What the FAQ

Are the trails open?

ALGER GRADE

MN DNR keeps an updated list of GIA trail status. You can find Alger Grade Status here

OHV Trail Detail : Alger Grade OHM

LONDON

As of this writing London is not a GIA trail and not tracked by the DNR status page. Normally London will follow Alger Grades status but can occasionally be open when Alger Grade is not since use of the Wild Country ATV trail is required to access all of the Alger Grade trails whereas London does not need the ATV trail to access. If in doubt check out the Facebook group.

All trails are closed during Minnesota’s annual fire arms deer season in November.

Do you do the Social Media?

Yes, there is a Facebook group for the Alger Grade & London Single Track Builders / Arrowhead Enduro Club. To interact with this page you need to be a member - there are no special requirements to join other than answering 2 very simple questions. Please make sure you answer the questions and if you invite someone else to join make sure they also answer the questions. This is to try and make the group bot free and keep the content applicable to riding, building and maintaining these trails. This is not a marketplace, no advertising or selling of your bike, parts or other goods is allowed.

There is also a YouTube channel which has a video tour of each trail at Alger Grade. This may get updated with highlights of rides/events as opportunity allows and London Trail tour.

How can I help?

First become a member of AEC. These trails have been built by hardworking volunteers, hacking and slashing their way through the typically tree thick, muggy and mosquito infested Northwoods using their own transportation, tools, gas and valuable time. They are not machine built trails constructed by professionals, not sure we could pay someone enough to put that kind of effort and thought into it. This was a labor of love to build a riding area that would be unique, challenging and something we would want to ride. Membership helps provide the club with suitable tools, fuel, equipment and supplies to keep developing and maintaining these trails. Click on the Store link for the membership form and annual costs. Thank you!

There are always some projects to work on, though we suggest reaching out through the Facebook group or by contacting us at arrowheadenduroclub@gmail.com for specific needs and opportunities. We have club string trimmers and brush saws that may be available for use.

We will normally hold work-n-ride weekends throughout the season to have a few days to get out as a group and tackle the ongoing maintenance needs of the system. This can include opening the trails up after winter or storms by removing deadfall, constructing new trails or work arounds on problem areas, building small bridges over wet low areas / streams, clearing face slappers that somehow continue to grow from dead spruce trees, and the ever needed fern maintenance.

Work done at the Alger Grade system is trackable for reimbursement to the club via the Grant In Aid Trail program paid for by your dirt bike sticker and registration. If you do work at Alger Grade that might qualify please reach out to us so we have the opportunity to include in our request for annual budgeting and GIA funding. As of this writing London is not GIA and is fully constructed / maintained using member supplied resources, which is either supported by Membership dues, or paid for directly by a member.

Do I need a Registration or a trail pass?

Yes. These trails are on public property and supported by the Grant In Aid Program. All riding follows the MN DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations and requires a valid sticker. Do your part and help support the clubs that build and maintain the trails you get to enjoy by getting yours before riding.

Do I need a spark arrestor?

Yes. These are public trails and all Minnesota requirements for off-highway vehicle operation apply. Additionally, the forest makeup here is chock full of dense, dry fuel so the risk of wildfire can be severe. We don’t want to burn down the forest we enjoy! MN DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations

Are the trails one-way?

No. Expect that you might encounter bi-directional traffic. While the trails at Alger Grade and London are built with a “normal” direction of flow, they can be ridden in either direction at any time.

Can someone show me around the Trails?

Probably, we are likely working 9-5’s but are also keen to show off what we’ve built and have a good ride instead of sitting behind a desk or otherwise plying our daily trade. Best bet is to reach out to the Facebook group and see if anyone is available or send an email to Arrowheadenduroclub@gmail.com.

There are also group rides planned and usually one to several riders out in the main parking lots getting ready to ride on the weekends. We’re not a shy bunch, ask and you might find some new friends and get an impromptu tour.

Is camping allowed?

CJ Ramstad parking lot and the London parking area are both available to camp at. There are no services at either aside from a Pit Toilet at the CJ Ramstad Lot. There is ample room to park trailers and rigs at both locations, however the access road to the London parking area is not well maintained and is both narrow and rougher than you might want to drive your shiny rig down.

There may be fire bans in place throughout the region at times during the riding season. Please be sure to check the current status before building a bonfire, this area has been hit hard by a bug that has killed a lot of spruce trees leaving dry dead standing timber all around which can be a tinderbox in the right conditions. Lets try to not burn down Lake County.

What else should I know?

Use good trail etiquette! There are many non-dirt-bike-riding people frequently encountered along the trails, such as hikers, hunters, and dog-walkers, along with the general public around the parking areas. Be a positive representative for our dirt bike community, so that we can continue to enjoy opportunities like these going into the future. Slowing and passing calmly, giving friendly greetings, and a little polite communication with those you meet goes a long way toward our cause. As does doing good business with local establishments.

Tread lightly! We’ve done our best to build sustainable trails, but tire-spinning and going off-trail can still do damage that might threaten the future of the trails. Stay on the trail, and do your best to keep your rear tire hooked up and maintaining traction.

Be prepared! There are remote areas that will not be ideal places to find yourself broke down or lost. Have a plan to get out of the woods safely. At least basic tools, lights, and navigation are highly advised.

Ride safely and have fun!