Midwest MTB Racing Report
A relatively quiet Memorial Day weekend on the racing front in the Midwest. A break in series racing provided an opportunity for riders to hit up the favorite trails in what turned out to instant summer weather over the long weekend. This weeks report highlights the trails in the Paul Bunyan State Forest and a look ahead to some upcoming events.
Paul Bunyan State Forest
Last week I was in the Akely area and stopped by the Paul Bunyan State Forest (PBSF) for a mountain bike ride. I first made a visit with a group of riding buddies 24 years ago including Steve Wenzel who has probably traversed the area more than anyone I know. I try to get there a couple of times in the spring when the sight lines are good and the bugs are not active. The PBSF area has been mentioned in previous reports but always worth a mention for the incredible network of trails for riding. It is possible to ride up to a 100 spaghetti like loop without riding any trail in particular length, twice!
The area was developed for ohv traffic but many mountain bikers from the area take enjoyment of the dirt bike specific trails, especially the more technical ones that see less traffic, for what I feel is the best kept secret for mountain biking in the Midwest. If you are looking for purpose built like riding, you won't find it here but instead rocks, roots and deeps wood old school riding. Recommended to ride early in the morning on the weekends or during the week to avoid ohv traffic which in 23 years of riding here, I have yet to encounter a dirt bike.
Trail Map
Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator
Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic
Browne County State Park in Nashville, IN will be host to one of the larger women's mountain bike clinics in the country. The clinic is open to 90 women and features clinics run by IMBA certified instructors only and includes many perks. Free bike rental for those that do not own a bicycle.
Looking Ahead
Race #2 in the Minnesota series heads south to Mankato for hilly racing at Mt Kato. The course features 500 feet of climbing per lap on uber buffed fast flowing singletrack. All proceeds from this event go in the the Minnesota High School Cycling League.
Race #3 in the Wisconsin Off Road Series heads to Rockdale and Camrock park for fast course racing featuring doubletrack, fast flowing single-track that runs through open fields of prairie grass, wooded single-track with bermed turns, and more technical single-track with a touch of roots and rocks. Pre-day will feature course inspection and a Learn to Race Clinic with Team WORS . The clinic is free to registered racers, the clinic includes instruction in off-road riding skills, race preparation and a ride-through of theCitizen race course.
The Marquette Trails Festival will be held the weekend of June 6th-8th and features a full weekend of mountain bike events including downhill, dual slalom, cross country and the super fun enduro events. All proceeds from the event go back in to trail building.
The Blacks Grove mountain bike race will also be held the first weekend in June on the Black Grove trails just outside of Wadena. Kids 18 and under race free. Old school course and a down to earth grass roots feel make this a fun venue for a morning of mountain biking.
Keep the wheels moving!
 | About the author... Jay Richards maintains a very active lifestyle. He somehow finds time between managing a full-time resort (Maplelag) and bringing up a family of four boys with his wife Jonell, to compete in both mountain bike and a few cross-country ski races. Jay rides for Maplelag Resort, manages the Maplelag/Paramount/Podiumwear mountain bike team and enters his 24th year of racing and promoting mountain bike races. |