Shred The Red at Cuyuna - Backcountry Loop with Sledgehammer and Portal

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  • Опубліковано 18 лип 2023
  • Out at Cuyuna once again. It's actually been almost two years since I've been there. The last time I was there I rode Sinter which is off the backcountry loop. This time I rode the entire Backcountry loop with Sledgehammer and Portal. Sledgehammer is a double black diamond tech trail and Portal is a blue flowish trail. Sledgehammer has some cool features and a ton of impressive rock work. As a builder I would hate to build that trail haha. I'm also not a big fan of riding that style of manufactured rock gardens but I know people do like and just because I'm not a fan of it doesn't at all mean it's bad. Like I said it's really impressive and it's well done. All the features go pretty easily but the rock gap jump does take all the speed you can get. It's pretty tight getting into but if you're able to pump and hold good speed it works fine.
    Portal is a fun but short decent. Even though it's fun it's not worth all the pedaling you have to do to ride it.
    The backcountry loop pretty true to it's name I suppose but for a gravity rider like myself it's very boring and couldn't be done with it fast enough. Again, just because it's not the kind of trail I like to ride doesn't mean it's no good. It's good and well built singletrack but it's all pedaling and that's not my jam. It's a weird design that the make you ride all that XC trail to access the gravity fed trails. And you have to pedal a ways just to get out to that loop. Making you ride all over the place to get to the downhill trails seems to be the theme at Cuyuna. It's really to bad there's not easy ways to session the good stuff. They've really designed the place completely opposite of how I like trail systems. Get me to the top as fast as possible and give me an easy return so I can session the good stuff. There is a lot I like about the place like the town, the camping options right on the trail system, the beautiful lakes and forest and of course some of the trails. Not sure how much I really care to go back though. I'll probably make it out there once a year or so but I would much rather make the trip up to Duluth or Tioga. I for sure see why cross country riders love Cuyuna though, it's a perfect place to get miles in on great singletrack.
    I don't mean to talk trash about anything but I do want to be honest with my opinions but it's just my opinion take it for what it is. Get out and ride whatever it is you like to ride and have fun!
    Send it!
    follow me on Instagram @ridindirt

КОМЕНТАРІ • 65

  • @forum116
    @forum116 Рік тому +5

    I feel the same with Sledgehammer, a few fun features with a bunch of awkward rock in between. Not my jam, but Sinter is pretty fun.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      I liked sledgehammer, some cool features but I don’t like the crazy rock sidewalks. And the pedal to do the trail is silly

  • @72SeaHag
    @72SeaHag Рік тому +2

    Appreciate this review of the 'new' stuff at Cuyuna. I was always underwhelmed with Cuyuna being more of an XC experience; but was excited to hear about these new gravity feature trails. I have yet to make the extra drive up to Tioga from Mankato; but I believe I'll take that drive next time and bypass Cuyuna on your recommendation.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Tioga is one of my favorite places to ride in the state!

  • @markdiller3217
    @markdiller3217 Рік тому +1

    Rode this the week after I saw you post this. That entrance to sledgehammer is pretty sketchy and you made that send look easy. We skipped it and ride the back loop instead, then Sinter. Glad we skipped sledgehammer. Nice vid!

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  11 місяців тому

      Yeah it’s a good squirrel catcher at the beginning. You know what you’re in store for. Sinter is definitely more my kind of trail. Sledgehammer does have some cool features though. I just don’t like how much pedaling is involved to ride any of the stuff back there.

  • @NathanEide
    @NathanEide Рік тому +5

    I'm with you on most of that backcountry loop. The rock for the sake of rock ain't exactly it for me.

    • @AndrewGehn
      @AndrewGehn Рік тому +6

      Well said on rock for the sake of rock. Natural bedrock is my favorite trail surface to ride, but dumping a bunch of rocks were there weren't any really gets old.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      Yes and yes

    • @NathanEide
      @NathanEide Рік тому +2

      @@AndrewGehn This. Give me an open slab any day of the week. But I'd rather see features built around natural rock or use dirt/wood.

  • @robonbikes
    @robonbikes Рік тому +3

    Asked a mechanic at Red Raven about Sledgehammer once, he said “don’t ride it, too many broken bikes and broken bones.” To this day I’ve never ridden it 😂

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Lol. It’s not that gnarly but a mistake could be costly on it

    • @DanMattice
      @DanMattice Рік тому +1

      Blew out a chain and 2 chain rings on that rock to rock gap..

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      @@DanMattice damn! Hope your body came out alright

  • @radian2323
    @radian2323 9 місяців тому +2

    That 6ish foot drop was skethy looking in person. It's interesting how the camera doesn't do it justice. The gap jump for me was a hard pass. Overall I enjoyed Sledgehammer. Good sense of accomplishment making it through.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  9 місяців тому

      Yeah it’s a cool build! The pedal to get to and from it will probably keep me from ever riding it again though haha

  • @michaeldevries2482
    @michaeldevries2482 Рік тому +2

    The first half of Backcountry is good but the second half, other than Portal, is boring. The connector trail is a neat addition but it adds a lot of pedaling. I personally also like that last bit of Galloping Goose which ends at the skills area. It has good speed and is my favorite way to finish that unit. I appreciate you call it like you see it. Good Vid

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Thank you and yes I agree. That galloping goose section rips! 🤙🏻

  • @DailyNeighborhoodRide
    @DailyNeighborhoodRide Рік тому +2

    I rode Sledgehammer once, probably never again? I did not hit the rock gap at the bottom. That trail is sketchy.
    Portal was a little more my speed but to short.
    Nice job! Cool video.
    I always appreciate your take on a trail even though your skill is far past mine.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      Appreciate that. Sledgehammer is a well built trail, wouldn’t say it’s sketchy but definitely janky on purpose. I guess that rock jump is a little sketchy though haha

  • @painterabc123
    @painterabc123 Рік тому +2

    Fireworks Start at 6:30. That is a serious feature!

  • @harrygrimley4352
    @harrygrimley4352 Рік тому +2

    I agree. The rock work is impressive but... No thanks. Not my thing 😜. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  • @ElTerrible2011
    @ElTerrible2011 Рік тому +2

    Agreed hard on the layout here. Some gravity hubs with dedicated return trails should be, and has become, the new standard. This place is great for XC, but after I hit Winze I have two options: A) take a 7 mile trip on a mellow one way trail to get back to the entrance or B) get pinned up against a birch tree and handcuffed by Ranger Randy for attempting a shortcut.
    Tioga is way more catered I think to all riding styles, and the cool thing is the trail builds are different styles as well. Sometimes I like the Rock Solid sprawling rock work like on bloodstone but then I just want to rip down Thrillseeker or Greenway Rough Rider. I’ve hit the XC stuff my first time out there too and that was cool as well.

    • @toddkramer714
      @toddkramer714 Рік тому +2

      Totally agree on the Tioga layout - just wish it was a little closer to Twin Cities. Cuyuna must have reason for the lack of ability to session, but I don't know what it is...

    • @IcalebthelionI
      @IcalebthelionI Рік тому +2

      If you want an easier trail system to session that’s same distance as Cuyuna I highly recommend Hixon in La Crosse

    • @jeffschroeder8875
      @jeffschroeder8875 Рік тому +2

      Are they still sitting in a deer stand handing out tickets??? I might just pay it to re-ride.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Well said man, totally agree. They’re just resistant to change there or something. You gotta earn that airtime with a 5 mile singletrack ride haha

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +2

      @@IcalebthelionI Hixon is sick for sure. I need to get back down there. It’s been 4 since I’ve been there

  • @Dialed1
    @Dialed1 Рік тому +3

    You guys got your miles in no doubt! Shouldn’t have rode those E-bikes last year😂 lol. That right line you looked at on Sledgehammer and passed up is actually a pretty fun line, not as harsh as it looks; Piece of cake for you. But I’m guessing this was a one and done for you guys this year. That gap on Sledgehammer is a weird one, I’ve seen a couple of people hit and hit it pretty dirty indeed. I had a front wheel washout in the berm right before it, sketchy AF. You guys skip Sinter this time out?

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      I could see a wash out before that jump for sure, it’s pretty tight. Yeah we we’re just trying to ride stuff we hadn’t hit before. Probably should’ve just hit the return after sledgehammer and rode Sinter down. I’m actually surprised people even hit that right option. I didn’t know if that was even meant to be ridden lol

  • @DaBears08
    @DaBears08 2 місяці тому +1

    What state is this? Minnesota maybe per google? Thanks for sharing

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  2 місяці тому

      Yes, Minnesota. Near Crosby, MN

  • @toddkramer714
    @toddkramer714 Рік тому +2

    Another nice video. I agree Sledgehammer ain't for me, but I do appreciate the variety they've built over the past few years. My one little complaint on Cuyuna in general is they've built some cool stuff but they seem resistant to make it easy to do repeat sessions - Sinter, Drawpoint, Winze, even Bobsled. Good stuff for sure, but why force you to work so hard for repeats?

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +2

      Absolutely! That’s exactly what I’m saying. 👊🏻

    • @NathanEide
      @NathanEide Рік тому +1

      Yes!! Why is it so challenging to create a quick return loop or make some things almost shuttle-able.

  • @AndrewGehn
    @AndrewGehn Рік тому +4

    This trail is two years old and this is the first POV footage I've seen of that jump being cleared! Still have never ridden here, the newer backcountry trails have always been closed for erosion when I've been here. I really enjoy riding natural bedrock, but putting a bunch of artificial chunk to drain your speed isn't my thing either. Did you happen to ride the new Bison Run and Dynamite trails? Dialed in and I checked those off last year and were curious what you'd think of them as a builder, they don't exactly work the best 😅

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Haha for sure. I actually forgot all about that stuff. Not even totally sure where it is.

    • @AndrewGehn
      @AndrewGehn Рік тому +2

      @@ridindirt I’ve never heard Jeremy swear as much on a ride before as those trails. They are at the new western Sagamore unit, bring your BMX for Bison Run, the corners radius’s are all wonky

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      @@AndrewGehn 😂 I’ve never seen or heard anything about em

    • @AndrewGehn
      @AndrewGehn Рік тому +2

      @@ridindirt Probably for a reason, maybe you’d enjoy them more than Jeremy and I did on 29ers but those corners are questionable at best. A 26’ dirt jumper might be the best bike for Buffalo honestly

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +2

      @@AndrewGehn well that sounds kind of fun actually haha. It’s a jumpline or what? I don’t really know anything about it

  • @jesslundeen285
    @jesslundeen285 Рік тому +2

    My butt hurts just watching this

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      Lol you made it though!

    • @jesslundeen285
      @jesslundeen285 Рік тому

      @@ridindirt the best part of this ride was the crisp 22oz Coors Light afterwards at The Hudson

  • @grantschoen1726
    @grantschoen1726 Рік тому +1

    At least sledgehammer was mowed/weed-whipped when y’all rode. Absolute jungle last time I was there. If u hate the endless rock gardens, don’t ever ride split rock wilds… 😱

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Ha yeah I could tell things were overgrown. At least there’s some natural rock features at split rock. I’ve seen the crazy rock sidewalk stuff there on video and yeah no thanks but I’ve seen some really cool looking stuff too. I’d like to at least check it out

    • @grantschoen1726
      @grantschoen1726 Рік тому +1

      @@ridindirt agreed. OTM is a must-ride. Charlie Girl, Castle Cream & Neovision were pretty fun too. And yea, a lot of the natural rock b-lines were pretty cool, just a lot of arduous pedaling to connect everything.

    • @grantschoen1726
      @grantschoen1726 Рік тому +1

      @@ridindirt Also looks like the just cut in a new trail "Ope!", looks promising..

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      @@grantschoen1726 yeah that’s probably the one Zenith Trail Contracting out of Duluth built. They do cool work

  • @domlonetti4184
    @domlonetti4184 Рік тому +1

    The rock jump is beefy I always look at it and think no way

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      It’s a little awkward but it does work

    • @domlonetti4184
      @domlonetti4184 Рік тому +2

      @@ridindirt I’ll be up there again next weekend, this video has renewed my want to hit it

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому

      @@domlonetti4184 send it! 🤙🏻

  • @jeffschroeder8875
    @jeffschroeder8875 Рік тому +1

    Sledge will get overgrown and no one will ride it. Sad to see money wasted on what could have been a ripping trail through some nice elevation change.
    Buffalo and dynamite are super cool but a bit tough to get speed for a lot of the jumps.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      It already is a little overgrown. If it was easy to get to and out of it would definitely get ridden more.
      I’ve ridden those but I’ll check em out if I ever go back haha

  • @matth8924
    @matth8924 Рік тому +1

    Don't feel like I'm missing out not riding this one. Rock for the sake of rock is just wasted effort, if it doesn't flow its not fun. Didn't get a chance to ride winze a few weeks ago but not being able to session it is ridiculous, we should just make our own shortcut.

    • @ridindirt
      @ridindirt  Рік тому +1

      Haha I still had fun on sledgehammer. Just on the features I guess though.
      Agree that Winze should have a return to loop it along with a ton of other people but making your own shortcut is not a good idea lol. Figure out who to call to complain. Probably the DNR office that runs the park

  • @zanedombrock7918
    @zanedombrock7918 Рік тому +2

    Pin this