really wish I had not 'wimped" out for the second lap in the dark...so I will throw out a lame @ss excuse, "I am still recovering from Afton." Wonder how long I can use that one for ??? Drinking afterwards was fun too....

[fallingup]

Yeah, I really wish I had not 'wimped" out for the second lap in the dark...so I will throw out a lame @ss excuse, "I am still recovering from Afton." Wonder how long I can use that one for ??? Drinking afterwards was fun too....


Yeah... me too - I was soooo excited all week to night ride & then after my first day lap, just lost my mojo. My lame @ss excuse is also..."I am still recovering from Afton." I may not have been racing... but drinking like a rockstar is also hard work... but hey someone's gotta do it.

Next week!

[setzep]

Good ride last night. I bet night rides are even better... plus you get a nice show when you hit the lot from them:D

[V2Neal]

Fun ride!
I was hanging with Timmy and Katie in the beginning, right up til the rear derailer hanger snapped. Met one of my frinds on the walk out, and he suggested making her a single speed and riding. Thanks Brian! Huge thanks to Shad for the use of his 5mm allen. Why were they in short supply last night? LOL

See ya'll soon!

Oh yeah, and the owl was cool. :cool:

[DanB]

You guys all suck!!! :incazzato:

Hey! Cool I leave and we get new Emoticons!!! :bush::deadhorse::bunny: Geee.......I am positive that the "beating the dead horse" one will hardly ever get used.........:banghead:

[fallingup]

Good ride last night. I bet night rides are even better... plus you get a nice show when you hit the lot from them:D

sorry, don't know what you're referring to here...:D

[tedsti]

You guys all suck!!! :incazzato:


Don't feel too bad, I missed it too.

[DanB]

Don't feel too bad, I missed it too.

OK I feel better. I'm not the only one who missed the first night ride then. :banghead:

I had a great time with the kids and didn't even think about riding, but come Thursday afternoon I started to think about the night ride and then I got kind of bummed out. Oh well Ted you and me next Thursday night I guess. :eyeroll: