IMBA report card

[jeffgude]

Minnesota ranked a B- in IMBA's 2003 report card. Hard to imagine what we'd have to do to rate higher. Florida was rated a B+, I've never ridden there but sounds a little hard to believe. Oh well, almost every other state rated higher has mountains.

http://imba.com/news/trail_news/16_4/itn_16_4_reportcard.html

[Crash]

Ranked #1 in most improved in 2003.
Great job MORC
:banana: :banana: :banana:

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by Crash
Ranked #1 in most improved in 2003.
Great job MORC


It was great to see us listed as #1 most improved. I think we still have a lot of work to do, but I think we could be a B+ by next year if things were to keep going as they are... perhaps into the "A" range in a few years.

After riding Milaca and Elk River yesterday I really started to see how lucky we all are to have the trails we do so close to home. We just need to keep the momentum up in the metro, and help outstate trails do the same.

[seberly]

I guess I don't think anyone on this list or that is a member of MORC should feel bad for the rating since they are the reason it is as high as it is. A lot has happened in a few years but we are digging out from the past.

As I understand it lower ratings get's us more help from IMBA (i.e. Hot Spots) as far as I know.

[Tim Wegner]

I was pleased with the rating that we recieved. After all the ratings are done by the people that ride and are willing to take the time to voice their opinion. I believe that last year we were either a C or a C+.

Although we are very successful with trail work in Dakota County and Ramsey county, we still have some problems with access in to certain areas of the state and other parts of the metro area. I would like to see a "Lebanon" type trail in each of the 4 compass points. This would take a lot of pressure off of Lebanon as well as provide close riding opportunities to everyone in this area.

It takes a proactive group to gain access. We need to always keep our ears and eyes open for potential trail opportunities. Just today I read in my local paper that a new horse trail will be opening on U of M land in Rosemount. They have 7500 acres in on chunk of land and they are allowing horses, howcome we did not know about it and try to get bikes also? These are the types of opportunities that I am referring to. Maybe with Diamond T closing this might open greater parts of Lebanon to biking! Who knows.

Soo--if anyone hears even a whisper about some land or trail problems let myself or someone from MORC know so we can see if bikes might have a chance.
TW

[redwood]

I am new to the area and I want to help build/improve/maintain trails.

Where do I start?

[ryno lite]

Hi Redwood, welcome to the MORC site and welcome to the area! We'd love your help! This is a great place to find out all the info on trail work. Most of the trail work is over for the season, but we are still getting in a little work at Lebanon Hills, weather permitting of course. Best way to see when we are doing work is to go to the area trails part of the forums and trail work is usually written up in advance somewhere there. It's pretty informal, just show up when and where we have it and you can join in. We provide all the tools and instruction. You should bring your own gloves though. Right now the most active work sites have been Lebanon Hills, Harmon Park, Terrace Oaks, and Battle Creek. There has also been some work in the Minnesota River Bottoms and Murphy Hanerhan. Anyway check the forums under those trails and work will be listed under them. As I said earlier though, we are mostly done for the year as far as trail work is concerned.

Another great way to start is to join our group. There is a section on becoming a member on the home page and it costs $20. You also get a cool pair of MORC socks. Also, feel free to join us at some of our group rides. They are pretty informal, but we are starting to get a few going now and then. Just check the forums under group rides.

Anyway, we look forward to seeing you in the future!