Weekend Options

[Mike W]

Kurt reports that Ramsey is still open, but the west bay by Kowalski's market is pretty well frozen and should be good for Saturday. Goose Lake next door has been frozen for a while.

Lake Nokomis still has a lot of open water as of Thursday afternoon.

What have others seen? Any rideable small lakes near the metro?

[champlin]

Safer to just stick to the fields right now until another couple of weeks when everything should be frozen up and thick enough to safely walk on, just my opinion.

[Mike B]

After the snow hits, I may go to Sweede or stay on this side of town and try Cottege Grove. Cottage Grove does have a few fun hills to play on.

Wild Rice Lake in Duluth would be a great choice for Sunday. I think they have good ice and 3-4" of snow right now. I may not have enough time to make the trip. If, not, Sweede or C.G.

[Dave Z]

Yeah, Kurt filled me in as well. An ESE wind will wrap to E over by Kowalski's. It's supposed to veer E around 3 so if there's snow cover by then it might be worthwhile to park the car at Kowalski's and have at it.

The West bay in front of the marina usually freezes up first. In years past I've seen iceboaters riding from the marina to just in front of Bellaire with open water to the East. Then again C.G. might be pretty fun both late Saturday and Sunday...

[avery]

Where do you go in Cottage Grove?

[Jason_L]

Snow forcast is looking good for Saturday. I don't know about the ice yet. Some of the lakes i drove by today were half open water. I'm going to try to find a big grass field to ride on Sat. Any ideas?

[chanrider]

Someone will post the location of the Cottage Grove fields I'm sure, they look really nice! For southwest metro riders not wanting to risk falling thru thin ice, maybe think about Flying Cloud athletic fields in south Eden Prairie although I have not actually ridden there but have stopped by and it looks pretty good... If there is enuf snow, this might be worth checking out, I'll prolly be stuck hanging out with really young kids tho!

[Travii]

Blaine soccer fields should be rideable. This where Simon, Yanni and I are going to ride. There are a few obstacles such as goal posts, but nothing too serious for a competent kiter. Also, no ice cold water to fall in.....

Map:
National Sports Center

T

[NJB]

The Flying Cloud soccer fields are rideable but there are a lot of goals still out. Its better than gettin wet!

[Mike W]

Here is CG:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q ... =addr&om=1

[JRN]

I was hoping to do some freeskating b4 the snow...maybe not..

[WildBill]

Down in the SW the winds wouldn't let Spring lake freeze over completely although a skin might have formed in the places left last night. Now the problem is the snow will insulate the thin ice and keep the ice from forming fast. I'm guessing it won't be trustworthy for a couple of weeks based on the forecast(temp and continual snow). So fields or small lakes it is.

Are the flying cloud athletic fields by the college off 212? I know someone in the past has mentioned fields by the airport as possible except rightaway/planes traffic.

[drknap]

Kowalski's market ETA 1230. Come on fellas!

[drknap]

Knarly conditions today at the bear. Winds were 20 to 30 on 50-50 ice/snow. Eventually got nicely dialed on a 5 waroo and switchblade. I think the surface conditions today would only work with a snow board switchblade set up. Mike W was on skis for a bit but said edging was tough. ( I think he still has a black vodoo curse over him). Today conditions really made me appreciate the switchblade. When you've got it dialed-it is so sweet! Thanks Todd! Avery showed up and rigging a 9m Yarga (more like a 7m) was too much kite. He got some rides on my set up. We should have complete cover my morning.

[TomFranchett]

I heard Big Marine Lake had frozen over last week. Can anyone confirm? Its a pretty sweet launch on a N or NW.