Not Yet - Woolly Trails Still Closed (3/31/2017)

We know the weather is nice and we know everyone wants to ride dirt.  We do too.  Unfortunately the trails are not ready yet.

We have been out checking them out and can assure you that they are still too wet to ride.  It is going to be a little while yet too.  We opted to make it as clear as possible and put some step stakes out with trail tape across some of the entrance points.  Putting the step stakes in we still hit some frost.

So please, for a while yet, stay off the trails.  We are just 5 weeks away from the Woolly Race and we want to be sure the trails are in the best condition possible which would mean not fixing damage done when riding (or walking or running) wet trails.

In case you were still wondering, consider what our friends in Duluth have posted for their trail conditions.  Same here.

In the mean time, we are just two weeks away from the Mammoth Gravel Classic.  So grab your gravel bike or pump those tires up and head out to check out the MGC course.  The 100 miler is fully marked already.  The 70 course is marked as far as County Road O (~mile 30).

Thinking warm and dry thoughts everyone!

Woolly Wander - Saturday May 6th

I know everyone is already planning to be in Woollyland Sunday May 7th for the big Woolly Race.  You should plan to come up Saturday afternoon for the Woolly Wander.

What is that you ask?  More details will follow, but for now think fun for all ages, trails and town, and CASH & PRIZES!!

Yes CASH.  Anyone can win.  Free to enter.

See you in Woollyland soon.

Hmmm...

I wonder what work of art we will find within this beautiful box???

Stay tuned...

Woolly is going to be looking goooood...

REMINDER: Soft Trails are CLOSED Trails

I don't think you'll find a group more interested in getting out and riding dirt than the Woolly Club members themselves.  Unfortunately the trails aren't ready yet.  Please, please, please, stay off the trails until they are ready.

There is some discussion about building some new trails this summer in Woolly Land.  Folks riding wet and closed trails makes that hard to happen for a number of reasons.  First, instead of building, we are repairing trails.  Second, the Woolly Club does not own any of the land the trails are on, and we work hard to manage our relationships with our land managers and having sustainable and maintained trails is a key to our access.  Rutted up trails don't make good sales pitches to get access to build more.

We had a member out today clearing some of the downed trees from the winds a week ago.  The report is that the trails are still VERY wet and it is likely some time before we will be in a position to open them.  Remember, if you are leaving marks in the trail, whether that be tire tracks or foot prints, the trails are too soft to be on.  This applies to the Woolly Trails and the Gandy Dancer as well.

In the meantime, we can recommend a number of alternate activities.  First, check out the gravel scene.  The gravel roads never close and with the Mammoth Gravel Classic coming up in just a few weeks you'll want to be putting some miles in anyhow.  Two, go check out some skills videos online and take your bike for a spin in your driveway or yard and practice some of those skills you never have time to practice while chasing Strava KOMs on the trails.  Third, come on out to the Woolly Board meeting this Thursday at 7pm at the St. Croix Falls Library and see how you can get involved.

8 weeks to WOOLLY 11

Yup, it's cold today, but 8 weeks from tomorrow, the weather is forecast to be perfect.  OK, I guess we can't promise the weather will be perfect, but it was last year, so why shouldn't it be this year?!?  Either way, the race will be upon us soon.

A great race requires a few things:

Great course - we have this covered.  Our trails are a great place to test one's legs and fitness early in the season.

Great weather - (we already discussed that)

Great racers - last year we had 560 registered racers and everyone that we heard from had a great day.  We are hoping to have everyone of them, plus many more racers this year.

Great sponsors - we are still finalizing this, but most of our great supports are willing to partner with us again this year....although we are always in search of others, so feel free to contact us at woollyrace@yahoo.com for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

Great community - we are lucky to have a city (both local residents and government officials) that is supportive of our trails and events. 

Great volunteers  - WELL THIS IS REALLY THE TOPIC OF THE DAY.  Some venues only need a handful of volunteers to make a great race day, but our venue does not offer that luxury.  We have 5 road crossings, 2 aid stations, a well staffed registration table, T-shirt sales, course set-up and clean-up, etc...  For Woolly race to happen, we typically need 30+ volunteers AND WE STILL HAVE SPACE FOR YOU!!! Not only will we feed and hydrate you while you are working, but if you commit to a 4 hour shift, you will receive our beautiful limited edition 2017 Woolly Race T-shirt and believe it or not...THERE IS MORE...you will receive lots of Thank you's, high fives, atta-girl/boys, pats-on-the-back, etc...

Our 2 shifts run basically from 8-12 and 12-4 on May 7 (but we do set course on Saturday, if you want to help with that).  We will find a need to fit around your schedule.  Whether you are well-versed in the mountain bike scene or if you have never even been to a race, we can find something that you will enjoy.  Plan to bring a friend or 2 and have on a good time. 

Not only are our volunteers life blood of the event, but they also bring the energy that ensures everyone enjoys their day and ensures racer's and spectators have a great day.

If you are interested in helping for the day or have any questions, please contact us a woollyvolunteers@gmail.com