Cuyuna Lakes MTB Crew & MN DNR Unveil Master Plan for Trail Expansion In Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

On January 8th the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew held their Annual Meeting unveiling the Master Vision for Trails within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in coordination with the MN DNR and Crow Wing County.  This vision is expected to cost around $6 million but the CLMTB Crew estimates that it will bring $21 million of economic impact to the area each year once constructed.

For more details on the Cuyuna Master Vision for Trails visit MN Trails' article Cuyuna Crew Has Mountain Bike Vision.  Watch the video below to see the full Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew 2015 Annual Meeting that was streamed live and learn more about the Cuyuna Master Vision for Trails (presentation starts at 55:18).

Save the Minnesota River Bottoms: Sign the Petition

For those of us that use the Minnesota River Bottoms, whether it be for hiking, running, mountain biking or bird watching, this area has been a favorite of nature lovers during all seasons for many years because of its natural beauty.  I first introduced my son to mountain biking here years ago and it was a special place for us to go and ride together.  For over 20 years MORC members have helped maintain this natural surface trail that runs between the Bloomington Ferry Bridge and Indian Mounds School in Bloomington.

This area is prone to repeated flooding and the idea of millions of dollars being used to develop a paved or aggregate trail here seems like an expensive plan that will require a lot of  yearly maintenance costs and has been one that many people have opposed for years.  Many of us would like to see this area expanded, improved and preserved in its natural state as a natural surface multi-use trail open to hikers, runners, cyclists and nature lovers.  MORC has started a petition that will be presented to the MN DNR, Bloomington City Council and Representative Ann Lenczewski.  Please visit Change.org to let your voice be heard that you want to stop the plan to put a paved trail in the Minnesota River Valley between the Bloomington Ferry Bridge and the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

For updates on this important issue please visit the Save the River Bottoms Facebook page.  Join MORC today to help safeguard the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible riding, establishment and maintenance of mountain biking trails, and preservation of Minnesota's natural resources.

MORC's 20th Anniversary Gala To Be Held November 9th

For 20 years MORC's (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) mission has been "Gaining and Maintaining Trails" so to celebrate this this anniversary and fellow ridership they are throwing a BIG party.  The MORC 20th Anniversary Gala will be held at the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown November 9th from 2-7pm.

Image Credit: Varsitytheater.org

This formal attire dinner event will raise funds for MORC's 2015 season and their efforts to become the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s first designated ‘Ride City’ which requires a major metropolitan area to have 100+ miles of designated single track mountain bike trail.  MORC is currently developing the Three Rivers Park area at Lake Rebecca which will secure this designation but "it is going to take a lot of blood, sweat, tears and dollars to complete a project of this scope but it is sure to be amazing!"

Silent and live auctions during the Gala will also support MORC's efforts moving forward.  If you are an individual or business that would like to donate items for these auctions, please contact Meghann Charboneau.

Image Credit: Media Logic Group

The evening will feature several speakers during the dinner.  Keynote Speaker, Paul Douglas' talk will incorporate weather/climate with outdoor recreation, namely cycling.  Other speakers scheduled include President of QBP Steve Flagg, former IMBA Midwest Regional Director now with the MN Land Trust Hansi Johnson and Minnesota High School Cycling League Communication Director and Founding Member Libby Hurley.

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

MORC Gala Breakdown

2-7pm Event Time 

2-3:30pm: Surly Brewing Happy Hour
3pm: Silent Auction Begins
3:30-5:00pm: Dinner
4:15pm: Keynote Speaker Paul Douglas
4:30pm: Second Speaker Libby Hurley
4:45pm: Third Speaker Steve Flagg
5:00pm: Fourth Speaker Hansi Johnson
5:15-6:15pm: Live Auction
6:15-7:00pm: Music by "The Lost Wheels"
Note: Times and events are subject to change

Valet parking will be available and there is plenty of parking around the Varsity Theater and at the U of M 4th Street ramp.  Tickets are available now through Brown Paper Tickets.  Purchase your tickets before October 1st and save $30.  Your attendance will help fund projects at the Twin Cities mountain bike trails we all love to ride.

Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project is Underway

After many years of discussion, debate and extensive studies, the rehabilitation project for the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge over Long Meadow Lake is finally underway.  Since its closure in 2002 to pedestrian and bike traffic, the old steel truss bridge has been deteriorating and considered an undue safety hazard.

Now that the City of Bloomington has secured Federal and State funding for the rehabilitation project, construction will begin in 2015 and open to cyclists and pedestrians in the Spring of 2016.  A team of  bridge engineers and historians has been hired to consult and develop the final project design plan which will wrap up in November.  Bid letting for the project is expected to take place in December and project commencement in January 2015.

This project has been long awaited by cyclists and will be a very important river crossing not only for bike commuters, but recreational riders and pedestrians alike.  A public meeting on the project was held in June and another will be held this Fall.

For more information about the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge visit the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge over Long Meadow Lake - History Frequently Asked Questions page on the City of Bloomington website.  For a background of the bridge, project status and information on public meetings about the project, visit the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Over Long Meadow Lake website.   Subscribe to receive email updates on the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Project.