With early morning dew glistening in the sunlight and a slight chill in the August air, more than 300 bicycle riders, some from as far away as Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Oregon, converged on the Timber Hall in Embarrass on the morning of Saturday August 1.
The riders traveled to Embarrass to participate in the 20th running of the Great River Energy/Mesabi Trail Bike Tour. Saturday’s tour consisted of a 46-mile round-trip between Embarrass and McKinley, with rest stops set up at Early Frost Farm, Giants Ridge, Biwabik, and McKinley.
Each year, the ride highlights a different section of the 165-mile paved trail that stretches from the edge of the Boundary Waters to the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids and passes through 28 Iron Range communities. Last year’s event featured the southern section of the trail from Grand Rapids to Nashwauk.
The annual ride is a collaboration between Great River Energy, Club Mesabi, and a host of community and business sponsors, with the ride giving back to the communities that help make the event possible.
The Mesabi Trail has become a well-respected destination for riders across the country and around the world. It has been featured in USA Today and a host of bicycle and trail ride publications and has attracted thousands of tourists to the region.
According to Club Mesabi Executive Director Paula Kangas, the Great River Energy/Mesabi Trail Ride is really “kind of a big deal” in the bicycle world. Riders often plan a year in advance to travel to the Range and take part. Kangas went on to explain that some of the highlights of the annual ride is that it promotes tourism in the region and builds awareness of the unique landscape and natural resources.
The trail largely follows defunct railroad corridors and twists and turns over hills and through forests using old logging roads, highways, and reclaimed rail beds, creating an unusually scenic bicycle riding experience.
Many riders are repeat participants, with several having participated in all 20 rides. This year’s oldest participant was 89 years old, and the youngest few enjoyed a relaxing day in bike-drawn strollers.
Proceeds from the ride are used to promote bike safety programs for youth, fund trail maintenance, and are used to give back to the communities surrounding the trail system.
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