Trails are currently in great shape for riding!

I took my new 1x1 Rat Ride with 3.0 Knobbies on it out on the trails. The north loop is fabulous right now. The south loop needs more packing. We could use some snowshoers out there and some big tired bikes too.

Enjoy the winter riding season!

Snow is here!

The trails tend to stay open all winter long. It's best if they are packed using snowshoes and a bit of Pugsley (Surly fat tired bike) traffic. This will get and keep the trails packed well.

Studs do okay, but are not really needed unless we have a wetter and more icy winter. But a wider tire does tend to work best and 29ers really do well too.

A few things to keep in mind while enjoying Theo in the winter. Please stop and all trail crossings. It's XC Ski season and skiers have the right of way at all crossings. So be aware that a skier can be crossing at any moment and they don't have the same control a cyclist does. Also, cross all XC Ski trails at a 90 degree angle.....and please do not ride on any XC Ski trails at any time. Not even to leave the singletrack to get out of the woods.

Enjoy a great winter season of biking at Theo!

2009 Updates!

Well, the mountain biking season has wound down to a close, at least until the snow flies and we open the trails back up for winter riding.

Last meeting we had the MOCA board elections. The results of these elections where as follows.

Elected roles:

- President: Matt Moore
- Vice President: Charles Chenvert
- Secretary: Steef Mansfield
- Trail Stewards: mara larson and Shad Holland
- Chapter Representatives: mara larson and Shad Holland

Appointed Roles:

- Minister of Propaganda: Justin Kalemkiarian
- Captain Huck: Jake Wittenberg
- Master of Acquisitions: Chuck Chenvert
- RockStar!: Dave Jones

Amanda Scholz has become a regular at trailwork and has also been getting involved in a lot of administrative work, including making it to all of the MOCA board meetings, so she was appointed to the board a bit later in the summer.

Section 6 has come along way since the crew was able to get back on track after the Luce Line went in. The downhill rock armor is complete and the climbing turn is almost completed.

On Oct 22nd the MOCA crew raked the entire trail before the winter sets in. Also, the orange fencing was put up to close the trail during this wet period before the temps drop and the ground freezes. The fences will come down once the ground is frozen solid and the temps stay low enough to keep the trails frozen. Once we get significant snowcover, the trails are usually good to go for some snowshoeing and mountain biking.

We look forward to a great 2010 season! Thanks to all who support MOCA and those who take the extra time getting involved in making the organization a great success!

Trails are officially open!

The Luce Line construction is done and the MPRB and Three Rivers Park District have notified us that we can officially open the north loop to mountain biking.

We added a new reroute that reflects Theo's tradition of being tight and twisty. Enjoy and have a great summer!

Luce Line Paving to begin.

It is important that all riders (and other trail users) stay out of the North Loop area during the paving and clean up process.

Because of this, the Minneapolis Park Police will be stepping up enforcement. Please be aware that going into any area of the North Loop is considered trespassing and tickets may be given if you are found in this area.

We should be fairly close to opening the trail for the summer, but it's going to be a few more weeks yet. Please be patient and do not ride the North Loop until we officially open the trail.

Thank you for your understanding.

Grading of Luce Line and paving begins April 20th

The cooridor for the Luce Line has been cleared out. The actual grading and paving of the Luce Line will begin on April 20th. They will not tolerate any cyclists on the trail during the construction. The MPRB along with Three Rivers will be enforcing this, not MOCA.

During this time, MOCA has to plan a reroute in the southwest area of the trails. We will also be doing maintenance to get the trail ready for when the Luce Line is finished. Trailwork is every Wednesday at 5pm. Come later if you need to, just find us on the trail. Today is the first day of trailwork. After today, we will only be allowed to enter through the north entrance, by the sleep center. The main roadway entrance from Theodore Wirth Pkwy will be closed.

Thanks again for you help, patience, and understanding.

UPDATE: Trails Closed for Luce Line construction and Spring Thaw

The Luce Line trail clearing and construction begins this week, likely Thursday. The trails are already closed for spring thaw, but now they will be closed for two reasons.

Depending on how long it takes for them to put in the Luce Line will depend on when the trails open. We will keep you updated on what is happening with the Luce Line. The mountain bike trail will be affected and need some rerouting in some areas....so please do not ride the trail. There will be heavy machinery and other activity that could be dangerous to riders. It is a construction zone and rumor has it, 3 Rivers Park District will be enforcing the closure since they are the ones putting in the Luce Line.

Thank you for your patience this spring.