Soooo, When does Leb Hills open??

[Tom S.]

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[gopherhockey]

Probably safe to say they will be closed to bikers until May 1 (or earlier if the weather cooperates)

I think this time as soon as the skiiers can't get out there we'll be putting up fences to keep out the bikers until the frost comes out and things dry up.

As long as skiiers are out there, bikers need to stay off. Tim was mentioning he had seen a rider out there sinking into the snow pretty deep.

[SickBoy]

As a nordic skier I can definitely say I'd be pretty hacked off if someone were out biking on my favorite nordic ski trails when the conditions were anything less than super hardpacked.

I have been in contact with Maureen at Dakota County Parks for the purpose of organizing the Lebanon Hills Time Trial race and the official opening of the trail is May 1st and from what I have been told, it's not flexible (at least it won't be any earlier than that).

The Race will be held May 17th (saturday). We will have a flyer available very soon.

[gopherhockey]

Dakota is going to rely on MORC to help decide when the trail opens.. it could very well be in April if conditions are good... but only time will tell. Dakota has a fantastic relationship with MORC, and Lebanon is probably the premiere example of a relationship between mountain bikers and trail owners/managers. They are working very closely with MORC for all openings, closings, and of course new trail! :p

I assume by your message that you have contacted Dakota about the time trials. That was a great thing to do!

We have had many groups holding events without contacting anyone at all. Last fall a bike manufacturer just went out there and set up shop with no warning to riders or the park. They ended up holding the event during a fairly poor time of the year when trail conditions were poor and it cost us a lot of time repairing trails. Not only that, they missed out on having us help get the word out that they would be there... (even I wanted to try out a few new bikes)

If you haven't already, its also a good idea to contact Dale Gundberg (traildale on the message board). Dale is the "trail steward" for Lebanon Hills. He could even get the Leb trail care crew to come out and help if you like - I know I'd be happy to come help if needed.

Oh - and the bike patrol, of course ;)

[SickBoy]

Yes, I have very much been in contact with Dale regarding the Time Trial for LH. He was the person who initially secured approval for our event last year. I have been very careful to work closely with Dale because last year's TT was the first official event of its kind for Dakota County Parks and the precedent set needed to be a good one. Hopefully this year we can expand on the event and make it even bigger and better than last year.

Any proceeds from our event this year will be donated to MORC.

Hopefully, also, we'll have a few NCMBP patrollers out for the event as well. Should be a good time.

[gopherhockey]

Excellent to hear - I figured you probably already had done all that. Let me (or all of us) know if you need any assistance with the event. Sounds like a good one!