Ride Report - Summer Roundup Ride at Forestville State Park
by Wanda Hanson
Forestville State Park is the most ridden State Park in Minnesota - and I can see why.
What a beautiful park, from the camping facilities to the trails, and such beautiful views all around. As I watched the weather forecast for the upcoming weekend, I was hoping it would not be a TOTAL wash out, and it wasn't. We had some nasty looking stuff move in about the time we were going to head out on Friday night. So with safety in mind we cancelled the ride. Then as it turns out by 8:30 it turned nice again. So, four people headed out for a quick ride. The rest stayed at camp and had campfire conversation, met up with some old friends, & got acquainted with some new ones. Dave and Kathy Boron not only lead our trail rides, but were also our "weather advisors" as they kept an eye on the news for any weather changes or updates, and watched the activity to make sure we were not in any danger. Saturday's ride left with 25 riders eager to check out the trails and the Historical village of Forestville, what a unique little place with a beautiful clear creek running by it. It was a beautiful ride even with a small sprinkle, some got back to camp right before a down pour and some came in a little later and a little wet. Then after a bite to eat, out we went again with 18 riders off on a different trail. Unfortunately with all the flooding in that corner of the state, the Big Spring Trail will be closed until fall. Had a few more sprinkles but nothing major. It held back until the Pot Luck, and then he opened up the sky and let it fall. We had an awning on a RV and a portable tent borrowed from another MTRA rider and with a little patients & coziness we had a very nice meal with an awesome spread of food. Then the weather broke again, so it was back to campfires & visiting with friends. The night was filled with laughter & talk of our day we had. Sunday morning brought cloudy skies that quickly cleared before 15 of us road out, what a beautiful ride; it made the sprinkle of the day before just a memory. We even saw a deer with her fawn. We road until almost noon and then it was time to pack up and head for home. A few were staying and going to be riding later again, but with a 4 1/2 hr drive ahead of me, reluctantly I loaded up and headed West.
I hope to go back to Forestville State Park again next year and hit the Big Spring Trail. One of the best things about this part of Minnesota besides the beauty is that there are no bugs! A big Thank You to Dave & Kathy Boron for leading the rides, and for everyone that braved the rain & came down for a wonderful MTRA ride.
See you on the trails!
Click here to view pictures from the ride.
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