All posts by Jay Richards

Ski Trail

Trail Report

A nice mix of weather for the second week of July. Cooler and pleasant start with morning low checking in around 50 degrees. Warmer towards the end of the week. Cooler temps have been nice for trail work and mowing this week. Most recent rainfall on Monday evening with around 1/2″ of rain. 

The woods are very lush and green thanks to abundant moisture this spring and summer. Many wildflowers, mushrooms, lichen etc. popping up each week. We have started mowing on the ski trails as we continually clear trees falling from the wind events this spring. We have also started doing dirt work on the ski trail, smoothing out rough areas and improving rough spots. We will continue this work all through the summer and fall.       

Total rainfall the month of July around 2″ after 1″ on Sunday. Total rainfall in June at 7.56″. It was also a very wet month of May with right around 8″ of rain. Since January 1st, we have received almost 19″ of rain.          

The rain has been welcomed with the relatively dry conditions the previous 6 months and to keep the soil damp and moist for the trees we planted this spring. The lake, ponds, sloughs and water tables are at normal levels now.     

 Mountain bike trails now open. (click here for updates)

Summer ski trail work will include fixing rutted areas, working on drainage and removing rocks and filling in low spots in between almost daily mowing when not raining. 

Mowing at the bottom of “Eira” hill, July 16th, 2024.
Black eyed Susan flowers blooming along the ski trail, July 13th, 2024.
The summer of interesting mushrooms/moss and lichen continues! July 13th, 2024.
Dirt work on the ski trail, July 13th, 2024. We will continue through the fall and winter smoothing and leveling areas where needed.
New mushrooms sprouting from the ski trail floor, July 9th, 2024.
Tranquil evening on Little Sugarbush lake, July 8th, 2024.
Island Lake ski trail lush green, July 5th, 2024.
Mallard egg on the trail! July 4th, 2024. A critter robbing the nest most likely. 
Trail repair on Twin Lakes ski trail, June 26th, 2024.
Sandhill crane in the slough along Mother North Star trail, June 26th, 2024.
Mowing at Twin Lakes crossing, June 22nd, 2024.
Getting a start on ski trail tuning, June 22nd, 2024.
Showy Lady Slippers along Twin Lakes ski trail, June 22nd, 2024.
“Chicken of the Woods” mushroom spouting up from a old stump, June 21st, 2024.
Mushrooms galore after the damp and wet spring, June 21st, 2024.
Lichen on a deadfall near the trail, June 19th, 2024.
Standing water in the woods between double green and Rootin Tootin ski trail as a result of heavy rain Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.
A field of Field Hawkweed at the start of Skater extension trail, June 17th, 2024.
Riding on Mother North Star ski as part of the bike course, June 14th, 2024.
Mowing on Mother North Star ski trail, also part of the bike course, June 13th, 2024.
Another mushroom species popping up along the side of the trail, June 10h, 2024.
Sunset near Mother North Star after a day of trail clearing, June 6th, 2024.
Watea arum reading to bloom in slough along ski trail, June 6th, 2024.
Variety of mushrooms popping up after all the recent moisture, June 6th, 2024. 
Clearing deadfall after this weeks wind events, June 6th, 2024.
Scene along the ski trail, June 4th, 2024.
Red Columbine flowers blooming in full force this year, June 3rd, 2024. Like other wildflowers, the abundant moisture has bumper crops.
Great crop of yellow slippers this year, May 31st, 2024.
Calm conditions at sunset on Little Sugarbush after a windy and wet afternoon, May 30th, 2024.
Jack in the Pulpit blooming along ski trail,May 29th, 2024.
First mowing of the season on the ski trails, May 22nd, 2024.
Marsh marigolds blooming this week, May 18th, 2024
Baby snapper on the move, May 18th, 2024.
Planting the last of the potted trees in the new “Memory Grove” at Maplelag, May 13th, 2024. We have started a special grove at Maplelag planting trees in memory Maplelag guests that have passed in the last year and will continue to plant in the future each spring. 
Family fun on the mountain bike singletrack! May 12th, 2024.
Northern Lights, May 10th, 2024.
Planting the last of the seedlings trees, May 8th, 2024. We planted a variety of coniferous trees from spruce, Norway pines and tamaracks this spring with around 500 trees planted.
Golden hour spring sunset, May 7th, 2024. Leaves on the trees starting to pop the past few days. 
Switchyard scene at sunset, May7th, 2024. 
Beautiful spring sunset over Little Sugarbush lake, May 3rd, 2024.
Tree planting has begun for the spring! April 30th, 2024. We will be planting around 1000 trees, mostly coniferous. 
First batch of trees ready for spring tree planting, April 26th, 2024.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails open. Track is rolling superb, summer like temps… another great day for riding. A few bugs out…keep the wheels moving!

We continue with trail tuning through the summer, brushing out overgrown areas and dirt work to improve drainage, berms and corners and blowing out the trail. The entire 25 mile course has been blown out multiple times this year and we continue touching up areas as needed, mostly focusing on Bullhead Bootleg and the Laddies Loppet MNMBS race loops. Once again we will be hosting the Laddies Loppet for year 34!! 

Nice job to all the riders that completed the LagChilada challengethis year! The opportunity to complete the challenge is available every day the trails are open during the dirt season.

We always try to clear any new deadfall right away but limbs, branches etc. can fall down at any time.  If you encounter any trail issues, please text Jay at 218-849-7669 or if any other trail questions.   

Reference our map, Trailforks or Strava to help with navigating. LagChilada challenge signs are also in place. Click for more information on the LagChilada challenge. Nice job to all the riders that have completed it so far this year! 

Parking across from Brant cabin. The Brant cabin is also available for a changing area and bathrooms and there are also maps located in the Brant.

Summer trail pass to help offset operating and maintenance expenses. We are a self funded/maintained trail system and happy to share our hand built classic old style singletrack trails! Thank you, always great seeing folks out and we appreciate the support!

 Click here to join the Maplelag Mountain Bike Club

Twin Lakes lakeside singletrack, July 17th, 2024.
Mowing on ski trail segment of bike course, July 16th, 2024.
“Hudson’s Hula” singletrack, July 15th, 2024. 
Twin Lakes singletrack, July 14th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
New bridge on Bear Pass singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
“Feeling “Lucky” at the golden hour, July 10th, 2024.
Local gravel riding on the Sugar Creek Rd, July 10th, 2024. This fun rolling road can be accessed off the Goat Ranch Rd. and is a nice down and back addition to a ride at Maplelag!
Staying balanced on “North Loup Gnar”, July 8th, 2024.
Wet riding on Sunday, July 7th, 2024.
Riding the corners wide after the rain, July 7th, 2024.
Ski trail segment of bike course on Twin Lakes loop, July 5th, 2024.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, July 3rd, 2024.
Bridge on Bullhead Bootleg loop, July 2nd, 2024.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails open. Track is rolling superb, pleasant temps… another great day for riding.

We continue with trail tuning through the summer, brushing out overgrown areas and dirt work to improve drainage, berms and corners and blowing out the trail. The entire 25 mile course has been blown out multiple times this year and we continue touching up areas as needed, mostly focusing on Bullhead Bootleg and the Laddies Loppet MNMBS race loops. Once again we will be hosting the Laddies Loppet for year 34!!

Nice job to all the riders that completed the LagChilada challengethis year! The opportunity to complete the challenge is available every day the trails are open during the dirt season.

We always try to clear any new deadfall right away but limbs, branches etc. can fall down at any time.  If you encounter any trail issues, please text Jay at 218-849-7669 or if any other trail questions.   

Reference our map, Trailforks or Strava to help with navigating. LagChilada challenge signs are also in place. Click for more information on the LagChilada challenge. Nice job to all the riders that have completed it so far this year! 

Parking across from Brant cabin. The Brant cabin is also available for a changing area and bathrooms and there are also maps located in the Brant.

Summer trail pass to help offset operating and maintenance expenses. We are a self funded/maintained trail system and happy to share our hand built classic old style singletrack trails! Thank you, always great seeing folks out and we appreciate the support!

 Click here to join the Maplelag Mountain Bike Club

Twin Lakes lakeside singletrack, July 17th, 2024.
Mowing on ski trail segment of bike course, July 16th, 2024.
“Hudson’s Hula” singletrack, July 15th, 2024. 
Twin Lakes singletrack, July 14th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
New bridge on Bear Pass singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
“Feeling “Lucky” at the golden hour, July 10th, 2024.
Local gravel riding on the Sugar Creek Rd, July 10th, 2024. This fun rolling road can be accessed off the Goat Ranch Rd. and is a nice down and back addition to a ride at Maplelag!
Staying balanced on “North Loup Gnar”, July 8th, 2024.
Wet riding on Sunday, July 7th, 2024.
Riding the corners wide after the rain, July 7th, 2024.
Ski trail segment of bike course on Twin Lakes loop, July 5th, 2024.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, July 3rd, 2024.
Bridge on Bullhead Bootleg loop, July 2nd, 2024.
Ski Trail

Trail Report

Cooler and pleasant weather in place after a warm and humid last week. Morning lows have been checking in around 50 degrees. Temps have been nice for trail mowing this week. Most recent rainfall on Monday evening with around 1/2″ of rain. 

The woods are very lush and green thanks to abundant moisture this spring and summer. Many wildflowers, mushrooms, lichen etc. popping up each week. We have started mowing on the ski trails as we continually clear trees falling from the wind events this spring. We have also started doing dirt work on the ski trail, smoothing out rough areas and improving rough spots. We will continue this work all through the summer and fall.       

Total rainfall the month of July around 2″ after 1″ on Sunday. Total rainfall in June at 7.56″. It was also a very wet month of May with right around 8″ of rain. Since January 1st, we have received almost 19″ of rain.          

The rain has been welcomed with the relatively dry conditions the previous 6 months and to keep the soil damp and moist for the trees we planted this spring. The lake, ponds, sloughs and water tables are at normal levels now.     

 Mountain bike trails now open. (click here for updates)

Summer ski trail work will include fixing rutted areas, working on drainage and removing rocks and filling in low spots in between almost daily mowing when not raining. 

Mowing at the bottom of “Eira” hill, July 16th, 2024.
Black eyed Susan flowers blooming along the ski trail, July 13th, 2024.
The summer of interesting mushrooms/moss and lichen continues! July 13th, 2024.
Dirt work on the ski trail, July 13th, 2024. We will continue through the fall and winter smoothing and leveling areas where needed.
New mushrooms sprouting from the ski trail floor, July 9th, 2024.
Tranquil evening on Little Sugarbush lake, July 8th, 2024.
Island Lake ski trail lush green, July 5th, 2024.
Mallard egg on the trail! July 4th, 2024. A critter robbing the nest most likely. 
Trail repair on Twin Lakes ski trail, June 26th, 2024.
Sandhill crane in the slough along Mother North Star trail, June 26th, 2024.
Mowing at Twin Lakes crossing, June 22nd, 2024.
Getting a start on ski trail tuning, June 22nd, 2024.
Showy Lady Slippers along Twin Lakes ski trail, June 22nd, 2024.
“Chicken of the Woods” mushroom spouting up from a old stump, June 21st, 2024.
Mushrooms galore after the damp and wet spring, June 21st, 2024.
Lichen on a deadfall near the trail, June 19th, 2024.
Standing water in the woods between double green and Rootin Tootin ski trail as a result of heavy rain Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.
A field of Field Hawkweed at the start of Skater extension trail, June 17th, 2024.
Riding on Mother North Star ski as part of the bike course, June 14th, 2024.
Mowing on Mother North Star ski trail, also part of the bike course, June 13th, 2024.
Another mushroom species popping up along the side of the trail, June 10h, 2024.
Sunset near Mother North Star after a day of trail clearing, June 6th, 2024.
Watea arum reading to bloom in slough along ski trail, June 6th, 2024.
Variety of mushrooms popping up after all the recent moisture, June 6th, 2024. 
Clearing deadfall after this weeks wind events, June 6th, 2024.
Scene along the ski trail, June 4th, 2024.
Red Columbine flowers blooming in full force this year, June 3rd, 2024. Like other wildflowers, the abundant moisture has bumper crops.
Great crop of yellow slippers this year, May 31st, 2024.
Calm conditions at sunset on Little Sugarbush after a windy and wet afternoon, May 30th, 2024.
Jack in the Pulpit blooming along ski trail,May 29th, 2024.
First mowing of the season on the ski trails, May 22nd, 2024.
Marsh marigolds blooming this week, May 18th, 2024
Baby snapper on the move, May 18th, 2024.
Planting the last of the potted trees in the new “Memory Grove” at Maplelag, May 13th, 2024. We have started a special grove at Maplelag planting trees in memory Maplelag guests that have passed in the last year and will continue to plant in the future each spring. 
Family fun on the mountain bike singletrack! May 12th, 2024.
Northern Lights, May 10th, 2024.
Planting the last of the seedlings trees, May 8th, 2024. We planted a variety of coniferous trees from spruce, Norway pines and tamaracks this spring with around 500 trees planted.
Golden hour spring sunset, May 7th, 2024. Leaves on the trees starting to pop the past few days. 
Switchyard scene at sunset, May7th, 2024. 
Beautiful spring sunset over Little Sugarbush lake, May 3rd, 2024.
Tree planting has begun for the spring! April 30th, 2024. We will be planting around 1000 trees, mostly coniferous. 
First batch of trees ready for spring tree planting, April 26th, 2024.
Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail Report

Trails open. Track is rolling superb, pleasant temps… another great day for riding.

We continue with trail tuning through the summer, brushing out overgrown areas and dirt work to improve drainage, berms and corners and blowing out the trail. The entire 25 mile course has been blown out multiple times this year and we continue touching up areas as needed, mostly focusing on Bullhead Bootleg and the Laddies Loppet MNMBS race loops. Once again we will be hosting the Laddies Loppet for year 34!!

Nice job to all the riders that completed the LagChilada challengethis year! The opportunity to complete the challenge is available every day the trails are open during the dirt season.

We always try to clear any new deadfall right away but limbs, branches etc. can fall down at any time.  If you encounter any trail issues, please text Jay at 218-849-7669 or if any other trail questions.   

Reference our map, Trailforks or Strava to help with navigating. LagChilada challenge signs are also in place. Click for more information on the LagChilada challenge. Nice job to all the riders that have completed it so far this year! 

Parking across from Brant cabin. The Brant cabin is also available for a changing area and bathrooms and there are also maps located in the Brant.

Summer trail pass to help offset operating and maintenance expenses. We are a self funded/maintained trail system and happy to share our hand built classic old style singletrack trails! Thank you, always great seeing folks out and we appreciate the support!

 Click here to join the Maplelag Mountain Bike Club

Twin Lakes lakeside singletrack, July 17th, 2024.

Mowing on ski trail segment of bike course, July 16th, 2024.
“Hudson’s Hula” singletrack, July 15th, 2024. 
Twin Lakes singletrack, July 14th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
Fresh trail tuning on the lakeside singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
New bridge on Bear Pass singletrack, July 13th, 2024.
“Feeling “Lucky” at the golden hour, July 10th, 2024.
Local gravel riding on the Sugar Creek Rd, July 10th, 2024. This fun rolling road can be accessed off the Goat Ranch Rd. and is a nice down and back addition to a ride at Maplelag!
Staying balanced on “North Loup Gnar”, July 8th, 2024.
Wet riding on Sunday, July 7th, 2024.
Riding the corners wide after the rain, July 7th, 2024.
Ski trail segment of bike course on Twin Lakes loop, July 5th, 2024.
“Feeling Lucky” singletrack, July 3rd, 2024.
Bridge on Bullhead Bootleg loop, July 2nd, 2024.