MORC Goes On Singletrack Blitz in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities have historically been a paradox for mountain bikers. There is a well engrained cycling culture, lots of open space and woods nearby and a physically active population. Minnesota is the birthplace of Cars 'r Coffins, the home of Greg LeMond and the epicenter of the singlespeed bloc.

Oddly enough, however, the Twin Cities were severely lacking in legitimate trails to mountain bike on not so long ago. In 2000 IMBA gave Minnesota a paltry C grade, citing "Not enough riding near Twin Cities" as the states downfall. City officials were hesitant to accommodate mountain biking because of concerns about environmental and social impacts.

Thanks to tireless work from local advocates, IMBA rep Tim Wegner and the Minnesota Off Road Cylists (MORC), things have improved drastically. "MORC has always been a strong club, and in the last few years they have had huge success," said IMBA trail expert Mark Schmidt.

A major catalyst to the change occurred last summer, when the Twin Cities were designated a Hot Spot. In terms of actual trail miles built during the visit, the Twin Cities event was the most successful Hot Spot campaign ever. IMBA and MORC built approximately 10 miles of serpentine new trails and taught land managers new trailbuilding techniques.

Highlights included a new, challenging trail constructed at Lebanon Hills Park that features rock drops, log crossings, bridges and other features that have traditionally been missing on Minneapolis/St. Paul trails. Quality Bicycle Products, an IMBA Above-and-Beyond corporate supporter based in Bloomington, organized a mountain bike ride and a tour of their facilities. The ride played a key role in the Hot Spot campaign: land managers who had never ridden off road were provided bikes and an introduction to the sport.

In the past year, MORC successfully secured funds and permission to build new trails at a number of locations in and near the Twin Cities. At a recent IMBA Land Manager School, 45 attendees from around the state helped design four miles of new trail. The area where the school took place sits adjacent to the city and is a blank canvas for trailbuilders. When complete, 10 to 15 miles of new trail will be built there.

Now that MORC has mastered the art of building singletrack, theyıve turned more attention towards building challenging trails. Several ski hills have approached the club about building freeride and downhill routes. Afton Ski Resort, about 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, gave MORC permission and support to build challenging singletrack featuring rock drops, armored sections and small jumps.

MORC now faces a unique challenge: recruiting more volunteers to work on the trails that theyıve received permission to build. Those who have shown up have discovered it can be a lot of fun. "Trail building really gives you a feeling of ownership when you are out riding the trails," said MORC member Joe Mhalmahe. "I never knew how rewarding it could be to join MORC's efforts to gain and maintain trails in the area."

Want to get involved? Visit www.morcmtb.org and join one of the fastest growing movements in mountain biking today.

Key Lessons:

1. Consistent effort and professionalism can change land manager opinions
2. Become a resource in your area
3. Once respect is established, freeride trails can become a reality