All posts by Jay Richards

Biking, Events, Maplelag, Seasons, Sports, Summer

LagChilada Challenge

We have a challenge in place called the “LagChilada Challenge” we started earlier this summer. The challenge is to ride a loop we created that includes nearly the entire trail system. We created a Strava segment that features the loop. (Does not include the SukkerWest or North Loup Gnar segments which were added after we started the challenge)

The challenge provides an opportunity to test skill and endurance. The total mileage on the loop created, including the connector to Bullhead Bootleg, is around 21 miles (this is based on multiple wheel sensor reading from various riders. Due to the nature of the trail at Maplelag and heavy forest canopy a GPS will record a lower reading) There is a specific Strava segment but the Challenge can be completed riding all trails at various sequence. If not on Strava, simply contact us to share your ride information. The Strava segment starts with the Expert starter loop and continues on riding all the singletrack segements, staying to the right including access to Bootleg than back on the main loop using the connector. After the main loop singlettrack segments, cross over to Twin Lakes for the singletrack loop than back across the road to finish near the parking lot!

Thanks to select sponsors, and the artists at Junkyard Brewing, we will have a shirt to give to all participants. The Challenge will run until the end of the dirt season, late October/early November. We are keeping track of everyone that has completed the challenge so far (photos below of most of those riders). Contact Jay at 218-849-7669 if any questions. We will also have Maplelag team members available to guide riders on limited days and times. Contact to set up a time.

Thanks Matt Engen and Merrill Lynch for your support!

Thanks Gear West for your support! Look forward to a year round partnership!

Thanks Aaron at Junkyard Brewing for designing the t-shirt!

There is no fee to enter the challenge other than the season pass which is also open for anyone interested in helping out with trail maintenance to keep the self funded Maplelag trail in best riding condition possible. Riders assume all responsibilities and actions when riding knowing unmarked obstacles exist and conditions can change at anytime.

Riders that have completed the challenge as of September 21st:

Dan DeRoma, Zach Wagner, Jacob Skatvold, Ryan McGreevy, Marcus Olson, Barrett Jessnes, Chad Bannor, Chris Bloyer, Heidi Olson, Doug Swanson, Brittany Diederich, Aaron Jost, Kevin Zavoral, Craig Brandenburger, Jamie Jesson, David Lien, Jacob Olson, Brandt Elson, Sam Elson, Max Chinn, Derek Chinn, Barry Buhr, Dylan Ramstad-Skoyles, Denny Barry, John Muszynski, Alicia Fisk, Mat Fisk, Ayden Ochs, Rick Ochs, Shane Kullman, Greg Ames, James Burg, Ben Olson, Bryan Schoenberger, Bob Tolliver, Steve Hausman, Ryan Schutte, Peder Arneson, Steve Wenzel, Matt Engen, Wayne Carlson, Keith Moors, Jake Richards

Jacob Skatvold and Ryan McGreevy
Dan DeRoma chillin’ after completing the LacChilada!
Zach Wagner
Marcus Olson
Ben, Heidi and Marcus Olson.
Doug Swanson
Brittany Diederich
LagChilada fun! If you haven’t received a t-shirt, contact us and we will mail one out. (email is best)
Craig Brandenburger
Davide Lien and Jamie Jesson
Jacob Olson
Derek Chinn
Barry Buhr
Max Chinn
Sam and Brandt Elson
Ayden Ochs (Rich Ochs also completing who took photo)
Dylan Ramstad-Skoyles
John Muysznki
Matt Engen
Denny Barry
Alicia and Mat Fisk
Peder Arneson
Shane Kullman
Ben Olson
Jake Richards
Steve Wenzel
Bryan Schoenberger
Bob Tolliver
James Burg
Keith Moors
Wayne Carlson
Bike Trail

Bike Trail Report

Trails are now closed for the season. Thanks everyone for making it a great year of fat biking. Shout out to Ben Olson and Keith Moors for helping with the grooming this year and use of the of the SnowDog groomer.

Trails will open for mountain biking once the snow melts and the frost is out. At this point looks to be the third week of April. Even with warmer temps, please do not ride the trails to prevent trail damage. We will be building new trails this spring and adding trail features to trail built last fall which we are working on now.

Testing wooden berm to be placed on new trail built last fall, April 1st, 2020.
Keith ready to assemble the wooden berm built this past week, April 1st, 2020.
Still areas with snow coverage on the mountain bike trails, April 1st, 2020.
Bridge crossing on Bootleg singletrack, March 24th, 2020. Water is starting to flow on the creeks more and more each day. Still 1-2 feet of snow in the woods.
Skaters Waltz ski trail, morning March 24th, 2020. Ski trails have been rolling good when freezing the night before.
Hudson’s Hula loop on Twin Lakes singletrack, March 23rd, 2020.
Great crust riding on Wavy Gravy ski trail in between Twin Lakes, March 21st, 2020.
Crust riding on Island Lake, March 22nd, 2020.
North Star extension singletrack, March 20th, 2020.
Berm action on Bullhead bootleg loop, March 20th, 2020.
Scenic view off Bullhead Bootleg loop, March 20th, 2020.
Morning ride, March 17th, 2020.
Dusting of new snow on top of rock solid base, March 17th, 2020.
Last downhill on Twin Lakes, March 17th, 2020.
Ski trails continue to roll fast on firm base, March 17th, 2020.
Great riding on area lakes, March 17th, 2020.
Late season riding remains excellent on the singletrack loops, March 14th, 2020.
Ski trails riding like paved trails, February 14th, 2020.
Crust riding on area lakes, March 14th, 2020.
Great crust riding on local forest roads, March 14th, 2020.
Start of Twin Lakes singletrack, March 9th, 2020. Awesome late season conditions!
Skaters Waltz, March 9th, 2020. The ski trails are rolling fast! Like pavement! Please ride outside of warm temps to keep the deck rut free.Temps look good all week and weekend for good riding in the mornings and late afternoon/early evening.
Great riding Saturday morning, March 7th, 2020. (Wenzel photo)

Bridge crossing, Bootleg singletrack, March 5th, 2020.
Drifted area on Bootleg singletrack, March 5th, 2020.
Fresh snow on the singletrack, March 3rd, 2020.
Fresh tracks on fresh snow! March 3rd, 2020.
Late afternoon ride on Twin Lakes singletrack, March 2nd, 2020.
Afternoon riding, Bootleg Singletrack, February 25th, 2020.
Through the trees on Twin Lakes singletrack, February 25th, 2020.
Fantastic riding Sunday morning on a great deck, February 23rd, 2020.
Bridge crossing on Bootleg loop, February 23rd, 2020.
Start of Twin Lakes singletrack, late afternoon February 22nd, 2020. Thanks everyone for staying off the trail in the afternoon. This will make for better riding on Sunday morning!
Great conditions on Bootleg singletrack, February 21st, 2020.
Skate trails riding great, remain open to fat bikes, February 20th, 2020.
Silky smooth surface on top of solid deck, Bootleg singletrack, February 18th, 2020.
Bridge crossing, Bootleg singletrack, February 18th, 2020.
North Star extension after fresh grooming today. Connector segment between ski trails to link Bootleg and Twin Lakes singletrack, February 17th, 2020.
Grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack, February 17th, 2020.
Evening ride, Twin Lakes lakeside, February 15th, 2020.
Sunset ride, Twin Lakes singletrack, February 15th, 2020.
Late afternoon grooming on Bootleg singletrack, February 14th, 2020.
Sunset ride on Bootleg singletrack, February 11th, 2020.
Lake riding on Little Sugarbush lake, February 11th, 2020. Good riding on snowmobile tracks.
Fantastic riding conditions on the singletrack, February 7th, 2020.
More signs on the course to help riders navigate the loops, February 7th, 2020.
Bootleg singletrack, February 7th, 2020.
Firm solid deck on the skate trails, more obvious where to ride with fat bike groomer track, February 7th, 2020.
Incredible riding, February 5th, 2020.
Rolling on Skaters Waltz, February 5th, 2020. All 15km of skate trails open for fat biking.
Deck on fat bike trails in excellent condition, February 3rd, 2020.
Grooming on Bootleg loop, February 2nd, 2020.
Bridge crossing on Bootleg loop, February 2nd, 2020.
Twin Lakes singletrack, February 1st, 2020.
Portion of the fat bike loop goes on Mother North Star trail, ride in between tracks please. February 1st, 2020.
Skate ski trail riding. Freshly groomed the night before! February 1st,
Riding on Bootleg trail, January 31st, 2020.
Riding on Bootleg trail bridge crossing,, January 31st, 2020.
Evening groom on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 30th, 2020.
Rolling on Bootleg singletrack, January 28th, 2020.
Rolling on Bootleg singletrack, January 28th, 2020.
New fat bike trail signs are out to help riders navigate trail options on the groomed riding options, January 29th, 2020.
Buried bridge! Riding on Bootleg singletrack, January 26th, 2020. Still a few soft areas but rideable and on tap for more grooming this week.
Grooming on Bootleg loop, January 26th, 2020. We hope to open Bootleg this week for fat biking.
Afternoon ride, January 24th, 2020. A bit soft in spots but overall nice riding on the Twin Lakes singletrack.
Twin Lakes singletrack after fresh grooming, January 19th, 2020.
Snow getting deep in the woods! January 19th, 2020.
Fresh grooming on Suicide Hill connector to Bullhead Lake, January 16th, 2020.
Grooming connector on Bullhead lake. January 16th, 2020.
Afternoon groom on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 15th, 2020. Thanks Keith!
Fresh groomed singletrack, January 15th, 2020.
Evening ride, firm deck good riding. January 15th, 2020.
Late afternoon groom on the Twin Lakes singletrack, January 14th, 2020.
Sunset ride, rock solid deck great riding. January 12th, 2020.
Grooming new segment of trail of North Star ski trail, January 12th, 2020. Once groomed out proper, will be used as connector on the full loop.
Riding on Bullhead Lake, January 12th, 2020. Top water has now frozen over. We will be grooming on the Bootleg loop this week and the lake can be used as a connector from the ski trail to the Bootleg loop.
Twin Lakes singletrack freshly groomed, January 10th, 2020.
Solid deck and great riding on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 7th, 2020.
Ski trail riding, January 7th, 2020. Ski trails Skaters Waltz and Mother North Star closed to riding Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday but open again on Friday and on through the weekend.
Megan and Hunter out for a ride, January 6th, 2019.
Sunset ride on the fat bike trail, Twin Lakes singletrack, January 5th, 2020.
Twin Lakes singletrack lakeside, January 5th, 2020.
Morning grooming, January 5th, 2020.
Tight section to groom, January 5th, 2020.
Ski trail segment of Fat Bike loop, January 5th, 2020.
Touch up grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 4th, 2020.
Downhill segment on Twin Lakes singletrack, January 4th, 2020.
Beautiful sunset lakeside Twin Lakes singletrack, January 4th, 2020.
Twin Lakes singletrack, January 4th, 2020. A few soft spots but good riding considering all the recent snow. Important to run low tire pressure.
Twin Lakes singletrack, January 4th, 2020.
Ready to hit the trail for some packing and grooming! January 2nd, 2020.
Grooming on Twin Lakes bridge segment, January 1st, 2020.
Bootleg singletrack, December 27th, 2019.
Suicide Hill used to access Bullhead lake and the connector to Bootleg loop. December 27th, 2019.
Connector on Bullhead Lake, December 27th, 2019. Watch for a few slush areas that have frozen over.
Fresh grooming on both Bootleg and Twin Lakes singletrack, December 26th, 2019. Thanks Ben for grooming!
Having fun on Bootleg! December 23rd, 2019.
Bridge crossing on Bootleg, December 23rd, 2019.
Ski trail riding on Skaters Waltz to connect from Bootleg to Twin Lakes, December 23rd, 2019.
Entering the connector on Bullhead after a ride on Bootleg singletrack, December 21st, 2019. (Arneson photo)
Enjoying the conditions! December 21st, 2019 (Wenzel photo)
Multi use segment, thanks for keeping to the side at Twin Lakes crossing, December 21st, 2019.
Fresh grooming on the Twin lakes singletrack, December 19th, 2019.

Groomed connector on Bullhead lake to access Bootleg singletrack,December 19th, 2019. Watch for short icy section.

Night ride! December 20th, 2019. Some of the best riding is at night with the great lighting systems available.
Evening fresh grooming on the Bootleg singletrack, December 18th, 2019.
Ben getting in a night groom, December 18th, 2019. Thanks Ben!!
Fresh snow on top of recent grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack, December 13th, 2019.
Bootleg singletrack, December 11th, 2019. Recently groomed Tuesday evening, December 10th, 2019.
Crossing Bullhead lake, December 11th, 2019. Use as connector to access the Bootleg loop.
Berms on Bootleg! December 11th, 2019.
Volunteer groomer Ben Olson ready to head out for a evening groom on the Twin Lakes and Bootleg loops, December 10th, 2019.
Checking out the fresh grooming on new Bootleg loop, December 6th, 2019.
Bridge section on Twin Lakes singletrack, December 6th, 2019.
Bridge crossing on Bootleg loop, bridges are level, smooth and ride great. December 6th, 2019.
Fat bike grooming on Twin Lakes singletrack. December 5th, 2019.
Grooming across bridge on new Bootleg loop, December 5th, 2019.
Twin Lakes lakeside, December 5th, 2019.
Night ride! December 4th, 2019.
Packing in fresh snow before the next round of snow, December 1st, 2019.
Steve on a bridge crossing, Bootleg loop. November 29th, 2019.
Bootleg singletrack, November 29th, 2019.
Twin Lakes singletrack, November 26th, 2019.
Wayne on a bridge crossing on Bootleg trail, November 23rd. (Arneson photo)
“Petes Porkie” segment, Twin Lakes singletrack. November 21st, 2019.
Skaters Waltz ski trail, November 21st, 2019. Until we start grooming the ski trails, Skaters Waltz and Sukkerbusk open for winter riding.

The trails we will have open this winter will be the Twin lakes singletrack and the new Bootleg loop. We will begin fat bike grooming once there is a base and 4-5″ of snow.

We are planning on grooming the Twin Lakes singletrack again for fat biking and hopefully the new Bootleg loop as well. Like last year, we will have select ski trail segments open later in the winter.

  • Enjoying fresh grooming on Twin lakes singletrack, March 4th, 2019.

Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great 29th year of mountain biking at Maplelag. We are looking forward to next season with more new trail, hopefully a fat bike race the end of February, a spring race in May and of course the 30th annual Laddies Loppet. Keep the wheels moving!

Ben Olson ready for fat bike grooming, January 24th, 2019. We are excited Ben to have Ben on board for another season of grooming! Thanks Ben!
Ski Trail

Trail Report

The trails are now closed for the season.

The snow/sleet that fell Thursday night made for nice skiing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Great late season
conditions the end of March and start of April skiing on a corn snow base.

Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great season. The trails are closed until the frost goes out which looks to be 2-3 weeks. A good indicator is when the ice goes off the lake. As of April 5th, there was still 12-16″ of ice on the lake. The mountain bike trails will open when they dry up. Updates will be posted on the Bike report page.

Morning ski on Skaters Waltz enjoying last of the snow, April 5th, 2020.
Lake skiing, April 5th, 2020.
Saturday morning ski, April 4th, 2020.
Roll packing on Skaters Waltz, April 3rd, 2020.
Nice section of skiing on Skaters Waltz, April 3rd, 2020.
Skiable segment on Skaters Waltz providing late season skiing, April 2nd, 2020.
Swath of ice/corn snow base on Skaters Waltz, April 2nd, 2020.
No foolin’, April grooming on Skaters Waltz, April 1st, 2020. Second consecutive year of seven consecutive calendar months of grooming.
Good coverage for nice late season skiing on north facing segments on Skater extension loops, March 31st, 2020.
Beautiful mid mid morning family ski, March 30th, 2020.
“Bjorg’s Stump”, Rootin Tootin trail, March 30th, 2020.
Gliding down “Bente’s Bump”, March 30th, 2020.
Fantastic spring skiing on Skaters Waltz late morning, March 30th, 2020.
Early afternoon skate ski on Skaters Waltz, March 29th, 2020.
Early evening grooming on Skaters Waltz, March 29th, 2020.
Renovating and setting new track on Rootin Tootin early evening, March 29th, 2020.
Family ski on North Loup, March 28th, 2020.
Striding Sukkerbusk, March 28th, 2020.
Heading down on hill on North Loup, March, 28th, 2020.
Early evening grooming on Skaters Waltz, March 27th, 2002. Fast and icy like in the morning than softening and getting slower in afternoon. Should be ideal between 9:30-11:30am.
Grooming Skaters Waltz, March 27th, 2020. Still good coverage on 95% of the trail. Watch for one bare spot on Kamikaze Hill.
Setting new track on Sap Run, early evening, March 27th, 2020. Most likely the last track setting of the season. Couple small bare spots in the first 100 meters. Tracks will freeze down and be icy in am, than softening as day passes.
North Loup mid morning, March 26th, 2020. North Loup in great condition for both skate and classic. Fast in morning if freezing, softening as day passes.
Skaters Waltz, mid morning March 26th, 2020.
Roy’s Run, March 26th, 2020. Still
Family spring ski on JibFly, March 26th, 2020.
Great morning of crust skiing, March 26th, 2020.
Afternoon ski on Mother North Star trail enjoying spring corn snow skiing, March 24th, 2020.
Twin Lakes ski trail late morning, March 23rd, 2020. Track skied in after fresh snow on Sunday.
Sukkerbusk ski trail late morning, March 23rd, 2020.
Skaters Waltz, March 23rd 2020.
Mother North Star with Sunday’s snow on top, March 23rd, 2020.
Morning ski on Bullhead lake trail, March 23rd, 2020.
Grooming and setting new track on Sukkerbusk, March 22nd, 2020.
Grooming on Skaters Waltz, March 22nd, 2020.
Fresh snow scene on Lucky’s Loype, March 22nd, 2020.
Having fun on the fast tracks on North Loup! March 20th, 2020.
North Loup good condition for skate and classic, March 20th, 2020.
  • Striding on North Loup, March 20th, 2020
Setting new track on Sukkebusk, March 19th, 2020.

Afternoon ski on Mother North Star, March 19th, 2020. Thin dusting of transformed snow on top of well defined tracks…great skiing!
Grooming skate lane on Skaters Waltz, March 19th, 2020.
Suicide Hill groomed multiple times today, March 19th, 2020.
Shoveling snow on Kamikaze Hill on Skaters Waltz, March 19th, 2020. Only major thin area. If you are not comfortable skiing down without snowplowing, please ski up the hill (clockwise)
Nice skiing Wednesday morning on north end of Bullhead lake trail, March 18th, 2020.
Intersection of Sap Run and Mother North Star at dusk, March 17th, 2020.
Great skating on Skaters Waltz late afternoon, March 17th, 2020.
Striding on Mother North Star at dusk, March 16th, 2020. Dusting of new snow on top of well defined and rock solid tracks.
Checking on the fresh groomed skate deck, March 16th, 2020.
Carving turns in the fresh dusting of snow, Suicide Hill March 16th, 2020.
Pressing new track on Sap Run, March 16th, 2020. Other tracks have dusting of snow on top and will not be reset until Wednesday.
Renovating/combing on Skaters Waltz, March 16th, 2020. Both Skaters Waltz and North Loup groomed today. As temps fall, deck should set up nice. If skied on, might be ruts on south facing. Just Ski.
Sunday skaters! March 15th, 2020.
Sunset ski on Mother North Star, March 14th, 2020.
Skaters Waltz, March 14th, 2020.
Crust skiing on the edge of Little Sugarbush Lake, March 13th, 2020. Fun skiing on the lakes with a perfect crust.
Transition from Twin Lakes to Island lake ski trail. Lots of fun options for late season skiing! March 13th, 2020.
Setting new track on Mother North Star, March 12th, 2020.
Grooming on Skaters Waltz, March 12th, 2020.
Nice skiing on JibFly late afternoon, March 12th, 2020.
Sukkerbusk, March 11th, 2020. Tracks holding out great!
Skate grooming on Single Green, March 11th, 2020.
Great crust skiing on area lakes, March 10th, 2020.
Crust skiing, March 10th, 2020. Some of our favorite conditions of the year!!
North Loup skiing fast the past few days and Wednesday morning, should soften this afternoon. March 11th, 2020. Track holding out good. Recommended trail to ski for both skate and classic end of season.
Doug enjoying the fast spring conditions on Skaters Waltz, March 9th, 2020.
Fast frozen corn snow on Sap Run! March 9th, 2020.
Start of Twin Lakes trail, March 9th, 2020. Tracks on Twin Lakes and North Loup (groomed Friday and Saturday) not as defined as last nights track grooming but still enough definition for good spring skiing when it warms up again during the transition periods.
Setting new track on JibFly, March 8th, 2020.
Night ski! March 8th, 2020.
North Loup morning March 7th, 2020. Great skate and classic skiing in the morning.
Nice skiing on Twin Lakes Friday morning, March 6th, 2020.
Lots of tracks on top of the snowpack, March 6th, 2020.
Setting new track on North Loup at dusk, March 6th, 2020. Skate lane also freshly groomed.
Grooming skate lane on Skaters Waltz, March 6th, 2020.
Setting track on JibFly, March 5th, 2020.
New snow on top of tracks on Mother North Star trail, March 5th, 2020.
Grooming Skaters Waltz, March 5th, 2020.
Checking the tracks on Sap Run, March 5th, 2020.
Moon rising over the trees, once which occupied by a porcupine! March 5th, 2020.
Setting new track on Twin Lakes, March 5th, 2020.
Sunset skate ski, March 5th, 2020.
Sunset ski on Sap Run, March 4th, 2020.
Sunset ski off Sukkerbusk, March 4th, 2020.
Skater Lane on North Loup, classic track on side skier packed after most recent tracksetting and new snow. March 4th, 2020.
Skaters Waltz, March 4th, 2020. Nice skate skiing in the morning when the snow still cold and dry.
Lots of deer moving on and off the trails, March 4th, 2020.
Grooming under the moonlight on Suicide Hill, March 3rd, 2020.
Fresh snow falling in front of the lodge, Tuesday March 3rd, 2020.
Resetting tracks on Sukkerbusk, mixing new snow with old transformed snow deep in the base. March 3rd, 2020.
Terry and Denny enjoying the fresh snow. Just ski. March 3rd, 2020.
Skaters Waltz extension, March 3rd, 2020. We will be grooming on Skaters Waltz and North Loup skate lanes for another few weeks but no longer be grooming on Skaters Extension. Nevertheless, there is still some good skiing to be had on extension with proper timing etc.
Grooming Kamikaze hill on Skaters Waltz, March 3d, 2020.
Sukkerbusk ski trail before grooming. March 3rd, 2020. Trails not freshly groomed will have new snow on top, will be slower skiing when temps warm up and sun comes back out.
Suicide Hill, March 3rd, 2020. Will be groomed in the evening.
Afternoon ski on JibFly, a recent light dusting of snow making for very nice skiing. March 2nd, 2020.
Heading down first hill on Sap Run, March 2nd, 2020.
Skate trail heading out to Skaters Waltz via the soccer field. Skate trails are level and smooth. Bit harder to get edge in mornings but overall great late season skiing. March 2nd, 2020.