Murphy Night Rides?

[MikeyB]

Any word if we will be able to do some night rides at Murphy? :D

[berrywise]

I'm in. Darkness gives me a chance to be able to drive down there before the ride starts :)

[bigwheel]

Folks, I don't think it's going to happen - at least not this year.

Murphy closes at dark, and they didn't give us permission. We're working on it, though.

[MikeyB]

Keep us updated. Murphy is just begging for a night ride :)

[berrywise]

Who's in charger of this decision? I'd be more than glad to write them a letter to let them.

[gopherhockey]

I think actually we are working to get 2, maybe 3 special permits to ride. We're working through Pete C. on that... hopefully we'll have info soon.

[mill0298]

I think actually we are working to get 2, maybe 3 special permits to ride. We're working through Pete C. on that... hopefully we'll have info soon.

Not to be pushy, but has there been any follow up on this? Murphy sounds like a blast at night. I assume that if we are only able to ride it 2 or 3 times this fall (at night) that these will turn into big group rides. That could be fun too. Thanks

[stoneage]

It would be cool to get into 3RPD with lights at night. They have never allowed it in the past. Some friends have been ticketed by the rangers. I sent an email supporting it, because I would like to finally be able to XC ski at night with lights at Crow-Hassan and Elm Creek (beyond the lighted trail).

[gopherhockey]

Yup, time has not allowed me to get on top of this. I will talk to Pete tonight about this.

[Shorty]

Not to be pushy, but has there been any follow up on this?

It's a matter of someone organizing an event.

I'd say the best chance of it getting approved would be if it's an official MORC event... Mt. Bike Patrol, designated group leaders, etc. Even then, I'd guess it's chances aren't great.

One thing people could do is reply to this thread so I can get a feel for the amount of interest in the event. The odds are better if there is more interest.

Once a proposal is developed I can pitch it to Three Rivers.

John sounds like he's willing to organize it... but he'll need help.

[dave t]

I'm interested. Very interested.

[mill0298]

obviously I'm interested or I wouldn't have asked:D

[Crash]

I'm very interested as well. This would be a nice opportunity to expand the use of the trail and park in the Fall when the earlier sunsets makes it difficult for folks to ride after work.

[RiverRat]

I too would be interested in a night ride at Murphy.

Also, I forgot if Murphy will be open at all during the winter or not, but I would like to do some winter rides there too!

[gopherhockey]

Also, I forgot if Murphy will be open at all during the winter or not, but I would like to do some winter rides there too!

Pete can answer better, but its my guess that its going to be tough to keep Murphy open for winter riding. We struggle to keep the intermediate loop open at Leb the way it is... people probably don't realize it, but it takes work to keep a trail open in the winter. If we weren't out packing the trail down at Leb it would close up after the first deep snow.

I'd like to push for night riding first.

[THUMP!]

It's a matter of someone organizing an event.

I'd say the best chance of it getting approved would be if it's an official MORC event... Mt. Bike Patrol, designated group leaders, etc. Even then, I'd guess it's chances aren't great.

One thing people could do is reply to this thread so I can get a feel for the amount of interest in the event. The odds are better if there is more interest.

Once a proposal is developed I can pitch it to Three Rivers.

John sounds like he's willing to organize it... but he'll need help.

Interested!

[Pandl]

Pete can answer better, but its my guess that its going to be tough to keep Murphy open for winter riding. We struggle to keep the intermediate loop open at Leb the way it is... people probably don't realize it, but it takes work to keep a trail open in the winter. If we weren't out packing the trail down at Leb it would close up after the first deep snow.
So, what you're saying is, it takes work to make trails ridable in the winter? I didn't know that. I thought those Pugsly's could ride over anything, and with studs, a bike could go anywhere.

[gopherhockey]

So, what you're saying is, it takes work to make trails ridable in the winter? I didn't know that. I thought those Pugsly's could ride over anything, and with studs, a bike could go anywhere.

Its a bit off topic, but quickly - yes, the pugs are pretty good, but even they need some amount of solid for traction. Last winter we really struggled toward the end of the year when we kept getting snow and more snow. Foot traffic and snowshoe stompin' eventually get things back to riding shape. (and it can take 4+ hours to do a stomp at Leb) Its worth it, but takes volunteers or a lot of hikers on the trail to make it happen.

But back to the night riding idea...

[stoneage]

Good luck John....
But back to the night riding idea...
From 3RPD:
Hello Bill,
We don't have any plans for allowing off-road bicycling at night in the
parks or on the Park District's regional trails.
We do have several locations with lighted cross-country ski trails:
Cleary Lake Regional Park, Elm Creek Park Reserve, French Regional Park
and Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

[RiverRat]

Pete can answer better, but its my guess that its going to be tough to keep Murphy open for winter riding. We struggle to keep the intermediate loop open at Leb the way it is... people probably don't realize it, but it takes work to keep a trail open in the winter. If we weren't out packing the trail down at Leb it would close up after the first deep snow.

I'd like to push for night riding first.

I fully understand that. I did a few snow rides at leb before the snow got real deep, and tried packing in the last major snow last year at Theo, but it never firmed up enough to ride it. I was more thinking for when we have little to no snow, as has been common the last few years. If there is only a couple inches, some decent studded tires will do just fine, but I don't know if Murphy has an end of season date, or if it's open as long as it's rideable.

[gopherhockey]

I was more thinking for when we have little to no snow, as has been common the last few years. If there is only a couple inches, some decent studded tires will do just fine, but I don't know if Murphy has an end of season date, or if it's open as long as it's rideable.

Good point.. the riding season does tend to be extended well past many of the trails official closing dates. Thats a case of discussing it with them and working it out... could have to do with staffing, consistency of rules across all trails etc.

Terrace Oaks, for example, has really restrictive opening and closing dates.

[Shorty]

I was more thinking for when we have little to no snow, as has been common the last few years. If there is only a couple inches, some decent studded tires will do just fine, but I don't know if Murphy has an end of season date, or if it's open as long as it's rideable.

Good points. We will be discussing the end of the season with Three Rivers sometime in the next month... I'll have to get back to you.

[berrywise]

MikeyB:Sunrise is 7:36 AM’ish these days. Park opens @ 5am. This is the only way we will be able to get a “night” ride in at Murphy since the gates close at sunset.
Scott: Are you crazy? Keep me posted.
Pete:I am totally in. Do we drink before? I am confused…


And so it began. Up at 4 a.m with just a few grumbles to Laura as I got out of bed. Loaded the bike and gear and was in the car by 4:20. The forty minute trip to Savage, Mn turned into the one hour forty minute trip as my sense of direction is completely off once I head south of the cities and I couldn’t find the road to the trail head. Arriving at the trail head I meet up with Pete (http://www.peteryan.com) and MikeyB (http://mboehnlein.blogspot.com/). Get the lights up and running and there is still plenty of darkness as we head off for a ten mile jaunt. The wind chills you to the bone as we all find our groove with only the occasional “branch, bridge, rock!” to break the silence. Three miles in and I’m hurting, my stomach is in knots and I pull over and out goes the blueberry muffin I ate in the car. Much better. Back in the saddle we continue our way along the trail and watch as the sunrises. The last few miles the legs start to complain about the time but they hold out and we make it back to the parking lot for beers and coffee.

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy06.thumb.jpg

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy07.thumb.jpg

[TML]

That's all that needs to be said. :cool:


And so it began. Up at 4 a.m with just a few grumbles to Laura as I got out of bed. Loaded the bike and gear and was in the car by 4:20. The forty minute trip to Savage, Mn turned into the one hour forty minute trip as my sense of direction is completely off once I head south of the cities and I couldn’t find the road to the trail head. Arriving at the trail head I meet up with Pete (http://www.peteryan.com) and MikeyB (http://mboehnlein.blogspot.com/). Get the lights up and running and there is still plenty of darkness as we head off for a ten mile jaunt. The wind chills you to the bone as we all find our groove with only the occasional “branch, bridge, rock!” to break the silence. Three miles in and I’m hurting, my stomach is in knots and I pull over and out goes the blueberry muffin I ate in the car. Much better. Back in the saddle we continue our way along the trail and watch as the sunrises. The last few miles the legs start to complain about the time but they hold out and we make it back to the parking lot for beers and coffee.

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy06.thumb.jpg

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy07.thumb.jpg

[MikeyB]

Chilly but once you get into the woods you're golden. Great time!

[setzep]

You guys are hardcore... I'm jealous. I'd love to give this a whirl.

[bakkeb]

I gotta try this once. Looks like fun and the only way to ride in the dark at MH.:etard:

[Sevadari]

One thing people could do is reply to this thread so I can get a feel for the amount of interest in the event. The odds are better if there is more interest.

Not sure if it's too late or if there's still a chance of something happening, but you can definitely add me to the list.

PS By the way, morning riding rules! Everything's fine once you're totally numb...but really, it's great to see everything coming alive with the sunrise!

[Shorty]

I had a meeting with Three Rivers earlier this month, and night riding was discussed. Some topics from that meeting:

1. The attendees of the meeting were excited about the idea of MORC holding night riding events at Murphy. It's most likely going to have to wait until next season, and there are details to iron out and more people to talk to, but...

We could make this into an event that happens 4-6 times a season. We will start planning these next summer, so keep an eye on the Murphy forum for details on how to participate and help organize the event.

2. Illegal night riding has been occurring at Murphy. The Park Patrol/Public Safety officers have seen riders on the trail at night, but haven't been able to catch them yet. It sounds like they will be continuing/increasing their efforts.

If someone is caught riding the trails at night, they will be given a ticket.

Three Rivers knows this is posted on the MORC site, so name dropping or saying you are from MORC will only prove that you know this is an illegal activity.

Murphy-Hanrehan is closed from sunset to 5am.

Illegal night riding will only hurt the prospect of making it legal in the future. It will also further characterize mountain bikers as a user group that is difficult to manage... making future trail projects like Murphy that much more difficult to get approved.

We didn't discuss it at the meeting, but since the park opens at 5am I would think the trail is open for riding at that time.

[BikerKitty]

I would totally do this if anyone would be up for it some Saturday or Sunday morning. I can't decide if I should just stay up, or sleep for a couple of hours and then ride...hmmm.

Anyway, that's so awesome that you guys did this. :)

And so it began. Up at 4 a.m with just a few grumbles to Laura as I got out of bed. Loaded the bike and gear and was in the car by 4:20. The forty minute trip to Savage, Mn turned into the one hour forty minute trip as my sense of direction is completely off once I head south of the cities and I couldn’t find the road to the trail head. Arriving at the trail head I meet up with Pete (http://www.peteryan.com) and MikeyB (http://mboehnlein.blogspot.com/). Get the lights up and running and there is still plenty of darkness as we head off for a ten mile jaunt. The wind chills you to the bone as we all find our groove with only the occasional “branch, bridge, rock!” to break the silence. Three miles in and I’m hurting, my stomach is in knots and I pull over and out goes the blueberry muffin I ate in the car. Much better. Back in the saddle we continue our way along the trail and watch as the sunrises. The last few miles the legs start to complain about the time but they hold out and we make it back to the parking lot for beers and coffee.

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy06.thumb.jpg

http://theharaldsons.com/images/blog/murphy-hanrehan/murphy07.thumb.jpg

[DmacBmac]

How about a early morning group ride? If we hit the trail head at five we could get a couple of laps in the dark!! Anyone interested?

[bakkeb]

How about a early morning group ride? If we hit the trail head at five we could get a couple of laps in the dark!! Anyone interested?

I would be. I clean beer lines on the weekend and would love to go before getting into the bars at 8. Post up...both days work for me.:etard:

[gopherhockey]

And so it began. Up at 4 a.m with just a few grumbles to Laura as I got out of bed. Loaded the bike and gear and was in the car by 4:20. The forty minute trip to Savage, Mn turned into the one hour forty minute trip as my sense of direction is completely off once I head south of the cities and I couldn’t find the road to the trail head. Arriving at the trail head I meet up with Pete (http://www.peteryan.com) and MikeyB (http://mboehnlein.blogspot.com/). Get the lights up and running and there is still plenty of darkness as we head off for a ten mile jaunt.

Hard core night riding! Very very cool....

I think we lose an hour of morning darkness next Sunday for those thinking about doing similar.

[DmacBmac]

Hard core night riding! Very very cool....

I think we lose an hour of morning darkness next Sunday for those thinking about doing similar.

How about getting a crew together for this Saturday then!!! Bryan and April seem to be game:banana:, lets get some more crazies to join us!!!:crazy:

Shall we bring treats, coffee, and cold beverages for the after ride refreshment:crazy2:?

Please post up if you are interested.

[setzep]

As hard as it is for me to wake up early saturday I think I'm still in!

[rihaha]

Im going to tempt fate.... April if you go, I'll ride with you.:)

[Drew K.]

Isn't this saturday take a kid mountain biking day??? otherwise i may be in.

[DmacBmac]

Isn't this saturday take a kid mountain biking day??? otherwise i may be in.

Yes it is! But if we start our lap at around 5am and ride for a hour or so, we can make it to the kids ride to set up. Not to mention we would have ridden all that piss and vinegar out of our systems.

Travis is out, can you help out Saturday Drew?

[bakkeb]

I can't do it this Sat. cause the account I'm doing this weekend is one where I get into the place at 6:30. :mad: I can do it Sun. morning:etard:

[BikerKitty]

Ugh. I have no plans this Friday, so I'll go to bed early and get my ass up at 4 a.m. I'm not gonna be pretty though...I'll shower when I get home.

Wow, that's early.

But I'll do it. :)

[DmacBmac]

Are we still planning on riding ladies?

[Shorty]

Just a reminder, no official word has been given on riding in the dark after 5am.

This is purely based on the signs, and the assumption that if the park opens at 5am the trails would be open to riding.

[berrywise]

Just a reminder, no official word has been given on riding in the dark after 5am.

This is purely based on the signs, and the assumption that if the park opens at 5am the trails would be open to riding.

A bunch of park workers showed up as we were packing up our gear and none of them seemed to mind. Take that for what it is worth of course.

[setzep]

I'm still in if the ride is going on.

[RiverRat]

Are we still planning on riding ladies?

It's either that, or you could ride your bike. I'd choose the former at that time of day though.

Have fun!

[BikerKitty]

I'm sorry guys, I just can't do it this weekend...I've gotten so little sleep this week :hit: and really, really want to try to sleep in a little tomorrow. I've been burning the candle at both ends for about a month now and something's gotta give. :(

[setzep]

Is this a bust or still happening? If it's going on, what time? :confused: I think if we started at 6:00 we'd have plenty of "night" ride time before it got light.

[rihaha]

I'm in if you guys don't mind riding slow. Would prefer to go around 6 so I can get a little more sleep.

[DmacBmac]

I am still in!! Shall we meet at the trail head around six? A slow ride is fine by me Saundra. :D

[rihaha]

6 sounds good to me. Yay:banana:

[setzep]

6 it is! I better get to bed... http://www.tcstangs.com/forum/images/smilies/yawn.gif

[rihaha]

It was a great ride. Got light out half way through though. Sorry if I slowed you down a bit but I did say slow:D It was cold and my lights reminded me of the Blair Witch Project:shocked: Only one fall which isn't bad. Thanks guys for the ride but my bed felt better afterward:zzz:

[setzep]

Torture test is about all I can say. Man it was cold... but still glad I did it. Here is your fall Saundra!:hit:

[rihaha]

I look and probably am pathetic. Sad very sad.:cryin: