Minnesota Trails Spring 2018

Kettle River Rafting • Austin's New MTB Trail • Carley's Bluebells

Minnesota

TRAILS T h e P a r k s & Tr a i l s J o u r n a l

55 90

SPRING 2018

w w w . M n Tr a i l s . c o m

Top Bike Rides

Tr ai Pa l Bu ge ild 7 er

Mountain Bike Trails

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com

The Bestt Trails in Minnesota esota Aren’t Paved

A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S

Adventure Cycle & Ski ki

507-452-4228 www.advcycle.com 178 Center St, Winona, MN 55987 87

Minnesota Trails Staff Jan Lasar Editor/Publisher Dave Simpkins Past Editor/Publisher Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design Amanda Thooft Graphic Artist

Boehm’s Cycle

651-644-4990 www.boehmscycle.com 1592 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 0 04

Central Lakes Cycle

218-739-5651 www.centrallakescycle.com om m 2010 Hwy. 210 E, Fergus Falls, MN N 56 556537 53 537

Downtown Bicycles

507-786-9191 llc. c..com www.downtownbicyclesllc.com (MZMWMSR 7X 7 2SVXL½IPH 12 2 2

Easy Riders Sports

218-829-5516 www.easyridersbikes.com m 415 Washington St. Brainerd, MN N 5640 564 56401 1

Gateway Cycle

651-777-0188 www.gatewaycycle.com 6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd. N, Oakdale, MN N 555 55128 5128

Jake’s Bikes

320-219-7433 www.jakesbikes.com 611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria, MN N 563 56308 08

Editorial Board Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 23, No. 1 March 2018

Maple Grove Cycling

763-420-8878 www.maplegrovecycling.com co om 13950 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, MN 553 55311 5 111

Northern Cycle (2 locations) tiio ons nss)

218-732-5971 northerncycle@charter.net n t ne Bemidji/Park Rapids

OneTen Cycles

651-454-2066 www.onetencycles.com 1040 Dakota Dr., Mendota Heights,, MN 551 55120 20

Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible.

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Continuing the

Penn Cycle (7 locations)

612-866-7540 www.penncycle.com 4IRR %ZI 7 6MGL½IPH 12

Ramsey Bicycle

763-323-6666 www.ramseybicycle.com 6825 Hwy. 10, Ramsey, MN 55303 3

Revolution Cycle and Ski

320-251-2453 www.revolutioncycleandski.com ski.c sk ki.com i.com o 160 29th Ave. S, St. Cloud, MN 56301 6301 63 301 0

Rochester Cycling

507-289-7410 [[[ G]GPMRK ½XRIWW GSQ 1211 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 5590 55 55901 599001

Rydjor Bike Shop

507-433-7571 www.rydjor.com 219 N Main St., Austin, MN 55912 2

Straight River Sports

507-451-1666 www.straightriversports.com .com 222 Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN N 5506 555060 550 5060

Visit your Authorized Trek Bike Retailer Today 2 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Index Features

Columns

Departments

6

4 Minnesota Miles

8

2018 MNMBS Races Gary Sjoquist

10 Mother's Delight Jan Lasar

33 Timberdoodle Dance Rudi Hargesheimer

34 Carley Bluebell Festival

Jan Lasar

Lisa Filter

5 UnCommon Ground

13 Mountain Bike Guide

Dave Simpkins

Mountain Bike Trails by Region

7 Letter from the Executive Director

24 Bike Ride Guide

Brett Feldman

Bike Rides May-October

32 Trails Q&A

Rudi Hargesheimer

36 New Mountain Bike Trail System in Austin Jon Burkhart

Cover photo: Russell Talib Cadogan climbs a steep hill in the Red Wing Classic Minnesota Mountain Bike Series race at Red Wing’s Memorial Park.

Jan Lasar photo

Thank you!

Minnesota Trails

Parks & Trails Council News

Conversations with Trail Users

Index photo: The nation’s only stone arch bridge still open to traffic is at Split Rock Creek State Park in Minnesota’s Pipestone County. Jan Lasar photo

38 MN Trails Map The State at a Glance

39 Business Directory Find Trail-Friendly Businesses

Find us on:

Spring 2018 3

7+80%6 83 '$9( I met Dave Simpkins Minnesota Miles Mississippi. Dave rolled with a car and his stamina wasn’t the same on a bike ride on the Lake laughter on the riverbank. since. There were times he wasn’t feeling Wobegon Trail in the summer “You keep it,â€? he said. “You’re ZHOO , FRXOG WHOO EXW 'DYH WKH Ă€JKWHU of 2011. We rode together better at this.â€? never backed down. He was determined from Avon to Albany and Later, on Wilderness to keep his promise and teach me all he at the end of that trip I Drive, he suddenly yelled “Pull knew so I could one day take over and KDG P\ Ă€UVW DVVLJQPHQW IRU over!â€? and before we stopped run the magazine on my own.

Minnesota Trails Magazine, UROOLQJ KH KDG Ă XQJ RSHQ WKH That day came in the fall of a story about a bike camping passenger door, jumped out 2016 when he retired from Trails trip up the North Shore. We and was scrambling through and I became the editor. We didn’t stayed in touch loosely after the woods with his camera see each other quite as much, but we Jan Lasar that and I contributed to swinging from its strap. He talked on the phone frequently. He’d Trails Editor/Publisher Trails a few more times over had spotted someone hiking answer my questions about writing the next two years. and was running to catch up with them. and photography and I’d send him In late 2013 Dave called me out of When he reappeared, he rummaged my stories and get his opinions on the blue and began talking about Trails, around his brown canvas bag for his magazine covers. it’s history, readership and distribution battered Apple notebook and began “How is your love life now that and how he wasn’t getting any younger. typing. It was Dave in his element, a new you discovered breath mints?â€? Dave Dave, the master salesman, saved his story was bubbling up inside of him and opened the last time we talked on the pitch for last: “Do you want to take hammering down onto the keyboard phone. I could tell right away he was over the magazine?â€? he asked.

WKURXJK KLV Ă€QJHUV +H OHDUQHG WR ZULWH in rare form, full of energy and on the I did, and in the summer of 2014 on a mechanical typewriter, so the keys way to Duluth or Itasca or Minneapolis we became partners. He showed me really had it coming. It was the sound or some other random place to visit his how it all comes together, how to take of Dave the journalist at work and by grandkids or see an art exhibit, attend a good photos, how to sell ads, what a run the time we got to Park Rapids, he was fundraiser or interview someone for his sheet is for and all the other ingredients done with his story. book about Sinclair Lewis. that make a successful publication. It We had many more adventures Undoubtedly he had just stopped ZDV D ORW WR OHDUQ DQG ZKDW EDIĂ HG PH during that time and got to know each at a coffee shop, confounding yet most was that Dave, an accomplished other better. After camping at Lake another barista with his usual: A shot journalist and businessman would trust Bronson State Park we made a sales of espresso and ‘about this much me, a kid who was born when he started call at a visitor bureau and, despite hot water’, holding up thumbs and KLV Ă€UVW QHZVSDSHU ZLWK KLV ODERU RI our best morning grooming efforts, LQGH[ Ă€QJHUV WR GHPRQVWUDWH WKH ULJKW love, the Minnesota Trails Magazine. actually looked like we had spent the proportions.

But Dave had a plan. “I’m a big picture QLJKW LQ WHQWV $OVR WKH RIĂ€FH ZDV :H Ă€QLVKHG RXU FRQYHUVDWLRQ WKLV guy,â€? he once said. “I climb up the Ă€OOLQJ XS KHDYLO\ ZLWK WKH VPHOO RI time about advertising, and hung up. tallest tree to scout out a new direction FDPSĂ€UH VPRNH DV ZH ZHUH JLYLQJ RXU Two days later Dave unexpectedly and I go for it.â€? presentation. When we were walking died and he leaves behind a void that The next two years were a wild out Dave the optimist said, “That went is hard to describe. To sum up what ride and a crash course in state park well, don’t you think?â€? he meant to everyone who was lucky history. I’d pick up Dave in the morning, These trips weren’t always easy HQRXJK WR NQRZ KLP ZRXOG Ă€OO WKH he’d jump in the car, give me a thumbs on him. Some years back he was hit by pages of this magazine and many up, say “Let’s go, Amigo!â€? and more to come. He was a we’d take off to somewhere in philanthropist and he gave Minnesota, or as he called it freely of everything he had. ´7KH ODQG RI ORYH DQG OXWHĂ€VN Âľ He was a mentor to young I’ll never forget one of writers and a man with a RXU Ă€UVW WULSV WR KLV IDYRULWH passion for community. He state park, Itasca. Dave, the loved history, the outdoors gadget guy, had just bought and his family. The land of D VHOĂ€H VWLFN DQG ZDV ZDONLQJ ORYH DQG OXWHĂ€VN LVQ¡W WKH VDPH around the headwaters trying anymore, but I’ll keep going. to get a photo of himself with I’ll just have to climb the Lake Itasca in the background. tallest tree and look for a new When he was done I borrowed direction. it and walked out on the rocks Thumbs up, Dave. to get a good I miss you. shot. I slipped On the adjoining page we’re reprinting one of my and fell into the favorite columns Dave wrote for Minnesota Trails.

It originally published in the May 2014 edition.

4 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Tradition! Tradition!

Tradition! Tradition!

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Spring 2018 5

MNMB Series

0É QɆHÉ‹RÉŒD 0ɇXɆWČšLɆ %É NČ˝ 6Č˝UÉ HÉ‹ S

by Gary Sjoquist

eason Overview - Racing in the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series (MNMBS) begins May 6th, 2018, with the Woolly at St. Croix Falls, WI. The Woolly has become the largest race for the MNMBS, and last year had 566 racers on hand as this well-run event is only 45 minutes from the Twin Cities.

June 3rd is the next race, at the Jail Trail in St Cloud. Usually later in the season, the Single Track Escape has moved up in the schedule and takes place behind the prison just outside St. Cloud off Highway 10.

On June 10th, the Series travels to Detroit Lakes for the Shakedown at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area '05$ '05$¡V à RZLQJ VLQJOHWUDFN mixed in with some old school tight, gnarly singletrack and the long switchback climbs up Detroit Mountain will make for a challenging race day.

The fourth race, June 24th, brings racers to Theodore Wirth’s new trail near downtown Minneapolis. This new singletrack, completely separate from the existing MOCA (Minneapolis OffRoad Cycling Advocates) singletrack, is carved in the slopes and forested areas lining the hills around what used to be the 17th and 18th fairways. Another cool and hilly section of the Wirth trail winds through the woods between the 10th fairway and Bassett Creek before doubling back to the brand new Trailhead building.

-XO\ WK Ă€QGV WKH 6HULHV DW WKH Border Crossing at Whitetail Ridge in River Falls, WI. This is another wellattended race, as it was formerly the site of the annual MNMBS and WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) “Border Battleâ€? back in 2008 through 2010.

The Series will be racing at Lake Rebecca’s long, sinewy singletrack just outside of Delano for the Big Woods Classic on July 14th. Run in conjunction with Three Rivers Parks District, this is a good race for folks who’d like to try racing without the big climbs found at ski hill races. Rochester’s Gamehaven Scout Camp is the site of the seventh MNMBS race on July 29th. The Gamehaven Lakeside Grind will be a great mix of swoopy singletrack, short steep climbs, gravel roads, and grassy meadow crossings. $XJXVW UDFHV ÀQG UDFHUV WUDYHOLQJ to Spirit Mountain in Duluth for the Great Hawk Chase on Aug. 12th and to Crosby, MN for the Cuyuna Crusher on

6 Spring 2018

Aug. 19th. Spirit Mountain has added FRRO QHZ à RZ\ VLQJOHWUDFN SOXV DQ ´DOO ZHDWKHU¾ WUDLO ÀQLVKHG ODWH ODVW VXPPHU And Cuyuna’s rocky singletrack and swoopy downhills include new one-way trails offering multiple lap options not previously available.

After 9 races the season ends, as usual, with Laddie’s Loppet at Maplelag in western MN on Sept. 1 and 2.

Laddie’s Loppet provides a time trial option, too, as well as endless cookies at a great family style resort. It’s a nice ORQJ ZHHNHQG ÀQDO HYHQW ZLWK UDFLQJ and riding options for the entire family.

Races No Longer on the Schedule Missing for 2018 is the Bluff Rider’s Charge at Mt. Kato, as well as the Red Wing Classic in Red Wing. Both events wanted to take a year off from the MNMBS schedule.

Major Series Format Change A big change for the 2018 MNMBS is that all racers will be part of the overall points tracking and standings for

the entire season. In years past, racers had the option of paying to be part of the “Series,� or just racing in individual races with no tracking of points, overall standings and overall awards. For 2018, the MNMBS has become more inclusive; all racers at all events are part of the Series.

Minnesota Mountain Bike Series 2018 Schedule Date 5/6 6/3 6/10 6/24 7/8 7/14 7/29 8/12 8/19 9/1-2

10 Races St Croix Woolly Single Track Escape Detroit Mountain Shakedown Theodore Wirth Park Border Crossing Big Woods Classic Gamehaven Lakeside Grind Great Hawk Chase Cuyuna Crusher Laddies Loppet

More information at www.mnmtbseries.com

PLAY SHAKEDOWN IN THE DIRT!

N AIN DETROIT MOUNTAI

E CE MTN BI KE RAC

SUNDAY JUNE 10TH 2018 Minnesota Trails

people eo saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Letter from the executive director

Living a purposeful life ... the Dave Simpkins way

By Brett Feldman When I sat down to write this column I had just learned about a new bill being drafted that would open up two state parks to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The only thing on my mind in that moment was to use this column to try and convey that our state park experiences could change forever beginning Aug. 1 if this bill becomes law.

Then the phone rang and my world was turned upside down. Minnesota Trails magazine Publisher Jan Lasar was on the line searching for the words to tell me that the magazine’s founder, our good friend Dave Simpkins, had died. I felt gutted, and I knew that others who had spent time in Dave’s orbit would be feeling the same pain. Look no further than Jan’s column about his relationship with Dave, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Dave was one of the best champions our state parks and trails will ever know. And now this man whose positive energy and boundless determination we so often turned to in times like these was gone.

You see, Dave was the kind of guy who did everything with all his heart and soul. Whether he was celebrating his Norwegian heritage by founding the multi-day Flekkefest Scandinavian Festival in Elbow Lake, pulling a prank on a good friend, or establishing a community foundation to save the Carnegie Library in Sauk Centre, Dave’s life was one defined Center,

Minnesota Trails

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by purpose. Through his innate ability to connect with people; his valuing the arts, environment, history and humanities; and his professions as a photographer, journalist and publisher, he made a lasting difference in the world.

Dave embraced life and any opportunity to meet new friends.

Minnesota Trails readers became the beneficiaries of Dave’s infectious exuberance when he launched this magazine in 2005. It was always more than a magazine for Dave: It was his mission. So when Dave retired from Minnesota Trails magazine in late 2016 he wasn’t really done.

In fact, it was clear from our last phone call, the week before he died, that he was ready to take action for parks and trails. We planned to see each other at Parks & Trails Council’s annual Day on the Hill event; he planned to speak with legislators about keeping motorized recreation out of state parks, and he

planned to advocate for a new visitor center at Glendalough State Park.

There will never be another Dave Simpkins. Those of us who care about special places have a harder pull without him, but his passion will inspire us toward the same sense of purpose.

I hope others can find inspiration from Dave’s life and get ready to take action. We have an opportunity to ensure that future generations of Minnesotans continue to experience state parks as they are now--safe, quite quiet places without the danger and noise of motorized thrillcraft tearing through the campgrounds. Please take a moment to let Governor Dayton and your local legislators know how strongly you feel. This is not the time to remain on the sidelines. This is the time to make a difference. For more information on what is at stake, please visit the advocacy page at www. parksandtrails.org.

Spring 2018 7

people saving special places

www.parksandtrails.org

Reuel Harmon Awardee: Grant Merritt

A delightfully dogged defender of the environment Many environmental protections in place today are the result of hard-fought battles in the 1960s and 70s. It was a time when citizens felt compelled and empowered to take action.

It was a time that suited Grant Merritt well.

his uncle, who lived a few miles from Reserve Mining Company’s a massive mining operation in Silver Bay, Minn.

What his uncle described was a shocking: vast amounts of waste being pumped directly into Lake Superior. It didn’t seem right. Others in the community described the lake changing from clear to murky for miles around the mine’s dumping shoot. Later, as reported by MPR, they discovered the mine was dumping enough waste to fill a railroad car every two minutes, around

Growing up in Duluth and spending countless summers at Isle Royale National Park, instilled in Merritt a strong connection to the North Shore.

His family’s roots here run deep with big names from history popping up.

His grandfather and great uncle opened the first mine [Minnesota Environmental Rights on the iron range but later Act allows citizens to] speak on lost it to James J. Hill, or “Jim” as Merritt calls him. behalf of the environment; a Plus his grandfather led little like The Lorax. renowned National Parks ~Grant Merritt as quoted in Minnesota Foundational Director Stephen Mather Envrionmental Laws Oral History Project (2016) on a boat tour of Isle Royale to promote its worthiness to become a National Park.

“

”

Grant Merritt’s calling, to be a delightfully dogged defender of Minnesota’s environment, became apparent later in life. First he earned a law degree, and completed a three-year stint in the ROTC and spent several years in private practice on trucking law.

Then in 1967 he was paid a visit by

8 Spring 2018

the clock for years with no plans to stop.

Merritt, who was then the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) chair in New Hope, Minn., helped pass a resolution at the 1968 DFL convention to oppose the dumping of tailings into Lake Superior. Merritt also got

Minnesota Trails

people saving special places

involved with grassroots efforts by local groups to raise awareness. He began advising then-gubernatorialcandidate Wendell Anderson on environmental issues.

By 1971 Merritt traded in his citizen activism to head up the relatively new Minnesota Pollution Control Agency—an appointment

by Gov. Wendell Anderson. It was not a job he was seeking, but as he said in 2016 interview for the Minnesota Foundational Environmental Laws Oral History Project, “I realized I could do more in government than out of government, although I’m a big advocate for citizen participation and activity.”

Peter Gove, who succeeded Merritt as MPCA director in 1975 says, “the agency has had more than a dozen leaders over the past 50 years, but none so courageous or tenacious as Grant.” He goes on to say, “while there are many...who deserve credit for ending the dumping of tailings into Lake Superior, Grant did more than any Minnesotan to make the case that this abuse of the world’s greatest lake must end.”

By 1973 these efforts helped to impel the federal Environmental Protection Agency to file a suit against Reserve Mining Company.

It was a long, drawn-out legal battle that eventually, in 1980, resulted in the mine moving their dumping to an inland pond.

www.parksandtrails.org

Through all this, Merritt realized that citizens need more power to defend the environment. He urged Gov. Wendell Anderson to pass the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA), which many see as Minnesota’s most important environmental law. It recognized the rights of citizens to clean air, water and land and allows them to bring legal action if those rights are not being upheld. It empowers citizens to “speak on behalf of the environment,” Merritt said in the 2016 interview. “A little like ‘The Lorax.’”

Empowering citizen action has been a theme in Merritt’s life. In 1995 Merritt found a new outlet and joined the board of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. Over the next 11 years, his deep commitment to acquiring and protecting parks and trails was an incredible asset matched only by his bottomless well of relationships fostered through his infectious charisma.

He has a unique ability to express strong convictions that leave no doubt where he stands, yet with none of the vitriol. It’s a rare talent so deeply needed today. This ability is no doubt aided by his prophetically confident voice, one tinged with the gravitas of man who has slayed a dragon or two and survived.

Yet it’s the inevitable warm laugh that follows along with his openness to hearing and valuing everyone’s knowledge that endears him and his causes to so many.

2018 Reuel Harmon Awardee:

Grant Merritt

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota awards this annual recognition of exemplary service and outstanding achievements on behalf of Minnesota’s parks and trails. The award is named in honor of Reuel Harmon, a founding member of P&TC in 1954.

Award Recipients 2018 Grant Merritt 2017 Rep. Alice Hausman 2016 Dave Lais 2015 Peggy Prowe 2014 David Minge 2013 Mary Lee Dayton 2012 Mark and Joan Strobel 2011 Peter Seed 2010 Terry McGaughey 2009 Eleanor Winston 2008 Sen. David Durenberger 2007 Henry N. Somsen 2006 Michael Prichard 2005 Bob Dunn 2004 Don Davison & Bill Morrissey 2003 Rollis Bishop 2001 Alden Lind 2000 Howard E. Olson 1999 Nadine Blacklock 1998 Rep. Willard Munger 1997 Gov. Elmer L. Andersen 1996 Martin N. Kellogg 1995 Samuel H. Morgan Visit the Award Hall of Honor WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW HDFK RI WKH UHFLSL HQWV DW ZZZ SDUNVDQGWUDLOV RUJ DERXW KLVWRU\ UHXHO KDUPRQ DZDUG

By Lisa Filter, Parks & Trails Council Photo of George H. Crosby Manitou Courtesy of Rudi Hargesheimer Minnesota Trails

Spring 2018 9

by Jan Lasar

,

f you could rise up high above the forests of northeastern Minnesota on a clear day you’d see the Kettle River snaking its way south from near Cromwell until it à RZV LQWR WKH St. Croix River near Pine City.

It starts out as a trickle of a creek, I guess we’re adrenaline but fed by many streams junkies, but you only live once along the way, and you have to have fun. grows to an –– Melissa Day impressive, wild and scenic river with rocky cliffs, high sandstone bluffs and mossy banks, undercut by the powerful waters over millennia. After two-thirds of its 83-mile journey it passes through Banning State Park near Sandstone, where whitewater enthusiasts come to ride the rapids. On an overcast day last August I tagged along on a whitewater tour on the Kettle River. “Paddling the river is really the best way to see Banning State Park,â€? said Tony Vavricka, owner of Hardwater Sports in Sandstone, ZKLOH KH ZDV XQORDGLQJ LQĂ DWDEOH kayaks from his trailer at the river access. You go through a wild and beautiful place and it’s just a really fun thing to do,â€? he said.

Melissa Day, a real estate agent from Burnsville, had brought her sons Dalton, Garrett and Wyatt to Banning to experience the rapids with Tony and his daughter Lilly. None of them had ever been on whitewater before, but Melissa is used to going outside her comfort zone on adventures with her sons. “I guess we’re adrenaline

10 Spring 2018

junkies,â€? she said, “But you only live once and you have to have fun.â€? $IWHU D VDIHW\ EULHĂ€QJ KHOPHW DQG OLIH YHVW Ă€WWLQJ DQG an introduction to hand signal communications, we put in our crafts for a test ride on the calm ZDWHUV DERYH WKH Ă€UVW VHW RI UDSLGV the Blueberry Slide.

The kayak was surprisingly nimble and just a stroke of the paddle turned it almost ninety degrees. Soon everyone had the KDQJ RI LW DQG LW ZH Ă RDWHG RYHU to Tony for some last minute LQVWUXFWLRQV ´2Q WKLV Ă€UVW VHW RI rapids, stay tight to the right and paddle like crazy,â€? he said. And then “If things don’t go right, paddle harder.â€?

7RQ\ ZHQW Ă€UVW 2QH E\ RQH I watched everyone else drop off the edge and disappear into the churning, coffee-colored spray with a “Whoo,â€? barely audible over the rumble of the river. Then it was my turn.

I approached the Blueberry Slide and the rumble grew to a roar.

Soon I was close enough to hear the gurgling of the rushing water around the rocks. The rest of the group was bobbing in the calm waters below what looked like a long washboard of hissing water, rocks and whitecaps. The nose of my craft dipped off the edge and I plunged into a roiling valley of water. The kayak pitched and rolled, bouncing off the rocks beneath the river surface, and a huge wave washed over me. For a moment I saw nothing but spray. When I had my sight back, the front of the kayak rose up and over a huge boulder with another drop right behind it.

I was drifting toward the left, away from the line Tony told us to take, and pinwheeled my paddles as hard

Mother's Delight continued on page 12

Minnesota Trails

A jump in the river is a good way to cool off on a hot day. Jan Lasar photo

Taking a break after the rapids. Jan Lasar photo

Mother's

DeLIgHT About the Kettle River The Kettle River is one of the best white water rivers in the Midwest. It is bounded by a heavy forest of black spruce, fir, birch, aspen, maple, ash, and elm, with scattered red, white, and jack pines.

The Kettle is designated as a wild and scenic river.

Most of the rapids on this river are Class I during low water, with some stretches reaching II or III in high water.

Kettle formations like these give the Kettle River its name. Jan Lasar photo

The Banning Rapids area ranges in difficulty from Class II-IV at all water levels.

The width varies from 30-250 feet.

Minnesota Trails

Source: MNDNR

Spring 2018 11

Mother's Delight from page 10 as I could to correct course. More of this followed and I bobbed, bounced and rocked down Blueberry Slide, sometimes sideways, sometimes backwards, until I met up with the group. “It was exhilarating! I was so nervous and my heart started racing DW Ă€UVW OLNH Âś2PLJRVK DUH ZH JRQQD make it?â€? Melissa said later. “And WKHQ LW ZDV ÂśZKHUH¡V WKH QH[W UDSLGV ZKHUH¡V WKH QH[W RQH ZH FDQ JR down?â€?

There are four more rapids besides the Blueberry Slide on the three and a half mile trip through Banning State Park, ranging from a Class I during low water periods to Class II to IV when rains swell the currents to a raging 3,000 cubic IHHW SHU VHFRQG 2XU JURXS PDGH LW WKURXJK 0RWKHU¡V 'HOLJKW 'UDJRQ¡V 7RRWK /LWWOH %DQQLQJ DQG ÀQDOO\ +HOO¡V *DWH UDSLGV DQG LW JRW D OLWWOH easier each time. Every encounter followed the same pattern: gather and get directions from Tony, paddle like crazy to stay on course and pop out at the bottom, dripping wet and highÀYLQJ $IWHU +HOO¡V *DWH WKH .HWWOH 5LYHU calmed down considerably, and we à RDWHG DORQJ ZLWK SOHQW\ RI WLPH WR enjoy the scenery as the constant thunder of the river faded away behind us. The massive rock banks were covered in moss and topped with birch and jack pine, a real wilderness setting.

Tony guided us to some calm sand beaches where we got out, VWUHWFKHG RXU OHJV DQG UHVWHG 2QH

spot where the water was particularly deep had easy access to the rocky top of the riverbank and it made a great spot for a jump in the river.

Melissa later told me that she took the jump to make her sons do it, too. ´, KDYHQ¡W MXPSHG RII VRPHWKLQJ WKLV high since I was child, but I knew that LI , GLG LW WKH\¡G GR LW EHFDXVH WKH\ ZRXOGQ¡W OHW PRP RXWGR WKHP ¾ VKH said.

Another highlight of the lower part of the river was a stop at Wolf Creek Falls, which you can only get to via the river or a hike from the river access.

After three hours we arrived at 5RELQVRQ 3DUN LQ 6DQGVWRQH DQG shuttled back to Hardwater Sports Headquarters.

0HOLVVD KDG KHU DGUHQDOLQH Ă€[ that day and loved being on the river. ´,W¡V MXVW \RX DQG WKH RQHV \RX ORYH around you, and nature. The noises, the water, the breeze, the smells.â€? She laughs: “And having my son in the EDFN RI PH \HOOLQJ Âś*R OHIW *R ULJKW Âľ This is exactly the reaction Tony LV KRSLQJ IRU 2YHU WKH ODVW IHZ \HDUV KH¡V EHFRPH D YRFDO SURPRWHU RI paddling and climbing in the area and he feels Sandstone has the potential to become a tourist destination with its “easy access to adventure,â€? a term he coined. ´,¡YH EHHQ JHWWLQJ D ORW RI SRVLWLYH feedback since I started promoting Sandstone,â€? he said, “but the best way to experience it is to come up here and see it for yourself.â€?

Kettle River Paddle Festival May 4-6, 2018 Sandstone, MN kettleriverpaddlefest.com

Whitewater on the Kettle River

Sandstone, MN | hardwatersports.com | 651-302-1774 12 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

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Northeastern Minnesota has the Sawtooth Mountains along the North Shore of Lake Superior, ski hills at Spirit Mountain and Giants Ridge, the deep forests of the Superior and Chippewa National Forests, the 135-mile Arrowhead State Trail, and the pristine beauty of some of the state’s most beautiful state parks.

Spirit Mountain Bike Park | Duluth, MN Jan Lasar photo Minnesota Trails

Spring 2018 13

mountain bike trails Arrowhead State Trail | Tower to International Falls 135 miles: Approximately 70 miles of the trail are suitable for mountain biking in the summer.

Big Aspen Trail | Virginia 20 miles: Many loop opportunities and beautiful scenic vistas.

Eliason Tower Loop | Grand Marais 12 miles: A 12-mile loop along back forest and county roads.

Fenske Lake Area | Ely Trails cross over rolling hills and pass through spruce forests.

Fernberg Tower Area | Ely The route includes both gravel and natural surface trails.

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Forest History Center Trails | Grand Rapids 5 miles: Explore the Forest History Center by bike. Beginner trail through 1900s logging camp and virgin timber forest.

Giants Ridge | Biwabik 25 miles: Maintained mountainside trails in a resort setting.

Hidden Valley Trails | Ely 12 miles: This area offers twelve miles of hilly, wooded loop trails on the outskirts of Ely. Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton 13 miles: Trail is a mixture of grass, dirt and pavement with spectacular views.

Legion Trails | Grand Rapids 6 miles: Hand-built singletrack trail ranging from fast and flowing to tight, twisty and technical. Near Grand Rapids High School.

Lookout Mountain | Virginia 10 miles: The trail system has dedicated mountain bike singletrack with berms, bridges, and rock gardens in the Chippewa National Forest.

McCarthy Beach State Park | Side Lake 17 miles: A choice of nice rides is available on the park trails and the roads inside the park.

Nickel Lake Area | Ely This area provides rolling wooded hills, grassy bogs and beaver dams.

Savanna Portage State Park | McGregor 10 miles: Mixture of grass and dirt doubletrack.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | Two Harbors 3 miles: Easy trail with a mix of dirt and grass shared with hikers. Stunning views of the Split Rock Lighthouse along Lake Superior. Can be combined with a return on the paved Gitchi Gami Trail for a 6 mile loop. The park grooms this loop and an additional 3 miles for fat biking in the winter.

Sugar Hills | Grand Rapids 20 miles: Enjoy the solitude of this mixture of singletrack and fire roads. Intermediate to expert trail on hilly terrain through hardwood forest. Thunder Peak provides panoramic views.

Taconite State Trail | Grand Rapids - Ely 165 miles: Popular multipurpose trail that stretches from Grand Rapids to Ely.

Cook County Mountain Bike Routes Cook County has fantastic singletrack and gravel routes ranging from family-friendly to expert backcountry trails.

Britton Peak Trail | Tofte 5.5 miles: Trail goes through the Superior National Forest and is mainly singletrack.

Central Gunint Trails 60+ miles: Very remote hilly terrain with little to no road traffic near the BWCAW. Devil Track Loop and Bally Creek Area Trails | Grand Marais 25 miles: Remote trail is perfect for adventurous mountain bikers.

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Fire Box Loop 16.7 miles: Scenic, hilly terrain that is very remote with little to no vehicle traffic on gravel.

Grand Portage Trails Several trails are available in the Grand Portage area.

Heartbreak Hill Loop 18 miles: This scenic loop crosses the Temperance River multiple times.

Lima Grade 26.2 miles (out and back trail): A great family ride on gravel road with minimal traffic.

Elevation climbs very gradually over rivers.

Old Gunint Trail 9 miles round trip (out and back trail): Gravel road with minimal traffic.

Onion River Road | 7 miles round trip: Easy, family-friendly ride with several fun side-trip opportunities.

Pancore Lake Loop | Tofte 17-19 miles: Ride near the Poplar and Temperance Rivers through the Superior National Forest Pike Lake Loop 22 miles: Excellent wildlife viewing. Gravel and primitive minimum maintenance road.

Pincushion Mountain | Grand Marais 16 miles: Singletrack mountain bike trails starting from the trailhead at Pincushion Mountain.

Pine Mountain Road 16 miles round trip (out and back trail): Gravel forest road with little traffic. Moose habitat.

mountain bike trails

Sugarbush Trail | Tofte 5.5 miles: Singletrack for all skill levels through the Superior National Forest.

Duluth Area Mountain Bike Trails Duluth has been named Gold Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), one of six such destinations in the world.

Lester Park 5.5 miles: Intermediate. Beautiful views of the river valley and smooth, flowing singletrack.

Mission Creek | 12 miles: Beginner to intermediate. Fast and flowing singletrack with many bridges, berms and rollers.

Mont du Lac | Superior, WI 4 miles: Intermediate. Singletrack and advanced level downhill trails.

Piedmont Trails | 9 miles: Intermediate to advanced. Challenging trails with bridges and features. Significant elevation changes with rocky bluffs.

Pokegama Trail | 7 miles: A purpose-built mountain bike trail for a technical ride.

Spirit Mountain Bike Park Outstanding views of Lake Superior are the norm at Spirit Mountain. The terrain is demanding, but is sure to reward with amazing vistas.

Sources: MNDNR, COGGS, GRIMBA, MORC, IROC, Cook County Visitors Bureau

At Lookout Mountain in Virginia, MN. Paul Pluskwik photo

Details at mntrails.com/trails

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Spring 2018 15

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The many communities that make up the Metropolitan Area of the Twin Cities provide an extensive network of rugged singletrack and easy to moderate mountain bike trails.

Regional and city parks maintain trails and state parks provide something for everyone.

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve | Rockford, MN Jan Lasar photo 16 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

mountain bike trails Terrace Oaks | Burnsville 2.3 miles: Intermediate. Technical trail with lots of climbs and amazing descents.

Theodore Wirth Park | Minneapolis 8 miles: Intermediate to advanced: Singletrack has twists and turns with many technical features. Challenging course and a great trail system consisting of five separate loops: North, South, Southwest, Brownie and Glenwood Loop.

Just minutes from downtown Minneapolis.

West Lake Marion Trail | Lakeville 5 miles: Beginner to advanced: Hard-packed singletrack through woods and fields on the west side of Lake Marion near Casperson Park.

Sources: MNDNR, MORC, Three Rivers Parks District

A night ride at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Three Rivers Parks District photo Battle Creek Regional Park | East St. Paul 7 miles: Intermediate to advanced. Battle Creek features a wide selection of trails within its boundaries.

Buck Hill | Burnsville 6 miles: Beginner to intermediate, includes two downhill flow trails. Skills park featuring a bermed course with drops, rock garden, skinnies and a dragon tail.

Carver Lake Park | Woodbury 5.5 miles: Series of interconnected loops and switchbacks on the south side of Carver Lake.

Elm Creek Park Preserve | Maple Grove 13 miles: Interconnected singletrack loop trails.

Built to accommodate all skill levels of riders, but mostly intermediate with short sections of easy and advanced trails.

Fort Snelling State Park | St. Paul 10 miles: Beginner: Enjoyable ride along the Dakota County side of the river. Generally flat trail, but scenic. Starts as a wide doubletrack, then narrows to singletrack. Trails are multi-use.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve | Lake Elmo 8 miles: Beginner to intermediate: Beautiful park with a pleasant view of Eagle Point Lake.

This is a multi-use trail, including horseback riding. Some hard-packed singletrack, some grassy trail. Fat bikes are allowed on Big Bluestem Trail in the winter.

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve | Rockford 13.5 miles: Easy to advanced singletrack loops through wooded landscape with wetlands. Start at the Hilltop picnic area.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park | Eagan 11 miles: Mostly intermediate: This course is a favorite for many. Mixture of rolling hills and technical singletrack. Woods provide secluded feel in suburban area.

Minnesota River Trail | Bloomington 11 miles: Intermediate: Nicknamed Minnesota River Bottoms. Mostly singletrack winds through wooded area near river. Challenging trail that can be muddy after rain. Plenty of jumps and some obstacles.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park | Savage 10 miles: This trail features glacial ridges, hilly terrain and an extensive, lush forest. This is a challenging trail and a favorite for mountain bikers.

Salem Hills | Inver Grove Heights 4 miles: Gently rolling hills consisting of three loops: Harmon Park, Sawmill and Foul Pond Loop.

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Stunning bluff country, meandering rivers and open prairies give Southern Minnesota a wide variety of natural terrain for mountain bikers to enjoy. Most of the popular locations are within an hour’s drive of the metro areas yet some of the best-kept mountain biking secrets can be found farther away.

Mount Kato Ski Area | Mankato, MN Jan Lasar photo 18 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Austin Mountain Bike Trail | Austin 5 miles: This flat and fast singletrack system flows through forest and prairie and sweeps along the Cedar River near the Hormel Foods Campus and Todd Park. A great beginner trail.

Camden State Park | Lynd 5.25 miles: Beginner to advanced: Mixture of fire roads and singletrack rolls through hardwood forests and prairie with a 1-mile section of rake-and-ride trail on top of the river valley.

Caron Park | Faribault 3 miles: Intermediate singletrack trail with a dirt surface through a completely wooded area.

Runs by Prairie Creek and features a natural waterfall. Trail is bi-directional.

Eastwood Park| Rochester 5 miles: Three easy and two intermediate trails

by Eastwood Golf Course. Trail is mostly wooded with many tight twists and turns along the Zumbro River.

Ft. LeHillier Skills Trail | Mankato 1.5 miles: A short skills building area south of Mankato on the Blue Earth River with rollers and berms winding through the wooded riverbottom contours. This is a perfect trail to get new riders acquainted with their bike. Trails are bi-directional.

Gamehaven Park| Rochester 12 miles: Five easy and two intermediate singletrack loops with scenic overlooks on Gamehaven Lake. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.

Henderson Trails | Henderson 1.5 miles: This system is new as of 2016, located in the Ney Nature Center near Henderson and has two single-direction trails: One is rated intermediate and the other difficult with berms, drops and a rock garden.

mountain bike trails

Holzinger Lodge Trail | Winona 12 miles: Advanced. Some fire road, mostly singletrack. Steep periodically. Comparable to Colorado trails with less altitude.

Kaplan's Woods | Owatonna 6 miles: Moderately difficult. Singletrack through woods. Some log jumps add challenges.

Kiwanis Mountain Bike Trail | Mankato 7 miles: Two single-direction loops on the Minnesota River: A 5.7-mile intermediate loop and a 1.1-mile beginner loop. The short loop consists of rolling, berm-filled singletrack in the riverbottom land with no obstacles or challenging climbs for the novice rider. More advanced features and options like log piles, jumps and drops can be found on "B" lines with ride-arounds on the intermediate loop. A kids’ loop and skill park are accessible from the trailhead.

Memorial Park | Red Wing 7 miles: Beginner to advanced. Trail has many options from which to choose: long climbs, challenging obstacles, outstanding views, twisting singletrack.

Mount Kato Ski Area | Mankato 7 miles: Mount Kato has roughly seven miles of cross country singletrack winding through the wooded hills of their ski area for novice to expert riders. Riders who like a climbing challenge will enjoy the challenging climbs and descents.

Myre Big Island State Park | Albert Lea 7 miles: Intermediate. Well-marked singletrack.

Runs through forested hills, by a lake. Lots of trails to choose from. Limited access when wet.

A paved trail connects the park to Albert Lea.

River Bend Nature Trails| Faribault 10 miles: Multi-use, dirt and grass trail is shared with hikers and travels through hardwoods along the Straight River and has scenic bluff views. Bring your camera. Nature Center has interpretive displays and the park is a great place to see wildlife.

Sechler Park| NorthďŹ eld 1.75 miles: Trail is designed to introduce beginners to mountain biking. It runs along the woods on the shore of the Cannon River and features some obstacles like logs and skinnies.

Seven Mile Creek | Mankato 9 miles: Seven Mile Creek’s multi-use bi-directional trails feature little technical challenge but some climbs and descents are steep and very challenging. Trails are gravel lined and are considered open in any weather.

Traverse des Sioux Trails | St.Peter 10 miles: This system consists of rolling and winding trails through the Minnesota River bottoms, weaving through the trees and over the undulating flood plain. The trails are bi-directional with trail difficulty rated easy and beginner friendly. These trails have some of the area’s best views of the Minnesota River.

Welch Village Mountain Bike Park | Welch Lift-served downhill mountain bike trails for experienced riders. Features include bridges, jumps, ramps and drops.

Sources: MNDNR, MORC, RAMBO, WAMBO, MAMB,

Memorial Park Mountain Bike Trails Red Wing, MN

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Jail Trail | St. Cloud, MN Jan Lasar photo 20 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Bertram Chain of Lakes Trail | Monticello 10 miles: This trail offers many options for all skill levels in cluding a fast singletrack, switchbacks and a meandering doubletrack. Be ready to deal with logs, roots, wooden bridges.

Black's Grove | Wadena 8 miles: Beginner to advanced trails that wind through a wooded setting.

Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System | Crosby/Ironton 25 miles: An IMBA Silver Level Ride Center.

Singletrack trails from beginner to expert.

Stunning views off overburden piles left from the area's mining days. Deep mine lakes offer refreshment after a hard ride.

Detroit Mountain | Detroit Lakes 7 miles: This trail system has trails from beginner to expert. Ride contour flow trails, or take the lift up to the top and zip down the downhill flow trails, or ride the skills park.

Connecting trail to Mountain View Rec Area.

Dunton Locks County Park | Detroit Lakes 4 miles: Trails along the shores between Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake. Some wind through hardwood forested hills.

Hillside Park | Elk River 6 miles: Advanced. An expert trail that is either climbing or descending for the entire course.

Good skills practice.

Kensington Rune Stone Park | Kensington 4 miles: Beginner to intermediate, dedicated singletrack. Additional eight miles of grassy, multi-use paths. The park has restrooms, a shelter and visitor center.

mountain bike trails Jail Trail | St. Cloud 7.5 miles: Beginner to intermediate with advanced options. Singletrack trail runs through dense woods with sections along the fence of the Minnesota Correctional Facility.

Quarry Park | St. Cloud 2.2 miles: Intermediate: Doubletrack with a mixture of gravel , dirt and grass around some granite outcroppings. Runs through a heavilywooded area with a few fairly technical sections.

Bike over billion-year-old bedrock.

River Bluffs Regional Park | St. Cloud 3 miles: Beginner singletrack loop near the Mississippi River.

Saint Croix State Park | Hinckley 21 miles: Grassy trail in the woods with some dirt sections on the Matthew Lourey State Trail.

Sources: MNDNR, MORC, MMCC

Racing through the woods at Detroit Mountain. Jan Lasar photo Maplelag | Callaway 12 miles: Mixture of challenging singletrack and grassy doubletrack.

Milaca City Trails | Milaca 14 miles: A variety of trail options for riders of all skill levels. Most of the trails are singletrack.

Mountain View Recreation Area | Detroit Lakes 3 miles: Singletrack through a mature, mixed hardwood forest. Trails are laid out to be challenging. Connects to Detroit Mountain.

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Spring 2018 21

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This area offers more twists and turns and a greater chance to come across wildlife while rolling down a hill or along a hard-packed singletrack. While the trails may not be as well developed they have more of a wilderness experience. The terrain varies from the grasses along the Red River Valley to the wooded trails of the Chippewa National Forest.

Movil Maze | Bemidji, MN Jan Lasar photo 22 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Agassiz Mountain Bike Trails | Fertile 20 miles: 2.5 miles of intermediate to advanced singletrack carved into the 150’ gorge of the Sand Hill River. Has logs, jumps, tight turns and downhill challenges. The remainder of the trail system is grassy, mowed double track. Rated easy to intermediate with lots of hills.

Hayes Lake State Park | Roseau 5 miles: Beginner trail on grassy, level terrain in a wooded area.

Lake Bemidji State Park | Bemidji 5 miles: Beginner to advanced. Well-maintained dirt and packed grass trails.

Lake Bronson State Park | Lake Bronson 5 miles: Good variety of trails and loops through forest and prairie. Grass and gravel.

Movil Maze | Bemidji 6.5 miles: This system lives up to its name, so bring a compass and use a map of the area.

Chippewa National Forest Trails Cut Foot Sioux Trail | Deer River 18 miles: Loop along old forest roads with gravel and sand.

Simpson Creek Trail | Deer River 13 miles: Rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers.

Suomi Hills Trail | Marcell 19 miles: The remote trail is part of a semi-primitive non-motorized area.

Trout Lake Trail | Marcell 11 miles: This is a scenic trail in the woods around a historic estate.

Sources: MNDNR, MORC, MMCC

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Spring 2018 23

bike events

2018 Bike Events

55 great events from short family rides to multi-day tours and challenging races.

24 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

BIG WOOD GEARS AND BEERS BIKE TOUR Sat., 05/05/2018 Location:Â White Bear Lake Email:Â shane@meetthemonster.com Website:Â bigwoodgearsandbeers.com Distances: 25, 50 miles This new ride starts and ends at the award winning Big Wood Brewery and offers routes on a combination of trail and gorgeous open roads of Washington County.

ALMANZO 100 ROYAL 162 ALEXANDER 380 Fri., 05/18/2018 and Sat., 5/19/2018 Location:Â Spring Valley, MN Email:Â tymflion@harmomytel.net Website:Â almanzo.com Distances: 100, 162, 380 miles The Alexander 380 on Friday and the Almanzo 100 and Royal 162 on Saturday are free, self supported gravel races.

bike events

BIKE MS: TWIN CITIES

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Sun., 05/20/2018

Sun., 05/20/2018

Location: Minneapolis, MN Email: fundraisingsupport@nmss.org Websites: nationalmssociety.org Distances: 12, 22, 40 or 50 miles Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride is a must-do for any cyclist. More than 1,000 riders choose their own challenge.

Location: Isle, MN Email: tour2curemillelacs@gmail.com Website: tour2curearoundmillelacs. ticketspice.com/tour2cure-around-mille-lacs Distances: 25, 70 miles Bike around beautiful Mille Lacs and the Soo Line trail. Formerly Bike Ride around Mille Lacs (BRAML). Ride to cure cancer.

LE GRAND DU NORD Details at mntrails.com/events

MAY 5,, 2018 • 25 & 50 MILES

MAYOR'S BIKE RIDE

Sat., 05/26/2018 Location: Grand Marais, MN Website: heckofthenorth.com Distances: 20, 60, 120 miles Challenging gravel race along the shores of Lake Superior with 6,000 feet of climbs.

e arth BluE

Fri., 05/18/2018 Location: Willmar, Spicer & New London, MN Email: info@willmarlakesarea.com Website: willmarlakesarea.com Mayors from Spicer, New London and Willmar will be leading a ride starting at 5 p.m. in each of their communities.

Each group will meet in New London at Goat Ridge Brewery for a picnic.

ALS BIKE TREK MN

BIKE

T O UR

Minnesota

REGISTER AT

BigWoodGearsandBeers.com

Sat., 05/19/2018 Location:Â Marine on St. Croix, MN Email:Â alsbiketrekmn@als.net Website:Â alsbiketrekmn.com Distances: 14, 32, 54 miles The ALS Bike Trek MN is a family-oriented ride.

MINNESOTA BIKE OPENER Sat., 05/19/2018 Location: Park Rapids, MN Email: butch@parkrapids.com Website: parkrapids.com Distances: 2-10 miles Bike Opener starts at Red Bridge Park on the Heartland Trail. A family-friendly, easy ride with fun kids’ activities.

Minnesota Trails

- Paved Walking/ Bike Trails - Bike Rentals and Disc Golf - Campsites & Camper Cabins 57th Annual Buttered Corn - Historic Downtown & Days August 17 & 18, Antiques - Family Aquatic 2018 Center - Fourth of July Fireworks

Visitors Information www.sleepyeyechamber.com

New Giant Welcome Center right off the trails on highway 169, 16 and I 90

A giant variety of eats and treats RIGHT IN THE • • • • •

OF THE CITY

WALK/BIKE Trails Camping Lodging Water Park Fun-Food-Festivals

www.blueearthchamber.com

507.526.2916 chamber@bevcomm.net

Spring 2018 25

bike events TWIN CITIES TOUR DE CURE

SMOKIN’ IN STEELE BIKE CRUISE

LUCE LINE LOOPS BIKE RIDE

Sat., 06/02/2018

Sat., 06/02/2018

Sun., 06/10/2018

Location:Â Minneapolis, MN Email:Â joatman@diabetes.org Website:Â diabetes.org/twincitiestourdecure Distances: 7, 18, 29, 43, 62, 100 miles Join us for the Twin Cities Tour de Cure at Minnehaha Falls.

Location: Owatonna, MN Email: cephas6@msn.com Website: smokininsteele.com Distances: 8, 27, 40 miles The Family Bike Cruise is an opportunity for cyclists of all levels to enjoy some time on the roads of Steele County, and ^OLU Ă„UPZOLK LUQV` ZVTL VM [OL ILZ[ barbecue and blues music to hit the State of Minnesota.

Location:Â Hutchinson, MN Email:Â beth@vimm.com Website:Â hutchinsonrotary.org Distances: 12, 25, 50 miles A fun ride on roads and the paved Luce Line Trail. A 75K gravel grinder is new for 2018. All rides begin and end at the Crow River Winery.

BIKE MS: MS 150

Fri., 06/15/2018 to Fri., 06/22/2018

TOUR DE PEPIN Sat., 06/02/2018 Location:Â Lake City, MN Email:Â lcchamber@lakecity.org Website:Â lakecity.org Distances: 32, 50, 72, 100 miles Begin your tour in historic Lake City and end with a steamboat ride to get back to the start on the 50 and 100 mile routes.

TOUR OF LAKES Sat., 06/02/2018 Location:Â Crosby, MN Website:Â paulbunyancyclists.com Distances: 35 and 65 miles This is a loop ride that begins and ends at Crosslake Community Center and winds through Paul Bunyan Country with views of lush forests and scenic routes.

Fri., 06/08/2018 - Sun., 06/10/2018 Location: Duluth, MN Website: nationalmssociety.org Distances: 75 miles per day This two-day cycling journey will take you farther than you’ve ever gone before.

More than 3,000 cyclists travel 150 miles from Duluth to the Twin Cities for one cause: a world free of MS.

CARAMEL ROLL RIDE Sat., 06/09/2018 Location: Albany, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides This is central Minnesota’s annual “Beginning of Summer� ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail, with caramel rolls at each stop, through the area that gave birth to Garrison Keillor’s legendary town.

THE TOUR OF MINNESOTA Location: Willmar, MN Email: drumminglibrarian@hotmail.com Website: tourofminnesota.com Distances: 60-mile daily average Starting in Willmar at the Willmar Civic Center, continue to Morris, Fergus Falls, Alexandria with a day off in Alexandria, Little Falls, St. Cloud and back to Willmar.

LADY SLIPPER RIDE Sat., 06/16/2018 Location: Avon, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides Distance: 6 miles This is a short ride, about 6 miles round trip, to see the beautiful Lady’s Slipper orchids growing along the Lake Wobegon Trail.

June 15-22, 2018 Start in Willmar, ride to Morris, Fergus Falls, Alexandria, Little Falls, St. Cloud and back to Willmar.

in Rest dayful beauti a, Alexandri MN

FORMERLY THE KLOBUCHAR RIDE

385 miles of rolling hills, prairies and bike trails, including the Glacial Lakes, Central Lakes, Lake Wobegon and Soo Line Trails www.tourofminnesota.com

A. T.

116 First Street Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 (320)BLACK 632-5374 & WHITE THE View Our Menu Online www.attheblacknwhite.com 116 First Street Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 (320) 632-5374

Large selection of Minnesota craft beers and wines from family-owned vineyards.

26 Spring 2018

Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs Minnesota Trails

bike events

LOOP THE LAKE FESTIVAL

TOUR D’AMICO

Sat., 06/16/2018

Wed., 07/04/2018

Location:Â Bemidji, MN Email: info@bikebemidji.edu Website:Â bikebemidji.com Distance: 17 miles Family-friendly bike ride around Lake Bemidji. Easy, paved route with festive rest stops and evening programs.

Location: Golden Valley, MN Email: info@tourdamico.com Website: tourdamico.com Distances: 29, 45, 62 miles Routes cover western metro area. Multiple supported rest stops with refreshments.

Sun., 07/15/2018 to Fri., 07/20/2018

TOUR OF SAINTS

HABITAT 500 BIKE RIDE

DAM2DAM RIDE

Sun., 07/08/2018

Sat., 06/16/2018 Location:Â Little Falls, MN Email:Â cmnbikeclub@yahoo.com Website:Â cmnbikeclub.com Distances: 20, 40 miles Follow the Great River Road through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park to historic Blanchard Dam. A free ride.

BIKE MS: TOUR DE MINNESOTA Location: St. Peter, MN Email: fundraisingsupport@nmss.org Website: nationalmssociety.org Formerly TRAM, this ride will take you farther than you’ve been before.

Sun., 07/15/2018 to Sat., 07/21/2018

Location: St. Joseph, MN Email: info@bikemn.org Website: tourofsaints.com Distances: 18, 35, 50 miles It’s not a race. It’s a heavenly little ride through a pastoral landscape.

Website: habitat500.org Distances: 200, 300, 500 miles Raise funds for affordable housing while riding your bike.

LUTSEN 99ER Fri., 06/22/2018 to Sun., 06/24/2018 Location: Lutsen Ski Resort, Lutsen, MN Website: lutsen99er.com Distances: 19, 39, 69, 99 miles This racecourse takes advantage of the scenery and topography of Minnesota’s North Shore.

SHOOTING STAR TRAIL RIDE Sat., 06/23/2018 Location:Â Austin, MN Email:Â skjacobson@frontiernet.net Website:Â shootingstartrail.org Distances: 20, 40, 50, 62, 100 miles All routes are fully supported with rest stops and SAG support. See the ^PSKÃ…V^LYZ HUK WYHPYPL [OH[ ZV\[O^LZ[LYU Minnesota is famous for.

SWISS CHEESE & SPOTTED COWS BICYCLE TOUR Thur., 06/28/2018 to Sun., 07/01/2018 Location: Spring Green, WI Email:Â scscbiketour@yahoo.com Website:Â scscbiketour.com Distance: Average 60-miles daily Five-day bicycle tour featuring the best of cycling in the driftless region of southern Wisconsin.

50

MILES

75K

25

GRAVEL

MILES

GRINDER

A Rotary Sponsored Ride for Water Carnival

HUTCHINSON, MN

June 10th, 2018 12 MILES

3 Paved Bike Rides

Plus 75K Gravel Grinder Start & Finish at Crow River Winery

Fully Supported Ride - TCBC Outreach Approved Ride Map & registration available at HutchinsonRotary.org

11thl Annua SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018 Minnesota Trails

REGISTRATION BEGINS ONLINE ON APRIL 3RD ALL TOURS BEGIN & END IN LAKE CITY, MN

FOUR TOURING OPTIONS • 32 MILES: MILIEU* • 50 MILES: DEMI-SIÈCLE* • 72 MILES: LAC PLEIN • 100 MILES: SIÈCLE *THE PEARL OF THE LAKE PADDLEWHEEL BOAT WILL BRING YOU BACK TO LAKE CITY VIA LAKE PEPIN.

BASED UPON AVAILABILITY. COACH BUS ALSO AVAILABLE.

www.lakecity.org Spring 2018 27

bike events RED RIBBON RIDE

TOUR DE BUN BIKE CLASSIC

TOUR DE TONKA

Fri., 07/20/2018 to Sun., 07/22/2018

Sat., 07/28/2018

Sat., 08/04/2018

Location: Willow River, MN Website: redribbonride.org This year’s Ride will be held at One Heartland, a beautiful sleep-away camp in North Central Minnesota.

Location: Montgomery, MN Email:Â kolackydays@gmail.com Website:Â montgomerymn.org Distances: 13, 33, 50 miles Three overlapping loops take you for a ride in the heart of Minnesota Czech Country in scenic Le Sueur County.

Location:Â Minnetonka, MN Email:Â tim.litfin@minnetonka.k12.mn.us Website:Â tourdetonka.org Distances: 16, 28, 49, 57, 77, 100 miles.

Tour de Tonka is a scenic bike ride that travels through the Lake Minnetonka area and its surrounding communities.

TOUR DE SAVE

GREAT RIVER ENERGY MESABI TRAIL TOUR

HECK EPIC Sat., 07/21/2018 to Sun., 07/22/2018 Location: North of Two Harbors, MN Website: heckofthenorth.com Distances: 215 miles total Two-day bikepaking stage race mostly on gravel and forest roads.

SPLIT ROCK TOUR Sat., 07/21/2018 Location: Duluth, MN Email:Â twinportscyclery@gmail.com This bike tour will take you along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior and gentle rolling terrain.

THE MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE TOUR Sun., 07/22/2018 to Fri., 07/27/2018 Location: Duluth, MN Website: biketourvacations.com Distance: 160 miles Multi-day full-service tour of Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.

Sat., 07/28/2018 Location:Â Northfield, MN Email:Â lmars@save.org Website:Â save.org/event Join SAVE and local area cycling clubs for the 14th annual Tour de SAVE.

CANDAK Sat., 08/04/2018 to Sat., 08/11/2018 Location:Â Velva, ND Website:Â candak.net This ride carries on the tradition of the CANDISK ride of North Dakota with daily routes ranging from 45 to 70 miles and a century option.

NORTH FORK GRAVEL RIDE Sat., 08/04/2018 Location: Brooten, MN Website: redheadcreamery.com Distances: 25 miles Gravel tour through the gravel roads of North Fork Township near Redhead Creamery farm.

Sat., 08/04/2018 Location: Grand Rapids, MN Email: tourinfo@mesabitrail.com Website: mesabitrail.com Distances: 11, 25, 52, 71 miles Enjoy this unique riding experience on the Mesabi Trail, Minnesota’s premier paved bicycle trail.

LUMBERJACKS AND LOONS Sun., 08/05/2018 to Fri., 08/10/2018 Location: Itasca State Park Email: kerri@mywahooadventures.com Website: mywahooadventures.com Distances: Average 44 miles per day A boutique style at-your-own-pace ride through northern Minnesota following the Mississippi River through history, wildlife and local folklore.

www.mesabitrail.com/visitor

Open O pen year ear rround ound CYCLE THE MESABI WAY.

For our guests hitting the trails a boxed breakfast & shuttle service are available.

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids, MN 218-999-5795 • www.greenheronbandb.com

The North Fork

Gravel Ride

Ac 40K Gravel RoadcBike Tourc at Redhead Creamery Brooten, MN August 4, 2018

Join us for the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour - Saturday, August 4, 2018 28 Spring 2018

Register at www.redheadcreamery.com or in-store!

Informative rest stops in corn fields and wild life areas. End your ride with live music & brunch!

Minnesota Trails

bike events

BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA (BAM)

GITCHI-GAMI TRAIL RIDE

RACE THE GRIND

Sat., 08/18/2018

Sat., 09/01/2018

Thu., 08/09/2018 to Sun., 08/12/2018

Location: Two Harbors, MN Email: annualride@ggta.org Website:Â ggta.org Distances: 8, 28, 37, 55 miles.

Enjoy a supported, recreational ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and scenic roads along Lake Superior’s amazing North Shore.

Location: Biwabik, MN Email: events@racethegrind.com Website: racethegrind.com Distances: 18, 35 miles Various mountain bike events at Giants Ridge Resort including a night cyclocross race on lit trails and a one-mile kids race.

TOUR DE PINES

Sat., 09/08/2018

Location:Â Hoyt Lakes, MN Email:Â bambiketour@gmail.com Website:Â bambiketour.org Distances: Average 65 miles per day BAM is heading to the Iron Range in Northeastern Minnesota in 2018. Visit Hoyt Lakes, Chisholm, Grand Rapids and Hibbing.

BIKE DULUTH FESTIVAL Fri., 08/10/2018 to Sun., 08/12/2018 Location:Â Duluth, MN Website:Â bikeduluthfestival.com The Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival is a chain-rattling Minnesota mountain and road biking event that you do not want to miss.

CHAINBREAKER RIDE Fri., 08/10/2018 to Sun., 08/12/2018 Location: Minneapolis, MN Email: hello@chainbreakerride.org Website: chainbreakerride.org Distances: Approximately 25 to 180 miles Chainbreaker is a grassroots bike tour that raises money for life-saving cancer research. Four route options available.

Sat., 08/18/2018 Location: Itasca State Park Email: tourdepines@gmail.com Website: tourdepines.org Distances: 25, 50, 60, 70 miles Beautiful roads, Big trees. Quiet lakes. The headwaters of our nation’s greatest river.

Delicious food. Excellent organization.

INAUGURAL PAUL BUNYAN 200

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE Location:Â Sauk Centre, MN Email:Â lwtevent@gmail.com Website:Â lakewobegontrail.com/lwta-rides Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops, including caramel apples, in Lake Wobegon Trail Country. Take in a BBQ competition, car show and Moonshine Madness events that day.

Sat., 08/25/2018 to Sun., 08/26/2018

JESSE JAMES BIKE TOUR

Location: Brainerd, MN Website: facebook.com/paulbunyan200 A Paul Bunyan-sized adventure on one of Minnesota’s premier trails. Ride 100 miles on the Paul Bunyan Trail from Brainerd to Bemidji and back the next day.

Sat., 09/08/2018 Location: Northfield, MN Website: jessejamesbiketour.org Distances: 10, 30, 45, 100 miles ;OPZ MHI\SV\Z IPRL [V\Y PZ HU VMÄJPHS event of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of Minnesota’s largest community celebrations. The best century ride around.

Details at mntrails.com/events

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS One block off Central Lakes Trail

611 3rd Ave. East ALEXANDRIA, MN

320-219-7433 jake@jakesbikes.com www.jakesbikes.com

August 4-11 | candak.net

Ride Winona’s beautiful Bluff Country!

6HSWHPEHU

23, 44, 67 and Century routes

www.RideTheRidges.bike Registration NOW OPEN!

minneapolisbiketour.com

Boom Island Regional Park 724 Sibley St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

Starting and ending in Velva, ND One week and 400+ miles.

Minnesota Trails

Sunday, September 16 Spring 2018 29

bike events TASTE OF THE TRAIL

RIDEMN1

PURPLERIDESTRIDE

Sat., 09/08/2018

Sun., 09/09/2018 to Fri., 9/14/2018

Sat., 09/15/2018

Location:Â Browns Valley, MN Email: ridemn1@gmail.com Website:Â ridemn1.org Distance: 323 miles 9PKL HJYVZZ 4PUULZV[H [V YHPZL H^HYLULZZ and raise funds for cancer research. The 2018 ride is from Browns Valley to Taylors Falls.

Location:Â Maple Grove, MN Email:Â events@pancan.org Website:Â support.pancan.org Distances: 8, 25 miles This year the event will take participants on a route at Elm Creek Park. There is also H R Y\U ^HSR HUK TPSL ^HSR

Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson

Sat., 09/15/2018

Fountain, Preston and Harmony

Sat., 09/22/2018

Houston, Rushford, Rushford Village Location:Â Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Email:Â info@rootrivertrail.org Website:Â rootrivertrail.org Three consecutive weekends each feature a different selection of towns.

SEPTEMBER SONG Sat., 09/08/2018 Location: Rice Lake, WI Contact: 715-234-4127 Distance: 50 miles ;OPZ JSHZZPJ YVHK YPKL PZ VU YLSH[P]LS` Ã…H[ country roads along the shores of Rice Lake. There are stores, restaurants and a swimming beach on the way.

ST. PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR Sun., 09/09/2018 Location: St. Paul, MN Email: info@bikemn.org Website: bikeclassic.org Distances: 15, 32, 47 miles +PZJV]LY [YHMÄJ MYLL NSLL VU 4PUULZV[H»Z biggest bike tour on the streets of St. Paul.

MORA BIKE TOUR Sat., 09/15/2018 Location:Â Mora, MN Website:Â morabiketour.org Distances: 25, 50 miles ;OL HUU\HS 4VYH )PRL ;V\Y Z[HY[Z HUK ends at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center. The YV\[L PZ NLULYHSS` Ã…H[ ^P[O TVZ[S` NLU[SL hills on the roads of Kanabec County.

RIDE THE RIDGES Sat., 09/15/2018 Location:Â Winona, MN Email: mbernatz@hbci.com Website:Â ridetheridges.bike Distances: 23, 44, 67, 105 miles Choice of four scenic routes through lush valleys along streams and on high bluffs V]LYSVVRPUN [OL 4PZZPZZPWWP 9P]LY

WOODTICK 100 Sat., 09/15/2018 Location: Cuyuna, MN Email: info@woodtick100.com Website: woodtick100.com Distances: 50, 100 miles ;OPZ NYH]LS YPKL OHZ ZVTL VM [OL ÄULZ[ VMM [OL NYPK IHJRJV\U[Y` NYH]LS (P[RPU HUK Crow Wing County have to offer.

MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TOUR Sun., 09/16/2018 Location: Minneapolis, MN Website: minneapolisbiketour.com Distances: 16, 32 miles Starts and ends at beautiful Boom Island HUK MLH[\YLZ [^V M\SS` Z\WWVY[LK YV\[LZ that take riders through the spectacular WHYR HUK I`^H` Z`Z[LT VM 4PUULHWVSPZ [YHMÄJ MYLL

ExploreHUTCHINSON.com

EXPLORE…

#MuchInHutch

… the LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL AmericInn 1115 Hwy. 7 E, Hutchinson 320-587-5515 www.americinn.com Crow River Winery 14848 Hwy. 7 E, Hutchinson 320-587-2922 www.crowriverwinery.com

Clay Coyote Gallery & Pottery 17614 240th Street, Hutchinson 320-587-2599 www.claycoyote.com

Outdoor Motion 141 Main Street S, Hutchinson 320-587-2453 www.outdoormotionbikes.com Elena’s Bakery 8 Main Street N, Hutchinson 320-429-2253 www.elenasbakery.com

Hutchinson Chamber & Tourism 800.572.6689 | info@explorehutchinson.com 30 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

TOUR DE HUGO Sat., 09/22/2018 Location: Hugo, MN Email: sdenaway@ci.hugo.mn.us Website: tourdehugo.com Distances: 6, 20, 35, 50, 62 miles Catch glimpses of lakes and ponds as you tour through prairie, farmlands, and forests.

bike events

HECK OF THE NORTH

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE

Sat., 09/29/2018

Sun., 10/07/2018

Location: North of Two Harbors, MN Website: heckofthenorth.com Distances: 56, 105 miles Race on rugged and beautiful gravel and forest roads near Two Harbors.

Location: Mankato, MN Email: info@bikemn.org Website: bikeriverramble.org Distances: 12, 26, 42, 50 miles Savor the fall colors on this classic countryside ride with great rest stops, ride support, delicious food, beverage, live music and much more.

DAVID GROTBERG MEMORIAL DUATHLON Sat., 09/22/2018 Location:Â Fergus Falls, MN Email:Â clark@centrallakescycle.com Website:Â centrallakescycle.com The Duathlon starts at Central Lakes Cycle with a 20-mile bike ride, followed by a TPSL Y\U HUK Ă„UPZO ^P[O H TPSL IPRL sprint on paved roads.

Details at mntrails.com/events

HEADWATERS 100 Sat., 09/22/2018 Location:Â Park Rapids, MN Email:Â bike@itascatur.org Website:Â itascatur.org Distances: 45, 75, 100 miles The premier fall event in Northern Minnesota, the Headwaters 100 has something for everyone.

WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL Sat., 09/22/2018 Location: Eagan, MN Website: co.dakota.mn.us Celebrate the great sport of mountain biking at Lebanon Hills Regional Park where experienced and beginning riders get a chance to ride some of the best mountain bike trails in the state.

BIKES4KIDS LEGACY RIDE

SAVE THE !

DATE

Hike the North Country Trail Canoe the Crow Wing River State Water Trail Walk across the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park Bike the Heartland Trail

Sat., 09/29/2018 Location: Maple Grove, MN Website: bikes4kidsmn.org Distances: 5, 15, 25 miles A Bikes 4 Kids fundraiser ride through Elm Creek Park Reserve’s beautiful trail system.

May 19, 2018

)PNF PG

800-247-0054

www.parkrapids.com

WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK

#VisitParkRapids

Preston Get Hooked.

Don’t miss PRESTON P T Trout Days

May 18th-20th www.troutdays.com

Enjoy more than 60+ miles of paved trails! l www.gethookedonpreston.com | 507-765-2100

Minnesota Trails

Spring 2018 31

TrailsQ&A

Trails Q & A

Snapshots of people we meet along the trail

Jeremy Darst

Mike Spencer

Peter Eriksson

Rochester, MN

Brainerd, MN

Bemidji, MN

Occupation: Interpretive Naturalist, Whitewater State Park

Occupation: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician.

Seen: &KTGEVKPI VTCHĆ‚E QP VJG Cuyuna Lakes State Trail for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series Cuyuna Crusher in Ironton.

Gear: Motorola two-way radio and a clipboard.

Best Minnesota Experience: Riding the Day Across Minnesota (DAMN) bike ride. In 22 hours and 10 minutes I saw all of Minnesota.

With $1000 I would: Put a down payment on a Salsa Cutthroat carbon gravel bike.

Favorite Minnesota Place: The Brainerd Lakes Area. I live where everyone else vacations.

How many miles do you ride in a year? Hard to say. It’s gone up GXGT[ [GCT 9JGP + ƂTUV UVCTVGF + rode 200 miles and I thought that was a lot. Right now in August I’m at about 2,500.

Advice for the novice biker: Get a bike and helmet and go ride. That’s all I did.

Trail Treat: A pint of Jackpine Brewery Fenceline.

Future Minnesota plans: Rumor has it there’s an all-gravel north to south route in Minnesota. I’d like to try that.

Seen: Leading the “Monsters at the Beach� exploratory aquatic creature analysis with 45 kids and 20 adults at Whitewater State Park.

Why are you a naturalist? It is so gratifying to show people how nature is so amazing.

What makes Whitewater so special? There is so much history here, both good and bad. But nature, with our help, is winning.

We can be proud of that.

Favorite Minnesota Place: Hard to answer. This is my fourth year here but I was a naturalist at Forestville State Park for six years.

I love them both.

Best naturalist experience: I held a baby rattlesnake in my hand once.

Favorite gear for outdoors: My hammock with portable stands. You don’t even need trees.

Roger Steinberg Rochester, MN Job: Retired U of M Extension Educator, Natural Resources Policy, Planning and Management

Occupation: Doctor of Family Medicine.

Seen: Mountain biking at Movil Maze in Bemidji.

Volunteer job: President of the Friends of Whitewater State Park.

Gear: Haro 21-speed mountain bike

Seen: Promoting a photo contest at Carley State Park.

Best Minnesota Experience: Nordic skiing at Movil Maze. I enjoy the beauty and solitude of the trails and there are some great downhill runs.

Favorite spot at Carley Park: The trout pool where I caught the big brown trout.

Gear: Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoes

Worst Minnesota Experience: Crashing my bike, bending my fork and cracking my helmet.

Advice for the novice mountain biker: You don’t have to be a super star athlete, just go out there and do it. Also, wear a helmet.

Favorite Minnesota Place: Minnesota’s North Shore, because of the outdoor adventure and scenic beauty of the area, especially Gooseberry State Park.

Advice for the novice hiker: Spray yourself with Permethrin to avoid ticks.

Best Minnesota Experience: Right here on the goat prairies.

There are no crowds.

With $1,000 I would: Give to Whitewater State Park.

Advice for visitor to Carley Park: Don’t overlook it. Come and see for yourself how beautiful it is.

With $1000 I would: Buy a fat tire bike.

How many miles do you bike a year? Between road and mountain biking, about 1000.

Future Minnesota Plans: Go mountain biking in Crosby.

Your Adventure Starts Nearby.

Look for the newly updated Minnesota NCT guidebook this spring.

northcountrytrail.org • kek.org www.borderroutetrail.org 32 Spring 2018

Day Hikes to Through-Hikes Minnesota Trails

Timberdoodle Dance

by Rudi Hargesheimer The woodcock is an odd, little bird.

It has a stout body, hardly a neck at all, a very long beak and short, rounded wings. Its eyes are set far back near the top of its head, allowing it a near-360 degree view. With its quail-like colors it blends in so well you may have a hard time spotting one in the thicket.

Woodcocks live in brushy areas, but during the mating season prefer habitat adjacent to an open “singing ground.�

At Afton State Park, the open meadow with its small, shrubby trees QHDU WKH YLVLWRU FHQWHU ÀWV WKH ELOO QLFHO\ Linda Radimecky, Afton’s resident Naturalist, spends her dusky spring evenings sharing her knowledge of the American Woodcock, or Timberdoodle, with park visitors. She loves to tell the quirky story of this most intriguing bird.

A group of about a dozen bird DĂ€FLRQDGRV MRLQHG 5DGLPHFN\ RQ D KDOI moon-lit evening last April, hoping to catch a glimpse of the male woodcock’s unusual mating ritual. Radimecky tried to keep expectations in check. “It might be hard to see the perky little guys in the waning light, but if they’re here, you’ll GHĂ€QLWHO\ KHDU WKHP Âľ After watching a video about the Woodcock at the visitor center, the group walked the short distance to the center of the meadow and waited, quietly. The sky grew darker by the minute, but there was no sign of the Timberdoodle. People grew restless,

Timberdoodle Dance April 6, 2018 Afton State Park

straining their eyes against the fresh night for any glimpse of the bird and listening intently for any rustle in the underbrush.

Perhaps this wasn’t one of those nights when the woodcocks were out?

Then, it began.

Close-by, a short, nasal “peent� came from the meadow grasses. It went on for several minutes, a rhythmic, rasping sound, and abruptly stopped.

Then, a melodious song rose and spiraled overhead.

Radimecky pointed upward and twirled her arm in circles while trying to contain her excitement. Somewhere up in the dark, the woodcock was rising skyward. The sound was a pleasant, twittering whistle, a love rhapsody for the female below. Quickly, the ascent was over and the woodcock dropped from the sky. Air rushing through its VKRUW IDW ZLQJV PDGH D VRIW à XWWHULQJ sound. Tom Waters, author of Timberdoodle Tales, likens it to that RI D ´ELJ EURZQ EXWWHUà \ ¾ 5DGLPHFN\ motioned with her hands to where the birds were getting ready to take off on WKHLU PDWLQJ GLVSOD\ à LJKW 'RZQ OHIW down right, each time with a silent twist of the wrist.

Thirty minutes passed and the male woodcock repeated his spectacular show many times, peenting, buzzing, twittering, rising into and dropping out of the night skies over and over. “Come back on a full moon night and you might just catch a glimpse of the action,� Radimecky said when it was all over. In the dark someone replied, “When’s that next full moon? I want to be here.�

Reserve Your Blinds Today! visitcrookston.com | 218.281.4320

Questions: Linda.radimecky@state.mn.us Listen to the sounds of the woodcock: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Woodcock/sounds Minnesota Trails

Spring 2018 33

The Carley Bluebell Festival WKH GHOLFDWH ÁRZHU DW WKH DQQXDO &DUOH\ %OXHEHOO )HVWLYDO KRVWHG E\ WKH /LRQV (DFK VSULQJ ZLOGÁRZHUV GLVSOD\ &OXE RI QHDUE\ 3ODLQYLHZ 01 DQG WKH 0LQQHVRWD 'HSDUWPHQW RI 1DWXUDO D NDOHLGRVFRSH RI FRORUV DW &DUOH\ 5HVRXUFHV '15

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by Rudi Hargesheimer

discoverstjamesmn.com • 888-859-0813

Take a e break at th lake!

Over 9 miles of paved bike trails starting at Memorial Park

- Picnic Tables and Grills - Beautiful Lake Views - Kayaks, Canoes, & Paddle Boards - Disc Golf - Sand Volleyball - Fishing Docks - Skateboarding

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Carley Bluebell Festival May 5, 2018 Carley State Park

FREE bike rentals

Right on St. James Area Bike Trail

More information: carley.statepark@state.mn.us

super8.com | 800-800-8000 Tiell Campground | 507-375-3241 34 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

Where every season is above average!

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lakewobegontrails.com 6OHHS HS S America’s i ’ Best B Value Inn

322 12th St. S, Sauk Centre americasbestvalueinn.com (320) 351-7256

AmericInn i

1230 Timberlane Dr, Sauk Centre americinn.com (320) 352-2800

(DW 'ULQN Jordie’s Trailside Café

105 1st Ave., Bowlus jordiestrailside.com (320) 584-8193

Steam Brew Inc.

301 E. Main St., Melrose Food, espresso & coffee!

(320) 256-5472

6KRS

Avon A Cabin Café

105 Avon Ave. S, Avon avoncabincafe.com (320) 356-7198

Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery

431 Railroad Ave., Albany lakewobegontrailgallery.com (320) 845-4100

Minnesota Trails

615 6th St. S, Sauk Centre theoutpostmercantile.com (320) 351-7678

Bad Habit Brewing

15 E Minnesota St., St. Joseph badhabitbeer.com (320) 402-4442

6HUYLFHV

The Estates Bed and Breakfast

29 E Minnesots St., Saint Joseph www.estatesbb.com (320) 557-0300

The Outpost Mercantile

Joel Schneider i Auto Service

701 Railroad Ave., Albany Auto, cycle, ATV & snowmobile service and accessories (320) 845-4856

1998-2018

&RPH FHOHEUDWH \HDUV RI WKH /DNH :REHJRQ 7UDLO ZLWK XV WKLV \HDU Spring 2018 35

NEW

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by Jon Burkhart

T

he Austin Mountain Bike Trail is the culmination of the vision of Dr. Richard Schindler, a retired family physician and cycling advocate from Austin, Minn.

In 2014 Schindler started the Austin Composite Cycling Team for grades 7-12 as part of the Minnesota High School Cycling League

Erik Schindler photo 36 3 6 Sp SSpr Spring prring p in ng 2018 ng 20 2 018 18

in Austin

(MHSCL) and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) with the goal to promote cycling and empower kids. After his tragic death in the fall of 2014, the Southern Minnesota Bike Club, Hormel Foods Corporation, and the Austin Cycling Team honored Schindler’s legacy by building a singletrack race course over four miles in length on private land donated by Hormel Foods Corporation.

In July 2015 work started on a mountain bike racecourse for a NICA mountain bike race in September of the same year.

With a tight 10-week timetable, a dedicated volunteer labor force took undeveloped land and worked many strenuous and grueling hours in the heat of summer to make it happen. With the volunteers’ sweat equity and generous donations from the Austin community, the project came together in time and the inaugural race took place on Sunday, September 20.

The Minnesota High School Cycling League chose

Erik Schindler photo

the Austin location for race number one in both 2016 and 2017, and will again do so in the fall of 2018.

In the fall of 2017 the City of Austin, Hormel Foods, and the Southern Minnesota Bicycling Club created a trail agreement and the Austin Mountain Bike Trail will

Tim Rietz photo

Minnesota Trails

Tim Rietz photo

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Austin High School students race in the Minnesota High School Cycling League at the Austin Mountain Bike Trail.

Erik Schindler photo

Minnesota Trails

Erik Schindler photo Spring 2018 37

Northwest Angle

Lake of the Woods Roseau River

Lost River

Garden Island Zippel Bay

Lake Bronson

Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers

Franz Jevne Rainy Lake Trai

l

Smokey Bear

Beltrami Island

International Falls

Thief Lakes

Pine Island

Old Mill

Voyageurs National Park

Big Bog Rec. Area

Lit

tle

Red Lake

Lower Red Lake

Big

Fo Koochiching rk Riv er

Fo rk

Border Route Trail

Kekekabic Trail

Riv er Burntside

Big Fork

Buena Vista

Schoolcraft

Golden Anniversary

Remer

Trail North Country Hill River

Badoura Huntersville

Pine River

Lyons

94

Fergus Falls

71

Terr e Riv er

pew a Riv er Chip

Sibley

Nort

h Fo

Glacial Lakes Trail

rk C

row Rive r

Shurburne National

Mis

St. Cloud

Monson Lake

River

River siss

Lake Maria

ipp

i Riv er T rail

STATE PARKS

Nemadji

WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

WILDLIFE REFUGES

St. Croix

NATIONAL FORESTS BWCAW VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

Wild River

LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS

Interstate William O’Brein

Carlos Avery

94

DESIGNATED WATER WAYS BIKING TRAILS

Browns Creek Trail

Grand Rounds

Willmar Lac qui Parle

Gateway Trail

l Luce Line Trai M

Upper Sioux Agency

BIKEWAY

Hutchinson Dakota Trail

inn

es

ot

aR

LRT

Fort Snelling

MN National Wildlife Refuge

r

Not for Navigation March 2016

Afton

71 ive

Minnesota Valley

ood onw Cott

Pipestone Casey Jones Trail

Split Rock Creek

Lake Shetek

Rive

r

Minneopa

Watonwo n River

GoodhuePioneer

Nerstrand Big Woods Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

Straight River

Regional Trail Camden Pipestone National Monument

Cannon Valley Trail

Mankato Sakatah Lake

iver

Flandrau

Frontenac

Rice Lake

Douglas Trail

Kilen Woods

r ive at R rail Greidge T Whitewater R

Rochester

Des Moines River

35 Blue Mounds Blue Mounds Trail

Zum bro R

Fort Ridgely

Red Wing er Cannon Riv

Fair Ridge Trail

Marshall Camden

Albert Lea Blazing Star Trail

Find More Maps at www.MNTrails.com

Maps • Guides • Features

St. Croix

Ru m

Sauk River

Jay Cooke

35

on il Tra

e de

er i Riv

Glacial Lakes

Two Harbors

Banning

Rum River

ipp

Pom m

siss

Lac qui Parie

Trail

Wob eg

Mille Lacs

r

ail Tr

DESIGNATED FOREST

Father Hennepin

Soo Line Trail

Mis

Charles A. Lindbergh

x Aleeau t Lav men Seg

Moose Lake

Willard Munger Trail

River

Lake Carlos

Soo Line

Big Stone National

Lake Mille Lacs Mille Lacs Kathio

Long Prairie River

Lak e

Big Stone Lake

Brainerd Crow Wing

Alexandria

Rice Lake National

Solana

io

ng

Duluth

Fond du Lac

Snake

Ce nt ra lL ak es Tr ail

North Country Trail

Savanna Portage

Wealthwood

Wing River

Glendalough Trail

Ottertail River

iss

Cuyuna Country Rec. Area

Pillsbury

Crow

Glendalough

M

r ve

Ri

ip

iss

Paul Bunyan Trail

Maplewood

pi

Su

r pe

ki Hi

Che ngw ata na

Foot Hills

Gooseberry Falls

iver

Clou

Savanna

Sunrise Prairie Hardwood Creek Trail

Park Rapids

Kettl e

Walker

Smoky Hills

North Country Trail

l rai rT

Buffalo River

Heartland Trail

tR que

iT ra i

Cloquet Valley Whiteface River

am

Leech Lake

ive

Moorhead

Tettegouche Split Rock Lighthouse

iR ipp

Two Inlets

r

Rive

iss

Tamarac National

George H. Crosby Manitou

l

ouis St. L

Hill Annex Mine

iss

Paul Bunyan Trail

White Earth

Me

Grand Rapids

Battleground

Grand Marais

River Superior National Forest Temperance

Bear Head Lake

River

il i Tra sab

M

Red River

Migizi Trail

Grand Portage

Judge Pat Bayle C.R.Magney Cascade

Bear Island

Soudan Underground Mine

Finland

Hibbing

Bowstring Lake Winnibigoshish

Bemidji Paul Bunyan

Itasca State Park

Chippewa National Forest

Blackduck

Lake Bemidji Itasca Wilderness Trail

Vermilion State Park

Sturgeon River

McCarthy Beach George Washington

Scenic

Kekekabic Trail

Ely

71

Grand Portage

BWCA BWCWA

iG

iver

Red River Rec. Area

Kabetogama

er Riv

Red Lake R

Upper Red Lake

tc h

Thief River Fall

lion mil Ver

Agassiz National

La ke Su pe rio rW at er Tra il

Hayes Lake

Gi

Twin Lakes

Carley

John A. Latsch

Whitewater

Ro

ot

Riv er

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood

Great River Bluffs

Root River Trail Myre Big Island

Austin

Shooting Star Trail Lake Louise

HarmonyPreston Forestville/ Valley Trail Mystery Cave

Beaver Creek Valley

COME CLEAN. LEAVE CLEAN.

Give Invasive Species The Brush Off. 38 Spring 2018

Minnesota Trails

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Online & In Print $250/annually Call Jan @320-266-5132

BIKE SHOPS CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE

218-739-5651

2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls www.centrallakescycle.com

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE

218-545-4545

115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby www.cyclepathpaddle.com

FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud ^^^ Ä[aOHYYPZTU JVT

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA

611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

OUTDOOR MOTION

141 Main Street South, Hutchinson www.outdoormotionbikes.com

CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102

324 Broadway, Alexandria www.centrallakestrail.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB

112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com

320-587-5252

218-829-5516 320-251-2844

320-219-7433

320-251-2453

320-639-2453

320-587-2453

61

71 2

35

Central Region

94

HUTCHINSON CHAMBER

St. Cloud

Southern Region

Metro Region Mankato 35

507-467-2696

FARIBAULT TOURISM

507-334-4381

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

BERT’S CABINS

218-266-3312

AMERICINN SILVER BAY

218-226-4300

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN

218-663-7899

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS

218-834-3000

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca www.bertscabins.com

B&Bs COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 5 miles from Taylors Falls 651-257-4773 www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

50 Mensing Drive, Silver Bay www.americinn.com

GREEN HERON B&B

218-999-5795

7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte www.americinn.com

WALLER HOUSE INN

320-632-2836

1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors www.americinn.com

310 3rd St SE, Little Falls www.wallerhouseinn.com

FUN SPIRIT MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK 218-628-2891 800-642-6377

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth www.spiritmt.com

90

90

LODGING

NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE

PO Box 268, Nevis www.nevischamber.com

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

Duluth

71

LANESBORO CHAMBER

100 Milwaukee Road, Lanesboro www.lanesboro.com

Northeast Region

2

218-332-5425 800-450-7247

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

Minnesota Trails Directory Regions

Northwest Region

Bemidji

VISIT BRAINERD

14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

530 Wilson Ave., Faribault www.visitfaribault.com

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT

415 Washington Street, Brainerd www.easyridersbikes.com

INFORMATION

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 218-834-5557

1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors www.countryinntwoharbors.com

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 320-352-2203

826 Park Road, Sauk Centre www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us

CARLTON BIKE RENTAL AND REPAIR 218-384-4696

100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton www.carltonbikerental.com

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

218-326-1716

NORTHERN CYCLE

218-732-5971

NORTHERN CYCLE

218-751-(BIKE) 2453

316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids www.itascatrailsports.net 100 Mill Road, Park Rapids e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net 117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

BIKE KING

651-457-7766

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

GATEWAY CYCLE

651-777-0188

PIONEER CYCLE

763-755-8871

RAMSEY BICYCLE

763-323-6666

6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com 6028 Hwy. 36 Blvd N, Oakdale www.gatewaycycle.com 12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine www.pioneercycle.com 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 651-770-1344

1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins www.tonkacycleandski.com

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

952-938-8336

CALL

Rates Greaat ckages &P E ONLIN

763-712-0312

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin ^^^ [YHPSOLHKJ`JSPUNHUKÄ[ULZZ JVT Minnesota Trails

Spring 2018 39

FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

See more about these locations at AmericInn.com. ©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC

From Minnesota’s rugged north shore to its southwestern prairie, the northwestern tallgrass parklands, to the Minnesota River Valley, taking good care of people in this great state of ours is what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true AmericInn® hospitality.

Austin, MN Baudette, MN Bemidji, MN Cloquet, MN Duluth South, MN Hutchinson, MN Jackson, MN Lake City, MN Pequot Lakes, MN Red Wing, MN Roseau, MN Sauk Centre, MN Silver Bay, MN Tofte/Lutsen, MN Two Harbors, MN Virginia, MN Now part of Wyndham Hotel Group

[507] 437.7337 [218] 634.3200 [218] 751.3000 [218] 879.1231 [218] 624.1026 [320] 587.5515 [507] 847.2444 [651] 345.5611 [218] 568.8400 [651] 385.9060 [218] 463.1045 [320] 352.2800 [218] 226.4300 [218] 663.7899 [218] 834.3000 [218] 741.7839