Twin Cities Area Winter Fatbike Trail Opportunities

Winter fatbiking is big in Minnesota and the Twin Cities have quite a few trail systems that are groomed or snowshoe stomped by volunteers to pack the trails for riding.  With the ever increasing popularity of  these wide low pressure tire bikes, new trail riding opportunities have popped up.  I have compiled a list of these trails open to winter mountain biking with links to maps, trail information, trail conditions and Facebook/Twitter pages if available.  Trails that have Facebook or Twitter pages will post trail openings and conditions or closures due to warm weather.

Low tire pressure, usually 10 psi or lower and tires 3.8 inches or wider are recommended for use on these trails in the Winter.  Skinny tires can be used when trails are firmly packed enough to not cause ruts or damage.

Image Credit: Bertram Lakes Singletrack Facebook Page

Bertram Chain of Lakes

Monticello

Map     Trail Info     Facebook  

MORC Trail Conditions

Winter fatbiking is allowed but please stay off the cross-country ski trails.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Image Credit: Brookview Golf Course website

Brookview Golf Course

Golden Valley

Fat Tire Biking Info     Trail Info      

Facebook

Brookview Golf Course has multi-use trails that are open to fatbiking for the second year.  Fatbike rentals are available and the Fattyshack grill is open on weekends serving up food and cocktails.  For more information see the City of Golden Valley's recent article.

Carver Lake Park
Woodbury

Map     Trail Info     Facebook  

MORC Trail Conditions

Carver Lake Park is host to the Cold Catfish Cup that takes place January 24th.  Watch the MORC Racing Forum for updates.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum  and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Image Credit: Three Rivers Park District

Cleary Lake Region Park

Prior Lake

Map     Trail Info     Facebook

Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake grooms trails for cross-country skiing and according to Explore Minnesota it also has a "fat tire" trail with bike rentals available during the winter.  Call Cleary Lake Regional Park (763-694-7777) for more information.

Elm Creek Park Reserve 
Maple Grove

Map     Trail Info     Facebook

MORC Trail Conditions

Elm Creek is home to the Fatbike Frozen 40 taking place on February 13, 2016 and two of the the four races in the Frozen Frolic Winter Mountain Bike Race Series.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Image Credit: Bonnie Moebeck

Fort Snelling State Park 
Maple Grove

Map     Trail Info     Facebook

The Minnesota DNR added 6 new miles of packed multi-use trails last year as part of its Winter Fat Biking Pilot Project. 

Credit: Mistermoose.org

Hillside City Park* 

 Elk River

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Hillside is home to FatBikeFest taking place on February 28th.  Watch the MORC Racing Forum for updates.  *Day Pass fee required.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park-West 
Eagan

Map     Trail Info     Facebook     Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

 

Check in with the Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail Facebook page for trail openings and closures from Dakota County Parks due to weather.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Mendota Trail (MN River Bottoms) 
Eagan

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

This multi-use trail has access points in Eagan at the Cedar Ave. bridge and in the town of Mendota.  It follows the Minnesota River through Fort Snelling State Park and access to the Minnesota River Bottoms on the North side of the river can be done by taking the pedestrian bridge on the Cedar Ave. bridge.
 

Minnesota River Bottoms 
Bloomington

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

The 4th Annual Get Phat With Pat Winter fatbike races will be held at the Minnesota River Bottoms on January 23rd and January 30th.  These races will include new and challenging groomed trails through sections of the Minnesota River Bottoms you don't normally get to ride through.  There are several weekly group rides held here and more information can be found about them on the MORC Group Rides Forum and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Image Credit:  Deathrider

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve 
Savage

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Murphy-Hanrehan hosts two of the the four races in the Frozen Frolic Winter Mountain Bike Race Series.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum  and the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook group.

Salem Hills/Harmon Park Reserve

Inver Grove Heights

Map     Trail Info     Facebook

MORC Trail Conditions

Credit: Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates Facebook Page

Theodore Wirth Park 
Minneapolis

Map     Trail Info     Facebook     Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

The mountain bike trails at Theodore Wirth Park are monitored and maintained by MOCA volunteers.  Closures and trail conditions can be found on the MOCA website in the upper left-hand corner of the page and rider reports are listed on the Theodore Wirth MORC Trail Conditions Forum page.

Other informative Twin Cities mountain biking links can be found below and remember to always follow IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices to maintain and gain more trail access and give our sport a good name.

MORC-Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists

Website

Facebook

Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions on Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions Forum

Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates

Website

Facebook

Twitter

IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices

For a complete listing of this Winter's fatbike events, see my post Winter '15-'16 Minnesota Fatbike Events.

Bookmark this post for quick reference. 

Mountain Bike Patrol Team Volunteers Needed at Lebanon Hills

Dakota County Parks is now recruiting volunteers for their Mountain Bike Patrol Team at the Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trails in Eagan.  Volunteers must meet qualifications and complete all training required.  All details and requirements for these volunteer positions are listed below.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age 16 years
• Good physical fitness and customer service skills 
•  Adult/Child CPR Certification
• Basic First Aid Certification 
• IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol Member 
• Intermediate riding skill level 
• Must provide own bike and helmet
•  Completion of all required training 

Required training:  (Volunteers must complete all training before working as patrol.)

• Volunteer Orientation (new volunteers only)
Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan

• IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol Training
To be determined

• On the Trail Bike Repair Clinic
To be determined

• Annual All Patrol Meeting (all volunteers)
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan 

CPR & First Aid Certification
Current certification through March 31, 2016 is required for all Mountain Bike Patrol volunteers. Volunteers may seek and register for these certification programs on their own, and Dakota County Parks will provide reimbursement for those qualifying certification programs.
Qualifying certification programs: Layman or Basic Adult/Child CPR and Basic First Aid certification.
Certification programs must be completed by Dec. 15, 2015 to be eligible to volunteer.
Those volunteers who have been previously certified within the past five years, who need to be recertified, can register for a Recertification Program coordinated by Dakota County Parks, at no cost:

• Recertification in Layman Adult/Child CPR & Basic First Aid
Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m.
Black Hawk Middle School, Eagan 

Time commitment
The Volunteer Mountain Bike Patrol team is a one year commitment: Nov. 1-Oct. 31.  Volunteers are asked to commit to 30 hours per year.   

Sign Up
FYI, We’re still learning all the bells and whistles with a new volunteer software system…but soon you’ll see Mountain Bike Patrol as an option to sign up for.

• In the meantime, you can set up your own account HERE so you’re ready to go when we post the Mountain Bike Patrol position (hopefully by the end of this week).

Questions?
Contact Katie Pata at 651-554-6532 or katie.pata@co.dakota.mn.us

3rd Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival at Lebanon Hills October 3rd

The 3rd Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival is coming up on Saturday, October 3rd at the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan.  This fun-filled free event is made possible through Dakota County Parks and a partnering with MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists), local area bike shops, businesses and organizations. 

Join in on the fun and celebrate one of Minnesota's best mountain bike trail systems and the many hours of volunteer work that MORC members have put in to maintain nearly 12 miles of single-track.  This event is not only for the avid mountain biker but also a fun and festive way to introduce new riders to the sport.

Scheduled activities include Build Your Skills Sessions, Gear Talk Sessions, Fix-It Clinics, bike demos, group rides, timed competitive events, kids’ activities and live music.  Food and beverage, including beer will be available for purchase on-site.

"This is event is ½ fun community festival trying to introduce mountain biking and the fantastic amenities at the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills Regional Park to a greater audience and ½ recognition for MORC for the many MANY hours their volunteers put in making that system possible." - Katie Pata, Park Operations Coordinator for Dakota County Parks

Updates for the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival can be found on the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival Facebook event page.  Let 'em know you're going by visiting the new online reservation system page for the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival or by calling 952-891-7000 during standard business hours.

 
Event parking will be available at the West Trailhead and at the School of Environmental Studies just a couple of blocks to the south on Johnny Cake Ridge Road.  Overflow street parking is also available along Galaxie Avenue with entrance to the bike trails.  Overnight camping at the Lebanon Hills Campground (located just across the road, and south about half mile from the event grounds) is an option for those needing accommodations.  Camping reservations can be made by visiting the Dakota County Campgrounds page.

Two Trek Factory Demo Days Coming to the Twin Cities This Fall

Trek has announced two more Factory Demo days for the Twin Cities this year.  They will take place at Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trails on Saturday, September 26th and Elm Creek Singletrack on Sunday, September 27th.  Both demos will be held from 10am to 3pm.

Some of the bikes (in various sizes) that will be available to test ride include:

Road Bikes
Domane 6.2 
Emonda SLR 6

Silque SLX

Madone 9.2

Mountain Bikes
Procaliber 9.8

Stache 9

Farley 9.8

Top Fuel 9.8

Fuel EX 9.9 29
Fuel EX 9 27.5

Lush Carbon 27.5

Remedy 9.8 29
Remedy 9.8 27.5

Slash 9.8

Don't miss this opportunity to ride some of Trek's best bikes.  The Trek Demo Rig will be loaded with new bikes that most people have yet to see, let alone ride.  These demos are a great way to try out several and get a feel for the one that will be your next new ride.  Bonus, receive a $100 coupon for demoing a Trek bike.

*List of bikes for demos is subject to change.

*Demo is subject to weather and trail conditions at that time! Riders will need their DL and CC in order to demo. Must be at least 16yrs old and have a parent present if under 18.

Two Trek Factory Demo Days Coming to the Twin Cities This Spring

Trek has announced two Factory Demo days for the Twin Cities this Spring.  They will take place at Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trails on May 23rd and Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve on May 24th.  Both demos will be held from 10am to 3pm.

Some of the bikes (in various sizes) that will be available to test ride include:

Road
Domane 6.2 C
Domane 6.2 Disc
Emonda SLR 6 H2
Silque SLX C

Cyclocross
2016 Boone Disc

Mountain Bikes
Remedy 9.8 29
Remedy 9.8 27.5
Slash 9.8 27.5
Fuel EX 9.8 29
Fuel EX 9.8 27.5
Stache 9
Lush S 27.5
Cali Carbon SL 29
Farley 6

Don't miss this opportunity to ride some of Trek's best bikes.  These demos are a great way to try out several and get a feel for the one that will be your next new ride.  Bonus, receive a $100 coupon for demoing a Trek bike.

*List of bikes for demos is subject to change.

*Demo is subject to weather and trail conditions at that time! Riders will need their DL and CC in order to demo. Must be at least 16yrs old and have a parent present if under 18.

Twin Cities Area Winter Fatbike Trails

Winter fatbiking is big in Minnesota and the Twin Cities have quite a few trail systems that are groomed or snowshoe stomped by volunteers to pack the trails for riding.  I have compiled a list of these trails open to winter mountain biking with links to maps, trail information, trail conditions and Facebook/Twitter pages if available.  Trails that have Facebook or Twitter pages will post trail openings and conditions or closures due to warm weather.  Low tire pressure, usually 10 psi or lower and tires 3.8 inches or wider are recommended for use on these trails in the Winter.  Skinny tires can be used when trails are firmly packed enough to not cause ruts or damage.

Credit: Carver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Trail Facebook Page

Carver Lake Park  

Woodbury 

Map     Trail Info     Facebook  

MORC Trail Conditions   

Carver Lake Park is host to the Cold Catfish Cup that takes place in January.  Watch the MORC Racing Forum for the 2015 race date and updates on the race.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Maple Grove

Map     Trail Info     Facebook

MORC Trail Conditions

Elm Creek is home to the Fatbike Frozen 40 taking place on February 14, 2015 and three of the the six races in the Frozen Frolic Winter Mountain Bike Race Series.  The Frozen Frolic race dates are December 6th, January 10th and February 7th.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum.

Credit: Mistermoose.org

Hillside City Park* 

 Elk River

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Hillside has a set of three races taking place in January and February called the Cold Bear Challenge Winter Racing Series that ends with FatBikeFest on the day of the third race.  This will be the 9th year of the Cold Bear Challenge.  Watch the MORC Racing Forum for 2015 race dates and updates on these races.  *Day Pass fee required.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park-West

Eagan

Map     Trail Info     Facebook     Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

 

Check in with the Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail Facebook page for trail openings and closures from Dakota County Parks due to weather.

Mendota Trail (MN River Bottoms)

Eagan

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

This multi-use trail has access points in Eagan at the Cedar Ave. bridge and in the town of Mendota.  It follows the Minnesota River through Fort Snelling State Park and access to the Minnesota River Bottoms on the North side of the river can be done by taking the pedestrian bridge on the Cedar Ave. bridge.

Minnesota River Bottoms

Bloomington

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

The 3rd Annual Get Phat With Pat Winter fatbike races will be held at the Minnesota River Bottoms on January 17th and 24th.  These races will include new and challenging groomed trails through sections of the Minnesota River Bottoms you don't normally get to ride through.  There are several weekly group rides held here and more information can be found about them on the MORC Group Rides Forum.

Image Credit:  Deathrider

 Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

Savage

Map     Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Murphy-Hanrehan hosts three of the the six races in the Frozen Frolic Winter Mountain Bike Race Series.  The Frozen Frolic race dates are December 13th, January 24th and February 28th.  Group ride information can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum.

Credit: Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates Facebook Page

Theodore Wirth Park

Minneapolis

Map     Trail Info     Facebook     Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

The mountain bike trails at Theodore Wirth Park are monitored and maintained by MOCA volunteers.  Closures and trail conditions can be found on the MOCA website in the upper left-hand corner of the page and rider reports are listed on the Theodore Wirth MORC Trail Conditions Forum page.

Other informative Twin Cities mountain biking links can be found below and remember to always follow IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices to maintain and gain more trail access and give our sport a good name.

MORC-Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists

Website

Facebook

Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions on Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions Forum

Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates

Website

Facebook

Twitter

IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices

For a complete listing of this Winter's fatbike events, see my post Winter '14-'15 Minnesota Fatbike Events.

Bookmark this post for quick reference. 

2nd Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival at Lebanon Hills October 4th

The 2nd Annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival is coming up on Saturday, October 4th at the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan.  This fun-filled event is made possible through Dakota County Parks and a partnering with MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists), local area bike shops, businesses and organizations.

Join in on the fun and celebrate one of Minnesota's best mountain bike trail systems and the many hours of volunteer work that MORC members have put in to maintain nearly 12 miles of single-track.  This event is not only for the avid mountain biker but also a fun and festive way to introduce new riders to the sport.

Image Credit: Dakota County Parks

The Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival is a family-friendly free event, however Dakota Co. Parks would like attendees to pre-register online or by calling 952-891-7000 during standard business hours.  Come down between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm for a day filled with activities.

Image Credit: Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail Facebook Page

Scheduled activities include Build Your Skills Sessions, Gear Talk Sessions, Fix-It Clinics and live music by Twin Cities bluegrass band Sans Souci.  Throughout the day there will be bike tune-ups, kids activities, timed competitive events, group rides and a VIP Lounge presented by Freewheel Bike.  Food and beverage, including beer and wine will be available for purchase on-site by Green Mill.

There will be plenty of new bikes to demo at this year's festival.  The Trek Factory Demo Rig will be there with brand new Mountain, Road and Cyclocross models to test ride on the mountain bike trails, skills park and nearby bike paths.  The Specialized Demo Rig loaded with 2015 men's, women's and kid's bikes will also be there and event partner Valley Bike and Ski is coming with Giant, Felt & KHS demo models.  All demo rides are free but may require you to bring your helmet, credit card and driver's license to demo bikes.

 

Parking is free but limited at the West Trailhead lot.  Overflow event parking is available at the School of Environmental Studies (12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Road) located just South of the West Trailhead entrance.  Additional street parking can be found along Galaxie Avenue on the west side of the park and in neighborhoods near the park.

Image Credit: Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail Facebook Page

This is a rain or shine event.  Dakota County Parks will have a large canopy tent on-site to keep people dry if it does rain.  Severe weather or lightening may postpone or cause events to be rescheduled later in the day.  If wet trail conditions close the mountain bike trails, nearby paved trails and the old gravel parking lot are available for test-riding bikes.  Check the Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail Facebook page for hour by hour updates in the event of severe weather the day of the Festival.

Visit the Dakota County Parks Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival page for more information or call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530.  Thanks to Event Partners MORC, Penn Cycle, Erik's Bike and Board, Trek, Freewheel Bike, Valley Bike and Ski and Health Source Chiropractic for making the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival possible.