Theo is in excellent shape right now and gates are installed!

Here is a picture of the new gates. Currently the trail is open. When the trail closes for any reason, usually during wet periods, the gates will be closed with a sign stating the trails are closed. The MOCA website will always be updated with the current trail conditions, so if you ever want to know whether you should head out to the trail or not, just go to http://www.mocatrails.org/ and the trail conditions will show in the upper left corner.

Right now the conditions are excellent for riding. The trails are well packed and good to go for any tire size. There are no icy sections, so studs are not needed at this time.

While I was out riding tonight, I saw these guys (4 of them) having a blast riding the trail. They all had normal sized tires and they seemed to get by quite well with them.

Trail entrance gates being installed at Theodore Wirth

Over the next day or so, gates will be installed at all the main entrances of Theo and at the two Luce Line crossings.

These gates will be open when installed, so no worries, keep on riding and enjoy one of the best winter riding seasons we have had in a long time.

MOCA has worked very hard over the last few years in conjunction with the MPRB to put in a more official way to close the trails. No more orange fencing and laminated Kinko signs, we will have actual metal swinging gates with proper trail closing signs. The MPRB has decided to back us and they are going a step further to help provide enforcement. This means that when the gates are closed, riders can be ticketed by Minneapolis Park Police while on the mountain bike single track trail.

So when will the gates be closed?

- During the wet season in the spring. Usually anywhere from late February to late April. This varies depending on weather and spring temps.

- During the wet season in the fall before snowfall and the ground freezes.

- If the MPRB or Park Police request us to do so for any reason (likely an event or construction in the park somewhere).

- Any time the trail is too wet to ride for a long period of time. From time to time in the summer we have multiple days of wet weather and may close the trail until it is dry enough to ride again.

If the gates are open, all guidelines still apply. Please don't ride them when they are wet, yield to other trail users (runners, hikers, dog walkers, users of the Luce Line, and so on), and yield to trail workers if you see them on the trail.

If the gates are closed, this means the entire Theodore Wirth mountain bike trail system is closed. Please do not ride or walk around them. Also, do not go to another entrance into the woods to find a way onto the trail.

This is for the good of the trail and will hopefully help keep our trail maintenance much lower so we can work on projects that improve the trail riding experience and expand into new areas.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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.