Trail Conditions in Detail - Lebanon Hills

[gopherhockey]

Beuhler? Anyone? Dry enough by early afternoon?

Should be ok by this afternoon... maybe some wet spots in low areas.

Report back if you are lucky enough to get in a ride today.

[jholiday]

Went to ride out at Leb and it was a bit muddy for my taste. I only went as far as the Galaxie exit and then got off the trail there. I doubt there would be much damage from riding, if you had your heart set on a ride today, but it seemed like it needed a bit more drying time to be nice and tacky.

[gopherhockey]

Went to ride out at Leb and it was a bit muddy for my taste. I only went as far as the Galaxie exit and then got off the trail there. I doubt there would be much damage from riding, if you had your heart set on a ride today, but it seemed like it needed a bit more drying time to be nice and tacky.

Thanks for the report! Sounds like we should probably give the trail more time to dry. I'm going to cancel my plans to ride Leb tonight and stick to the road.

[bigwheel]

Johnny, Thanks for posting up, and thanks for bailing on conditions that were too wet.

I was going to go there this afternoon, but will look for different options.

[jholiday]

No problem, I live in Eagan and ride Leb all the time so I didn't mind hopping off and taking a long road ride home.

[bowmanmark]

How is the trail today?

[gopherhockey]

How is the trail today?

I'm guessing we're a-ok by this afternoon. I didn't see much more than a sprinkle last night.

[Getrdone]

is the trail open to ride this evening?

[gopherhockey]

is the trail open to ride this evening?

Yup! You'll see us out there working in the XX loop... give a shout when ya ride by....

Those riding around the 8:00 mark might get a chance to ride the new trail...

[ryno lite]

Yup! You'll see us out there working in the XX loop... give a shout when ya ride by....

Those riding around the 8:00 mark might get a chance to ride the new trail...

I knew there was an advantage to riding late!

[gopherhockey]

The new section of trail is open!

Just after the camelback obstacle in the XX loop you used to take a right turn, head around a curve and up the log ladder climb.

Now after the camelback you go straight, come down a small section of the old log ladder (backwards) then you climb up and around the larger hill and meet the old trail back up at the top of the old log ladder climb.

The new trail did a few things for us:

1. re-routed a slightly wet area of trail
2. added length
3. added climb!
4. gave us an opportunity to get to the very top of that hill, which has a really nice view of Minneapolis (in the fall)
5. gave us an opportunity to move and re-engineer my log ladder climb. Be ready for bigger logs placed closer together - there are appx. 7 of them, you will only see the first few initially. We saw about 10 people try and only 1 or 2 made it up the first time.

Its a nice section of trail. Don't forget to hammer it into Buck's Berm near the top... we'll tweak that over time as we see where riders are going. There is no big downhill into it so you need to keep your speed up.

There is a small clearing "rest stop" at the top of the hill that we hope to get a picnic table in eventually. There are some tire pokers up there right now, so ride with caution for now. It will probably be a good place for group rides to re-group rather than sitting in the middle of the trail.

The new trail is a little bit damp compared to the rest of the trail and the trim job wasn't perfect - we'll ride it this week then get back out and tweak all that next Tuesday.

There is supposed to be some kind of (optional) drop where the new trail meets the old trail that we haven't had time to put in yet. Maybe next week...

[stoneage]

added climb!
yippee!! More climbing please.

[bigwheel]

yippee!! More climbing please.

I'll be bummed if we don't hear at least a few complaints about this one. :fool:

[Pandl]

GRRR, if I wanted to climb I'd move to the hills. I hate climbs. I have to buy a new bike now for climbs. And then I will have to have a caddy bring me, and be ready for me at the correct locations to get onto my correct bike. I am thinking I am going to have to hire several caddies to keep track of all the bikes I am now going to need at Leb. LEb used to be so simple. Ahh, the good ole days.

(GREAT WORK people!!)

[Digger]

Did Leb get hit with rain this morning?

[trompete]

We just got dumped on for about 20 minutes in burnsville. I'm guessing eagan got it too.

[[defective]]

I think I got in the last lap possible this morning before the latest dumping from above.

The new section looks like it'll firm up into a really nice reroute. I give it a fistfull of thumbs up. The berm is redirectionariffic. The new log stepup/climb is too easy. :D;)

Shame it's all wet now. Everyone else missed out. I am special. I am golden.

[bwsmithcom]

any updates on the trail conditions? just wondering if it's okay to ride leb after work tonight.

[bigwheel]

It poured here (about 5 miles north of Leb) around lunch time. It's going to take at least until tomorrow noon before the trail is ridable. We canceled our ride for tonight.

Sorry.

[BKocka]

laaaaaaaaaaame. I havn't ridden in (i know this is a mountain biking sin....) over 2 weeks.

[ibismojo2001]

Anybody check out there today? Seems the storms are forming east and moving east. With the wind, sun and heat, I would think that it is firming up. Post up if you know. Thx

[ApValWheels]

Just got back. I the trail seems to be drying up nicely...anything in the sun was perfectly dry....but ranges anywhere from dry to tacky to slippery in some of the shaded corners. It is probably rideable now(plenty of others were out riding), but I bailed out at the Galaxy entrance and will probably head back this evening when it will be in better shape.

[gopherhockey]

Its definitely right on the edge. If it weren't for the fact that most of the damp areas are due to poor trail drainage (areas we need to fix) I wouldn't want to bring a group out there.

However, the wind and sun was drying things up as we rode. Should be ok, but watch for slick spots and standing water in some areas, usually around a blind corner. I suggest not hammering through the trail just yet.

Tim did some dingo de-berming along the intermediate loop that we haven't had a chance to finish off yet, so it looks wider than normal and a bit torn up. Its necessary to dig it up like that to get the water to shed off the trail.

There is a big tree down on the dream trail just after the big log - we'll have to get a chainsaw out to get that one.

Lots of crap lying along the trail as well from all the wind...

[bigwheel]

I just got a call. There's a new tree down in the last hour. In the XX section, after the 3 log crossings, after the rock that you can go off of the side. Lots of branches that make it very difficult to get around.

We'll bring a handsaw tonight, and see if we can get any of it out.

[gopherhockey]

With high winds out there the trees were really moving around. Please don't get squashed when riding... (never thought I'd say that..)

Watch the low hanging tree on the climb out of the XX as well - it can sneak up on you if you are fixated on your front tire.

[gopherhockey]

It was drying up nicely last night until we got dumped on again just as we were reaching the parking lot.

Best Guess: I think by this afternoon it should be ok again. Try delay your ride as long as possible today. Noon riding is probably not a great idea.

Watch for downed trees, face slappers, and lots of debris on the trail. Hopefully I'll get out this weekend with the new MORC trail trimmer and open up the sight lines a bit.

[manual63]

Any updates on Leb? We are interested in riding it later this afternoon, but want to know if it's good to go.

[bigwheel]

I just got back. At 1:30, there were a lot of small puddles and greasy spots. Questionble condition. But with the sun and wind, the trail is drying fast, and noticably better on my second lap. It should be in good shape by 5pm.

Please be careful on the wet turns. They are slippery, so you could leave ruts and body imprints.

[gopherhockey]

It is apparent that we have some drainage and de-berming control to do out there.

However, it is also apparent that people are going back out to the trails a bit too early recently. If it rains again I'm going to ask Dakota to close it down for a while to give it a chance to completely dry out before people get back on it.

Even if we have drainage issues, they get worse as riders go through them when its too damp to ride. It just makes our job harder. I know people think we're picky about this, but you cannot believe the effort it takes to fix some of these areas. It sucks to have to spend twice the time because people couldn't stay off the trail. Even if 90% of the trail is bone dry, it still doesn't mean its ready to go.

Next time it rains, give it at least 12 hours of sun and wind if not more.

I hope to see everyone who rode before noon today out for Tuesday trailwork ;) (kidding... sorta...)

Thanks.

[mara]

Would it be best to skip riding today? While I luuuuv smashing my face into the dirt, I prefer to do it because I'm a clumsy rider, not because the trail is greasy. Riding is not fun when it comes with a side of guilt -- I'm more than happy to find alternate ways of hurting myself this evening if need be.

[gopherhockey]

Would it be best to skip riding today?

I think by Bob's report the trail should be ok by 5pm. I think any possible damage was really being done earlier in the day.

[Trevize1138]

Based on how Murphy looked I'd say Leb's ready to ride now unless it somehow got hit with a whole bunch more rain yesterday. Of course, that's certainly possible with how scattered those storms were.

[ryno lite]

I think it got hit by more rain. The radar showed a small cell last night that hit us after our ride. Just 3-4 miles to the north and it was bone dry. We got a good drenching last night and it only happened over a small area of the metro. That said, Bob and John think it will be ok at 5, it should be ok at 5.

[gopherhockey]

As a side note - we would really love for people to help us keep the face slappers and random sticks on the trail under control. For the most part we don't encourage random trailwork by just anyone, but taking a small clippers or hand saw with you on the trail as you ride is a no-brainer. Set your bike off to the side, watch for traffic, and clip away.

If everyone were to help remove just one face slapper and one stick lying on the trail during their ride I think it would save the trail crew a TON of work. It also saves our group ride from having to stop all the time to take care of them all.

MORC got some hand saws donated, perhaps we can get more. From time to time I hand them out to people at trailwork that are willing to do some trimming for us as they ride. You would be surprised what can be cleared away with a simple foldable hand saw.

Thanks in advance to anyone that helps us out in this way!

[gopherhockey]

I'm on a roll now...

In addition to my last post, we noticed that someone moved a rock in the XX just before the catwalk climb. (a big red rock that was pinning the trail in right after a rock jump) Now we have to go back out and bury it in even deeper to get people to stop doing this.

Trimming and removing of objects obviously not part of the trail = good. Mofidying or removing obstacles because you think they are dangerous or no fun = bad.

Notify the trail steward or a dirt boss if you think something is not safe and let them take care of it. (this goes for all trails)

(I hope thats not a conflicting message)

[ryno lite]

I'm on a roll now...

In addition to my last post, we noticed that someone moved a rock in the XX just before the catwalk climb. (a big red rock that was pinning the trail in right after a rock jump) Now we have to go back out and bury it in even deeper to get people to stop doing this.

Trimming and removing of objects obviously not part of the trail = good. Mofidying or removing obstacles because you think they are dangerous or no fun = bad.


Notify the trail steward or a dirt boss if you think something is not safe and let them take care of it. (this goes for all trails)

(I hope thats not a conflicting message)

I noticed that Tuesday night and forgot to tell you guys that. I think it was a lot more dangerous after they removed it than before. I have no clue why someone would want to remove that rock! It makes no sense!

[gopherhockey]

I noticed that Tuesday night and forgot to tell you guys that. I think it was a lot more dangerous after they removed it than before. I have no clue why someone would want to remove that rock! It makes no sense!

Exactly!

No doubt a non-XX capable rider rode it, hit it, got mad, moved it... felt they pulled something over on us. They don't realize those moved obstacles come back with a vengeance! ;)

[ryno lite]

Exactly!

No doubt a non-XX capable rider rode it, hit it, got mad, moved it... felt they pulled something over on us. They don't realize those moved obstacles come back with a vengeance! ;)

All I can say, is that if I can ride it, anyone can ride it, and I was able to ride that no problem. They have no excuse!:)

[gopherhockey]

Today's fixes:

- Tree that had fallen down over the XX exit has been removed.
- Tree that fell over the trail just after the monster log pile has been removed.
- Tree that fell along side the Joey trail just before the one log drop has been cut and moved aside. (eye pokers and branches moved)
- Old obstacle (log, some roots and rocks) just prior to the previously mentioned tree has been cleared. Potential for a small jump to be placed there in its place.
- A few random drainage issues fixed.
- Some weed trimming on the Joey trail.

[timmy]

John, could we get some new logs put in between the two rock gardens after the teeter? I really love those logs!!

[Ish]

John, could we get some new logs put in between the two rock gardens after the teeter? I really love those logs!!


paging soupboy to the courtesy phone!

[soupboy]

Apparently "timmy" is into fisting and farm-based sodomy. If that's your flavor, have a lick.

paging soupboy to the courtesy phone!

[gopherhockey]

Apparently "timmy" is into fisting and farm-based sodomy.

It took you this long to figure that out? ;)

Leb was in great shape Sunday... get out and ride.

[SpecializedMTB]

Trail was great on sunday, the new part of the trail after the log climb was a little loose and rough but that does not matter, its not like this is road biking.

[gopherhockey]

Tonight we added one more log toward the top of the log ladder. There are now 7. Not sure we have room to fit many more in that area, maybe one at the bottom....

There is now a small drop toward the end of the new trail where it meets the old trail. Stay right to keep doing the XC thing, veer left to do a 2.5' or so drop. Be aware that you cannot do this drop if you are flying down the trail at top speed or you might find yourself off the trail... the hard line is the B line and you do need to veer back to the right after you do the drop.

Unfortunately not all obscatles can be placed with a perfectly straight exit... remember, there are no straight lines out on the trails and sometimes you need to check your speed or you'll overshoot, as I'm sure many are aware of other obstacles that are similar out there.

We're not all completely happy with how it is and may modify it later but will see how the shared line works for now.

PLEASE don't ride new features at top speed or beyond your limits... check them out, view the lines... don't just roll it either or you will likely OTB.

Other trail pinning and trimming was done. Changed "rest area" to "scenic overlook" on the sign near where we'll eventually have a picnic table set up... fixed the line up to that area and removed tire pokers. (feel free to use that spot to gather up your group rides!)

Leb appears to be getting quite dry now... enjoy the trail and the new section.

[mb598]

looking forward to seeing the new stuff tomorrow I get my bike back

[trompete]

6/13 - It's dry. Watch out for face slappers in the X section

[hi4alex]

I was out there the other day and it is a great ride - dry and fast - The new section with bucks berm is awesome!!!!!

watch out for the uphill log hops


You better be out there soon

[gopherhockey]

.20" of rain since midnight. Maybe give the trail the morning to dry out. It was pretty dry before the rain, so this afternoon should be good.

Looks like a break from the heat coming for next week...

[gopherhockey]

Trail was nice and tacky today. Some wet spots where we don't have good drainage but overall good conditions.

[gopherhockey]

The Trail Fairy might be out doing some trimming on the trail today... so please ride as if you might suddenly run upon a person wearing orange that won't be able to hear you coming.

I'll put out yellow caution signs prior to where I'll be trimming if i do go out there today... most likely it will be on the XX loop, which is getting nasty.

[gopherhockey]

Sunday's Trail Fairy Report:

1. some trimming in the xx loop
2. some de-berming low spots
3. filled in some dirt after the "nasty" log pile in the xx where water always sat.
4. there is a rock jump/ride area in the xx that had a red rock on the left side that had been moved by someone. This rogue person rolled out the rock but left a big hole there that became even more dangerous than the rock itself. Even as I got to that area a rider was picking himself up after an OTB because he had jumped right into that hole. I re-positioned the red rock, but left it a bit further to the left. I then packed in some dirt in the landing area and also re-positioned a pinning rock about 8' down the trail. This should allow riders to jump this rock as long as they stay to the right and are not widening the trail. (the pinner rocks should resolve that) The obstacle will ride differently now, so approach with caution (as always). This is yet another example of why people should not be taking it upon themselves to modify the trail... I could see that many had fallen in that area because someone though they knew what they were doing.
5. did some scouting for possible new routes

There have been some questions on how rough the new trail section is in the XX. This is typical of brand new trail.. things should smooth out after we get more riders and some rain. We will go back and fix any areas that hold water etc. in a few weeks.

Trail was drying up quickly.

[CookieMonster]

Has there been much rain in Eagan today? I'd like to ride Leb if possible.

[trompete]

We got a half-hour of downpour between 11 and 11:30.

[gopherhockey]

Looks to have been pretty spotty in the metro area. I show .01 in Rosemount just SE of leb... but where I work in Eagan it poured to the point where I wouldn't suggest riding.

If a person REALLY has to ride, be ready to cancel it a few feet into the trail. This is stating the obvious, I know... but when rain is hit or miss its best to either cancel the ride, verify conditions, or be ready to find an alternate (like old Chicago???)

[CookieMonster]

:cryin: I wanna ride....but pizza mmm.

[gopherhockey]

:cryin: I wanna ride....but pizza mmm.

Old Chicago has food? ;)

[bigwheel]

I was at Leb until 10:45am today. No rain at the time. But the about a half-hour later, it rained for about 20 minutes.

So, We are going to have our group ride at Murphy tonight, so that we can rut up someone else's trail and let them get stuck with the de-berming work. :crazy:

Okay, just kidding. We are going to look carefully at the conditions at Murphy, and only ride if the trail is dry enough. I think that Leb will also be ridable tonight.

[bovaddict]

im gonna be out tomorrow weather permitting.. wont bring the bike to work but i get off at 130.. get in a few laps before trailwork or something.. again weather permitting

[n8marx]

Rode Leb this morning with a friend. Was on the trail by 5:20am. The entire trail rode great and was in fantastic condition. There are a couple of turns where you're blinded by the early morning sunrise to the point where you nearly go off trail but I'd guess that's a problem few will encounter. Kudos to the trail builders. I've been riding Leb 3 to 4 times a year for the past 15 years or so. It just keeps getting better. Now that I live close by I plan to increase my frequency.

[charliebrown]

I rode the Int and X trail last night (Tuesday), and the trail was in excellent condition. It was fast (at least for me it was) :) and dry. Thanks to all who keep Lebanon in excellent condition.

I was wondering has there ever been any thought to somehow making it possible to loop the X and ride it again without riding all of the way out and coming back in? I know that if you take the XX loop you can loop, but my skills aren't quite there yet for the XX loop, and I really love riding the X loop... Sorry I used loop so many times.

eric

[gopherhockey]

I was wondering has there ever been any thought to somehow making it possible to loop the X and ride it again without riding all of the way out and coming back in?

We have explored it. Currently if a person rides the entire X its not possible, but there could be a small out and around built. It is a shame that the last half of the X gets less use, its one of the better parts of the entire trail system. We'd have to really improve our signs before doign something like this... for a small 80 acres and usually only 2 options, people really seem to get lost back there.

I think we're still looking for JJ.... JJ, you there? ;)

[charliebrown]

I agree the last portion of the X loop is awesome... Would be cool to have something to go back and ride at least some of the X loop again...

[trompete]

We have explored it. Currently if a person rides the entire X its not possible, but there could be a small out and around built.


Oh man this would be cool.

[bigwheel]

I agree the last portion of the X loop is awesome... Would be cool to have something to go back and ride at least some of the X loop again...

Folks, I don't want to be the spoil sport, but the chances of an X loop back anywhere in the near future are pretty slim. We only have limited remaining space to work with, and we have several higher-priority projects brewing. Whatever we do, it also has to be negotiated and approved by Dakota county. Even if the X loopback is feasible (which I doubt) it could take a long time before we start flagging new trail.

Eric, I predict that after another 5 or 6 rides, you'll be taking the XX section, and soon will be able to clean all but a couple obstacles. Once you are able to make it through the X section (bypassing Ted Man's curve) without putting a foot down, you should check out the XX. But be prepared to walk your bike over the obstacles until you have had a chance to look at them. IMO, Ted Man's curve is the most difficult obstacle in all of Leb. Even if you are taking the ride-around, you might be able to ride most of the XX without problems. There are ride-arounds for many of the XX obstacles.

[charliebrown]

Well that is good to know, about the XX loop, I always stop right at the entrance and kind of look in there. I guess I figure that if I can't make it over that first log pile that I don't belong in there... I don't have any trouble with any of the obstacles in the X loop except for the rock garden, I always get screwed up in there and I have walked my bike through the Ted Mans Curve area and look at it is disbelief that people can actually get threw there, it sure is a cool obstacle. I will have to keep practicing and give the XX it a try someday...

[setzep]

Anyone know if it rained there today? I'd like to get a ride in but rather not if it's wet.

[gopherhockey]

It was too wet to ride last night. We ended up shortening our group ride because of the conditions. (probably should not have ridden at all) I'm guessing it will be fine today though.

[Pandl]

Really? It has been sprinking in Cottage Grove all morning.

[gopherhockey]

Really? It has been sprinking in Cottage Grove all morning.

I didn't notice that it was raining anywhere. Looks like .05" in Eagan... can anyone verify that?

Any amount of rain would mean bad conditions today at Leb.

[Ubergiant]

one tenth of an inch 1 mile south of Leb...not a whole lot really

[ryno lite]

There wasn't a whole lot yesterday and the conditions were bad!

[trompete]

6/22, 11:30 AM
Tacky with a couple puddles in braking bumps and low spots on Dream II.

[trompete]

6/22, 2 PM
It just poured in Burnsville. If it hit leb (5 miles east), there's no way it's safe to ride.

[gopherhockey]

Raining at Leb currently. .10" and counting. Please give it a day.

[Pandl]

DANG! so much for riding somewhere new on my day off.

[Pandl]

Any one been there yet today? Or have an idea if it is ridable yet?

Thanks.

[Hathor]

I think it is probably okay. I went for a hike out there this morning and checked out the the bike trail where it crossed. I am sure there are a few puddles here and there, but overall, it seems to be fine. There are already about 40 bikers out there.

[Pandl]

I was out there about noon. Trail seemed good. I think there were about 3 little puddles. Lots of riders, lot almost full. First time out there for me in years. Great ride! Got a flat at the very end, just coming back to the parking lot. First flat in years.

[trompete]

6/26
Trail was dry at 11:30 AM today. It's now pouring in Burnsville. Unless it rains all night, I bet it can soak it up before noon tomorrow.

[ryno lite]

Any rain at Leb this afternoon? Had a little in St. Paul at work today and was wondering if Leb was ready to go for a ride tonight.

[tedsti]

Bone dry concrete at leb, none of the rain hit there.

[viv]

Did 3 laps on the Unit 29er last night...Wahoo dry and fast..Love the new log ladder stair thing much better than the old one. Wish the tabletop had a bigger lip...Cheers to the trail people..nicely done!

[gopherhockey]

Trail Fairy was out and trimmed up the beginner loop as well as the last part of the Dream trail.

Everything looks really dry. Powder dry... needs rain.

[trompete]

Trail Fairy was out and trimmed up the beginner loop as well as the last part of the Dream trail.

Everything looks really dry. Powder dry... needs rain.

Thank you for trimming.

Should we just expect the trail to absorb tonight and tomorrow's rain, if it even comes?

[gopherhockey]

Just got back from seeing the gnome out to the trail (photos soon) and it started to rain. About .20" at Leb and it looks like more on the way.

I'd cancel today's ride... all that powder back there is probably mud by now, but the trail itself is like cement so it won't take long to dry out.

Lets hope we get more rain though!

[gopherhockey]

.90" of much needed rain (and counting) for today... I'd cancel plans for the morning of the 4th at Leb.

[gopherhockey]

Leb is in great shape this afternoon. Tacky...

[gopherhockey]

Small shower running through the area right now. Probably won't do much to the trail other than wet it down a bit more.. maybe not so fun to ride on it this evening. (hope nobody got caught out there)

[jeffgude]

Raining like crazy here in north Burnsville right now.

[ninjanick]

Got cought in it on the intermediate out. Everyone else on the trail was bailing as well. Seamed like a decent amount of rain. Wow, the trail really does shed water, it was kind of cool to see how it drains.

[trompete]

7/5, 11:30 AM
Tacky in most spots with slicks in dream II and the expert.

[RRWilso]

i was out today... i cannot stress enough how important it is for EVERYBODY to ride right through the middle of the puddles that form on the trail. for the most part the trail was nice, but in the x&xx there were some small puddles. i saw many fresh tracks from people riding around the puddles... this makes the trail wider, the low spot bigger, and results in bigger puddles next time it rains.

trail was a blast today! get out and ride!
btw i kicked tedman's curves' A** today!!

[Drew K.]

Anybody notice the tree down in the xx loop? was nice this morning, a few little puddles

[gopherhockey]

Anybody notice the tree down in the xx loop? was nice this morning, a few little puddles

I heard about it. If someone can describe it again I'll try get it (tomorrow maybe). I assume its near what we call the ugly log pile (the one thats all crooked before you make a right turn and head toward the catwalk climb)

[timmy]

I heard about it. If someone can describe it again I'll try get it (tomorrow maybe). I assume its near what we call the ugly log pile (the one thats all crooked before you make a right turn and head toward the catwalk climb)

It is right in front of the pile and when you make the right there is another tree down, but it is high and hanging over the trail. The hanging tree looks like it wouldn't take much for it to fall and block the trail or land on top of someone.

[Ish]

I assume its near what we call the ugly log pile (the one thats all crooked before you make a right turn and head toward the catwalk climb)

Exactly. The branches can probably be cut and nocked down with a hand saw, but it might take a chainsaw to get it cut off the trail. Also, a ride around is already starting to form.

[dave t]

It is right in front of the pile and when you make the right there is another tree down, but it is high and hanging over the trail. The hanging tree looks like it wouldn't take much for it to fall and block the trail or land on top of someone.

Isn't this part of the other one? If so, clearing one might bring down the other.

I'm heading out of town or I would help. Sorry.

[gopherhockey]

The tree that was down in the XX is gone. I also removed the one that was leaning over the lower section just around the corner.

Took down the low hanger in the first part of the Dream trail, and also trimmed out the lowest part of the low-hanging tree on the mid-point of the Dream as well. (the one that has been getting lower and lower) Looks a lot different without that one there, its been kind of a signature of the trail... <sigh>

Trail is drying up and has sandy spots (fines) on low areas that are not de-bermed properly... watch those, they are slippery.

Oh, and please don't tug on the Gnome just to prove to yourself that its attached to the tree :p Saw about 3 people pull on it to see if it really was attached. DUH....

[Ish]

Oh, and please don't tug on the Gnome just to prove to yourself that its attached to the tree :p Saw about 3 people pull on it to see if it really was attached. DUH....

I did, however rub his tummy. He seemed to like that :)

Thanks John for clearing the trees!!!!!

[nigel]

Ride today at 6pm? Anyone see what the weather is like right now? Should I saty or should I go? Looks grim up here in Vadnais Heights :(


Bah, darn rain! it's pouring here so yeah I guess I'll hit the trainer up :(

[gopherhockey]

I did, however rub his tummy. He seemed to like that


Yup, rubbin just about anything will make the Gnome happy and is always allowed.


Nice storm down here.. almost 1" already and more coming. Whew, we needed this rain! Looks like just about everyone in the metro is getting a good dumping.

Yesterday it was still like 95 degrees at 6pm. Today its 67.... much better. ;)

[gopherhockey]

word from out on the trail is that its pretty wet at 11:15am... better give it some more time.

[bikeoutback]

Trail gonna be dry by tonight (7pm) or should I just try Salem instead today?

[gopherhockey]

Trail gonna be dry by tonight (7pm) or should I just try Salem instead today?

I'd think it would be ok tonight.

[destrago]

Sandy.

Somewhere between very dry and Sahara

Especially the Dream errr... Nightmare trail.

There are literally dunes on that in places. Ride carefully!

-Tony

[smklugherz]

I rode this weekend, and I agree, it was like riding on sand. I was slipping all over the place.

We got rain in St. Paul last night, did Leb get anything that will tame that dust bowl?

[bovaddict]

huge wasp nest on the blue ride home right after the first section on the roller coaster :) ya it was to the right and active and was probably 9+ inchs tall? but ya.. should get rid of it

[gopherhockey]

huge wasp nest on the blue ride home right after the first section on the roller coaster :) ya it was to the right and active and was probably 9+ inchs tall? but ya.. should get rid of it

Hmmm.. not sure what section you are talking about. The intermediate section coming out to the parking lot? Where is it in comparison to the monster log pile or the last bridge before you exit the intermediate and meet up with the beginner loop?

How in the heck do we fix that thing... maybe someone else will volunteer to do it ;)

[bigwheel]

How in the heck do we fix that thing... maybe someone else will volunteer to do it ;)

Two techniques, neither of which are well-suited for trail maintenance.

Technique 1: Use a shop vac. (the best method) Requires the electric company to first run power near the nest.

Technique 2 (the most fun) Two people. Person 1 cuts the branch holding the nest then runs. Person 2 tosses a can of gasoline on the nest. Then both come back to enjoy the spectacle when we toss a match on it.

However, I think what we're going to need to do is:
1: Wait for a cool evening, possibly come in with lights. The bees will be hovering in the nest, and not in attack mode
2: Clip the branch holding the nest, and hit it with some nasty bug spray.
3: move/bury the remaining part of the nest.

The key is to do it on a cool evening, and wear appropriate clothing.

[destrago]

How in the heck do we fix that thing... maybe someone else will volunteer to do it ;)

I volunteer to be at least 8 miles away when this is happening. Getting my face swollen shut during trail work once was plenty for me, thanks!.

-Tony

[Hammerhead]

I'll volunteer to be dumb! If someone can help me find it, I'll get rid of it this evening. Anyone up for being the guide?

Mark

[CookieMonster]

How close to the trail is this thing? I don't want to get stung out riding and have to go to the hospital.

[trompete]

7/18, 11:30 AM

Dry with no bees in sight

[bovaddict]

no.. when you come to the section when you want to do the expert or go to the parking lot following the remainder of the blue.. the next signage after that it is right after to the right only about lets say 5 or so feet if that from the trail... if you want i can show you.. if you look youll see it guaranteed its hard to miss.. my roomate was with me and we stared at it for about a minute before deciding.. f it well just post and let someone else deal with it cause aparently hes allergic or some excuse ;) anyway gl guys!

[Hammerhead]

Thanks Alex. I'm heading over there in about 5 minutes. I'll see if I can't suppress the bee nation.:jumpy:

Mark

[gopherhockey]

Rain just starting up at Leb. Going to cancel tonights ride plans there I think by the looks of things.

[Hammerhead]

Found it, stuck the nozzle of the waspkiller inside the entrance hole of the nest, sprayed lots. And lots. And lots more. I don't think they liked it. Either that or they just all wanted to come out together and introduce themselves. I may have been a rude guest, but I didn't stick around. What can I say, the torrential downpour started right before that and I didn't want to drown. The ride back would have been easier if I had a floatation device, I think. Anyway, it's a big nest. I'll go there tomorrow evening and take it down.

Mark

[bigwheel]

Thanks, Mark!

[mb598]

youre welcome for pointing it out ;)

anyway thans for taking care of it.. you dont want anything to happen to someone un aware taking a piss break or water break etc..

[gopherhockey]

Found it, stuck the nozzle of the waspkiller inside the entrance hole of the nest, sprayed lots. And lots. And lots more. I don't think they liked it. Either that or they just all wanted to come out together and introduce themselves. I may have been a rude guest, but I didn't stick around. What can I say, the torrential downpour started right before that and I didn't want to drown. The ride back would have been easier if I had a floatation device, I think. Anyway, it's a big nest. I'll go there tomorrow evening and take it down.

Mark

You rock!!!! Thanks!

[ryno lite]

How much rain fell out at Leb? Will it be tacky and fast tonight?

[Hammerhead]

Quite a bit. It should be perfect today. There was a lot of runoff in the parking lot when I got back to it.

Mark

[Pandl]

The parking lot has a huge rut in it. Careful driving over it, you could get stuck. Obviously MORC didn't build the parking lot!

[ryno lite]

Sounds like a lot of rain fell out there. Anyone really know if it's ready to ride or are we just guessing? I'd rather go to Murphy if Leb is slick. I know Murphy is a desert right now. Just wondering where I should ride tonight.

[CookieMonster]

Mark thanks for taking care of the wasp nest!! I feel better knowing I won't have to use my epipen anytime soon :)

[ryno lite]

Thanks Mark! Thanks for taking on one of the worst trail maintenance projects out there! We really appreciate it!

[dave t]

How did the powder we filled the braking bumps with hold up in the rain?

I wanted to catch at least a lap with the group thursday but ended up riding the street with my daughter instead.

[bigwheel]

How did the powder we filled the braking bumps with hold up in the rain?.

A lot of it washed down the trail, but it is still holding up fairly well.

Obviously, we got too much rain in too short of a time for the dirt to settle/pack in properly.

So, be careful on the fast downhills. There is some soft sand in some of the corners now.

[gopherhockey]

Dusty dusty dusty and dry out there. Its actually taking its toll on the trail. Lots of rocks coming loose in some of the rock garden areas. Tedman's Curve lost a few rocks and is turning to sand.

We need rain. Bad. Not much we can do to fix things until it does - doing trailwork in this dust isn't a good idea as it does more damage than good.

BMC is out there today doing their demo - looks like lots of riders testing them out. No Superstroke or Woman's bikes tho.

[trompete]

7/30 - Sandy. Watch the corners in the X-out and reworked dream downhill.

[gopherhockey]

Almost forgot.. during our Thursday group ride we discovered some (picture a person holding a big letter L over their forehead) had started a ride-around on the first rung of the XX log ladder. (as well as two more on up the ladder) :hammer:

Not on our watch cheaters... :nono: We fixed it right up to hopefully thwart them so they can move on to become big and strong obstacle riders one day.

There are some logs out there getting pretty torn up... will replace sometime this fall before night riding starts up.

Watch the dust out there - especially in corners.

Loose rocks in Tedman's curve as well...

[dave t]

There are some logs out there getting pretty torn up... will replace sometime this fall before night riding starts up.
.

I am sooo looking forward to hitting those babies on the night ride clean-up lap!:crazybanana:

[waitabit]

Think the rain will affect the trail?I dont know how much it rained last night.

[gopherhockey]

Think the rain will affect the trail?I dont know how much it rained last night.

Not a lot of rain, but it was slow coming down. I think the dust will soak it up pretty quickly, but the trail could become a bit slippery. It should be ok this afternoon barring more rain...

I wouldn't let this affect the Theo ride decision though... if there was a big ride planned at Leb today I'd probably be calling it off. I think we got more rain than Theo tho so lets wait and see.

[gopherhockey]

The sun really hasn't come out like I thought and its still raining on and off around Leb with what looks like more on the way. Its a tough call but I'd probably avoid Leb for a while longer today.

[b_rogo]

definitely too wet to ride now.

[ibismojo2001]

Anybody know how wet it is out there this morning and whether ridable by noon today? Thanks

[Ubergiant]

How about now?
Too Wet to ride?

[gopherhockey]

How about now?
Too Wet to ride?

Hard to say. About .70" or more fell slowly yesterday.

My guess it soaked in pretty fast and things will be ok... just watch for the dusty areas that might have left a slick covering on the trail. (might make for some scary cornering)

Definitely should be ok by noon. Post up if you find otherwise...

[ibismojo2001]

It was in great shape at about 2 pm.

[charliebrown]

Just got home and I agree it was in great shape...

[V2Neal]

Was out this morning. Trail in good shape, and the rain really helped. BUT .. she needs some TLC. I noticed the armoring is comming loose as one of the stones had been displaced.

[gopherhockey]

Was out this morning. Trail in good shape, and the rain really helped. BUT .. she needs some TLC. I noticed the armoring is comming loose as one of the stones had been displaced.

what section of armoring - the dream trail?

We're currently not doing any trailwork at Leb. Its been too dusty, and we typically also take August off (too hot). We'll be back in there in Sept. to fix up a lot of the damage that the dry weather has been creating - rocks coming loose is always the biggest task.

[dave t]

If he's thinking of the same thing I saw, it is the Eagle scout section. There is a stone rolled up toward the end of the strip. It was out of my line but not one of the outside ones, maybe one row in.

[V2Neal]

Yep, right where Dave said. the amount of trash on the trail is irritating me too. Time to take a walk with bag in hand. :cool:

[gopherhockey]

Yep, right where Dave said. the amount of trash on the trail is irritating me too. Time to take a walk with bag in hand. :cool:

Actually this is a good point - it doesn't take a trailwork crew to clean up the trash... if all riders seeing crap would just stop and pick up a bit of it, throw it in your jersey pocket/camelback or whatever we could all help keep the trail clean. MORC is now the official "adopter" of our little area of Lebanon Hills and so its our responsibility to also keep the trash picked up.

Please please please.. if you see it, pick it up.. .don't let it become an annoyance or wait for someone else to handle it. Its not something a trail crew should be focusing their efforts on in light of all the other priorities.

I believe the Gnome blesses riders who help take trash out of his home....


Thanks!!!!

[gopherhockey]

Word is a tree fell onto the monster log pile.... but its only partially blocking it. We'll take a look at it tomorrow during the group ride to see if we need to remove it and how we'll go about it. Be careful for now as I think its half way onto the obstacle.

[ryno lite]

Word is a tree fell onto the monster log pile.... but its only partially blocking it. We'll take a look at it tomorrow during the group ride to see if we need to remove it and how we'll go about it. Be careful for now as I think its half way onto the obstacle.

John, that was probably the Gnome telling you to make the log pile obstacle larger. You better listen to him or bad things may happen.

[gopherhockey]

John, that was probably the Gnome telling you to make the log pile obstacle larger. You better listen to him or bad things may happen.

Oooh, good point!!

[Ish]

John, that was probably the Gnome telling you to make the log pile obstacle larger. You better listen to him or bad things may happen.

I think he was saying to make the drop before the pile bigger :D

[gopherhockey]

1.5 - 2.5" fell in the area... probably best to give it until this afternoon to let the trail digest its much needed overnight drink.

As always, please don't ride wet trails...

[tedsti]

Also be on the lookout for downed trees and branches. We had some pretty strong winds in the area last night.

[Ish]

I live 3-4 miles north of Leb and there are trees down everywhere in the neighborhood. Hopefully only a few fell on the trail in the park. Sounds like round 2 is on its way this afternoon.

[gopherhockey]

Saw lots of bikes going to and from Leb this afternoon... someone has to have a report. (more specifically, are there any nasty trees down?)

[Disaster on Wheels]

There are five trees down on the trail and some debris but other than that it was good for riding. It dried out pretty quick. Lets see what this storm does to it!

[gopherhockey]

There are five trees down on the trail and some debris but other than that it was good for riding. It dried out pretty quick. Lets see what this storm does to it!

Can anyone identify where they are? If so I can try get out and remove them. I know of the one over the bridge on the beginner loop, but nothing about the other 4. Thx!

[Disaster on Wheels]

Can anyone identify where they are? If so I can try get out and remove them. I know of the one over the bridge on the beginner loop, but nothing about the other 4. Thx!


There is one almost immediatly in the intermediate loop where you bypass the big rock. Then there is one in the intermediate after those two downhill log drops- it is after you start going uphill again (before the qualifier to expert loop). I think there were 2 in the double X (I can't remember exactly where- but Katy or Baltimore Josh might remember). The last one is right at the steepest part of the last climb. we looked at it when we did trail work and figured it would fall in the next storm.

Hope that helps- If I don't make sense it is because I fell hard today and rattled my brains around a bit!

[gopherhockey]

There is one almost immediatly in the intermediate loop where you bypass the big rock. Then there is one in the intermediate after those two downhill log drops- it is after you start going uphill again (before the qualifier to expert loop). I think there were 2 in the double X (I can't remember exactly where- but Katy or Baltimore Josh might remember). The last one is right at the steepest part of the last climb. we looked at it when we did trail work and figured it would fall in the next storm.

Hope that helps- If I don't make sense it is because I fell hard today and rattled my brains around a bit!

Thanks! I'm going out to try get some of these and do some other misc fixes that can finally be done now that the trail is damp... if anyone is out there or going out there let me know where the XX ones are, otherwise I'll have to go back out with the saw again.

[gopherhockey]

Ok, I think we have all but one tree cleared at Leb... I got the one at the top of the Dream trail, but I think there is one more nearby that I missed. The rest I got with the chainsaw or Ted got with his handsaw.

Fixed up Tedman's curve
Fixed downhill log in X
Covered up ride-arounds forming by the big rock on Dream II
Blocked up a high line that was forming in the rock area before the old double jump on the dream trail
Other misc fixes

That was more fun than a road ride anyday....

[gopherhockey]

Be ready to change your Leb riding plans for Tuesday... big red storm about to hit.

[gopherhockey]

Lots of rain hit Leb last night... 2+ inches. Combined with past rains the trail is likely going to need a while to dry up.

[pinkshirt]

A couple of us were planning to ride Leb tonight around 6:30, will it be too wet? Has anyone been down there today?

[gopherhockey]

A couple of us were planning to ride Leb tonight around 6:30, will it be too wet? Has anyone been down there today?

It might be ok, probably slick on the corners... so if you don't rip it up give it a shot then let us know.

[Disaster on Wheels]

There were definitly some slick spots on the corners but overall, not too bad. THere is one more tree down on the intermediate trail right after the final climb- not sure if you know about that one...

[kidneyThieve]

There were definitly some slick spots on the corners but overall, not too bad. THere is one more tree down on the intermediate trail right after the final climb- not sure if you know about that one...

I rode last night @ 7 there is a tree about 5" round about 1 foot off the ground after the last big climb, You can clear this but its kinda sketchy.

I removed most of the smaller stuff off the trail in the last switch back before the little bridge at the end of the trail


-amb

[gopherhockey]

The trail was nice last night, but the recent hard rains have really caused some erosion issues. We're going to need a lot of volunteers in a week or two when trailwork starts up again for fall. SOme of our deberming efforts have turned into sharp edges on some of the turns as well.

That log is still at the top of the dream climb, but some trail fairies placed some sticks under it and made a log ride out of it... so at least it can be ridden now until we get the chainsaw up there.

[Hammerhead]

Have chainsaw, will travel.

-M

[gopherhockey]

Have chainsaw, will travel.

-M

Actually only dirt bosses are allowed to chainsaw at Leb, but thanks for the offer! MORC actually has a permit to be out in the park working and there are obvious liability issues.

[kidneyThieve]

The trail was nice last night, but the recent hard rains have really caused some erosion issues. We're going to need a lot of volunteers in a week or two when trailwork starts up again for fall. SOme of our deberming efforts have turned into sharp edges on some of the turns as well.

That log is still at the top of the dream climb, but some trail fairies placed some sticks under it and made a log ride out of it... so at least it can be ridden now until we get the chainsaw up there.


When is Trail work going to start up again?

[gopherhockey]

When is Trail work going to start up again?

I'm thinking this Tuesday or next... we'll go again for a few weeks to get the trail in shape for the fall. Hopefully we'll get the rain that is forecast this weekend and we can start digging again.

[gopherhockey]

Here comes the rain. Guess we're in for a nice slow soaking rain. Please give the trail extra time if we get the rain they are suggesting - those heavy fast storms actually dry up quicker than these slower "September-ish" types of rains that have time to soak in.

Looks like we might be able to have trailwork this Tuesday!

[V2Neal]

Looks like we might be able to have trailwork this Tuesday!

WooHoo! :banana:

[gopherhockey]

We're at 1" of slow rain and counting at Leb... please plan to stay off for most if not all of Sunday. Its going to be tough to know how quickly the trail will rebound from the slow rain, and I don't think the sun will come out much tomorrow (Sunday).

I will also be out doing random trail fairy stuff at Leb tomorrow and don't want to see muddy bikes going by... wouldn't want to have to sick the Gnome on anyone :p

If I get a good look and things are fine I'll post up from out on the trail.

[gopherhockey]

1.35" of rain Sat an Sunday mornning and more coming down now. This will start to threaten even Monday's rides. Please give all trails time to dry out and recover from these much needed rains.

Hopefully we won't need to have Dakota close the lot but we'll see how much we get this round.

[smklugherz]

I am assuming that the trails are mud today?

[charliebrown]

it is still raining down here in the Lebanon area, I understand the park service is trying to get a boat in to rescue the Gnome...

[Pandl]

How long can Gnome hold his breath? :redface2:

[krazykatie]

How long can Gnome hold his breath? :redface2:

I can give mouth to mouth if need be:p I'll rescue the Gnome!

[Pandl]

Is this the second note from you about saving Gnome. John, better keep an eye on her...

[gopherhockey]

4 days of rain, 0 hours of sunshine. You do the math.

I'm talking to Dakota County about closing the trails/parking lot to give it some time.. I have this feeling the first hint of sunshine is going to get people wondering if things are dry already.

12-24 hours of sun would be good before people get the itch.

I brought the gnome out a raincoat the other day but he refused.. said after all the dry weather it was a welcome change. Called me nasty names for even thinking he needed help. Man he can be mean sometimes. :cryin:

[dave t]

I measured 2" of rain overnight which puts the total since Friday over 5" and over 9" in the last week and a half.

[stoneage]

I brought the gnome out a raincoat the other day but he refused.. said after all the dry weather it was a welcome change. Called me nasty names for even thinking he needed help. Man he can be mean sometimes.
ahhhhhhhh.........I think it's time for an intervention.

[kidneyThieve]

Any talk of Trail work today? :crazy:

[bigwheel]

Any talk of Trail work today? :crazy:

Looking like not today. The trail is probably even to wet to walk on, plus there is a BBQ going on at Dakota County that we should make a diplomatic appearance at.

There is a possibility of Thursday trail work this week, because it will likely still be too wet to ride then. If so, John will post something.

Official tuesday trail work resumes next week, though.

[gopherhockey]

Verification from Dakota County Parks Supervisor:

The mountain bike trails in Lebanon Hills Regional Park are now closed due to the rain. I will notify everyone when the trails are dry enough to re-open. - Parks Supervisor


Just so everyone knows, this also means the parking lot is now locked closed. The trails won't have orange fences on them, but they are still CLOSED.

[THUMP!]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22692

Also, there is a tree across one of the trails but of course I can't remember where. Too big to ride over but should be okay to clear with just hand saws.

[rihaha]

The tree was down in the XX part before the teeter todder.

[gopherhockey]

Trail is now open for riding. We apologize that the trail had to be closed for a while during the past rains and appreciate those who fought the urge to stay off.

I hear there are slick spots on the trail and probably some trees/branches down so please be careful when riding.

[tedsti]

All the trees are cleared except for the old one after the last climb on Dream. X loop was still a little soft for high speed turns. Should be solid on Monday.

[gopherhockey]

.60" or more at Leb last night... on top of the past moisture its not looking like a ride on Monday is going to be a good idea.

A reminder:

If the fence is up on the parking lot entrance, all trails are closed.
If the lot fence is open but the orange fence is up on the mtb trails, only the hiking trails are open.
If it has rained and the trails are wet, the trails are closed regardless of fence status. Just because there are no fences does not mean its ok to ride. (Fences are only used in extreme cases)

[James]

I just rode over to Leb and checked it out, turned around and came home :hit:

I only checked up to the first walking trail intersection, but there were several very soupy spots that were of course full of fresh ruts.

12 cars in the parking lot :banghead:

I would guess that even early tomorrow would be questionable...and looks like rain possible tonight as well :incazzato:

[bigwheel]

Thanks, James. It would nice if the others were that considerate.

If it makes you feel better, none of the dirt bosses are riding while it is this wet.

[gopherhockey]

Leb got even more rain last night... please stay off the trail until at least this evening if not all day.

Rule of thumb - if we're all woken up in the middle of the night by severe thunderstorms its a good chance the ol' brain should be saying "gee, I won't be riding tomorrow..." ;)

[V2Neal]

Why doesn't the county put a sign up that indicates that if the gate is closed the trails are closed?
Ruts drive me nuts after they harden. :banghead:

[gopherhockey]

Its raining once again at Leb. Please cancel your evening ride plans.

There will be people working on the trail tonight as well, so it won't be a good time to be out there getting caught.

We will figure out what kind of shape the trail is in and post up after tonight's trailwork.

[gopherhockey]

Quick Status: Closed.. estimate opening late Thursday at best.

Details: We were out and walked the entire trial last night and had a real good look at the conditions. It resembled springtime conditions in many ways - the top layer of the trail is very wet and ruts are forming in more places than the usual low spots. There are areas that are standing water or mudd that will need a good 24-48 hours of sun and wind to try.

THE ORANGE FENCES ARE UP which means the mtb trails are closed. I am contacting dakota about closing the parking lot, but either way the mtb trails are closed until further notice.

I will be doing a little monitoring of the trails tonight.... its so wet that we're going to see damage if we let the poachers in. I'm also going to ask if the parks patrol can do some ticketing here as well as the poaching is getting out of hand.

[Pandl]

Sounds like a great plan. Good luck stopping the poachers! Hope it dries for Thursday's ride, otherwise I will have to walk the streets with my new light.

[gopherhockey]

Added note: the gate to the lot is also closed as per an email I got from Dakota County. They are also going to meet with us to try help get a better system for closing the trails.

Again, its basically:

- Lot locked, entire park is closed.
- Lot open but orange fences up, mtb trails are closed.
- Lot open, no orange fences, but trail is wet - trail should not be ridden.

If the lot is closed or the orange fence is up, its NOT up to the individual biker to hike in and determine if the trail looks dry enough. The trail could appear bone dry just on the other side of the fence and be wet in other spots. Even if the entire trail is bone dry, Dakota has the right to keep it closed and riders can (and hopefully will) be ticketed for entering.

The orange fence is not just a MORC thing that can be ignored. Parks county staff put up and take down the fence. (sometimes we help, but never without their permission)

[eagle63]

John, do you know if the county does (or has plans to) put up a fence or other signage on the Galaxie entrance when the trails are closed? I typically enter the trails on that side although I'm not sure if I've ever seen a fence there indicating that it's closed. (except in the early spring)

This isn't a big deal for me as I generally check this website if I have any suspicion that the trails might be closed, but I know there's others who enter the trail on that side too and may be unaware that the trails are closed.

[gopherhockey]

John, do you know if the county does (or has plans to) put up a fence or other signage on the Galaxie entrance when the trails are closed? I typically enter the trails on that side although I'm not sure if I've ever seen a fence there indicating that it's closed. (except in the early spring)

This isn't a big deal for me as I generally check this website if I have any suspicion that the trails might be closed, but I know there's others who enter the trail on that side too and may be unaware that the trails are closed.

Its a good question, we often forget about that side... then people don't know until they reach the parking lot area. We'll have to get better at that.

I'll be heading over today to check out the trail for a hopeful opening this afternoon.

[iceskier]

What time do you think you will be heading over there? Hoping for a ride sometime today. :crazy2: Thanks.

[gopherhockey]

What time do you think you will be heading over there? Hoping for a ride sometime today. :crazy2: Thanks.

I would guess noonish to early afternoon. I'll report back as soon as I know - I'll need to contact Dakota County so we can both agree to open or keep closed.

[gopherhockey]

trail still closed until late afternoon at earliest.

[Lezgo Cycling]

going to be cutting it close ....are we riding then tonight or just going to OC ...ill check other thread

[gopherhockey]

As of 4pm the parking lot gate was still closed. No word from Dakota yet.

The trail will be opened by 5pm either way, but the lot may still be closed.

[Lezgo Cycling]

So then is everyone so supposed to park at the tennis courts ? if closed...I have not ahd to aprk there. isnt it across the street

[gopherhockey]

So then is everyone so supposed to park at the tennis courts ? if closed...I have not ahd to aprk there. isnt it across the street

Its north of the lot. It will only fit about 6 cars is the problem.. assuming nobody is playing tennis.

[Lezgo Cycling]

maybe we meet at the jenson lot and ride over

http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LeisureRecreation/Parks/LebanonHills/JensenShelter.htm

[Ish]

Its north of the lot. It will only fit about 6 cars is the problem.. assuming nobody is playing tennis.

You can park along the street by the courts no problem. Post ride consumption on the other hand....

[bigwheel]

Thursday night. Trail reopened around 5 or 6pm.

Conditions are tacky, but drying fast. Be careful on the downhills. There are huge ruts from all the rain we've been having.

[gopherhockey]

Even though we re-opened the trails I did get final notice and agreement from Dakota County. The lot is open as are the trails. Read Bob's warning about all the debris on the trail.

We still have lots of repair work to do. I hope people will come volunteer during Tuesday night trailwork to help get things back in shape. If last weeks turnout is any indication I think we'll have things back in order in no time!

I will likely be out this weekend doing some weed trimming as things really grew in the last few weeks... please watch for caution signs and realize I won't be able to hear you.

[MikeyB]

Trail was great this morning. Dry and fast.

[THUMP!]

Thursday night. Trail reopened around 5 or 6pm.

Conditions are tacky, but drying fast. Be careful on the downhills. There are huge ruts from all the rain we've been having.

Bob was right about the ruts...
On the up side I rode the X and XX for the first time, it was fun eccept the camelback which I couldn't manage. I love the log steps built into the hill, those rocked.
On the down side I slid into a rut on a downhill and smashed my head and ribs pretty good so I think a couple of days off are in order.

[dopey048]

The trail is very good. Finally got out and did 3 laps this morning. I have to give the props to the trail crew for making it nice.

[bovaddict]

last week we didnt go we ended up going to murphy..(a lot different and not as fun as leb but a technical fun ride non the less)

so were off to leb this morning! maybe be there around 11? anyway a max of 6 hours of sleep and a nice session of mountain biking never hurt anyone? see you all there! hopefully my buddy enjoys leb as much as i do!

[gopherhockey]

Trail Fairy was out today doing some fixing on the Joey Trail, Stooges, Bypass and Upper Bypass. Lots of corners were rutted up and full of sand, and the small downhill before the upper bypass was totally overgrown.

Boy do I love when its 85+ degrees and buggy in September :eyeroll: We need a hard frost.

[charliebrown]

Thanks trail fairy, the trail fairy did a great job...

[aliensporebomb]

Some interesting stuff. I work about 3 city blocks away from Lebanon
on Tuesdays so I walk the hiking trails over my lunch hour to get away
from the work grind...

I see evidence that bikes have been riding the hiking trail (no real
surprise) but I thought for sure they were using it as a shortcut to
get to the MTB trail about halfway up the first climb but no, the
tire tracks kept going quite a ways in.

What I was more bothered by was signs that someone took an ATV
in there, not sure if it was park service or joyriders or whatever but
there's deep tire ruts in mud at one point that almost looks like car
tire tracks. Freakish. Anyone see anything unusual driving around
in there recently?

I haven't been on the bike trails at Leb in a couple of weeks (was
at Murphy Hanrahan on Sunday) but there are lots of trees down
on the hiking trails - some of them look like they've been moved to
the sides but I'm guessing the bike trails get more maintenance or
at least more reportage of unusual things.

[gopherhockey]

What I was more bothered by was signs that someone took an ATV
in there, not sure if it was park service or joyriders or whatever but
there's deep tire ruts in mud at one point that almost looks like car
tire tracks. Freakish. Anyone see anything unusual driving around
in there recently?

I haven't been on the bike trails at Leb in a couple of weeks (was
at Murphy Hanrahan on Sunday) but there are lots of trees down
on the hiking trails - some of them look like they've been moved to
the sides but I'm guessing the bike trails get more maintenance or
at least more reportage of unusual things.

Parks staff take ATVs in once in a while. There is still some evidence of the ATV they had back in for national trails day.

We hiked the entire bike trail system last Tuesday and removed well over 60 trees and thousands of small branches etc. It took a very large crew and lots of people to finish. We even took care of the ones that we saw on the hiking trails.

I was out this weekend and saw some trees down on the ski trails, but no hikers should be on those so they will be taken care of prior to skiing season. Just as well they are out there to get hikers to start using the correct trails.

[gopherhockey]

Good amount of rain has fallen at Leb in the last 12 hours. Suggest staying off the trail today (Friday) to let things dry up.

Don't forget - just because the sun is out doesn't mean the trail is dry... just because fences or gates might not be up doesn't mean the trail is available to ride.

[chewie_52]

I'm guessing there's no hope of riding around 6ish tonight?

[viv]

HAs anyone actually looked at Leb today???

[ryno lite]

HAs anyone actually looked at Leb today???

So far no one has replied, but from past experience, the amount of rain we got last night would make the trail wet the whole next day. We got around an inch which generally takes the trail out for the next day. If no one local posts up that the trail is ok to ride, I would avoid it till Saturday.

[viv]

Looks like a road ride......

[ryno lite]

Looks like a road ride......

Well maybe you'll get lucky and someone will check it out and find it dry. Thanks for waiting though! It would be great if everyone checked and stayed off of wet trail like you! Thanks again!

[gopherhockey]

Leb should be just fine today.... was probably ok late yesterday, but its never bad to give it a bit more time.

Enjoy the nice weekend of riding!

When you ride down the dream trail and you AREN'T swallowed up by the braking bumps, thank the trail crew from last Tuesday...

[dave t]

I noticed some of the nice new super-highway we smoothed out is getting packed into a groove down the main line.
The very bottom of the dream before the left sweeper into the climb was the worst.
A nice berm was forming in the dirt we tilled and packed......too bad we don't want a nice berm there.

[chewie_52]

good to ride today? Despite the rain we had last night?

[gopherhockey]

good to ride today? Despite the rain we had last night?

Not sure we got much rain down here at Leb.. it should be good to go.

[Disaster on Wheels]

Katy and I rode this afternoon- It wasn't bad. A few slick spots but other than that it was great!

[jeffgude]

Excellent conditions today. A few wet spots, most of the trail was just damp enough for good traction.

[BikerKitty]

Anyone know how Leb is today? I need to ride somewhere this afternoon, but I can just do a road ride if it's too wet. I'm thinking Leb or Murphy or Terrace...in that order of preference. I suppose if no one posts up, I can always go check it out myself and just not ride if it's soggy.

[gopherhockey]

Leb should be good.... dont' think we have had any rain in the last 24 hours.

[gmargolf]

Rained hard for about 10 minutes, made everything slick and some small puddles, but other than that trail was great!!!!!:)

[bigwheel]

Rained hard for about 10 minutes, made everything slick and some small puddles, but other than that trail was great!!!!!:)

With the sun and breeze this afternoon, I'm pretty sure it is going to be dry/tacky by this eve.

[gopherhockey]

Trail is in great condition.

Yesterday's Trail Fairy Report:

- Fixed erosion issues on the uphill just prior to the gnome log
- Fixed erosion near rock berm just after Jan's rock
- Packed dirt in at the top of Jan's Rock to help keep those smaller rocks in place. This typically makes Jan's Rock slightly easier to ride for a few weeks as the dirt packs in. This is NECESSARY or we'd lose those rocks, so don't go all "you morcified the trail" on me. :p
- Dug up and packed in some nasty braking bumps on Dream II (the downhill area after the double jump) I was surprised at how bad these were getting.
- Did some flagging of a new super secret re-route trail that we may look at yet this fall as a diversion from all the trail repairs.

[Pandl]

Thanks to the Trail Fairy.

I rode Leb yesterday, and had a great day! Rode the XX loop for the first time, and had a ton of fun. Made it over all the bridges, the teeter, the raised section, but didn't do the littler turn off to the right. Made it up 4 of the 5 or 6 logs, and made the second log section all the way. Can't beleive I waited so long to ride that.

Saw Maura out there, and another guy with a MORC jersey, driving a Volvo.

[pitts]

Some parts were way too dry for my liking. that one turn on the doublex after the rocks, and before the table jump my bike just decided to go infront of me and there I was standing and my bike was off in the brush. I lol'd

[gopherhockey]

Dry no more... we've had some good rains at Leb and it appears more is on the way. As always, please give the trail some time to dry. It wouldn't hurt to postpone Tuesday ride plans for tomorrow - especially if the forecast holds.

[gopherhockey]

Dakota County just notified me that they have closed the mountain bike trails at Lebanon Hills for today (Wed). They are expected to open again on Thursday.

TRAIL CLOSED TODAY FOLKS!

[kabbie_cache]

You guys could come out and ride Battle Creek tonight.


Be at the Rec Center Parking lot at 5:30. We'll do a short loop on the east side and then come back to the lot to pick up any stragglers at 6:00.



Everyone is welcome !!!!!!!!!

[trompete]

Are the trails open again?

[trompete]

Gates are open and trail is tacky.

[THUMP!]

Warm and windy today...anybody know the trail conditions?

[Lezgo Cycling]

Warm and windy today...anybody know the trail conditions?

bill are you doing a round of all the trails...or just keeping them on the new post board so people look ?:D

[gopherhockey]

Quite a dumping last night. I'd say a Friday ride isn't out of the question, but waiting as late as possible is advised.

[THUMP!]

bill are you doing a round of all the trails...or just keeping them on the new post board so people look ?:D

These are the 4 trails I usually hit so hopefully at least one of them will let me get me fix...it's nice to remind people to post conditions as well.

[Lezgo Cycling]

cool cool hope you get to ride...you knwo theres a ride at theo sund 130-2 you should check it out

[THUMP!]

cool cool hope you get to ride...you knwo theres a ride at theo sund 130-2 you should check it out
Yep, I'm tryin' to get the wife to switch our plans to the morning so I can join you and Eric.