Winter Riders Coffee is Fresh!!

Fresh Espresso and Papua New Guinea coffee beans have arrived at Revolution for your drinking pleasures. All proceeds go toward the cycling clubs trail work efforts.

Drink Coffee and Feel Good!

Attention Jr. Cyclists. Remember to get your written applications (whatever pertinent information you think is important) in for the MMCC Jr. Cycling Scholarships.
Mail to:
MMCC
1201 8th Ave SE
St. Cloud, MN 56304
Deadline is Jan 31, 2010
Decisions will be made Feb 15th and announced here.

North Loop Closure

***ATTENTION***

WITH THE NEW SNOWFALL THE NORTH LOOP IS NOW CLOSED TO ALL CYCLING.


TIME TO BREAK OUT THE SNOWSHOES AND SKIS

THANK YOU!!

It's December

Just a quick reminder that the club is still selling coffee to benefit the trails. Buy up a pound or two for those holiday dinners or as gifts at Revolution Cycle and Ski or at Fitzharris Bike and Ski. They are also selling the left over commemorative race hats for 10 bucks (hint hint stocking stuffer). Also we have a good amount of membership goodies still available so if you are looking for a unique gift give the gift of a membership of the MMCC and get a high quality t shirt, pint glass and bottle opener to give.

A winter meeting is being planned and I will keep you all up to date via email or this blog.

*Reminder*

N. Loop Single Track Trails close once the ski club starts grooming the XC ski trails.

Bridge Shots!

Bridge placing day! Good thing we had so many strong guy's out there to move the bridges about.

Matt Stone and Mike Schroden working on the on and off ramps. Matt made some very skilled cuts with his chain saw. Thanks Matt!!

Sunday's trail crew. THANKS!!
Crash helped out as well but bailed before the photo opportunity.

All photos stolen from Cory's blog.

Bridge Moving Day

Thanks to all who came out to help with the bridge moving. Little did I know that there was a football game...and an important one at that. Anyway we had a good crew (~16) despite the game and we moved 20 sections of bridge is various lengths.

Sam did a great job at making some sturdy bridges and directed us to carry these heavy bridges and place them along the trail. He will be making some corner pieces so the log's will be replaced eventually but it's a great start! Thanks Sam!!

I failed to bring the camera so if any of you that had phones can you email the photo's to me and I'll get them up on the blog.

Bridge Moving Day is Here!

It's here!!...dundundundaaaa....

A MMCC club member has been building some (9) bridges for his Boy Scout's Eagle's Project. These bridges were made so we can ride the North Loop earlier in the Spring and hopefully cut down on trail closures when it's wet and rainy. We will be placing them in the "Slippery When Wet" area and the "Rogo's Run" and " Rogo's Return" sections.

When: Sunday 3 p.m.
Where: Meet at N. Loop trail head

The bridges are heavy and require lot's of help so bring some friends. Please come out to help with this!

Happy Halloween!

Eagle Scout Project

We caught up with Sam Eggers a member of the MMCC, who has taken on building some bridges for the North Loop's lower lying wet areas for his Eagle Scout Project. He's done a very professional job at gathering materials (Avon Lumber donated a very large portion of the lumber, shingles and screws, and the money we raised selling coffee and membership drive payed for the rest) and getting to work.

Very soon we will be organizing a bridge placing day. So stay tuned...

In Waite Park on Thursday

Race across the Sky
It's a movie about the Leadville 100 race featuring Lance Armstrong and Dave Weins.

Marcus
Parkwood 18 Theatre
Waite Park
MN
56387

Click above link to see the trailer.

Single Track Escape Coffee!! It's New and it's FRESH!

Fresh Mexican Altura Single Track Escape Mid Mn Cycling Club Coffee can be found at Fitzharris Ski and Sport and at Revolution Cycle and Ski. The coffee hit the shelves this week!!! We've added a few lbs of Ground coffee as well so if you don't have a grinder you don't have any excuses anymore!

Coffee Up!

Trails are in good shape

The N. Loop and Plum Creek trail reports are coming in as positive. Even though we've been getting some rain the ground is soaking it up and firming up the trails making for some fun fall riding. Don't put your bikes away yet, the riding is still great.

Look for trail reports here and here!

Single Track Escape

Wine Tasting Wednesday Night for Jr. Cycling Scholarships

A few photo's from the Revolution Single Track Escape that I was able to capture this weekend. Thank You everyone who came out to Volunteer, race, cheer and eat!

The start line of the Kid's Comp event. A really strong group of riders filling this category nicely on Saturday!

House of Pizza team member Alex Kern

Sheila Amo did such an awesome job with organizing the food and pizza for the trail fundraiser! Thanks Sheila!!!!

Josie and Sawyer Amo with their new MMCC commemorative hats.

Single Speed State Championships Start Line!

MMCC member Josie Amo was the first across the line for the Girls Kid's Comp event!
Congratulations!!

MMCC crazy lady (me-Kyia Anderson) took home the top honors for the Women's Elite Field!

And to all the other MMCC racers look to www.skinnyski.com for a MTB race recap Wednesday and thank you for coming out on Saturday!

Keep the wheels moving!

Wine Tasting Wed. Night

Come out and join us this Wednesday for a Jr. Cycling Scholarship Fundraiser to raise funds for MMCC Jr. Cyclist's. More info here and you can buy tickets here.

Hope to see you there!

Trail Conditions

Just back from course set up. The rain is now done @ 6 p.m. and it was a steady off and on rain since 3 today. The course was so dry that precip. just sucked right into the ground. Yes there is some mud But IT IS NOT going to be a MUD FEST, just a little wet.

I would go with a knobbier tire tomorrow not super aggressive just a little more mud shedding and gripping, something like the Michelin AT.

There were a few riders out checking out the course and were pretty clean considering the rain.

Forecast looks great for tomorrow, if anything Kid's comp will get it cleaned up for the rest of us!

For the Expert/Comp race expect some slick roots and rocks in all Expert Spurs.

Trail Conditions

Just back from course set up. The rain is now done @ 6 p.m. and it was a steady off and on rain since 3 today. The course was so dry that precip. just sucked right into the ground. Yes there is some mud but it is not going to be a MUD FEST, just a little wet.

I would go with a knobbier tire tomorrow not super aggressive just a little more mud shedding and gripping, something like the Michelin AT.

There were a few riders out checking out the course and were pretty clean considering the rain.

Forecast looks great for tomorrow, if anything Kid's comp will get it cleaned up for the rest of us!

For the Expert/Comp race expect some slick roots and rocks in all Expert Spurs.

Race Ready

Sunday CX frame raffle!

Frame for the raffle on Saturday!

Raffle hats are in!

Awards are made!

Huge Prizes for the race and the raffle. Thanks Revolution for Saturdays Schwag and Fitz, Grantie City Cycle and other sponsors for Sunday's Raffle prizes and awards!

Arrrgggh!

Find the Rat

Race Week Prep

This is it. The week of our two big races here in St. Cloud. Please make arrangements to:

1) Volunteer Fri. contact pvrogo@gmail.com (3 p.m. setup N. Loop); Sat. contact pvrogo@gmail.com; Sun. contact matthewstone@charter.net (8:30 a.m. set up-Riverside Park Shelter, huge crew needed here! Course tear down ~3 p.m.)

2) Race Sat, Sun

3) Cheer

5) Eat Sat we will be selling Pizza from House of Pizza; Sun Pork Wings, Chili, and lot's of other yummy stuff including Beer from McCann's Brewery all the proceeds for the $$ here goes back to our trails!

4) MNSCS Chili Cook Off Contest- bring a BIG pot of chili, bread, bars, anything yummy on Sunday to the CX race.

5) Raffles $20.00 gets you a pretty sweet MNSCS cycling skull cap and enters you into the raffle to win a bike frame or ton's of other cool swag from your local bike shops and local stores in St. Cloud! Sat-Revolution Cycle and Ski donated a Salsa SS frame, Sun- Fitzharris Bike donated a Kona CX frame!!!! All the proceeds for the raffle goes back to the trails!

6)Remember to support your local bike shops as they always support our events and the trails and local businesses that sponsor our events.

Boo Blast- Monticello

Kinda fuzzy but the info is still there! Should be a good time as I hear the trails are in great shape! If I find out more info I'll post it on the blog.

Don't forget about all the racing action coming up here in St. Cloud.

MNSCS Finals
and
Single Speed State Championships
September 26, 2009
North Loop

Pork Chop Challenge CX Race
September 27, 2009
Riverside Park, St. Cloud

Don't forget about the Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Jr. Cycling
September 30, 2009
Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud

Grunts, Sweat and Bug Bites= New Trail

Breaking News!!!
There is a new climb in town and it has some really awesome granite chunks, rocks and bridges.
Thank You to all the 12 people who showed up for trail work this afternoon. We put 'er in and got 'er done! NICE!
Now go ride it!

Trail Work Today- Saturday @ 3p.m.

We are working on the trails today @ 3 p.m. on the N. Loop.

Meet up at Trail Head.

We will be building some bridges and working on the "Granny Hill Climb".

Bring cordless drills if you have them.

Thursday- Trail Work- N. Loop

The start of the new section of single track. It's thought to be ~1 mile, we will have to get a proper measuring device out there to get the correct mileage. Now to name it. We've come up with a few ideas see poll at the right of this post and place your vote. If you have a good one post in the comment section.

Trail work on Thursday September 10, to clean up the rest of the trail as we've been putting time in on the new section. 6 p.m. meet up at the N. Loop.

Riding is awesome, go get some single track on!

N. Loop Trail Work-Thursday

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We would like to finish off the new trail and a few other items that need to get done this Thursday September 3 at 6pm@ N. Loop trail head.

Please bring gloves, long pants, and a friend to help! We will have colder post work refreshments this time, and the equipment has been in for repair and is ready to roll....

Please plan to attend as we would like a big crew.

APO meeting

Just wanted to remind everyone of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting this Wednesday, August 26th, 6 p.m. at the St. Cloud Library in the Bremer Room. Topics worthy of discussion include the meeting schedule, chairperson clarification, State Nonmotorized Technical Advisory Committee meeting in September, update on corridor studies, system gaps - on and off road, public informational meeting Thursday, August 27th, SHIP Grants, and Complete Streets workshop.

For those of you that were unable to attend the Complete Streets workshop - the presentations are available for viewing at http://www.stcloudapo.org/APO under the MPO Presentation folder. If you are prompted for a username and password, enter APO and isr35r.

10 Hard Workers

Tonight a good group came out and helped with the new section of single track on the N. Loop. Mike R. also did some serious weed whipping on the bridge section and other well needed areas.

Another trail work night will be set up soon to finish this section off as we need to have this all ready to go and in tip top shape for the Single Track Escape on September 26, 2009.

BIG THANKS TO:
Mr. Anderson, Sam, Ben, Matt, Matt, Alex, Mike, Brian, Joe, John and Kyia.

Saint Cloud Fall Races

Trail Work Canceled

N. Loop Trail Work is Canceled tonight and rescheduled for Monday August 24@ 6 p.m.

Road Bike Racing this weekend in Avon, MN!

Get out to help or cheer on the MN road racers! Contact Jim (info below).

As most of you know, this weekend is the Spunk Lake RR in Avon. It is a 1 wave event from 9:30 until 2:30. We are in need of some corner marshals, as well as some people for set up and tear down. I have every corner covered by police but an additional person waving riders thru really helps the flow of the event.

If those who can help could reply back to me, it would help me plan out the corners in advance.

Thanks, Jim

Jim Bell
ATS, Inc
320-255-7458 office
320-258-8853 fax
jimbe@atsinc.com

Bridge Repair

Josie and Sheila Amo helped with some Bridge repair today on the N. Loop. Some of the boards have rotted out and one was completely broken on the in bound/returning long bridge. We replaced a few others while we were out there. The bridge is all set to go! Ride On!

Thanks for your help ladies!! Girl Power!

As a reminder there is a meeting for the Race Committees this Wednesday night. Check your emails for details!

Monticello Trail Work

Passing along this info............

Folks, we had a really nice turnout this Sunday at Monticello for trail work. The trails are nearly ready for riding but we probably need 1 more good day of work to have them completely ready. We will be meeting this Sunday at 8 am at the North entrance of the camp (on Cty 39 between Cameron Ave and 110th Street) to finish the 15 mile loop. Once this loop is marked and cleared, River City Cycles in Monticello plans on maintaining these trails year round. They also plan on adding more miles of
single-track and some other “features”.

The really great news is that the City of Monticello has ownership of the park, so the hunting and other activities that used to interfere with riding will be minimized.

If you can make it, even for a few hours, your help will be appreciated!!!
Jim BellATS, Inc320-255-7458 office320-258-8853 faxjimbe@atsinc.com

Thanks trail workers

Last Wednesday and Thursday trail work was conducted on the N. Loop and the Plum Creek/Riverbluffs single track trails. Volunteers showed up and a lot of work was conducted. We realized that Wed group was a true testament of the desire to keep the trails in good shape so we can have great riding all year round, so I took monies from the Coffee Sales and bought another industrial weed whipper to use Thursday at Plum Creek. So, Thank You to all of those who support the trails by buying coffee at Fitzharris Bike and Sport and Revolution Cycle and Ski.

The trails should be in great condition, so get out and ride! After you have a cup of joe!

We kicked Butt!!

A Huge Crew showed up tonight to clean up the N. Loop, at least 10 people.

THANKS!!!!
And please show up Thursday night, July 30th @ Plum Creek, 6 p.m.
Above photo is Kyia and Ben Doom. The Snapper Brush mower is the mower we bought with monies from last years raffles and food donations at the two bike events we put on in Sept. We hope to buy more equipment this year, it will come in hand when we have 10 people show up for work. It truly makes a difference in cleaning the trail v.s. a lawn mower.
Ben cut out a lot of over hanging branches and some down trees.

Brian and Broman, "are you really working"?

Look at the cans around this guy!

A hard working duo, Conner and Charlie!

Better than riding the trail?

Even Max the Wonder Dog helped take down brush!
Thanks again!

Sorry about the terrible images, my camera has seen better days.

End of July Trail Work

Attention Cyclicts:

Next week there is going a big focus on trail work with two trail work nights. We hope to get a lot done on these two consecutive nights so please plan to attend and bring any helpers that don't receive this email.

Wednesday July 29, 2009- NORTH LOOP6:00 p.m. meet up at trail head

Thursday July 30,2009- PLUM CREEK6:00 p.m. meet up at white gate off 33rd ave

Bring bug spray and gloves. I recomend long pants and long sleeve shirts.

THANKS and we really appreciate people who can attend and help out!

.3 mile trail addition!

The new section of single track on the N. Loop. It's a little rough but we assumed that enough traffic can hit it and burn in a trail pretty quickly.

Basically the only obstacle on the new section.

New Trail on the N. Loop

In preparation for the MNSCS finals in St. Cloud on Sept. 26th at the N. Loop we are making some new trail to accommodate more starts and reduce congestion. Last night we got to work on one of the new sections. Ben Doom, John Broman, Kris and Kyia Anderson as well as Matt Stone got out to get the process started. In the coming weeks we will finish up these sections so look forward to some trail work nights coming up.

Hearing protection is important! WHAT?

It's pretty thick in some areas with a lot of buckthorn and downed treas. Did I mention the mosquito's? They are terrible! There are a few rocks and other natural features that we will be able to incorporate into the trail.

Thanks to all who helped out last night!

Tour of Granite Country

Check this link for more info if you have any interest in Road Racing or Watching Road Racing

Dates: July 18-19
Tour of Granite Country

Bust out the Black Tie and Black Dresses!

We are pleased to announce a major fund raiser for September 30th, 2009. This fundraiser will generate funds for Jr. Racing scholarships for Mid Mn Cycling Club members for 2010 as well as trail work equipment. More info on the scholarships to come....

Come join us at the historic and beautiful Pioneer Place on Fifth for what is sure to be a memorable night. Tickets will be available for sale starting next week. The event is geared for all members of the community, not just cyclists. Please promote the event to your friends and family as it will be a huge benefit for our club and Jr. cyclists in the area.

Also, Cannery Row has confirmed to play before and after the wine tasting!

Ben Doom, Kris, Nick, Kyia, Todd and a few other riders that were out riding tonight took out the big oak on "Doom's Return" that fell over in the last thunderstorm.

We took out the log bridge on the first section of the trail and moved it to the first Expert Spur! It is more of an Expert type obstacle and not really good for beginner riders to encounter. We also took out a tree that was obstructing the traild on the beginning portion of the "Bunny Trail". There have been high winds so if there are more trees down please post in the comment section or on the message board. Thank you and happy riding!

Please remember to wear a helmet while riding on any of the trails in St. Cloud, also encourage others to wear them as well.

A great article in the SC Times

Check out the article on the local Grand Stay Road Bike Team in the St. Cloud Times.

If your looking for info on the criterium tomorrow check here!

If you'd like to volunteer read posts below for info and contact people!

HELP PLEASE!

Folks, we could use some corner help on Sunday at the Crit. The Retirees that originally volunteered are a bit gun shy with the forecast heat, consequently my volunteer numbers have taken a hit. I’m looking for people to sit at the course corners and make sure no one tries to drive on the course. There will be barricades at every corner, so these are only precautionary measures. As I see it, it could be a very nice day in the sun!

We will need corner folk from 830 – 1300 and 1300 – 1700.

Please let me know if you can help and what shift would work best for you.

Thanks, Jim

P.S. Food and drink will be provided…

Contact Jim Bell (see post below)

State Crit Coming to St. Cloud

Time to get organized and help volunteer this weekend for the State Crit, here in St. Cloud! Contact Jim if you can help out! Support local cycling!

Folks, biggest race in St Cloud history this weekend and we have opportunities for volunteers…..

We will need help setting up and tearing down as well as some modest help on the corners.

Set up;

7am Sunday June 28

Meet at Tech High School

Work detail:

Hang banners

Place Hay Bales

Set up Barricades

Set up Scaffolding

Set up Snow Fence

Set up Tents

Tear down;

5pm

Take it all down

We would appreciate any help you can be….

Thanks, Jim

Jim Bell
ATS, Inc
320-255-7458 office
320-258-8853 fax
jimbe@atsinc.com

Trail Updates

Mike Schroden and two others (Dan and Matt?) got down to Plum Creek Thursday night and cleaned up the trails and cut down some of the monstrous grass. Thanks Guys!!

Plum Creek and the N. Loop have gotten some much needed love so riding should be good to great once again.

Thank You everyone who has helped out with trail work this year!

Trail Work Report

Thanks to Mike Rathlisberger, Mr. Anderson, Taggert and a new person who's name I already forgot (sorry:(). We battled the Mosquitoes and the high humidity and put the five pieces of power equipment to work at the North Loop. I chose the Brushmower and headed to the tall grass areas and Taggert and Mr. Anderson took over the other mowers and started their way down the tral. Mike and New Person took the weed whippers. Mike had the blade rolling and the New Person whipped. He got a lot of the growth along the bridge sections and then he had some mechanicals. Anderson and Taggert broke both lawn mowers while Mike and I had good success with our power tools and worked a solid 2 hours. I drained my whole camelback and we were all a drenching mess. The Miller High Life never tasted so good!

Anyway, I did get a good story about the lawn mower from Anderson once we returned home that I have to share... He was mowing for an hour and forty minutes and was sort of hearing some clanking noise through his ear protection and didn't think much of it. Apparently it started after he got the mower stuck on a huge stick which stopped the mower, he had to pry it off the stick... So he started up the mower and carried along his way, mowing along and then looked down and there was the blade right at his feet! Hmmm.....

Oh, Trail work Thursday Night at Plum Creek @ 6:00 p.m. Get down there and maybe you too will have a " I was just mowing along" story!

Star of The North Games-Running Race

Hi Kyia - I have a favor to ask. Could you send a short note out to the bike club to see if anyone could spare an hour from 8:30 to 9:30 this Sat. morn to help time the Star of the North 5K trail run at the North loop of the prison? The race starts at 9 for anyone who would like to run it (2 laps of the ski trail). We are getting a share of the proceeds and it will go directly back into trail maintenance. Ed Bouffard from Pickle Timing is in charge of the timing, but we need 3 or 4 people to push the buttons. Thanks! Rogo PS Call me at 252-729l by Fri. morn if you can help.

A new feature at the North Loop. Here Cory demonstrates the balance required to master this obstacle!

Don't forget about trail work at the N. Loop tonight (June 17th) at 6:30 p.m.
and
Plum Creek Thursday night (June 18th) at 6:00 p.m.

Fun Low Key Event

If you are looking for a fun low key event taking place this weekend, check this one out!

Woolly Mamoth MTB Race

Trail Work

A busy week for trail work. The trails need a little love so get out and volunteer! Thanks!

Wednesday June 17th
North Loop Trail Work, 6:30 p.m.
Meet up at the North Loop Trail head. Bring clippers and bug spray! Wear long pants and shirt to prevent bug bites, poison ivy, and wood ticks. Mowing and clipping will be taking place.


Thursday June 18th
Trail Work will be conducted at the Plum Creek/ River Bluffs Trail system, 6:00 p.m.

Mowing and clipping of overgrowth will be taking place. Bring Bug Spray, gloves, clippers and the such. Also as a side note wear long sleeves and pants as this will prevent bug bites, poison ivy and wood ticks.

Please meet up at the White Gate off of 33rd Avenue.

Summer Solstice Film Festival

This email was sent to me, if your a film buff, check it out, pretty cool.

Hi. I'm the producer of a new film called “Bicycle Dreams.” It’s a documentary about the Race Across America, a cross country bicycle race that challenges riders to cover 3000 miles in under ten days. The film looks at the motivations of the riders and their dedicated crews, exploring what it takes both physically and mentally to deal with the extreme challenges of this incredible race.

I’m writing to you because the film will be playing this week at the Solstice Film Festival in Minneapolis and we’re looking for the support of the local cycling community. There seem to be very few cycling films out there so we look at this as an opportunity to bring local bike enthusiasts together.

“Bicycle Dreams” will be playing Saturday June 20th at 11AM at the Suburban World Theater. For tickets and more information, go to www.solsticefilmfest.org/

To watch a trailer for the film go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ZWZrKSxxs. And if you're interested in the film but can't make it to the screening, DVDs are available on our website, www.bicycledreamsmovie.com

If you can pass this info on to the members of your club or post it on your website, I’d really appreciate it. “Bicycle Dreams” is a film that really captures the spirit of cycling and the dedication required to commit to it, so I’m doing everything I can to reach out to the cycling community. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments and thanks for your time!

Fresh Fair Trade Oraganic El Salvador

Fitzharris Bike and Sport and Revolution Cycle and Ski have fresh Trail Coffee in stock! Trying something new with the Organic El Salvador.

Drink Up!

Trails, Rides and Clinics

Spring is in full swing and we are even getting day's that feel like Summer! A few clinics for you to be aware of and also check the message board as I've heard the Monday night Mountain Bike ride is being revived. Feel free to post ride times on the message board. The MTB trails are in great shape. We will be planning some mowing and clipping dates very soon so check back. The grass is getting pretty tall down a the River Bluffs/Plum Creek Trails.

The Apple Duathlon is taking place this Saturday, so if you want to volunteer or race the event check it out!

The State Criterium Championships will be in downtown St. Cloud this year on Sunday June 28th. If you want to race or volunteer save this date. This race is put on by the Grandstay Cycling Team based out of St. Cloud.

Plum Creek Trail Work

Thanks to all who took the time to come out and clean up the River Bluff's/ Plum Creek trail this evening. We had a total of 11 people show up and we worked for 1.5 hours.

This trail and the N. Loop are in really great shape right now so you don't have any excuses not to be out riding!

Oh, If you are not a member there are membership forms at both trail heads in the white tubes or go here to download a membership form and send it in!

THANKS!

Tom

Tracy and Soren

June

PBR

Photo's taken by June and Crash