Milaca MTB Trails are Back!

Recently a group of residents of Milaca have taken on the huge task of maintaining the Milaca MTB trails.  Back in the day (late 90's, early 2000's) we basically had three systems to ride: Monticello, Elk River, and Milaca.  As more trail systems emerged fewer people traveled to Milaca.  Plus, if you have ever been you know, it's a huge undertaking to keep that trail clear and clean.  Hearing of the trails being cleaned up and given back life I've been itching to get there.  Saturday as was the day.

Once again I convinced (not hard, Jim likes to suffer I think) Jim we should bike on gravel roads to Milaca, ride the trails, and bike gravel back.  We left my house at 7.  Jim on his Seven Mobius SL and I on my Seven Sola SL.  Jim's was full suspension and mine was fully rigid.  I benefited on the way there and back.  He benefited on the trails.  Milaca is old school.  Not much "flow" going on.  Rocks and roots rule out there.  I love it!

Already at 7 we had a pretty solid east wind to deal with.  Which I was fine with, that meant a tailwind on the way back.  We also had another phenomenal weather day.  Not hot and not cold.

Once again Jim salutes our missing commander, Charlie.

It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the trailhead. 40 miles.  Before entering the trail I let out a bunch of air in my tires to give me some comfort and control. 

Go Time!

The trails were as I remembered: rocky, slippery roots, fast sections, slow sections, power climbs, and fun.  The amount of work that has already happened out there is amazing.  Tons of new signage (almost too much, it's a multi-use trail so you have know what signs to follow), freshly mowed sections, many feet of new bridge decking in the Bog Monster and more!

A loop of everything is about 12 miles.  While I survived on the rigid MTB some suspension would have been nice.  

My sober anniversary is coming up in July.  Last year I did 100 miles at the North Loop.  My thought this year is 100 miles at Milaca.  Riding it Saturday reminded my how much it can beat you up!  I'm starting to have second thoughts. But it's not supposed to be easy so....

On the way back we stopped in Foreston to refuel.  I'm not one to go back on the same route so we headed north a bit before heading west with the wind.

We found a dumped chair.  We figured we should pose.

The last couple of hours we both could feel the effects of riding a good chunk of the day on mountain bikes.  Luckily we had a tailwind most of the time to keep us going with relative ease.

Ride details.

What a fun day!  I'd do that ride again for sure.  Sunday was very windy with the heat and dew point increasing all day.  I figured I'd just go out and do a short version of the Dirt Bag, 50 miles or so.  But once out, while windy, it didn't bother me as I thought it would.  My family wasn't getting back till later so what the hell...I did the full Dirt Bag.  It got pretty dang warm.  I stopped twice to put Gatorade and water in my hydration pack.  Popped some electrolyte pills through out the ride as well.  No cramping!  I felt really good on the ride.  Being one of the first longer rides in real heat and humidity I was feeling the effects near the end but nothing serious.  Another fun ride.

Sunday's Dirt Bag ride on the Moots.

The weather the rest of the week is windy, warm, and/or rainy.  I'm heading out this morning on the Seven MTB to easily spin a bit.  Not sure on the rest of the week.  Brinna turns 17 and the weather is all over the place.  Day by day.