Trail Conditions in Detail - Lebanon Hills

[toddj]

3:30 works for me. I'll drive over there at halftime and check out the conditions.

[CookieMonster]

Yep I can do 3:30 or 4 which ever works for you guys...

[toddj]

Parking lot was full!! Looks like we won't be the only bikers out there. Does 3:30 work for everyone?

[CookieMonster]

Heck yeah it works!! Whats the temp outside like by the way?

[gopherhockey]

Great to see a group of you getting together for a ride.

Whats the trail like? A bunch of us are just returning from a weekend at 9-mile so I need an update ;)

[krazykatie]

Rode this afternoon...a couple wet spots...didn'nt hold me back tho...not that i'm cruzing very fast anyway...I'm the one everyone passes:laugh:

[dave t]

Fast & grippy overall with maybe 4 or 5 of the little greasy patches. I was just hopping over them.

My rain gauge had just under 1/2" Saturday morning and then I forgot to check Sunday but we did get a little bit again.

I was out and ran into Maura, Steve, & Todd a few times. Steve added the camelback to his list of cleared obstacles and Maura was super close to making it over.

[crux]

Trail yesterday was fast with a few spots of slick stuff. Was riding slower than grandma on the super couch setup extra soft taking it easy not to add injury to insult.

Felt good to get out.

[Guest1]

I had about the worst day of riding ever yesterday, Trail was near perfect 4 or 5 spots that had "water" 1/8" isn't a puddle imho.

I think the four days of partying prior to riding may have taken there toll, One guy on a 29" schooled me good, lesson learned, I am getting old.

[biking_stickman]

What does the rain look like in the Eagan area? There seems to be an all day light mist in Saint Paul.

[gopherhockey]

What does the rain look like in the Eagan area? There seems to be an all day light mist in Saint Paul.

Its been sprinkling all morning and currently coming down. Ground is wet.

[376]

Anybody in the area know if it would be ok to ride this evening? Thanks.

[gopherhockey]

Anybody in the area know if it would be ok to ride this evening? Thanks.

I'm pretty sure its ok. Its been windy all afternoon.

[tns1972]

Alot of rain just 4 miles south of the trail since John's last post.

[tedsti]

Everyone better be planning road rides this weekend.

[ryno lite]

Has anyone been out to Leb today? Is it too wet to ride? Will it dry by this afternoon because I'd really like to get a ride in tonight?

Just Joking! Glad I got my road wheel back yesterday. Heck, I don't even want to hit the pavement in this weather.

[crux]

Way to much rain over night for Leb to be ridable today. Still raining here at 10:30. Road looks like the only option.

[CookieMonster]

Way to much rain over night for Leb to be ridable today. Still raining here at 10:30. Road looks like the only option.

Gee you think

[ryno lite]

I hope everyone realized I was just joking. I just always laugh when I see people asking questions like that when it is obviously too wet outside! Although I definitely would rather have people asking than riding when it rains. Maybe I shouldn't make fun of that!

[Sevadari]

Just Joking! Glad I got my road wheel back yesterday. Heck, I don't even want to hit the pavement in this weather.

I hope everyone realized I was just joking. I just always laugh when I see people asking questions like that when it is obviously too wet outside! Although I definitely would rather have people asking than riding when it rains. Maybe I shouldn't make fun of that!

I thought the sarcasm was totally apparent, not to mention specifically stated in the original post. ;)

But now that we're on the topic...

Given a couple of days like the ones we are experiencing right now it should be pretty obvious to everyone that you can't go riding. However, there are times (again, different than right now!) when the rain patterns and length of time the rain has been falling, etc, have been erratic and short enough that posts like that are appropriate. In fact, in the 6 or so months that I've been aware of the MORC boards I can recall a number of times where this has happened.

You all know there are plenty of times when it's raining in one part of town and not in another and there's a reasonable window for riding at a particular trail.

So, there's definitely nothing at all wrong with a cheeky post like that (I got a good chuckle out of it earlier today). At the same time, let's remember these kind of posts do help those of us that aren't lucky enough to live close enough to the trails to guage trail conditions by looking out our kitchen window.

We reeeeeaally appreciate those of you that take the time to post the info on trail conditions, it helps us all out a great deal.

Now, let's all pray (or chant, or think about, or whatever you want to do...man it's tough to be so PC these days!) for sun so we can all ride soon!

[soupboy]

So - will it be ready to ride by early evening?

[crux]

10 am and ground is still soaked. We need a good dose of sun and the winds to kick up for the trail to dry. Would recomend waiting a bit before riding.

[soupboy]

I fingered as much. Wishful thinking after punting on GFIII and staring at my trainer.

[racerx321]

Trail was surpisingly dry at ~5pm today. Few small puddles in the usual areas, but otherwise great.

There's also a small tree down in the first portion of the intermediate trail--right after the optional rock step. It actually streches across both the step and bypass trails, so heads up!

[tns1972]

Trial is super sweet!

[gopherhockey]

Trail Change Notice!

The X loop option ride is now open. Just before the X loop rock garden I'm sure most of you have noticed a sign showing XX left, X right. Both trails converge back on the existing rock garden. The left side wasn't "officially" open to ride until tonight.

Now if you go left you will notice a new line. Before you would ride next to a large sharp rock on your left and take a real tight turn uphill between two trees before setting up for the rock garden. That small climb is now CLOSED. What you do now is you ride straight over that rock and keep going through a rocky section, do a nice climbing turn, then come back on more rocks before turning left into the existing rock garden.

(do you follow? You'll see when you get there....)

The section is not complete yet. Its just good enough to ride. We plan on making it more difficult next year by adding more rock, pinning the trail in where necessary etc. For now we just wanted to open it up and give people a chance to ride it.

PLEASE PLEASE take notice of the rock work on the turn. It took more than 3 full trailwork sessions to complete the rock wall and build that turn. Its why we often don't build trails where there aren't already flat spots to make a corner... but we wanted to make the effort in order to get into that sweet rocky section.

Enjoy... and BE CAREFUL! Its a brand new section and we just don't know how it will ride.

[ryno lite]

I'm going to echo what John just said. I know it's only small section of trail, but it took probably over 100 man hours to complete all the rock work and finishing of this section. Take a minute to check it out. The MORC volunteers deserve a pat on the back for the great work they did! They moved tons of rock by hand to make this happen. It was a very tough 100 hours, but very rewarding work! Thanks to all that helped on this project!

[BKocka]

so it rained in chaska last night for a few hours. what about leb? Anything to keep me from not riding today?

[gopherhockey]

so it rained in chaska last night for a few hours. what about leb? Anything to keep me from not riding today?

Nope.. trail should be perfect. Only around .03" last night. I think we're going to escape the rain for now. Enjoy the ride!

[BKocka]

awesome.

thanks john.

[dave t]

I think the rain last night was really spotty with some places getting way more than others. I left trail work last night in only a few drops but between Leb and home, the road went from dry to puddles and back to just damp. I drive about three miles to the Leb parking lot. Later it rained pretty hard for a half hour or so at my house.

If it is dry enough, I'm going to ride after work since I can't do the Thursday ride but won't get to post any conditions til afterwards (6:30 or 7:00)

[dave t]

It was already ridable Sunday by 3:00 or 4:00 and there was a lot more rain Saturday. I expect it to be OK.

[BKocka]

its raining in edina.... i hope it doest move to eagan.

[trompete]

It's pouring in burnsville, 4 miles west of leb.

[LightWeight]

Also raining and blowing pretty good in Eagan...

[gopherhockey]

Also raining and blowing pretty good in Eagan...

Yup, just started up 3 miles SE of Leb. Don't know that we'll get anything significant, but then again I thought we'd miss the rain so maybe I ought to just keep quiet.

[timmy]

Went out to ride Leb at noon and the trail was in pretty good shape until I was leaving the XX and it started to rain. The trails quickly became very wet and greasy. I would not recommend riding Leb!!!

Greg

[BKocka]

so...........

anything new? still thinking we shouldn't ride leb??

anyone....anyone??

[Ish]

so...........

anything new? still thinking we shouldn't ride leb??

anyone....anyone??

Went out to ride Leb at noon and the trail was in pretty good shape until I was leaving the XX and it started to rain. The trails quickly became very wet and greasy. I would not recommend riding Leb!!!

Greg

1234567890

[BKocka]

whats up with the counting?

i was just trying to have some hope... ive ridden once in the past 2 weeks... i am so sick of this friggen rain.

[dave t]

The counting is to get past the minimum characters for a post.

I checked on my way home and it's wet. Not soft but wet enought that it was shining in the sun

[gopherhockey]

Today around 1pm the trail was still tacky if not greasy in spots. It was actually showing tire tracks (from yesterday I think). The new section is a bit mushy, especially the turn. I tried to pack some of it back down.

Just a reminder that this time of year conditions are even harder to predict. The colder weather seems to keep the trail from drying as fast as it does in the summer. Those pesky leaves are collecting on the trail and keep things damp as well.

[gopherhockey]

FYI, I posted a few pics of the new section in the Lebanon Hills trail review. Pics without riders never show up as well, but its better than nothing.

[crux]

Just a reminder that this time of year conditions are even harder to predict. The colder weather seems to keep the trail from drying as fast as it does in the summer. Those pesky leaves are collecting on the trail and keep things damp as well.

Almost time to get out there with the leaf blower.

For those who complain about the noise or smell of the two stroke bring your rake to help out.

[gopherhockey]

Almost time to get out there with the leaf blower.

For those who complain about the noise or smell of the two stroke bring your rake to help out.

Yup, right around Oct. 10th seems to be the magic time. I hope to enlist at least a few others this year to help out... doing it mostly solo is a huge drag, as is the eventual debate and complaints of the ungrateful each year.

If you have a leaf blower of any kind or have access to one and would be willing to spend a nice cool fall day out helping us, please PM me. Backpack models are best, but anything will do really... (I wonder if we can rent backpack models somewhere...)

[Magic]

Yes backpack models can be rented. What day were you thinking John? I could possibly help if the day is one I'm not busy.

[gopherhockey]

Yes backpack models can be rented. What day were you thinking John? I could possibly help if the day is one I'm not busy.

We'll play it by ear. Looking back the last couple of years it has been the weekend or days around Oct. 10th. I think I learned not to do it on the one 70+ degree weekend day of Oct. tho.

If we had a couple backpacks we'd get it done pretty quickly. With the new trails, Im' sure its an 8+ hour project for just one.

[Magic]

We'll play it by ear. Looking back the last couple of years it has been the weekend or days around Oct. 10th. I think I learned not to do it on the one 70+ degree weekend day of Oct. tho.

If we had a couple backpacks we'd get it done pretty quickly. With the new trails, Im' sure its an 8+ hour project for just one.

Just keep me in the loop on this John. And we'll have it done in no time.

[stoneage]

FYI, I posted a few pics of the new section in the Lebanon Hills trail review. Pics without riders never show up as well, but its better than nothing.
I had a plan for something like that at Wirth. I can't wait to get over to Leb and see the new stuff. Any other plans for more trail at Leb or have you used up the space?

[berrywise]

Just keep me in the loop on this John. And we'll have it done in no time.

Just mount the blower to a bob trailer and hit the trails. :D

[gopherhockey]

I had a plan for something like that at Wirth. I can't wait to get over to Leb and see the new stuff. Any other plans for more trail at Leb or have you used up the space?

No huge new trails in the works, but some re-routes are still possible. I'd like to give Dakota a break for at least a year on pushing for new trails.

We are teasing them to get over on the east side of JCRR... who knows, a nice long ~20 mile intermediate loop would be pretty cool over there.

[bowmanmark]

Went out today around noon , trail was tacky but not to bad .
I felt like a fool today because I am still trying to get used to my new Egg beaters I don't remeber falling down that much before . Getting in them is easyer then my shaminos for me any way still getting used to getting out of them.

[iliketomtbike]

think it will be rideable at ~1030am friday

[gopherhockey]

think it will be rideable at ~1030am friday

Yup, we did our group ride tonight and it was just fine. Just a couple of small wet spots but nothing major. Even the new X rock garden area just opened up was drying up nicely.

[TB0NE]

I'm heading here right now. The morning is such a great time to ride, even if the temp has a little sting to it.

[gopherhockey]

I suspect Leb got a bit more rain than I am registering, but I see only .02" since midnight and not too much before just 3 miles SE.

If anyone registered differently let us know. I *think* the trail escaped the heavy stuff.

[BKocka]

keep us posted John (and whoever else) because a group of us want to go out there tonight. I assume that if it stays dry all day and there wasn't significant rain there last night my group will be able to ride at 5:30 today.

oh and ps- the new rock garden, it is great. you guys did an awesome job on it. I just was able to clear the old one, so now I have something new to work at in the x loop.

[dave t]

2 miles south or the Galaxie entrance we had nothing until around midnight and then it rained pretty hard for just a little while.

This morning everything was already pretty dry. I didn't look, but I bet my rain gauge doesn't have enough water to measure.

[gopherhockey]

Sounds like the trail would be fine today... if anyone gets out there let us know for sure.

[Ish]

2 miles south or the Galaxie entrance we had nothing until around midnight and then it rained pretty hard for just a little while.

This morning everything was already pretty dry. I didn't look, but I bet my rain gauge doesn't have enough water to measure.

This weather is crazy. 5 miles North of Leb in Eagan, it hailed and rained hard around 10:30. There was close to 1/2 in. in the rain guage this morning.

Lets hope the cutoff was someone between me and Leb so the trail stayed dry.

[tedsti]

2 miles north was pea sized hail and not much rain.

[ApValWheels]

Just got back from a Leb Lunch Lap. Trail is dry...no sign that there was any rain.

[Aberrix]

Trails were awesome last night!

I haven't gotten out in a couple week and all the new obstacles were great! (the new rock garden and a couple other well placed rocks) Great work on the trail guys/girls!

[gopherhockey]

Get out there and ride while you can! Looks like snow & rain in the forecast... with the leaves still on the ground there is the potential for a lot of waiting for the trail to dry up. We will be monitoring as we get close to the freeze/thaw as well and will have Dakota close the lot/trail as appropriate.

I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the 70s and 80s though...

[gopherhockey]

.12" of wet sloppy just SE of Leb today with occasional snow still on the way. Looks like a good day to stay off the trail. Things dry out a lot slower this time of year with the cold and leaves.

[Paul Swenson]

.12" of wet sloppy just SE of Leb today with occasional snow still on the way. Looks like a good day to stay off the trail. Things dry out a lot slower this time of year with the cold and leaves.


I imagine the trail is pretty slippery.

[BKocka]

any news on the trail? there were some dudes and I that wanted to ride tonight around 5:30 but obviously if things suck we will stay off.

[ibismojo2001]

I work a couple mile north of Leb and we have not had a drop of rain since very early this morning and the wind has been whippin'

I imagine it is drying out with the wind but I defer to someone who has been down there.

[gopherhockey]

If you aren't against turning around and heading home if its too wet, give it a shot... then post up and let us know.

If a person is coming from a long distance I'd suggest waiting for someone more local to report...

[crux]

In eagan (few miles north as well) we have had spotty showers for most of the morning. Went out for lunch and the ground/leaves are wet. Would imagine that Leb is going to be very slick and potentially wet in places. Would recommend staying off the trail currently unless the leaves are getting blown off the trail to speed up the drying process.

[CookieMonster]

I was up at the DMV in Egan off of Cliff at noon and the ground wasn't all that bad (i.e. wet)

[gopherhockey]

Anyone been out there today? We have a group ride coming up - would like to know if it is slimy & slippery or if its good to go.

Thx...

[bakkeb]

I live 5 mi. east of Leb. and the ground and roads were pretty wet after it stopped snowing. I can't believe the trails stayed dry. Was going to go @ 3 but for obvious reasons didn't.:etard:

[gopherhockey]

As posted in the group ride thread:

I walked in on the Galaxie side and went backwards down the Joey Trail and it was rock solid. Damp, but no mud anywhere I could see.

That brings me to the next point - most of the trail is submerged in wet leaves.

The leaves apparently took the hit for the trail...

So... I'd say it is ok to ride. It just may be quite slippery, especially rocks and log piles etc.

Hard to say if the X loop is in worse shape. I'm guessing not too bad.

[gopherhockey]

The trail is in good shape. Its actually kind of dusty. The leaves are not covering the trail very bad, but they are building up along the sides of the trail.

[BKocka]

rode the x this afternoon and it was beautiful. didnt run into any wet spots. the second half of it (after the connector to the xx) had a lot of leaves covering it, but nothing too bad.

[gopherhockey]

.23" of rain near Leb today (so far) and still raining... sure bet to stay off at least Monday if not into Tuesday.

Doesn't look like a good week for mountain biking.

[Gus]

Oh come on its just a little rain....get out that road / hybrid bike and hit the PAVEMENT ;0) a little rain may prevent us from riding dirt. but as far as I remeber it does not hurt the pavement ....gotta keep in shape any way you can
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

hopefully by the weekend well be good to go

[Mountain Jam]

Anyone been out to check the trail conditions?

[gopherhockey]

Anyone been out to check the trail conditions?

Not yet. I'd bet things are a little damp until the sun gets a chance to peek out or we get more wind.

If I get a chance I'll stop by the trail sometime today.

[Mountain Jam]

Right on, let's hope for some sun!

[dave t]

Leb was in real nice shape last night (10-19-06) though, judging from all the endos, the cool and damp weather must cause the rocks to grow.

[gopherhockey]

Details on the controlled hunt:

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?p=185180#post185180

[cmadden1]

I took my first trip out to Leb yesterday on the recommendation of a friend and other good words I'd read. I don't need spandex to ride - I don't need a backpack to ride - and I don't need a helmet to ride (though I know I should and will soon.) Unfortunately for me - everyone I encountered there seemed to think otherwise. I had an older gentlemen in the parking lot tell me I'd take an hour and a half to get out, and a pretentious prick yell "Helmet!". I'm glad you're concerned for my safety, friend, but either be more personable or don't say anything. I realize the dangers I was vulnerable to before I went in. And when I saw that parking lot 45 minutes after going in - oh, how I wished "Mr. See-You-In-An-Hour-And-A-Half" was still there so I could just smile and wave at him. :laugh: I know there's friendly, encouraging folk out there...I just wish the rest would shut up or go home. Thanks for listenening. Maybe my next trip to Leb will be better. :cryin:

[Shorty]

Shut up or go home works both ways. ;)

Just ignore it.

Anyone know the trail conditions?

[bakkeb]

I took my first trip out to Leb yesterday on the recommendation of a friend and other good words I'd read. I don't need spandex to ride - I don't need a backpack to ride - and I don't need a helmet to ride (though I know I should and will soon.) Unfortunately for me - everyone I encountered there seemed to think otherwise. I had an older gentlemen in the parking lot tell me I'd take an hour and a half to get out, and a pretentious prick yell "Helmet!". I'm glad you're concerned for my safety, friend, but either be more personable or don't say anything. I realize the dangers I was vulnerable to before I went in. And when I saw that parking lot 45 minutes after going in - oh, how I wished "Mr. See-You-In-An-Hour-And-A-Half" was still there so I could just smile and wave at him. :laugh: I know there's friendly, encouraging folk out there...I just wish the rest would shut up or go home. Thanks for listenening. Maybe my next trip to Leb will be better. :cryin:

If you did Leb. in 45 minutes, you missed all the fun stuff. I usually spend 2 hours there going through the XX loop a few times. Try it again. Oh and I never wear spandex at Leb.............The trail was in awesome condition and the leaves are all blown off thanks to the hard work of John L.:etard:

[gopherhockey]

Trail is in great shape, if not on the dry side. Expect dusty riding if going in a group.

Leaves were removed on everything but the first 1/3 of the trail. (up to the halfway point of Stooges run). We may or may not complete the effort - they really aren't that bad except on the outside edge - but those areas need to be fixed next year anyway.

Lots of braking bumps out there. We'll address these next spring as well.

A cheater route is forming on the top half of Tedman's Curve. We will block this soon. Please stay on the existing trail and don't ride around the rocks.

A cheater route also formed up again at the upper bypass (where all the rocks are). We will dig this rock in and make it permanent. I watched people trying to ride it and its not all that easy, and it damages the tree in that area. There will be a possible small added route in that area next spring.

[jjrsds]

Great day to ride a few laps at Lebanon. Trail is always changing as I don't ride it very much (1 or 2 times a month) didn't notice the braking bumps as I rode the squishy boinger thingy and had a blast in the new rock garden. Hope a lot of people rode today someplace. Phil good to see you and hope the fix at trailhead made the ride better. Don't forget to torque them up before you ride again.

[FormerFarmKing]

7 of us were out for a Farm Team Ricoh ride last night and the trail was great. I was a bit surprised to see that we were the only group nightriding and avoiding the trick or treaters.

The wind blew those pesky leaves that were previously blown off the trail back on it.

[Tower]

Here I thought the Pirate and el Goat were in hiding... They called me to claim the point for the hide/ no ride...

Did you lure any Farm Sisters out besides STH??? I know he must have been there...

Indian Mounds tomorrow at 5PM if you've got your game... Considering your home turf on either Sat. or Sun... Any new traps set lately in Skull Loop??? I heard there is a new roundabout challange section after the bridge rock trap...

Ricoh has a new A Teamer in the form of an angry Red Squirrel!!! Wait all red squirrels are angry...

7 of us were out for a Farm Team Ricoh ride last night and the trail was great. I was a bit surprised to see that we were the only group nightriding and avoiding the trick or treaters.

The wind blew those pesky leaves that were previously blown off the trail back on it.

[gopherhockey]

... and back to trail conditions. Trail is dry and fast with a few leaves still falling onto the trail.

[gopherhockey]

Trail Fairy report:

The cheater line that was forming on the top side of Tedman's curve has been shut down for good. Sorry, but those who were riding it will now have to go over the rocks instead of around them.

Cheater area at the top of the bypass that wasn't doing any good but was causing an important tree to become damaged has once again been closed down. We'll address the upper bypass as a whole in 2007 - its a rather technical area for an intermediate trail... and there are more rocks up there to be used. Bobman's curve 2007 perhaps? Hmmmm...

Dakota County is preparing for the ski season. They mowed the ski trails and opened up all the trail closed signs. Already there are bikers wandering out onto the ski trails. I put up some temporary caution tape, but in general we'll need better signage because we have to let them open up the ski trails like that and have bikers follow the trail. There are no "no bikes allowed" signs so if people get confused they end up folloing the entire ski trail out, ruining a lot of the reclamation that nature did over the summer.

Long story short - PLEASE stay off the ski trail at all costs! Follow the carsonite signs and the obvious hard-pack trail and you'll be fine. :p Stray from this and it may become difficult to keep Lebanon open all winter long.

[ryno lite]

Blows my mind how anyone can make that mistake! Even without signs it is pretty obvious! Only place I could see it happening would be by the beginning of the X loop where there are tons of trails going every direction. Oh well, we definitely will have to make Leb signage a priority!

[gopherhockey]

Blows my mind how anyone can make that mistake! Even without signs it is pretty obvious! Only place I could see it happening would be by the beginning of the X loop where there are tons of trails going every direction. Oh well, we definitely will have to make Leb signage a priority!

Yup, I think that was the main problem area. Without a closed sign, people tend to want to take the old intermediate out downhill. Once they are on it, they don't seem to notice they are crossing singletrack all the way through... They completely miss the new Intermediate Out and Dream I and either take the ski trail out or end up on hiking trails. BAH....

[ryno lite]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I am surprised though, you'd think that the people hardy enough to be still riding would be the seasoned mtn bikers and they usually know where they are going.

[bigwheel]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I am surprised though, you'd think that the people hardy enough to be still riding would be the seasoned mtn bikers and they usually know where they are going.

This spring, most of the people we caught riding when&where they shouldn't were teen age kids, and I doubt they were MORC members or seasoned mountain bikers. The few adults we saw were generally apologetic, and good about leaving.

[flutterbyes]

One thing I noticed today that could confuse riders not used to the trail is that some of the signs that say "skate-ski" also have a picture of a bicycle on them. I know better and stayed on the obvious and beloved hard packed trail, but I did interpret this as meaning it is a ski and bike trail.

[gopherhockey]

One thing I noticed today that could confuse riders not used to the trail is that some of the signs that say "skate-ski" also have a picture of a bicycle on them. I know better and stayed on the obvious and beloved hard packed trail, but I did interpret this as meaning it is a ski and bike trail.

Hmmm.. I thought we got all those. Can you remember specifically where you saw this? A while back I went around and tried to remove all those.

What we need are the bike signs with the red slash through them all along the ski trail (and backwards).

[flutterbyes]

I remember I saw a couple of bike signs.... closer to the X loop. Sorry I can't be more specific, but if I see them again when I ride there on Monday I will take better notice of my surroundings and will post up.

[dopey048]

The conditions were awesome this morning. Nice new addition "TedMans Curve" I cleared it the second time around.

[RedSquirrel]

Whomever chased tonight, nice job!! We crossed paths where trail comes together just before new said huge log pile. It was a chase back to the parking lot. Nice surprise to see you still on at the top of dreamer hill, race on, had to really hammer to keep ahead.... Nice work.

It always nice to see how much gas is left in the tank after the race season is over.

I had my black Misfit Psycles single hardtail. Blue white plain jersey.

Trail conditions city street fast like. For the absent MORC peeps....fathers, sons, boyfriends, girlfriends, all out today, nice to see everyone out today.

[nogearshere]

I had my black Misfit Psycles single hardtail. Blue white plain jersey.

Trail conditions city street fast like. For the absent MORC peeps....fathers, sons, boyfriends, girlfriends, all out today, nice to see everyone out today.
mr flatlander.
please speak with your little misfit. i will be travelling with their bigger (albeit younger) brother nov 13-17...apparently mine needs to ride Lebanon, but so as to not be rude, would love to see his tiny wheeled sibling at the same time...

[RedSquirrel]

mr flatlander.
please speak with your little misfit. i will be travelling with their bigger (albeit younger) brother nov 13-17...apparently mine needs to ride Lebanon, but so as to not be rude, would love to see his tiny wheeled sibling at the same time...

Ah yes. A look at the bigger, yet younger, diSSent brother. We'll hook ya up with dirt for sure.

[Jackrabbit Slim]

Rode today and it was so much fun! Finally figured out to lower my tire PSI so as to grip the rock instead of bouncing off like a ball bearing.
68F in November...global warming is bad?!??!

[pro1200]

I arrived at the trailhead parking lot on Tuesday (11/7) to find it closed until noon because there was deer hunting going on in the area. Does anybody know if the hunting will be going on today?

[ibismojo2001]

I believe hunting is Mon Tues & Wed until noon at least into next week. There is a red sign on the kiosk.

[Hathor]

Yeah, Gary is right on the hours. I did the same thing on Wedneday, Tom. It sucked, because I rode my bike over there and realized it about 20 feet from the parking lot. "Oh, crap, I bet there is hunting today." At least I got I workout to and from, because after that I didn't have the motivation to go again later. Maybe today though. Thurs and Fri are safe.

[gopherhockey]

Another reminder - the park (trails, parking lot etc.) closes at 10pm. Earlier this fall they were handing out warnings and citations to people in the lot after 10pm. They backed off, but I just heard that a biker actually got a citation last night for being in the lot after 10pm because it has become a problem again.

Please - be out of the lot by 10pm. Do not assume parking outside the park and riding in past 10pm is ok either... everyone should be out of the trail and out of the lot by 10pm.

We will look into posting some kind of reminder sign at the beginning of the singletrack.

[gopherhockey]

Its really dry out at Leb...

What a great time of year to ride. I'll take 20s and 30s over 80s and 90s anytime. No bugs, less people, no humidity... just dress right.

Did a few solo laps today. Its been a looonnnggg time since I rode out there by myself. No morc jersey, no dirt boss posse.. just me. Interesting hearing others talk about the trail, having to just bite my tongue... I was there for myself today.

Statements like "they ought to just bring in 10% more rocks instead of having all these pockets of rocks..." and "a trail wont' make a rider better" were real tempting to speak up on.

Anyway... its really dry but a great time to get out and ride. Soon the snow will fall and the studs will come out and we won't see the dirt until April.

[crux]

Statements like "they ought to just bring in 10% more rocks instead of having all these pockets of rocks..." and "a trail wont' make a rider better" were real tempting to speak up on.

Your tounge must be bleeding.

Glad to hear that a few were out at least. I'm grounded from riding for a bit at least till the SO / Nurse gives me the go ahead once agian.

[ryno lite]

John,

They must raise them tougher in NW MN than in central MN. I'd take 80s and 90s anyday over 20s and 30s! That said, I need to get off my lazy butt and ride. I tried to convince myself Sat and Sun and couldn't get out to face the temps! Oh well, hopefully Thursday at Leb!

[Yammer]

Is it safe to ride Lebs today or will I get shot at?

[ryno lite]

You'll be fine. Controlled hunt is until I think noon and I know is only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

[Ala Carte]

Trail is in excellent condition. Left the lot at 4:20, got a quick lap done and rode the exit trail in near dark conditions sans light. Dirt was fast and traction perfect. Oh yeah, the new XTR kit is unbelievable. I know there is an anti-shimano thing going on on this board, but the new stuff straight up rules.

[soupboy]

Trail was great today save for the short wanker on the grey Speshy HT in all black that rudely requested to "PASS!" whilst I was on SS going uphill only for him and his bloke to fook up and display utterly distastely tech skillz on the rocks.

Daft wanker. You know who you are...sporting all black and being knee high to my 2yo daughter.

Flow ruining wankers youz! You also skid worse then a 10yo in the driveway.

[CookieMonster]

The trail was awesome today...perhaps a little dusty in some spots but still fast and fun! :D

[gopherhockey]

Getting some rain today... enough where trail damage is possible.

SHould be ok by Wed or Thursday when it gets cooler out. Watch for possible slick areas out there if it gets cold right after the rain.

[MJM]

Anybody notice the increased wear on their large ring since Tedman's curve has opened? Mine has developed a "toothless grin" lately. Looks I'm gonna have to stop hackin' my way through there and pick my lines more carefully - much kudos to the crew that built it. BTW, a certain bike store in Burnsville will special order an XTR third ring replacement for about a buck-twentyfive!! Suddenly I'm interested in the "used" ones I've seen on ebay; more fodder for the rock gods!

[bigwheel]

My big chainring is like new. Still sitting on the shelf in the basement where it belongs.

I'm heading over to Leb around 2:30~2:45. I'm pretty sure the trail will be frozen by now, but I'll post something if it is not.

[bigwheel]

The trail is in good shape. Tacky, and not totally frozen over.

Enjoy.

[superfastaction]

The trail was fast today! Almost worth freezing off our toes. I mean, who needs toes anyway?

Bob - thanks for the trail work update!

[bigwheel]

Thanks, Trevor. It was good meeting you today.

[dave t]

The trail is in good shape. Tacky, and not totally frozen over.

Enjoy.
So was all the rain soaked in or will there be ice patches when it freezes?...Or froze?

[jholiday]

Anybody notice the increased wear on their large ring since Tedman's curve has opened? Mine has developed a "toothless grin" lately. Looks I'm gonna have to stop hackin' my way through there and pick my lines more carefully - much kudos to the crew that built it. BTW, a certain bike store in Burnsville will special order an XTR third ring replacement for about a buck-twentyfive!! Suddenly I'm interested in the "used" ones I've seen on ebay; more fodder for the rock gods!


Yep, my 44 has about 39 good ones. I have a new one waiting in the garage but I need to tighten up my lines through there before I put it on, my FSA is only about $40 so that's not too bad.

[biking_stickman]

Anybody notice the increased wear on their large ring since Tedman's curve has opened? Mine has developed a "toothless grin" lately. Looks I'm gonna have to stop hackin' my way through there and pick my lines more carefully - much kudos to the crew that built it. BTW, a certain bike store in Burnsville will special order an XTR third ring replacement for about a buck-twentyfive!! Suddenly I'm interested in the "used" ones I've seen on ebay; more fodder for the rock gods!

Solution:
http://www.salsacycles.com/components/images/CR_ringGuard200.jpg
http://www.salsacycles.com/comps_chainrings.html

Oh yea...it works great on logs as well

[RedSquirrel]

So was all the rain soaked in or will there be ice patches when it freezes?...Or froze?

I'd like to know conditions too.... I imagine sandpaper like frozen ground with perhaps one ice patch here or there......????????

[bigwheel]

Yesterday, the only ice spots were a couple small puddles which had been busted up and scattered. The Tuesday rain soaked in enough prior to freezing, so there is good dirt everywhere. Should be fast conditions.

[transplant]

Fast and cold.

Caught a lady, her son and their two dogs heading up the trail from the lot. I politely informed them they were on a bikes only trail and then pointed them down the right path. Saw a LOT more walkers than bikers this AM. Kinda weird.

Thanks again to the guy with the Rocky Mountain for the loan of a shock pump.

[dave t]

Fast and cold.

Caught a lady, her son and their two dogs heading up the trail from the lot.

The other day, I saw a whole family group-ride heading in on the hiking trails off Galaxy. I think it was Mom and Dad on full blown downhill bikes all the way down to a couple kids on 16" kiddie bikes with Gramma pushing the jogger along behind. They had about 8 or 10 people.

I guess I dropped the ball but I just didn't feel like talking to these folks about the trail designations.

[gopherhockey]

The other day, I saw a whole family group-ride heading in on the hiking trails off Galaxy. I think it was Mom and Dad on full blown downhill bikes all the way down to a couple kids on 16" kiddie bikes with Gramma pushing the jogger along behind. They had about 8 or 10 people.

I guess I dropped the ball but I just didn't feel like talking to these folks about the trail designations.

Dakota County doesn't like the "no" signs, like no biking, no hiking etc. but I think we do need some DO NOT BIKE type signs at certain entrances.

I found one and put it up at the old Intermediate out ski trail area - that seems to have helped keep riders off that section of trail.

[FormerFarmKing]

The trail was rock hard and fast yesterday. It was good to see that not everyone is hybernating; 6 or so cars in the lot at noon. Get out and ride, it's sweet and not cold when you're in the trees.

[Captain Willard]

Any theories on how this weekend's predicted warmup will affect trail conditions? Some times when the ground freezes and thaws, it seems the trails can get pretty slick.

[gopherhockey]

Any theories on how this weekend's predicted warmup will affect trail conditions? Some times when the ground freezes and thaws, it seems the trails can get pretty slick.

Could be interesting. We did have some moisture before the last frost, so we should be on the lookout for this. If it gets even iffy out there I'm going to get Dakota County to help close things down - that kind of surface can really take a lot of damage.

[ebrandel]

Any guestimate on whether or not it's going to be rideable? I was thinking about heading down tomorrow afternoon a little bit before 2pm. Guess I can always check here before I leave.

[tedsti]

Still dry as a bone at 11:15. I think everything is just too dry for any condensation to wet the trail.

Ride On!!

[Ish]

Still dry as a bone at 11:15.

ditto at 3:00.
Get some!

[gopherhockey]

ditto at 3:00.
Get some!

Same on Sunday at 11am.

I'd trade this dirt riding for snow anytime now... its time for a change. As nice as the weather is, I'd rather see more normal highs and lows and snow.

Dang global warming. Stupid Al Gore.

[crux]

Same on Sunday at 11am.

I'd trade this dirt riding for snow anytime now... its time for a change. As nice as the weather is, I'd rather see more normal highs and lows and snow.

Dang global warming. Stupid Al Gore.

Now tell the truth you just want to ride the pug.
(saw some pug tracks at leb the other day, were you out attempting to blaze a new section of trail?)

[bigwheel]

There's no such thing as "normal" when it comes to weather. Only average.

There will be plenty of time for snow and slop and closed trails. Meanwhile, let's get out and enjoy the excellent weather and perfect trail conditions.

[gopherhockey]

There's no such thing as "normal" when it comes to weather. Only average.



Actually... Meteorologists often use the word "normal" when talking about climate. Meteorologists use several statistical measures to compute what they call normals, but the most common measures are averages. This information is normally found in almanacs.

In most cases, a "climatic normal" is simply the arithmetic average of the values over a 30-year period, usually three consecutive decades.

:D

I say let it fracking snow already... this is just not average. ;) Plenty of time is running out... Been riding dirt since April and I'm now getting tired of it. I don't live in Minnesota to have a non-white Christmas and 50 degrees in December. If I wanted that, I'd move to Ohio or south of there... (then again even Florida has had snow by now)

Now tell the truth you just want to ride the pug.
(saw some pug tracks at leb the other day, were you out attempting to blaze a new section of trail?)

Fracking-Eh right I want to ride the pug. I also want to snowboard on some real snow before heading out to Colorado.

Wasn't me on the pug recently tho.

[crux]

Yep John has gone off the deep end potentially we will have a "Normal" March and you will finally see some snow.

(At least I think that March is the month with the highest potential for snow.)

[timmy]

I say let it fracking snow already...

What is wrong with you John?

[bigwheel]

What is wrong with you John?

I'm afraid we've created a monster. A few years ago, he would just put his bike away and watch TV all winter.

Then, he studs up a pair of tires and starts looking for ice.

This year he puts together a Pugsley and wishes for snow.

Next year he's going to get one of these (the bike, not the stunt models) and start rain dancing to bring on the floods.

http://www.water-bike.com/images/aqua1l.jpg

Who knows how bad it might get if he keeps dancing for rain:

http://www.divebumoki.com/Photos/Junk%20Yard%20and%20Water%20plant/Bike%20Bri%20060206.jpg

[ryno lite]

John, I'll take this weather any time in December. I just detest winter. What a great weekend of riding this past couple days! Keep the warm weather coming!

[gopherhockey]

John, I'll take this weather any time in December. I just detest winter. What a great weekend of riding this past couple days! Keep the warm weather coming!

Ok, we've heard from the 3-4 people who actually like warmer weather in December... now, back to snow wishes and dreams... ;)

Hostly my tirade came from doing 2 laps around Leb where I actually didn't enjoy myself. It wasn't the trail or the bike, but actually the weather (believe it or not).

Having grown up 15 miles from the Canadian border I'm more sensitive to this. We used to bust out the snowmobiles well before Thanksgiving. Heck, we used to have to put bobbers on our antennas so people could see us coming around corners due to deep snow.

Anyway... back to trail conditions. The trail was dry and boringly dirty. :zzz:

[tedsti]

Damn straight! Bring on the snow already.

Ok, we've heard from the 3-4 people who actually like warmer weather in December... now, back to snow wishes and dreams... ;)

[gopherhockey]

Leb was too wet to ride tonight. I'm having Dakota County close it down. Expect the lot and trail to be closed until we get some freezing weather.

Gotta love the warm weather now... its been so warm out we no longer can ride the trail. :mad: Even the lot is soup.

[gopherhockey]

Just heard from Dakota County. They are closing Lebanon Hills this morning due to the warm weather, freeze/thaw, and recent rains.

We'll work to open it up if it gets cold enough to freeze again. PLEASE stay off the trail at this time.

[ibismojo2001]

Anyone know the conditions today?? The ground in my back woods is frozen.

Thanks:D

[bigwheel]

Anyone know the conditions today?? The ground in my back woods is frozen.

Thanks:D

We are heading over there in a few minutes. We will walk a few parts first, then decide if we want to check the rest on bike. We'll post in a couple hours.

[gopherhockey]

Bob, Ted and I are hiking out to check on the conditions.

I have heard rumors that there are bikers going around the orange fence and riding anyway. I am not sure why Dakota didn't close the parking lot as they said they would - but this is a reminder to everyone that if you see an orange fence accross a trail, that means it is closed...

Just in case you forgot...

We'll report soon.

[bigwheel]

we are at the trail. ground is fairly frozen. we will do a lap and then post if its open or not.

[gopherhockey]

We notified Dakota County and opened up the trail today.

I believe there was some mis-communication when they opened up the parking lot the past two days, so we will work on that.

Watch for a separate discussion on what orange fence accross the trail actually means.

[ibismojo2001]

I didn't get out there today but thanks for the update fellas. See you Tuesday

[knobbymojo]

So, barring rain the trail will be open this thursday?

[gopherhockey]

So, barring rain the trail will be open this thursday?

I would think so... Salem was really good last night, but I don't know what leb is like right now. It did warm up overnight since we rode and appears to be headed for 40 again today without getting very cold at night, so we'll have to keep a watch.

[qheuie]

I would think so... Salem was really good last night, but I don't know what leb is like right now. It did warm up overnight since we rode and appears to be headed for 40 again today without getting very cold at night, so we'll have to keep a watch.

Did anyone get out there this morning and see what's up?

[dave t]

I was out around 11:00 and the whole thing was fast, dry and solid as a rock. There was some sleet/snow falling from time to time and the little pellets did not even melt.
If we do get some rain, it won't soak in very well.

[gopherhockey]

Yup, there is some rain falling now in the area. Streets are soaked and it looks like it might continue for a while. Tonight is probably a no-go for riding. We'll have to keep a watch out for tomorrow as well.

[krazykatie]

whats the weather been like down there today???

[gopherhockey]

whats the weather been like down there today???

Raining steadily. Trail will be too wet to ride until we get another hard freeze. (maybe tomorrow)

[trompete]

It's raining like crazy

[tedsti]

We better get a fast rain to snow transition. If the rain stops and this freezes before the snow, the whole trail will be a skating rink. We will go directly to studs without passing Puglseys.

[trompete]

That was a fast transition!! It's snowing like crazy now. geez.

[gopherhockey]

Its hovering around 33 degress down by Leb with very little snow and its still raining.

Trail is closed until further notice. Lets wait and see what the weather does.

[tedsti]

Leb has about 1/2" of slush on top of a wet trail. Riding it now would turn it into a cruddy ice rink.

[crux]

Hopefully the snow will hold off for a bit until the rain/slush has run off the trail or frozen. With any luck the trail will freeze solid then gat a good layer of snow to keep the ground cold till spring. (Can't beleive that I want it to be cold, but if that is what it takes to ride)

[gopherhockey]

I checked out the trail today. At first it appears to be hardpack ice and snow - a 1" layer of crud on top. DO NOT let that fool you. There are many puddles along the trail where bikes have broken through and are rutting it up. The worst is the beginner trail, which has open muddy areas and is already taking some damage.

Two bikers seem to have ridden so far since the snow hit. Both were damaging the trail. A few moron hikers have been on the trail as well and I think they were making it worse than the riders.

A few dogs on the trail.. land mines left by negligent pet owners.

I am asking Dakota County to close the trail down for a while. Lets hope we get some now or some hard freezing temps or we won't see Leb open again for a while.

DO NOT EVEN TRY TO RIDE THE TRAIL....

:mad:

[crux]

A few moron hikers have been on the trail as well and I think they were making it worse than the riders.

Does this mean that we can ride the hiking trails if they are walking on the bike trails?;)

Would hope that people could have some respect for the trail system, but guess that this would be asking way to much of some people.

[gopherhockey]

Does this mean that we can ride the hiking trails if they are walking on the bike trails?;)



If dogs are allowed to take dumps on our trails, can we take dumps on theirs? :p :sick: ;)

[nutty]

:etard:come on lets play nice . There are allways bad apples dont let it get the best of MORC.

[gopherhockey]

Checked the trail today. Its mostly glare ice or mud, depending on which way the trail faces. Riders have been actually riding around the orange fences. Caught a couple exiting the trail and few preparing to go out.

Contacting Dakota County tomorrow for a long-term trail closing plan.

[goatgirl]

http://n.ethz.ch/student/mkos/pinguin.swf


This will help blow off steam building from not being able to ride in the snow.

My top score in 322.6

[gopherhockey]

Here is the message I got back from Dakota County regarding Leb being closed:

Couldn't agree with you more.... I put a trail closed sign on the new fence that you put up which looks great by the way. We will keep the mtb trails closed until the weather improves.

Dont' forget.. this is not an optional closing and you can get ticketed for trespassing on closed trails if you ignore the fences. We are working with the Parks Patrol to have them make some examples of people if it becomes necessary.

[Pandl]

If they get the opportunity to make some examples of law breaking bikers, take their picture with their tickets and blow them up and put that on the fence also.

[tedsti]

Here is my new sign for the trail.

Trail Closed
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Does this mean I can ride the trail?? NO
<o:p></o:p>
What will happen if I ride the trail?<o:p></o:p>
First of all, an officer with a big gun will chase you down. He/she may also write you a ticket. Worst of all, it makes all mountain bikers seem as bad/dumb as you. This could lead to the permanent closing of this and other trails.

[Nickel]

Here is my new sign for the trail.

Trail Closed
<o>:p></o>:p>
Does this mean I can ride the trail?? NO
<o>:p></o>:p>
What will happen if I ride the trail?<o>:p></o>:p>
First of all, an officer with a big gun will chase you down. He/she may also write you a ticket. Worst of all, it makes all mountain bikers seem as bad/dumb as you. This could lead to the permanent closing of this and other trails.



I'm not really sure it gets the point across. :p

[crux]

Please excuse my ignorance on current trail conditions as I've been out of town for the holidays. Are any of the trails open at this time or are they still soft?

[dave t]

Please excuse my ignorance on current trail conditions as I've been out of town for the holidays. Are any of the trails open at this time or are they still soft?

Same here.
With 19 forcast overnight, will Leb be open for a morning ride or do I need to hit something else to get over the weekend of sitting around doing NOTHING?

[timmy]

Checked the trail today. Its mostly glare ice or mud, depending on which way the trail faces. Riders have been actually riding around the orange fences. Caught a couple exiting the trail and few preparing to go out.

Contacting Dakota County tomorrow for a long-term trail closing plan.

From the sound of this post, I wouldn't think leb would be open this week.

[gopherhockey]

From the sound of this post, I wouldn't think leb would be open this week.

You are correct - Leb is closed with no ETA of opening again. This is an official Dakota County full-on orange fenced up closed trail... I don't see that changing until we get some snow or a deep freeze with no hights into the 30s.

Even the sun heats the trail up in spots - last year it was in the 20s almost every time we rode and it was still melting in the beginner loop. WIth no snow cover its a mud pit right now out there.

Please stay off Leb until further notice.

[wavlngth]

Does anyone know if Leb is open today Jan 1st?

[mtnbykr]

Does anyone know if Leb is open today Jan 1st?

from the post b4 yours...Leb is closed with no ETA of opening again.

[gus man]

That's OK. Leb can totally be ridden on a road bike!

[stoneage]

;) Looks like Chris is trying to get the forum changed to his blog!;)

[gus man]

Bill you are the 1st one to catch that. It was cool to see my name all the way down the side.

[gopherhockey]

Please don't forget that until Dakota County re-opens the trails, they are off limits... even with recent snow.

We'll check them out and if it seems like they are ready to be opened we will work with Dakota to do so. I wouldn't expect them to be open this week with the weather looking the way it is, however.

Remember.. orange fence = closed... no exceptions!

[stoneage]

Bill you are the 1st one to catch that. It was cool to see my name all the way down the side.
Go for it!! No more interruptions.:)

[mtnbykr]

Bill you are the 1st one to catch that. It was cool to see my name all the way down the side.

i saw it also, just thought you were bored or still tripping from the nye parties...

[bigwheel]

I walked parts of the trail around 3:30 today. Dakota County still had the orange fences up, and there were no bike tracks in the new snow. A HUGE thanks to everyone for this. :banana:

Several people had walked the trail, but there is no sign of damage from them. In fact, they might be helping to pack down the little bit of snow we have.

About 90+ percent of the trail had a half-inch of snow, and was frozen underneath. The other 5-10 percent were the places where the sun peeked through. Those spots were muddy, but not rutted. (Thanks to everyone staying off.) As long as we stay off of the trail right now, these spots will be in excellent shape for riding once it freezes.

So, the bad news is that Leb is still closed. But, it's good to see that everyone cares enough about the trail to wait until it is ready to be ridden. Rest assured that the dirt bosses are just as anxious as you to ride, but we are also staying off until it freezes solid.

Thanks again for your patience.

[BKocka]

so.... Bob, John... Ted.... thinking leb will be closed on Sunday?

[bigwheel]

My guess is yes, but Ted will probably check it out again tomorrow. It looked pretty bad when I walked it on Wednesday, and we've had nothing but warm weather since then. So, I'll bet that it is even worse now. If we don't get some really cold weather, it'll have to stay closed.

Sorry.

[crux]

Did a quick lap (on foot) yesterday and the trail not even close to being in ridable condition. We would need a deep freeze to get is ridable by this weekend.

[tedsti]

I will hopefully get out there sometime tomorrow and check things out. It doesn't look like the lows will be much below freezing until the beginning of next week though. This really blows!!

[mtnbykr]

come to dulluth and ride....

[BKocka]

thanks for the heads up guys. :)

[tedsti]

It is not looking good for tomorrow, but I hope we can get it open on Monday. There are still a few areas that are real soft.

[Mountain Jam]

Is today the day?

[bigwheel]

With the permission of Dakota County, Leb is finally open as of about an hour ago :banana: It's supposed to stay cold for the next week or so, so we can hopefully leave it open for a while. However, on days when the weather warms up above freezing and the sun comes out (like today), please stay off during the afternoon.

There were several sets of tracks where inconsiderate people blatantly rode around the orange fence, past the Trail Closed sign. Someone also tore down the closed sign off of the Galaxy entrance. There was also one vehicle in the lot when we got there, with an open bike rack on the roof. If you are one of those people, all I can say is "Jesus loves you, but the rest of us think you are an a*hole". Next time, watch out for the gentleman in the green suburban.

To those of you who resisted the urge to ride the closed trail, Thank You.

[JDEcho]

How's the trail look? Is it snow packed at all? Any ice? Just looking forward to riding it again!

[gopherhockey]

There were several sets of tracks where inconsiderate people blatantly rode around the orange fence, past the Trail Closed sign. Someone also tore down the closed sign off of the Galaxy entrance.

These people obviously know better than we do. Perhaps we should make them the trail stewards.

They are lucky. The trail isn't always going to be unmonitored when closed.

[bigwheel]

How's the trail look? Is it snow packed at all? Any ice? Just looking forward to riding it again!

The trail is about 3/4 covered with snow and some ice. Ted and I rode it with our Pugsleys (no studs) without any problems.

IMO, studs will help, but are not necessary yet. If you have Nokians or other store-bought studs, they will work great. However, I recommend not using homemade studded tires until it gets a little bit more snow. There are too many dirt sections that will wear them down.

[DanB]

"Jesus loves you, but the rest of us think you are an a*hole"

LOL.......Bob your a Saint in the making!!! Glad to hear it is open, I'm tired of cleaning my Road Bike!:D

So does that mean Thursday Night is a go???

[Pandl]

So, when you see this vehicle parked by a Trail Closed sign, do you wait for them to come out, and remind them that closed means closed? Or put a note on their vehicle?

Just wondering.

[gopherhockey]

So, when you see this vehicle parked by a Trail Closed sign, do you wait for them to come out, and remind them that closed means closed? Or put a note on their vehicle?

Just wondering.

I always wait a bit or leave a note. Dirt Bosses/Trail Stewards can also call the Parks Patrol with a license plate, but we need to be sure they are actual bikers and not someone out hiking that drives a car with a bike rack.

I'm going to take this up with Dakota County again to see how they can help us. A few tickets might start getting the word out rather quickly. It seems some bikers just don't listen... but perhaps reaching into their pocket books might....

I'm excited the trail is now open but it really burns me that people are so stupid that they would ride around a fence. I really don't think even Jesus loves them... ;) and I do think they will get theirs in the next life.

[DanB]

I really don't think even Jesus loves them... ;) and I do think they will get theirs in the next life.

John you are not on the path to Sainthood.........;)

[dave t]

Jesus loves them alright. We can only hope it's "tough love".

Maybe eternal deraillur malfunction or an everlasting tire thorn.

[Pandl]

I would think hitting them in the pocket book would help keep them off the trail. Especially if they were dumb enough to get hit more than once. Glad to hear you take the time to wait a bit, and/or leave a note. If they are already bad, a note might not do much, but the individual attention/talk might have more of an effect, but a ticket the most.

Kudos to you! :banana: :etard:

Thank you!!

[Ish]

and I do think they will get theirs in the next life.

yea - I can see them coming back as Soupboys chamois cream in their next life :fool:

[Rocky Mountain]

So, when you see this vehicle parked by a Trail Closed sign, do you wait for them to come out, and remind them that closed means closed? Or put a note on their vehicle?

Just wondering.

Lundell is too nice.

Easy solution...let the air out of their vehicle's tires and leave the parking lot knowing you did your part.

[BKocka]

Lundell is too nice.

Easy solution...let the air out of their vehicle's tires and leave the parking lot knowing you did your part.

hahahahahahahaha. oh my word.

[Ish]

Tonight 6:00. Conditions - mint.

Rock solid. a fair amount of snow pack and an ice rut right up the middle of the trail from the poacher.

I rode studs, Dullyellow was sans studs. Both worked fine. Get some.

[ibismojo2001]

Tonight 6:00. Conditions - mint.

Rock solid. a fair amount of snow pack and an ice rut right up the middle of the trail from the poacher.

I rode studs, Dullyellow was sans studs. Both worked fine. Get some.

Homemade studs or Nokians??? I will probably just ride sans studs.

Thanks man

[Ish]

Homemade studs or Nokians??? I will probably just ride sans studs.

Thanks man

Nokian 296's (293 actually, I lost a few)

[FormerFarmKing]

You will definitely ride faster with studded tyres.

[Rocky Mountain]

Approx. what percentage of the Lebanon trail is ice? Would rather not ride studs unless totally necessary.

[Ish]

Hey Jason, approx. 48.921% is Ice :crazy:

Seriously, it is about 50% rock hard bare ground and 50% snow pack with an ice rut up the middle.

[dave t]

Just got off the trail around 7:30 tonight (jan 10th) and there is really not any wall to wall ice. The outer loop has frozen slush tire tracks in about 50% of the snowy spots thanks to the riders who couldn't wait for the cold air to come back.

I would say that where there are ice tracks they cover 30% of the width and you can usually stay out of them if you want. If you ride loose, you can ride out the slide until you hit the more grippy stuff outside the tracks and it's really pretty fun....like drifting on your bike sort of.

X and XX have only one or two ice tracks so it is easy to stay out of them. The bridges and other plank features are clean.

There is probably 25% spread out around the trail that is still bare dirt and it was hard as rock with no wet spots at all. In the pines is mostly dirt.

I had a blast with no traction aids at all on 2.5 Conti Diesels. I released a couple squirts of air after we finished XX and it helped a bit but I was fine with normal pressure too. It might be faster with some nice sharp studs but there's alot of dirt, rocks and leaves still.

[Rocky Mountain]

Thanks for the quick reply. To save myself the pain of sliding off the trail,falling,swearing,etc... I just moved the Nokians over from the hardtail for riding Leb. tomorrow night.

If Craig or anybody for that matter is interested in riding then meet at the main lot at 6:30 PM. Look for the green "ghetto" Camry.

The weather is changing quick so this maybe the last close to 30 degree ride for sometime.

[Ish]

If Craig or anybody for that matter is interested in riding then meet at the main lot at 6:30 PM. Look for the green "ghetto" Camry.

The weather is changing quick so this maybe the last close to 30 degree ride for sometime.

Sounds good. I'll post up over in the group ride forum.

[bigwheel]

Got about 5-6 inches of fluffy white snow. Team zamboni was out there packing it in today. Plus we saw a hiker and a snowshoer (both were MORC members).

We got through the int, x, x-out and dream, but ran out of time and had to shortcut through the tentitive proposed dream cheater, premature exit, or whatever it's going to be called. If you get out soon, you can be the first one to put snow tracks in most of the XX and the Int out.

Now is the time when our snow packing efforts will set the trail up for good riding all winter. So, get out and bike, snowshoe, stomp or ski, but have fun.

[SPR]

Got about 5-6 inches of fluffy white snow. Team zamboni was out there packing it in today. Plus we saw a hiker and a snowshoer (both were MORC members).

We got through the int, x, x-out and dream, but ran out of time and had to shortcut through the tentitive proposed dream cheater, premature exit, or whatever it's going to be called. If you get out soon, you can be the first one to put snow tracks in most of the XX and the Int out.

Now is the time when our snow packing efforts will set the trail up for good riding all winter. So, get out and bike, snowshoe, stomp or ski, but have fun.
Someone(s) have way too much free time ;) ... hey thanks Team Z. Will the trail be packed enough to ride with studs on Thursday nights ride?

[bigwheel]

Someone(s) have way too much free time ;) ... hey thanks Team Z. Will the trail be packed enough to ride with studs on Thursday nights ride?

I am back at work, repenting for taking a couple hours off. The others have the day off in honor of MLK.

The snow is light and fluffy, and it was slippery underneath. The pugs were doing a lot of sliding around, using the lowest three gears. We were speculating that we might actually have been able to ride faster today with plain old studded tires. However, Wednesday and Thursday are supposed to warm up to the upper 20's. This might cause the snow to pack down and make it more difficult to cut through the snow to hard ground/ice.

We'll likely have a ride on Thursday, no matter what. The only thing in question is whether or not we'll get in a complete lap.

[Ish]

We'll likely have a ride on Thursday..... The only thing in question is whether or not we'll get in a complete lap.

OMG, three days before the ride and it is already starting..... :laugh:

[bigwheel]

Team Zamboni goes out in the toughest conditions this year, and spends over two hours packing and grooming trail. Then, the little people come out in their shiny foo foo bikes that they ride around Lake Calhoun, and talk trash about how fast they are.

There's another clipper possibly heading this way on Thursday. :laugh:

[Ish]

Then, the little people come out in their shiny foo foo bikes that they ride around Lake Calhoun, and talk trash about how fast they are.

HEY - I resemble that comment. Except the fast part, I would never try to bluff folks into thinking I'm fast. :)

[gopherhockey]

This pretty much summs up the conditions at Leb: (shown here is the monster log pile under 6" of powder)

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/513/Picture_062_Large_.jpg

[nord0306]

not anymore, now there is a pesky pugsley track down the middle of the trail :D

looks fun John, it's nice to finally see that bike where it was meant to be.

Adam

[Shorty]

By the track in the pic, it looks like you hit the drop before it... how was it with all the snow?

[gopherhockey]

By the track in the pic, it looks like you hit the drop before it... how was it with all the snow?

Scary... that about sums it up. There was ice under the snow and it was deep enough not to float very well, even with the big tires. I had to get enough momentum and just hope my front wheel didn't wash out between the drop and the log pile.

With Bob taking a picture of the event I thought for sure I was a gonner.. but all 3 of us made it over without a problem.

[Tex]

HEY - I resemble that comment. Except the fast part, I would never try to bluff folks into thinking I'm fast. :)

Besides, we all know that Ish doesn't actually ride around the lakes. He just drives there with it on the car rack and then poses with it next to the bike path. :crazy2:

Oh, and I'm gonna try to be there Thursday night. I have a relative in from out of town, but I think I can weasel out for the night.

[Ish]

Besides, we all know that Ish doesn't actually ride around the lakes. He just drives there with it on the car rack and then poses with it next to the bike path.

Hey, listen now.......I'm not the one that has[had] a forum name that rhymes with biker fox :crazy:

[Magic]

Hey, listen now.......I'm not the one that has[had] a forum name that rhymes with biker fox :crazy:

I can vouch for Crash, he does ride his bike in the winter but I don't see much of him come summer. So just maybe.......................;)

[Ish]

I can vouch for Crash, he does ride his bike in the winter but I don't see much of him come summer. So just maybe.......................;)

So now the magician is getting in on the act?
Hey - you gonna show on Thursday?

[Magic]

So now the magician is getting in on the act?
Hey - you gonna show on Thursday?

Jezz, now I know how your wife must feel, I told you I have hockey on Thursdays. And I had your back on that last post, and this is how you treat me!;)

[gopherhockey]

Trail is starting to pack in, although the snow is still very light and not sticking together well. Studded tires didn't hook up any better than Pugsley tires, and each had their strengths.

Studded Pugsley tires would be perfection.

Get out there and ride... overall its not bad and a nice workout. Hardly any walking necessary, if any.

[ibismojo2001]

With the new snow today, the studs were not quite long enough so had to hike some. Did see signs of Pugs though. Seemed like perfect conditions for them. Sweet day though

[dave t]

Hopefully, the warmer temps and traffic today will get the trail to set-up.
I was bouncing off ruts and off cambers even with the 2.7 Timbys. Makes for quite a workout.

I found that I did way better looking up the trail. If I let myself start looking down, I was all over the place.

[dave t]

The outside loop is in great shape. I am running 2.7s with no studs and had no problems. X and XX haven't had as much traffic and need some more packing. They are very rideable just a bit tougher going.
Get out while it's still warm.

[gopherhockey]

It was near 40 degrees today... I haven't seen it, but assume the trail really packed in well in today's conditions.

Hopefully it won't be this warm again for a while... we need more snow if thats going to happen or we won't be able to keep the trail open.

Looks like it will cool down for a while. Should be excellent conditions now on almost all trails - even the XX! Many of us cleared basically 100% of the trail without hiking last night, and it should be even better after today.

[gopherhockey]

Trail was nice and frozen on Sunday. XX loop still had some mashed potatoes (as someone called it) but is shaping up. Can actually do the last climb now without much effort or slipping.

The south facing sections of the trail are showing dirt - even more than last time I rode. I don't know if its sublimation or studlimation but I hope it gets frozen hard this week as I don't think the trail will last long once it warms up again unless we get more snow.

Everyone do your snow dance... we still have another good month or so of winter riding as long as winter sticks around.

Side note: it was my personal goal to do the whole snow-ice filled trail without putting a foot down or grabbing a tree etc. No rests, no dabs, cleared the whole thing... Tedman's curve almost did me in tho.

[dave t]

Did the melting bring back some bare ice? With the dusting last night bare ice would take out us non-studly guys pretty quick.

[gopherhockey]

Did the melting bring back some bare ice? With the dusting last night bare ice would take out us non-studly guys pretty quick.

There was some ice in areas, but a lot of it was ridges of ice due to tire tracks vs. flat ice. I slipped a couple of times with the pugs tires, but not too bad (yet). The light snow probably made that worse if it covered it up.

I can see non-studs working just fine out there, just be careful when you see ice ridges on downhills.

There is actually bare dirt in areas that normally have ice right now...

[wavlngth]

David,
I rode Leb yesterday afternoon and there were only a few very small areas of bare ice. Overall the trail was packed nicely. I rode without studs or pugleys and I thought my tires gripped fairly well.

That being said ... unlike John, I think I must have put my foot down 20+ times! ... I definitely need more practice in the snow as I was riding pretty tense.

Tim

[dave t]

Thanks for the scoop, guys. I plan to get out early this week and didn't want to be surprised by a bunch of ice.
I thought Friday was going to be pretty rough on the spots where dirt was churned into the snow.

[Chug]

Did a lap with xx, and x, in there, a little chunky and loose around the edges. About an hour/hour 10.
On monday.

[DanB]

Rode last night and the snow had accumulated pretty good in some areas, maybe up to 2" and in other more covered areas there was very little. Ran a few hilly sections and it was a little bit of a push riding through in the deeper spots with regular tires but for the most part very rideable and a blast with the fresh snow! It should be great tonight if it gets some more traffic today.

[dave t]

Made it out Sunday afternoon for a full lap and it's in great shape.
Studs or Pugs purely optional.
I'm running bare knobs and didn't have to walk anything at all. I do have 2.7s which could have made a difference on a couple short climbs.
It's packed and, except for the pines, still all snow. Get out there before February turns normal and the sun burns back down to the mud.

[gopherhockey]

Get out there before February turns normal and the sun burns back down to the mud.

What he said! Sunday was one of those perfect winter riding days. Great temps, trail conditions were excellent... I'd take one day like that over weeks of summer riding. If you aren't riding this winter you are really missing out...

Lets hope it stays cool and we get more snow soon - there were bare spots showing up already on some of the spots that face the sun. These are the spots that will shut us down until spring.

(maybe we should go out and shoven snow on the trail...)

Minnesota Trails - where they blow the leaves off, and shovel snow on. :crazy:

[timmy]

I'd take one day like that over weeks of summer riding.

There is something wrong with you John!!:D
I'd give up one day like yesterday for a half day of summer riding!!:crazy2: C'mon summer where are you!!