Showing posts with label Northern MN Trails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern MN Trails. Show all posts

2/19/2018

2018 Arrowhead 135 Stories

The Arrowhead 135 is a human powered ultra-endurance marathon that takes place every year during the coldest part of Winter.  Participants have 60 hours to complete the 135 mile trek from International Falls to Fortune Bay Casino in Tower on the Arrowhead State Trail.  Racers are required to stop at three checkpoints (unless racing unsupported) that are spaced about 35 miles apart, where race officials can pull a racer due to frostbite or other medical concerns. Participants must run, ski or bike the distance with their sub-zero survival gear,  no outside help except from other racers or race officials and they must follow a strict set of race rules out on the course.

Image Credit: Christopher Tassava

This year's race saw Jay Petervary miss a course record by only a minute and take his third Arrowhead 135 title while Sveta Vold took first place both unsupported and overall for the women.  The extreme cold weather conditions were a contributing factor that had 56 of the 72 cyclists completing the race under the 60 hour cut-off.  I have compiled all of the stories, photos and news articles of  racers who chose bike propulsion pertaining to this year's epic race.  For full race results, click here.

Image provided by Sveta Vold

Race Participants:  Bike Propulsion

Ben Doom-2nd Men, 2nd
Sveta Vold-1st Unsupported Women, 1st Woman, 24th
Find your limits. Arrowhead 135

 James Kiffmeyer-24th Men, 25th
James Kiffmeyer

 Whitney Beadle-2nd Woman, 29th
Christopher Tassava-29th Men, 32nd
Travis Van Neste-30th Men, 33rd
Erv Berglund-40th Men, 45th

 Jacklyn Carlson-Hayes-7th Woman, 54th
The Arrowhead Ultra 135 - 2018

 Back of the Pack Racing-Multiple Racers/Results
Image Credit: Sveta Vold
Photos
Video




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2/21/2017

2017 Arrowhead 135 Stories

The Arrowhead 135 is a human powered ultra-endurance marathon that takes place every year during the coldest part of Winter.  Participants have 60 hours to complete the 135 mile trek from International Falls to Fortune Bay Casino in Tower on the Arrowhead State Trail.  Racers are required to stop at three checkpoints (unless racing unsupported, new this year) that are spaced about 35 miles apart, where race officials can pull a racer due to frostbite or other medical concerns. Participants must run, ski or bike the distance with their sub-zero survival gear,  no outside help except from other racers or race officials and they must follow a strict set of race rules out on the course.

Image Credit: Sveta Vold

This year's race saw the first place man and woman set new course records.  The mild weather conditions were a contributing factor that had 76 of the 85 cyclists completing the race under the 60 hour cut-off.  I have compiled all of the stories, photos, a podcast and news articles of  racers who chose bike propulsion pertaining to this year's epic race.  For full race results, click here.

Map of Arrowhead 135 course


Image Credit: Sveta Vold

Race Participants:  Bike Propulsion
Sveta Vold-1st Unsupported Women, 4th Woman Overall, 37th

Ben Doom-3rd

Steve Cannon-8th

Paul Zeigle-17th Men, 19th

Todd Hunter-39th

Christopher Tassava-12th Unsupported Men, 41st

Geoffrey Archibald-64th

Pamela Gonzalez-76th

Stephen Sylvester-DNF

Image Credit: Sveta Vold

2017 Arrowhead 135 Press

Photos




Podcasts

Facebook

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10/05/2016

The Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Returns for Fourth Year

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

The Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend Fatbike Ride started 4 years ago this coming November by my friend on the Iron Range, Joe Sacco.  This yearly tradition will take place on Saturday, November 26th at 9am with the start and finish at Palmers Tavern in Hibbing.  For the history of this ride and details for this year, I will leave it to Joe to tell the rest of the story.

"My fatbike friend Brian H. at the time was dating a local Hibbing girl, and would come to Hibbing (from Detriot Lakes) for the Thanksgiving holiday every year.  Over the last 4 years that woman has now become his wife.  Well, back then I received an email from Brian saying we should ride our fatbikes around and burn off some of the pie/food that we consumed over turkey day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. You can thank Brian for the name of this ride!!   And that my friends is how this ride started." 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"I contacted a few select individuals and gauged interest. That year we started with 10 fatbikers. Picked up two along the way, and ended with 8 riders.  This is the original core group the 1st year."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Year two and three saw riders show up from all over the state of Minnesota." 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"We always end the ride at Palmers Tavern in Hibbing."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Year four will be more of the same fatbike riding.  A few months before year three I decided the ride needed to stand for something; so I contacted the North St. Louis County Toys for Tots Foundation, and asked if they'd be interested coming aboard. The answer was a resounding yes we would. So, from that moment on the Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride has a ride fee..... a simple donation of new unused toys, books or stocking suffers.... or a cash or check donation. These donations stay local, and help underprivileged children have a bit more of an enjoyable holiday season."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Also, for year four we begin and end the ride at Palmers Tavern. This is a welcome change from previous years. Sandy of Palmers Tavern deserves a HUGE shout out for being so accommodating to my little ride. Thank you Sandy!!" This change gives riders a chance to change out of sweaty ride clothes and leave after fellowship with new and old friends a like, without having to pedal the 2.5 miles back to the old starting point, with full bellies of a good home cooked burger."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"If you are new to fatbiking this ride is for you.
If you are a fatbike veteran this ride is for you also. 
A few quotes from out of area riders...."
"This is true fatbike country."
"I've never seen an area like this, and a fatbike is the right tool for this ride." 
"You could charge big money for this ride."  

"Year three saw two distances come about, and year four will be no different. The shorter route will be around 15 miles, and the longer route will be near 30. The 1/2 way cut off is along Grace Rd. 3 miles east of Hibbing. I have a local rider who will guide riders back to Palmers Tavern."

"What to expect on this ride..... a lot of fun and great company.... per the fatbike crowd!!" 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"There will be plenty of opportunity for climbing long abandoned mine dumps. I've also added a few climbs at the request of one "Pugzilla" so if you dislike them, talk with him!! "

Image Credit: Joe Sacco
"All the climbs are "only if you'd like." There is no shame in waiting at the bottom. What you'll miss at the top?? Compete awesome vistas of the surrounding area. We will descend one long abandoned mine pit, and with the water levels down 25' or more, it's a fatbikers dream!!!  The rest of the ride is along 4 wheeler trails, the Mesabi Trail, and a few goat paths just for fun. We will take plenty of breaks to let everyone come back together before moving forward."

"If you're looking for a truly unique fatbiking experience this ride is for you! Peace, Joe" 

For updates on the Pie Burner, visit the following links:

The 2016 Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Facebook Event Page

The "Pie Burner" Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Facebook Page

The Adventures of Joboo and His Trusty Pugsley
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10/03/2016

The MN DNR Wants Your Input for Year Three of its Winter Fat Bike Pilot Project

Fort Snelling State Park Muli-use Trail
 
The Minnesota DNR has just set up an online survey to get feedback from fatbikers and specifically, those that have used the Fat Bike Pilot Program trails over the past two years.  The 21 question survey was designed to help the MN DNR improve upon the existing Winter Fat Bike Pilot Program trails and, who knows, with a very large response to this survey, maybe even add some new Winter fatbike destinations around the state.

Yawkey Unit at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Please take the time to participate in the survey and share with your fatbike friends so they can do the same.  More fat bike trail access is what the MN DNR must be considering after the huge success of the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails and other trail systems in the previous year's pilot programs. This is your opportunity to tell the MN DNR what you think about the pilot program trails you have ridden and how they can make the experience better.

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail

I rode some of these trails last winter and it is nice to be able to give some in-detail feedback on what I liked and what I thought needed improvement.  Let the MN DNR know what your thoughts are and help expand and improve their efforts for fatbike trail access around Minnesota.
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5/05/2015

Spirit Mountain Bike Park in Duluth Needs Your Vote in the Bell Built Grant for $100,000

Image Credit: C.O.G.G.S.

Voting in the Central Region for the Bell Built Grant which will award $100,000 to the winning finalist for funding a trail building project is on now until May 10th.  The Spirit Mountain Bike Park in Duluth needs your vote to become the Central Region Finalist. Watch the video below to see the World Class mountain biking that Spirit Mountain has to offer and how winning the Bell Built Grant will help finish a trail from their Master Plan.


Of the nine semifinalists, one finalist from the Eastern, Central and Western Region will advance to the National Finals where voting will be held from May 25th through June 5th.  After this voting period one winner of the entire $100,000 trail building grant will be awarded.


Your vote is needed to ensure that the Spirit Mountain Bike Park is the Central Region Finalist.  Winning the $100,000 grant will help the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (C.O.G.G.S) turn this great mountain biking destination into something even more amazing.  

"Spirit Mountain already offers the best lift-served riding in the Upper Midwest and the proposed new descent will up the ante by taking advantage of the mountain's abundant bedrock for steep rolldowns, hucks, and rock gardens."

Central Region voting is now live through May 10th.  Get your vote in today and spread the word.
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12/23/2014

New Fatbike Trails Opening Up Around Minnesota


With the ever-increasing popularity of fatbikes, Winter trail access in Minnesota is growing.  The Minnesota DNR issued a News Release last week adding 58 new miles open to fatbiking in Minnesota State Parks and on State Trails.  These are not the only new places to ride in Minnesota this Winter, more are popping up around the state.

Twin Cities Area

The City of Golden Valley has partnered with the Three Rivers Park District and will groom two multi-use trails at Brookview Golf Course that will be open to fatbiking.  Trail lengths will be 3/4 mile and 3 1/2 miles of unlit corduroy that will be maintained through late February.  The Brookview Grill will be open for food and cocktails Friday through Sunday until February 16th.  For more information see my post Brookview Golf Course Opens to Fatbikes This Winter.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve has 2.5 miles on the Big Bluestem Trail that will be packed multi-use and includes fatbiking.  A Washington County Parks Vehicle Permit is required on all vehicles entering the park.  More information can be found in the Washington County Parks Winter Trails-Lake Elmo Park Reserve Brochure.


Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake grooms trails for cross-country skiing and according to Explore Minnesota it also has a "fat tire" trail with bike rentals available during the winter.  Call Cleary Lake Regional Park (763-694-7777) for more information.


As part of the announcement from the Minnesota DNR last week, Fort Snelling State Park has added 6 new miles of packed multi-use trails.  The Luce Line State Trail is groomed for multi-use including fatbiking from Vicksburg Lane to Stubbs Bay Road.  The Gateway State Trail is plowed from Cuyuga Street to Jamaca Avenue opening up 11.9 miles of trails to all winter biking.


Southern MN

CROCT (Cannon River Offroad Cycling and Trails) opened their first mtb trail at Sechler Park in Northfield on November 15th.  The 1.2 mile two-way singletrack runs through the wooded floodplain along the Cannon River and is open to Winter biking.  For the latest trail conditions follow @CROCTconditions on Twitter.

Sechler Park River Bottoms Trail

The Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB) have finished the two loops of mountain bike trails at the Kiwanis Recreation Area and they are open for Winter fatbiking.  The short loop is a 1 mile beginner-rated trail and the long loop is a 4 mile intermediate-rated trail.  For updated trail conditions at the Kiwanis MTB Trail, visit the MAMB Facebook page.

Kiwanis Mountain Bike Trail

The Winona Area Mountain Bikers (WAMB) will be grooming the trails at the top of Cherry Hill and portions of Holzinger Lodge this Winter.  According to a post on the MORC Trail Conditions Forum for Holzinger Lodge, "WAMB has come to an agreement with the City of Winona to groom portions of the trail that are accessible by snow machine. This will include the Low Rollers and the Wildwood Loop at the top. Cistern, Horse Trail and Quarry will not be groomed due to the rough terrain."  For updates on these two trails, visit the WAMB Facebook page.

The Minnesota DNR has opened 13 miles of groomed trails from Pine Island to Rochester on the Douglas State Trail to fatbiking as well as 6 miles of groomed trails at the Blazing Star State Trail/Myre-Big Island State Park.

 







 
Central & Northern MN

Isanti County Parks has added over 15 miles of multi-use (hiking, snow shoeing, fat tire biking or cross country skiing) groomed trails this Winter.  These include 5 miles at Springvale County Park, 3 miles at Becklin Homestead County Park, 3 miles at Irvin and John Anderson County Park, 2 miles at Vegsund Family County Park and 2 miles at Wayside Prairie County Park.  For the latest trail conditions, visit the Isanti County Parks Facebook page or call 763-689-8220.


Image Credit: Stearns County Parks
Stearns County Parks has opened up fatbiking on its multi-use (Winter Walking/Dog Walking/Snowshoeing/Fat Tire Biking) trails in five parks. These parks include Kraemer Lake–Wildwood County Park, Lake Koronis Regional Park, Mississippi River County Park, Quarry Park & Nature Preserve and Warner Lake County Park.  For more information contact Stearns County Parks at 320-255-6172 or by email at parkinfo@co.stearns.mn.us.

Soo Line West
Soo Line East










The Morrison County Board of Commissioners recently reviewed its rules for recreational trails including the use of fatbikes.  The Recreational Trail Rules and Regulations Ordinance that will affect the Soo Line East and Soo Line West trails would allow snowmobiling, fat-tire bicycling and cross country skiing from December 1st through March 31st as long as there is snow cover of three or more inches on the trail.  This will provide 36 miles of trail for fatbiking.  The ordinance also states “the trail is closed and may not be used for any purpose (hiking, biking, skiing, ATVing or snowmobiling) from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 of each year.”  For more information or questions regarding the use of these trails should contact the Morrison County Public Works Department at 320-632-0121.

COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) will be grooming six miles of newly completed trails at Mission Creek and “purposeful snowshoeing” the trails at Brewers Park in Duluth to pack the trails for fatbike riding.  Brewer Park consists of Brewer Park (beginner), Homebrew, Lollygagger and Kissing Booth and links up with Piedmont across Haines Road.  For trail conditions at Mission Creek visit @COGGSMissionCrk and Piedmont/Brewer Park visit @COGGSPiedmontTC.

Maplelag Resort in Callaway announced last week it will have their snowshoe trail and the three miles of Twin Lakes Singletrack packed and open for fatbiking.  Forest roads in the area will also be another option for fatbike riding.  For more information or questions contact Maplelag Resort by calling them at 218-375-4466 or sending an email to maplelag@tvutel.com.


The Minnesota DNR has 20 miles of groomed trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.  New trails include 5.4 miles of groomed trails at Jay Cooke State Park and 8.7 miles of groomed trails for fatbikes and ski skating at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.


Remember to always follow IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices and help give our sport a good name to gain more trail access in the future.
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12/16/2014

MN DNR Issues News Release on New Fatbike Riding Opportunities

Minnehaha Trail-Fort Snelling State Park
Image Credit: Bonnie Moebeck




The Minnesota DNR issued a News Release on December 15th that details the expansion of fatbike riding opportunities throughout the state.  These opportunities include 58 new miles open to fatbiking in Minnesota State Parks and on State Trails.  This is in addition to the 20 miles already in use at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area near Ironton.  Minnesota State Parks and Trails has also implemented a Winter Fat Biking Pilot Project to assist in finding places to ride and they would also like rider feedback that includes comments, suggestions and ways to improve these new winter fatbike trails.

The Minnesota DNR has maps of these new fatbike-friendly trails available for download.  These maps clearly detail fatbike/multi-use trails from snowshoe/ski/hiking only trails through the use of color to distinguish use (see each map's legend).

Image Credit: Minnesota DNR

In Northern Minnesota, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has 20 miles of groomed trails, Jay Cooke State Park has added 5.4 miles of trails to be groomed and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park will groom 8.7 miles of trails for fatbikes and ski skating.

Twin Cities Metro Area fatbike trail opportunities include Fort Snelling State Park with 6 miles of packed muti-use trails, the Luce Line State Trail has 7 miles of groomed multi-use trails and the Gateway State Trail is plowed from Cuyuga Street to Jamaca Avenue opening up 11.9 miles of trails to all winter biking.

In Southern Minnesota there are 13 miles of groomed trails from Pine Island to Rochester on the Douglas State Trail and the Blazing Star State Trail/Myre-Big Island State Park has added 6 miles of groomed trails.

Image Credit: Jake Hawkes/IMBA

 Other opportunities for fatbiking from the MN DNR include:

Winter fat biking is allowed on trails that are signed and identified on DNR maps as open to fat biking, such as:

  • State forest roads or trails that are identified as allowing bicycling, unless they are groomed and tracked for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling only.*
  • State park and state recreation area trails designated for bicycling, including some non-motorized multi-use trails that may be shared with skiers, walkers, or snowshoers, unless they are groomed and tracked for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling only.*
  • State park roads, where motor vehicles are allowed, except those posted closed for biking.
  • State trails, except those groomed and tracked for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling only.
*NOTE: Most ski and snowmobile trails do not allow other uses. Skier and snowmobiler user fees pay for grooming and maintenance.

Areas to avoid riding fatbikes from the MN DNR:

While groomed snowmobile and ski trails can be an appealing ride option, most of those types of trails are not open to other uses due to concerns regarding safety and trail grooming costs that are paid through user fees. Please remember to be thoughtful and courteous as you seek out opportunities to enjoy the sport of winter fat biking.
Winter fat biking is not allowed on:

  • Most snowmobile trails, including the grant-in-aid (GIA) trail system. As a general rule for everyone's safety, please avoid fat biking on any snowmobile trail.
  • Most groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails, which are for skiing only
  • Any trail that is not specifically identified as open for bicycling, including hiking or snowshoeing trails in state parks or state recreation areas.

For more information on where to ride fatbikes in Minnesota, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Remember to always follow IMBA's Fat Bike Best Practices.
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2/09/2014

2014 Arrowhead 135 Stories

The 2014 Arrowhead Ultra 135 lived up to its reputation as one of the world's toughest ultra-endurance races with extreme cold putting these athletes' minds and bodies to the ultimate test.  Participants have 60 hours to complete the 135 mile trek from International Falls to Fortune Bay Casino in Tower on the Arrowhead State Trail.  Racers are required to stop at three checkpoints that are spaced about 35 miles apart, where race officials can pull a racer due to frostbite or other medical concerns.  With the second coldest start (-24º F) in the history of the Arrowhead 135 accompanied by even colder winchills, these brutal conditions resulted in only 34% of the 141 runners, skiers and bikers completing the race.  I have compiled all of the stories, photos, video and news articles of  racers who chose bike propulsion pertaining to this year's epic race.  For full race results, click here.

Image Credit:  David Garbys, 45NRTH

To get a taste of what the Arrowhead Ultra 135 requires from the athletes that take on this monumental challenge, watch "Salsa Cycles - The Push"




Map of Arrowhead 135 course

Race Participants:  Bike Propulsion

Jay Petervary
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Tom Puzak
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Tracey Petervary
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Christopher Tassava
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Ken Zylstra
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Richard Chinn
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135
Erv Berglund
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Judd Rohwer
Image Credit:  Arrowhead 135

Mark Scotch

Arrowhead 2014
 
Matt Burton-Kelly 


Alan Dixon

Arrowhead 2014 Racer’s Recap

Ben Doom


2014 Arrowhead 135 Press

Arrowhead 135 endurance racers experience the wild of a north woods winter-Duluth News Tribune
THE ARROWHEAD ULTRA 2014 RACE REPORT-Bikepackers Magazine
Arrowhead 135: The story behind the photos-MPR News
Arrowhead 135 race grows into survival of the frostiest-StarTribune 
47 finish 10th Arrowhead 135 ultramarathon-International Falls Journal
135 miles of COLD!-Timberjay  
In International Falls, it’s the perfect day for a bike ride-MPR News
Arrowhead 135: Frozen Inspiration-Pedal Minnesota
Arrowhead Ultra: 2014′s Coldest Ultramarathon Ends-Actionhub

Photos

2014 Finisher pics!-Arrowhead 135
Mobile Uploads-Arrowhead 135
Photos: The brutal Arrowhead 135 Ultra-MPR News
2014 Arrowhead 135-bjorn1101
2014-1-27 Arrowhead 135 Ultra-Burgess Eberhardt
Jay Petervary’s Arrowhead 135 Victory In Photographs-David Garbys (45NRTH)
Race 2014-Sveta Kovalchuk

Video









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