a.k.a. U.P. MARQUETTETRAILSFEST.COM

2 In This Issue: UPMTB Wanderlust a.k.a. U.P. Mountain Biking 4 - Find Your Fix Here This is some good quality dirt.

8 - Hotspot Connections Publisher You won’t find an app for that. Bob Hendrickson Editor Ryan LaBar Contributing Writers Carol Fulsher Lori Hauswirth Frank Louis Jon Neufeld Mindy Nannestad Lyle VanderSchaaf It’s so cool here you’ll flip. Contributing Photographers *Michelle Brittnacker *Chris Schmidt, xmatic.com Meanderings UPMTB x-files 12 - Pack a Lunch *And that one guy You’re going to need it. *significant contributions to Center Spread, pgs. 16-17 18 - Discover the Past It’s a lot closer than you think. Cover Credit graphic design by Ryan LaBar photo by Chris Schmidt Ride hard & let off a little steam. This issue is dedicated to: Greg Potvin One of the MQT MTB Originals Perspectives 20 - Ride Like a Girl -- Gratuities Appreciated You wish! --

22 - Best of Frank ©2014 U.P. Mountain Biking™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in Fried chicken is good for part without permission is prohibited. the soul. Views and opinions of contributors are their own and may differ from those of U.P. Mountain Biking™ magazine. U.P. Mountain Biking™ is a Microcosm Adventures, L.L.C. publication. -- WARNING KIDS: U.P. Mountain Biking DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME Negaunee, MI 49866 Publisher’s Note: It’s going to be an interesting season. There’s been a shuffling of the www.upmtb.com -- deck with events and involvement. The region is growing in terms of quantity and quality of trails and club organization. There have been a Some of the activities covered in U.P. few growing pains but that is to be expected, but over all it’s a positive Mountain Biking may carry significant risk. We recommend abstaining from trend. Think Dirt! these activities if you are not qualified. We assume no responsibility for Cover: Pete Karinen powering over the cobblestone creek crossing at the 2013 your actions. Keweenaw Chain Drive 30-mile race. He took fifth overall in the long race. Where The Pavement Ends The following is not an all inclusive list. The trail information was looping around back to the trailhead. The ride is easy to moderate, provided to UPMTB by the respective region’s DNR, chamber of sometimes a little dusty when dry but really nice just after rain fall. It commerce, tourism associations or council, U.S. Forest Service, local is a marked DNR trail system and a recreation passport is required. club, and by our own personal experiences. For more information contact the DNR Newberry Field Office at 906.293.3293 or search for it on the DNR website: www.michigan dnr.com EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA Drummond Island Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Schoolcraft County Location: Drummond Island, the eastern most point of the Up- Boarded by Highways M-28 & M-77, the Seney National Wild- per Peninsula, is the largest freshwater island in the . life Refuge is a great place to take the family or if you looking for The island contains over 87,000 acres with well over 100 miles of a mellow ride through some of the most diverse wetlands in the terrain to explore. There is also a technical riding area called Tur- Upper Peninsula. This place isn’t about epic trails. It’s about getting tle Ridge which is a limestone out cropping that allows numerous into nature, taking a relaxing cruise on the dirt/gravel roads which routes and trial challenges. For those freeriders looking for a chal- are only open to automobiles one-way, and checking out some truly lenge this is the place to go. Island trail guide books are available at unique U.P. wilderness. the Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center, 906.493. 1000 Comprised mainly of wetlands, the Seney Wildlife Refuge is or 800.999.6343 or call the Drummond Island Tourism Association home to all types of native animals and migratory birds. The land is at 906.493.5245 or 800.737.8666. managed for wildlife. Water levels on over 7000 acres are regulated using a system of spillways and dikes. Cyclists can see this manage- Canada Lakes Pathway, Luce County ment system first hand as they pedal along the streams and pools. Located 5.5 miles southeast of Newberry via M-123 & Co. Rd. The visitor center is located near the town of Germfask off Hwy 403, the Canada Lakes Pathway offers 14 miles of trails broken into M-77. It is open daily from May 15-Ocotber 15 from 9am-5pm. three loops. Although the soil is a little on the sandy side, the trails Exhibits, and orientation show and friendly staff will help you get are well used and a stable tread winds it way through a jack pine for started with your visit, for more information call 906.586.9851 or forest and on the back loop it climbs into a hardwood forest before online at www.fws.gov/refuge/seney. CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULA The island contains 22-square miles of land with 300’ sandstone cliffs Bruno’s Run Trail, Alger County on the north side, beaches and historical buildings. For more infor- Bruno’s Run Trail is located approximately 11miles south of High- mation call the Munising District Ranger Station at 906.387.3700 or way M-28 on Forest Highway 13. The trail may be accessed from online at www.grandislandmi.com. Widewater and Pete’s Lake campgrounds, as well as Forest Highway 13 at Moccasin Lake and Forest Road 2173 at Grassy Lake. Limited Noquemanon Trails Network, Marquette County parking is available at each site. The Noquemanon Trails Network is a 501c3 organization dedi- The trail offers a nine mile loop ideal for advance beginner to cated to developing, maintaining, signing and mapping non-mo- intermediate mountain bikers. Described by many as an enchant- torized trail networks throughout Marquette County. The multi-use ing trail it winds its way past small lakes, over rolling hills and along trail system is being created to connect communities, foster stew- ridge tops and valleys. For more information call the Munising Dis- ardship and draw tourism. The NTN feels a trail network is an im- trict Ranger Station at 906.387.3700. portant asset to the health of the residents and economy. A jewel of the NTN system is the South Trails of Marquette. This Valley Spur Mountain Bike Trails, Alger County multi-loop system offers great mountain bike singletrack. The trail- The Valley Spur Mountain Bike Trail System is located five miles head is located just off County Road 553 just south of the City of southwest of Munsing on Highway M-94 and is part of the Hia- Marquette and just before the downhill ski area Marquette Moun- watha National Forest. The Friends of Valley Spur are the caretakers tain. For more information go online to www.noquetrails.org. of the system. The trails offer riding opportunities from beginner to intermediate. It offers four loops that provide 26-miles of marked Range Mountain Bike Trails, West Marquette County trail. Riders travel through northern hardwood forests, meadows, The Range Mountain Bike Trails are located in and around the past lakes, hemlock groves and giant white pine stands. For more in- cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee. It has marked and un-marked formation call the Munising District Ranger Station at 906.387.3700 trails that are easily accessible via Highway US-41. The Iron Ore or online at www.valleyspur.org. Heritage Trail runs between the two communities. This paved greenway connects the two communities and allows access to sev- Grand Island, Alger County eral trails within the location called Old Town. Grand Island is a Congressionally-designated National Recre- The best way to experience the Range Mountain Bike Trails is to ation Area (NRA) located in Munising Bay for recreational pursuits. join up on an open ride on Wednesday evenings leaving at 6:30pm from Jasper Ridge Brewery, Ishpeming. For more information con- Follow the signs off US-41 for the ski trail. tact the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce at In Houghton, the Michigan Tech Trails offer a variety of chal- 906.485.6323 or online www.gincc.org. lenges, from beginner loops to expert dirt jumping & technical features. The stacked loop system is located just south of the MTU SOUTH-CENTRAL UPPER campus off US-42 turn on McInnes Drive. Follow the road up the PENINSULA hill and past the football field and turn on to Sharon Drive. Look for Days River Trail System, Delta County the water tank and turn left. Take the dirt road to the trail head. Located about five miles north of Gladstone, the Days River One of the gems of the area is the Maasto Hiihto Trail/Churn- Trail System offers riders a looped run of up to nine miles. With ing Rapids Trail Systems which offer scenic views of the Swedetown scenic lookouts and rolling hills this is one of the more popular trail Creek Gorge, dramatic up-hills and down hills, plenty of singletrack systems in the south central U.P. and a rhythm pump-style track section that is sure to bring a smile. The trails are well marked with four loops from two miles to The trailhead is behind the Houghton County Arena in Hancock. nine miles. Several unmarked singletrack connectors add some The Swedetown Trails located near Calumet host the annual mix the system. For more information contact Brampton Bike & Great Deer Chase mountain bike race in mid-August. It is home to Ski at 906.428.2138 or online at www.michigan.org/property/days- some 20 miles of sweet flowy singletrack and is a system that will river-pathway. challenge the beginner or intermediate. And for experts, a few more challenging trails have been build over the past couple seasons. Iron Mountain, Dickinson County For more information on these trails call Cross Country Sports at Dickinson County is located in the south central section of the 906.337.4520 or go online to www.keweenawtrails.com. Upper Peninsula. Mountain biking and hiking trails are available at most state forest campgrounds and county property. Specific trail Copper Harbor, Keweenaw County information includes: Some of the most unique mountain biking in all the Midwest Fumee Lake Natural Area: Fumee is a wildlife area that is only is located in Michigan’s northern-most resort community, Copper minutes from downtown Iron Mountain and contains both dou- Harbor. The narrow finger of land known as the Keweenaw Pen- ble and single track trails. It can be accessed from both the Iron insula extends nearly 70-miles north and east into the center of Mountain and Norway sides of the area. It contains double track the world’s largest fresh water sea, . The Keweenaw’s trails around Big Fumee (4.45 mi) and Little Fumee (1.55 mi) lakes. northern tip is particular is a geographic anomaly consisting of a se- Built in the 1999 and 2000 the North Ridge (2.93 mi) and South ries of spiny ridges and undulating valleys amidst some of the oldest Ridge (1.43 mi) singletrack trails have survived the test of time and exposed rock in the world outside the Grand Canyon. are used on a daily basis. Currently these are the only 2 trails of The rocky, rugged terrain and sustained elevation changes in- dedicated single track in the county. The local Dickinson County clude a multitude of singletrack climbs and descents that are up to bike path group has been working on local routes in town and are 550’ vertical over the course of up to three-miles at a time and are currently working with the city of Norway to build the first single comparable to the western-like mountains biking experience... some track trails since 2000. Fumee Lake Trail map http://fumeelakes. even say “BC-esque.” org/Fumee%20Lake%2011x17.pdf The singletrack trails wind over exposed bedrock, extensive ce- Genes Pond: the 2.3 mile trails begins at the boat launch and dar planked bridges and boardwalks, and through enchanted Bo- travels to a scenic overlook and through wildlife openings. real Forest, along the scene vistas above Lake Superior with bermed Iron Mountain City Park: This trail system offers four loops to- switchbacks, edges of hidden canyons, scenic streams and historic taling 3.5 km with east to difficult paths. These wide trails are used locations. For more info on the Copper Harbor Trail System go on- as ski trails in the winter as well as running a biking in the summer line to www.copperhabortrails.org. months. -Submitted by Sam Raymond There are several other trail head in this area. For more informa- tion call the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area at WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA 906.774.2002, or www.dickinsonchamber.com Adventure Mine Trails, Ontonagon County -Submitted by Kyle Lindstrom Located in little town of Greenland, the Adventure Mine Trails host the annual Miner’s Revenge, early July, mountain bike race NORTHERN UPPER PENINSULA where participants race on a five mile cross country loop that even Houghton/Hancock/Calumet, Houghton County goes through one of the mine drifts. Literally “underground” racing Houghton/Hancock offers a variety of trails and terrain for at its best. mountain biking. Using an old railroad grade, bikers can start in These are very rugged and technical trails, but also have a two- Chassell, ride along Portage Lake to Houghton, cross the lift bridge track road system that winds through the mine are where founda- to Hancock and continue on the grade to Calumet, the total dis- tions of the old mine structures can still be seen. Even if the trails are tance being more than 25 miles. too technical this is a great stop to discover some of the history of But there are a lot of interesting loop systems in-between and the Upper Peninsula while in route to the . For at both ends. The Chassell ski trail offers 10K of mostly wooded more info online go to www.adventureminetours.com. single track. Moderate elevation changes suited toward beginner to Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon County intermediate riders. You can find the trail one block west of town. The Porcupine Mountain on the western north shore of the Up- 6 per Peninsula offers some great easy riding along the cross-country ski trails there, but plans are underway to expand singletrack op- UPMTB Shop Directory tions at the downhill ski area located on the east side of the park. Mackinac Island: The first singletrack trail under development is Log Jammin. Mackinac Island Bicycle Shop, 906.847.6337 The 21 miles of designated mountain bike trails offers loops Mackinac Wheels, 906.847.8022 ranging from 1.5 to 10.5 miles long. Riders can expect rugged ter- Sault Ste. Marie: rain, incredible vistas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Pro Sports, 2621 Ashmun St., 906.632.8161 For more info online go to www.porcupinemountains.com Newberry: S&J Sports, 222 Newberry Ave., 906.293.9330 Wolverine Mountain Bike Trail System, Gogebic Munising: County Grand Island Ferry Service, just west of Munising, 906.387.3503 Located on the far west end of the Upper Peninsula near the Marquette: town of Ironwood, the Wolverine Mountain Bike Trail System has Downwind Sports, 514 N. Third St., 906.226.7112 an extensive loop system built on private land and privately owned. Lakeshore Bike, 505 Lakeshore Blvd., 906.228.7547 It is open to non-motorized use only. It has a mixture of technical Quick Stop Bike Shop, 1100 N. Third St., 906.225.1577 singletrack and wide cross-country ski trails. Please observe signage Sports Rack, 315 W. Washington, 906.225.1766 as some of the ski trail system is closed in the summer. Keweenaw Peninsula: Also located within the town of Ironwood is the Miners Memo- Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak St., Calumet, 906.337.4520 rial Heritage Park which offer and easy 2.6-mile loop taking riders Downwind Sports, 308 Sheldon Ave., Houghton, 906.482.2500 past historic mine sites and interruptive markers. There is a section Hancock Bike Shop, 115 Quincy St., Hancock, 906.482.5234 of the trail that is two-way traffic. This system is more of a tour and Keweenaw Adventure Co., Copper Harbor, 906.289.4303 trail etiquette needs to be followed. Rhythm -, 52 Huron St., Houghton, 906.487.9500 For more information of mountain bike opportunities in the Gladstone/Escanaba: Western Upper Peninsula contact Hobby Wheel at 906.932.3332 or Brampton Bike & Ski, 910 Delta Ave., Gladstone, 906.428.2135 go online to www.westernup.info. Mr. Bike, Ski & Fitness, 1016 Lundington, Escanaba. 906.786.1200 Iron Mountain: Mortl’s Sports Center, 120 E. Main, 906.774.9519 Menominee: Cycle Path, 2329 13th Street, 906.863.9361 Ironwood: Hobby Wheel, 1435 E. Cloverland Dr., 906.932.3332 IMBA and Mountain Biking the Upper Peninsula in 2014

The future of the Upper Midwest as a regional des- nations in the Upper Midwest means we can create more tination is well on its way. Over the past five years, IMBA ridership and also create more demand and interest for and its partner Chapters have been focused on creating folks to want to pack up their bikes and go check out a riding hotspots that will pull national attention and thus new riding experience elsewhere in the Midwest versus bring national and international tourism to our trails. heading out west. The Cuyuna Lakes IMBA Ride Center kicked The U.P. has the chance to really define itself as a this initiative off about four years ago with the U.P.’s unique component of the regional experience. The U.P.’s very own Copper Harbor IMBA Ride Center follow- geography and geology is perfect for both XC riding and ing close behind. Because of these two pioneers in gravity riding and the riding culture on the south shore world class off road riding, right here in the “Fly over” of Lake Superior reflects that. You can haul multiple types states we have been able to illustrate quite vividly that of bikes to nearly every U.P. destination and ride them on it CAN happen here. world-class trails, and then hit some fun, funky towns to Four years later we are seeing several other ma- have great local brews and good food followed by a dip jor systems coming to maturity and taking on the in Lake Superior. challenge of becoming Ride Centers. Duluth, Wausau, The U.P. however will have its challenges and the Cable, and Marquette are all riding zones that are al- clubs and IMBA Chapters within it will have to have a ready destination riding spots, with the potential to spirit of working together. Due to its small population become Ride Centers. size eventually as mountain bike organizations and des- What does that mean for mountain biking in the tinations grow they are going to be competing for re- Upper Peninsula? This means opportunity. More desti- sources whether they like it or not. That said, if the clubs and Chapters are working together pushing and gaining membership and thinking big picture, then long term this small population base and localized geography could also be one of the U.P.’s biggest strengths. It’s the U.P., eh. People get it done U.P. and what they are getting done right now is creating some of the best mountain biking in the world. If you have not already, do your part, join your local club or IMBA Chapter and support their efforts to grow and enhance mountain bike experiences everywhere. – Submitted by Lori Hauswirth

Progression Out on the Range Range Mountain Bike Club has been silently grow- West-end Trail areas and N.T.N. will continue to oper- ing ever since their official organizational beginning in ate the Marquette Trails; but we will be working hand in the spring of 1997. For the last seventeen years this small hand to make sure that our two trail networks continue grassroots clubs has been growing and by that I mean to complement each other. growing in many ways. Range has for all of these twenty For our west-end R.A.M.B.A. riders Range Moun- years offered the Wednesday night group rides. These tain Bike Club has several developing projects for the rides have grown from just a couple of buddies getting 2014 season. First is to open our summer season with together for trail building and riding to groups of more the completion of the Epic Loop. By June 1, 2014 this than ninety riders during the peak summer days. trail will be fully mapped, signed and maintained with Additionally Range is completing its third year of the help of the Adopt A Trail program. a weekly group ride year around. Range MTB started Trailhead developments are also set to take place with three guys each building his own single track trails for 2014. Range has been working closely with its trail in his backyard to now more than six regular volunteer users and the two cities, Ishpeming and Negaunee, to trail builders who have generously hand built some of bring improvements to its current six trailheads as well the best and most challenging single track trails in the as work to develop an additional necessary trailhead in U.P. In 2013 Range started hosting trail days where many Negaunee. Continuing with its volunteer, grassroots, other volunteers came to pitch in, all working together hand built tradition, Range currently has volunteer art- to keep hand building and maintaining challenging trails ists creating unique signs for our trails. While these signs that reward riders and keep them returning for more. are being crafted, other volunteers are working with Speaking of those magnificent hand crafted trails they I.M.B.A.’s program to map the trails as well as with the have also grown from just a few miles to more than fifty Marquette County Visitor’s Bureau & Convention Center miles of ascending, twisting, turning and sometimes de- and Trail Genius to have our complete network of trails scending trails that will completely fulfill your rugged G.P.S. mapped. trail appetite. More projects on the table for this season are im- provements to the Teal Lake Trails. Specifically there are much needed bridging projects as well as general expan- sion and trail development throughout this area. Finally the group is planning to complete a kid’s/beginners loop in the Old Town area of Negaunee. R.A.M.B.A. has sub- mitted grants and will also be looking to launch their new sponsorship program along with their first official membership program to help fund trail development ac- tivities. There are lots of opportunities to participate in any of these projects or programs. We encourage anyone in- terested in helping please contact us; we would love to have you join us! Range also continues to encourage rid- ers of all ability levels to join us on one or both of our weekly group rides. Sounding like a lot of growth yet? Well wait, there Every Wednesday the group meets at the Country is much more. This small grassroots organization is cur- Village parking area outside Jasper Ridge Brewery in Ish- rently expecting to join our big international brother peming; and on every Thursday the group meets in the I.M.B.A., International Mountain Biking Association, back parking area outside of Chapper’s Pub in Negaunee. and should be fully integrated in June 2014. With this From May 1st to October 1st the group rides begin new relationship Range Mountain Bike Club will be add- promptly at 6:30p.m. For the winter riding season those ing a new acronym, Range Area Mountain Bike Associa- times move to 6:00p.m. Riders of every skill level will en- tion, or R.A.M.B.A. Along with this, members of Range joy a guided experience of the Range Area Trail systems. are working with N.T.N. (Noquemonon Trail Network) Please look for our Facebook site Range Mountain to help make our two trail networks an I.M.B.A. desig- Bike Club for updated information on our club and trails. nated Silver Ride Center. Have a great summer mountain biking season! There will be three great trail areas for our resi- –Submitted By Stacia Lynn dents and visitors to enjoy; the North Marquette Trails, the South Marquette Trails and our beloved West-end Trails. To be clear Range will continue to operate the 10 July 12, 2014 12, July

Go over, around, and through the mountain!

Long and short XC races, Downhill Race. Greenland, Michigan 35 miles South of Houghton ~ 12 miles East of Ontonagon Online registration at www.Active.com www.minersrevenge.com 1.906.883.3371 [email protected] SKē Southern Keweenaw Trails SöKē, a nonprofit corporation, manages a free use mountain biking trail network around the historic Adventure Mine location. The Top Five For... All-Day Rides. Copper Harbor - IMBA Epic Ride Hancock - Maasto Hiihto / Churning Rapids There are multiple ways to spend all day riding Cop- These trails offer a bit of everything­ from fast per Harbor. For those who like a specified route, IMBA swooping two-track to jump and berm-filled flow trails, linked together the trails to create an Epic Trail (Cop- with some technical bench-cut singletrack thrown in. per Harbor Loop, Garden Brook, Woopidy Woo, Garden While some locals may argue what the best route is to get Brook, Blue Trail, Dza Beet, Here We Go, Ma Maki, Say the most for your miles, we’d recommend using the Ke- Hello, Dza Beet, Simeh, De Deet, Red Trail, Clark Mine weenaw Chain Drive’s 32-mile course as a starting point Road, Pauls Plunge, John Lincoln Green, Manganese Road, and picking some spurrs off of that in the Churning Rap- Ma Maki, Der we Went, Stairway to Heaven, Copper Har- ids portion of the trails. bor Loop to Trail Head). Another option is to buy a shuttle Info: bikethekeweenaw.com / chaindrive.org pass at the Keweenaw Adventure Company, and use grav- ity to your advantage. Grand Island Info: copperharbortrails.org Grand Island, off of Munising, is a 3-mile wide, by 5-mile long island with absolutely stuning views of pic- Marquette North - Country Trail Lollipop tured rocks, and some pretty rustic singletrack. The is- This ride isn’t for the faint of heart. These trails are land features a 23-mile perimeter trail with a few bailout ungroomed, and rugged. Start at the Marquette Board of options. One thing to be very mindful of here is the ferry Light and Power trail head and make your way north on schedule, because if you miss the boat, you are spending the North Country Trail. This trail is crux-filled rocky and the night on the island, so be prepared. technical. Once out to the Harlow Lake area you can ride Info: grandislandmi.com a numer of different trails, but we’d reccomend McLovin, or if you are feeling even more of a challenge, Bare Back. Once you are thouroughly tired, it’s back down the long lolliepop stick to Marquette. If this ride doesn’t take it out of you, we don’t know what will. Info: noquetrails.org

Ishpeming - Epic Trail to Mountain Loops The Ishpeming trails often seem to fly under the radar, but that’s about to change. With a major signing (and building) project in place this summer, these beauti- ful rugged and hilly trails are poised to gain some well- deserved attention. Riders looking to spend about 5 or 6 hours on the trail should start at the Jasper Ridge Brewery ‘Trailhead’ and start off on the Epic trail (the trail starts just after the viaduct by Jubilee Foods). About 8-miles into the Epic trail, a the Whisky trail section, jump onto the Dead Deer trail and find a solid route through the Mountain loops you’ll then backtrack just a bit on Dead Deer to get back to the Epic trail. The total milage isn’t much, at about 26 miles, but you’ll feel like you’ve rid- den over 50. For those who really want to spend time in the saddle keep an eye on Range Mountain Bike Club’s Facebook page for the Singletrack Saturday date, where a group ride sets out to ride all the singletrack in the area (50 to 60 miles) in one go—a task that that has yet to be completed. This ride usually goes for about 12 hours, or untill everyone is tired out. Info: facebook.com/rangemountainbikeclub

Long before mountain bikes, cyclists were pedaling the allotted time frame determines the winner of the race. beefed up road bikes through the mud. The sport is called Compared to cross-country the cyclocross, traditionally spelled cyclo-cross and modernly courses are smoother, faster and emphasis more traditional referred to as CX. Its roots go back to France in the early CX disciplines. 1900s. Used by professional roadies to keep conditioned during the off season the traditional CX season starts in late September and can go into February. Cyclocross races in the Upper Peninsula started to gain popularity around 2005 and have continued to build since. The series, currently hosted by UPCROSS, starts around mid-September and lasts through November. Typically the series holds eight events in Marquette and Keweenaw coun- ties on a biweekly basis held either Saturday or Sunday. Based on an accumulative point system, racers are ranked through the season with the last race of the series offering double points to determine the overall winners in Class A, B and C, also in men’s and women’s divisions. To find out more information on UPCROSS go to www.up- cross.net. The race dates are usually posted by mid-sum- mer. CX Bicycle Beta The typical cyclocross bike looks like its roadie cousin in that it sports drop bars, has skinny tires and rolls 700c wheels. However, the geometry of the frame is more re- laxed than a road-racing frame, usually has a higher bot- tom bracket height and is equipped with cantilever brakes. CX Technique The tires are of the knobby variety typically measuring 28c To race cyclocross takes a bit of stamina, aerobic con- to 35c in width depending on the course conditions. The ditioning and refined bike handling skills. The skills are frame spacing is designed to accommodate these tires. developed over time and practice. The biggest of these are the dismount and remount of the bicycle. In CX racing, the dismount can make or break a racer, as well the remount. Courses are design to make the rider get off and either car- ry or push the bike. The classic image of a cyclocross racer hurdling a barrier, bicycle hoisted on the shoulder, is the icon of the sport. – From the UPMTB Archives

CX Race Format A cyclocross race is set up on a short looped course that can have a mixture of pavement, trails, hurdles, ditch- es, stairs, sand, mud and a list of other little annoyances. Due to the looped nature, CX races are a great spectator sport. A spectator can get many points-of-view along the course, cheer on their favorite racer and still make it back to see the finish. The races are timed events lasting from a half-hour to a hour and a half. The number of laps accumulated in 14 Munising Bay Trail Network Munising Bay Trail Network (MBTN) is a newly es- It is exciting to see our community once again tablished organization focused on building a singletrack group together and make things happen. A singletrack trail system in Munising and the surrounding areas. MBTN trail system in Munising is just one more thing to add was originated from an idea formed between two individu- to our vacation destination things to see and do list. We als (Rob Lundquist and Mike Verhamme). They had a vi- are always looking for more volunteers. Please contact sion that the hills surrounding Munising would be a phe- Rhonda Lassila 906 202-1679 [email protected] nomenal riding (or hiking) experience. They could see the if you would like more information or would like to be potential in the lay of the land and the type of single track added to the volunteer list. trail that could be built there. The International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Together they went to city meetings and proposed Trail Care Crew will be in Munising on June 12-14 to what they envisioned. They focused their idea on what it host a clinic and assist with a singletrack trail project to could bring to this community, not only for locals (giving be built at Valley Spur Recreation Area in the Hiawatha local outdoor enthusiasts a place to ride and hike) but also National Forest just south of Munising. The trail system by increasing tourism by having another great reason for is being built in cooperation with the city of Munising tourists to want to visit and stay in Munising. and the U.S. Forest Service, while additional land use The two miles of existing trail (rough cut) has been permits are being pursued from other land owners be- built entirely by local volunteers (including several of our tween the Recreation Area and the city. local youth, some of them BMXers). MBTN scheduled one MBTN currently hold meetings on the first Thurs- day a week (approx. 2 hours ea.) work bees from spring day of each month at the Falling Rock Cafe and Book- through late fall of 2012. The plan for this season is to con- store in Munising at 5pm. They also hold work bees on tinue the trail heading toward the downtown area and also the trail every Thursday evening from 4:30-6:30pm un- heading in the opposite direction toward Tourist Park. The less otherwise noted. Website: www.mbtn.org long term vision is to connect this trail system with the Val- –Article based on MBTN website and press release ley Spur Trail system and beyond.

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Improvements along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail Call us the outdoor museum where you exercise your body the grades are very usable by all abilities. This piece of trail really and mind. The Marquette Iron Range is the beginning of iron ore opens up an area that many people never had access to either mining in the entire Lake Superior Region which has fed the fur- because of private property ownership or accessibility issues. naces of the steel industry since 1845. This region supplied the However, now users can learn about our mining past while see- raw resource of ore that eventually made the cannons and can- ing our mining present: trains filled with iron ore pellets mak- nonballs for the Civil War, the weaponry and ships of World Wars ing their way from the mines to the harbor. I and II, and fueled the industrial revolution. Not to mention the Much work still needs to be done to upgrade the next millions of automobiles made in the Motor City. 17 miles, provide more trailhead amenities, tell more stories Along our 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail which crosses in various formats, and provide additional directional signage. the Marquette Iron Range from Chocolay Township to Republic, But for now, take advantage of a 30-mile one way multi-use you will bike along Lake Superior’s beautiful harbor where gigan- trail that connects Ishpeming, Negaunee, Negaunee Township, tic ore docks hover over the lake, you’ll find giant mine shafts tow- Marquette Township, Marquette and Chocolay and enjoy the ering over six stories high, you’ll cruise past mine pits gleaming amenities of each community. with shiny ore, and you’ll bike through the towns that grew up Some great ways to take advantage of the trail are events: with mining and shipping money. the new Iron Range Roll on National Trails Day (June 7) will Of the 47-mile proposed route, 30 miles have been up- be a Ride Relay Run event follows the trail from the Cliffs Shaft graded with asphalt and/or crushed limestone/local granite. The Museum in Ishpeming to the Marquette Commons in down- remaining 17 miles are along the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic town Marquette—a 16 mile “fun” race for individuals or relay/ and Lake Superior & Ishpeming rail grades which are hard packed cycle teams of four. If you like to climb off your bike and do dirt, but are slated to be upgraded in the years ahead. some long distance running, the Marquette Marathon will also In August 2013, the 12-mile Negaunee to Marquette sec- be utilizing the trail and leaving from the Cliffs Shaft Mine in tion was completed which is a key piece: connecting our 5-mile Ishpeming and running into and around Marquette (August Ishpeming/Negaunee trail with the 13-mile Marquette/Chocolay 30). For more information on these events, visit ironrangeroll. corridor. Now bicyclists and walkers can head uphill from Choco- com or marquettemarathon.com. Call the Iron Ore Heritage lay to Ishpeming or downhill on the way back with about half the Recreation Authority at 906-235-2923 or visit ironoreheritage. trail being asphalt surface and half being a crushed limestone or com for other information on the trail. local granite. The trail mostly uses abandoned railroad grades so – Submitted by Carol Fulsher

18 Races:HOTSHEET June 6-8: Marquette Trails Festival, Marquette, cross country, gravity events, youth events, for more info: marquettetrailsfest.com June 15: Keweenaw Chain Drive, Houghton, cross country races, youth events, for more info call: 888.766.0325 or chaindrive.org July 12: Miner’s Revenge Mountain Bike Race, Greenland, tech- nical mountain bike race, 1/3 mile underground, for more info call: 906.487.9500 or minersrevenge.com July 19: Michigan Tech Rondevous 12-hour Festival, 95% single track, contact: bikethekeweenaw.com July 26-27: Red Earth Classic, Ishpeming , cross country and short track events, contact: redearthclasic.com August 9: Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, 48-mile and 28- mile point to point races, youth events, contact: 866.370.RACE or oretoshore.com August 9: Singlespeed USA, Copper Harbor, singlespeed cross country race, contact: singlespeedusa.com August 16: The Great Deer Chase, 17.5 & 27-mile cross country races, 3 & 4.5-mile youth races, Swedetown Trails, Calumet, contact: greatdeerchase.org Labor Day Weekend: Bell’s Copper Harbor Trails Festival, Michigan’s northern-most mountain bike event, for info call: 906.289.4303 or copperharbortrails.org September: Marquette Mountain Bike Enduro, enduro stage race, more info: marquetteenduro.com TBD: Time Clock MTB Time Trial, Swedetown Trails, Calumet, no frills fundraiser for the Swedetown trail system, 9 & 17-mile courses, contact: Marc Norton [email protected]

Events: May 23-25: Ride the Keweenaw, organized group rides at MTU Tech Trials, Churning Rapids, Swedetown, Copper Harbor contact: copperharbortrails.org or keweenawtrails.com July 25-27: Copper Harbor Women’s Weekend, contact: copperharbortrails.org

Weekly Rides: Iron Range Mountain Bike Association, Ishpeming: Wednesday night, Country Village, Ishpeming, meet 6:30 p.m. open group. Down Wind Sports, Marquette: Group rides Thursday night, ride starts at 6:30. For more info call 906.226.7112. Quick Stop Bike Shop, Marquette: Group rides Tuesday nights, ride starts at 6:30. For more info call 906.225.1577. Cross Country Sports, Calumet; Wednesday night, 6:30pm 906.337.4520 or www.crosscountrysports.com, open group Keweenaw Adventure, Copper Harbor: Thursday evening rides, for more info: keweenawadventure.com or call 906.289.4303 Hobby Wheel, Ironwood: Tuesday evening group rides, call 906.932.3332

All events & rides: Helmets are mandatory! 19 NTN/ Marquette Trails Update Another summer trail season is finally just around ‘Gurley Trail’ to separate the Blue Loop and the Grom Trail the corner and bikers in Marquette are counting the days and make the Blue a more consistently technical route until they can put away their Fat Bikes and trainers and ∙ Completed work on the ‘Not So Scary’ and ‘Baby hit the trails on dirt. Our 45 miles of singletrack trail have Blue’ which give some alternate routes off the Blue Loop something for everyone- from beginner loops to downhill Meanwhile the North crew worked on the following: and free ride runs to challenge the most seasoned expert- ∙ Constructed the EZ PZ and Oxbow trails which and it’s almost all within city limits and accessible from the skirt the shore of the Tourist Park Basin/ Dead River and bike path. give access to the water The last 12 months have been full of action and it’s ∙ Cleared out and improved an existing trail, now worth looking back at the ways Marquette’s trail network signed as ‘The Cedars’ has evolved before looking forward to the upcoming year. ∙ Built an alternate route on the Blue Heron Trail that 2013 saw the NTN continue to make progress on the connects directly to ‘The Cedars’ ‘100 Miles of Singletrack by 2020’ initiative. With 2 trail Our Trail Crews were also busy during the winter crews armed with extensive mechanized capabilities in the months grooming the Bike Route (SBR) for the third woods lots of new trail was built. year and also clearing sections of the north trails to keep The south trail crew completed the following projects: them open all year. The NTN continued to make invest- ∙ A re-route of the Harlow Farms trail that included a ments for new equipment and for labor for the SBR to en- significant extension along the Heritage Golf course. sure that trail lovers in Marquette have year round recre- ∙ Construction of the ‘Off- Road Trail’ which con- ation options. We were also thrilled to have the evolution nects the Greywalls Trail/ Red Loop to Grove St. and gets of our winter trail network and winter biking in Marquette trail users off of the Wellfield road documented in the film Cold Rolled from Clear and Cold ∙ Extended ‘Down Dogger’ all the way to the top Cinema. The film made it’s world debut at the NTN’s win- of the Benson Grade, giving big air fans a mile long play- ter fund raising event and created significant buzz for snow ground that is still rideable for intermediate riders biking in Marquette. ∙ Built a new connector from the trailhead to the Other notable developments for the NTN Trail Net- work in 2013 were partnering with the Marquette Conven- tion and Visitors’ Bureau to bring Trail Genius interactive mapping to Marquette. Potential visitors to Marquette can now get a virtual experience of the entire trail network to help them plan their trip. The NTN also continued to work with the City of Marquette to make final plans for trail- head development at the 553 South Trailhead. Construc- tion of the trailhead facility is expected to commence by mid- summer. Finally the NTN launched a mountain bike enduro in September which had great participation and stellar reviews in its inaugural year. 2014 is expected to be just as productive for the NTN. There will again be 2 trail crews in the woods building miles of new trail along with providing a few needed main- tenance jobs. Specific trail projects will be announced to the public via our Facebook page: NTN Singletrack as de- tails are finalized. The NTN is also excited to announce the launch of the Marquette Trails Festival sponsored by Blackrocks Brewery. The Trails Festival will be a multi-day celebration of non- motorized trail use with both competitive and recreational events. Mountain bike events include a dual slalom, cross country mountain bike races of 11 and ~30 miles a down- hill race and a mountain bike enduro. There is also a trail tour which will take bikers on a self guided tour of the trails with a number of scenic stops featuring refreshment and entertainment. The events will be spread over 3 days, June 6-8, and registration is active at marquettetrailsfest.com – Submitted by Lyle VanderShaaf 20

Ride Like a Girl What does it mean to, “Ride like a girl? “ It is getting together on a warm summer morning for couple hours away from work, kids, significant others and the house to cut loose with a group of friends. It is tak- ing the time to talk about relationships, recipes, bras and stuff that “knocks your socks off” and then falling into a fit of uncontrollable laughter and state “I bet the guys don’t do this on their rides.” It is sharing riding goals, talking about races and places to ride. It is getting a chance for a technical “do-over” and when you nail it, hearing your girls cheer and whoop with excitement for you. It is hav- ing a post-ride at the beach with beverages, snacks and a full moon swim. It is hearing comments during a race like and scream but we also swear, grunt and groan. We don’t “cute jersey,” “love your bike,” or actually having a conver- mind bruises because if you don’t have bruises, you aren’t sation with a racer and telling them to “friend you” on Fa- riding hard enough. One bike rep, while visiting one of the cebook. Once in a while at the end of a ride we have had bike shops, commented to the owner on the nice line-up of so much fun we declare, “I think this constitutes an outing bikes that were being repaired. He was surprised and im- more than a ride.” pressed when the owner said they were all owned by girls. I once heard someone say they had a friend who So if you are looking for something that can give you wanted to start biking just for the outfits. I do have to agree some of the best times of your life, test your endurance, they are cute but do not let that fool you; we like to ride beautiful scenery, and friendships that are inspirational hard, sweat and get muddy. We love to ride with our favor- and supportive, then “Ride like a girl.” ite guy; especially when we can show them a new trail or See you on the trails. when they choose the wrong line and we choose the right MQT Biking Girl one and as we pass by, pretend like we don’t notice. We – Submitted by Mindy Nannestad can oil a chain, change a flat, air our shocks and make a single speed when we break a derailleur. We laugh, giggle U.P. Youth Programs Flourish There are several opportunities for youth to get in- Down Wind Sports Junior MTB Team, Marquette volved in mountain biking across the Upper Peninsula. This will be the 14th year of the Junior Mountain Bike Listed below are several of the programs offered in Mar- Team. Jeff and Melanie Stasser organized this program to quette and Keweenaw counties. The descriptions were pro- introduce local youth to the joys of mountain biking. Rid- vided by the organizers directly or their website and Face- ers can expect to learn trail riding techniques, bike main- book pages. tenance, nutrition, and training schedules. The program is for area youth, ages 10-17 years old. Riders should have Keweenaw Junior Mountain Biking, Houghton/Hancock a working mountain bike, helmet and hydration system. For over 10 years, the Keweenaw Junior Mountain A complete program schedule can be picked up at Down Biking has been getting kids ages 8 to 18 out on the local Wind Sports of Marquette trails. Supported by Portage Health with volunteers from We were thrilled with the success of last year’s team Cross Country Sports, Keweenaw Trekkers and Red Jacket and look forward to another sensational year. We have , kids are provided with weekly ride and instruction planned a season full of riding, learning and fun. The team opportunities at revolving locations in the region. The pro- will meet weekly each Tuesday morning at 9 AM at Tourist gram is free of charge to participants thanks to the support- Park beginning June 18th. ing organizations, volunteers and parent assistance. Our riders can expect to have a brief lesson each In 2013, four of the Keweenaw Junior Mountain Bik- week discussing maintenance, nutrition, racing and other ing instructors attended the Level 2 IMBA Instructor Cer- aspects of riding. We will then take to the woods in our tification Program and are now professionally certified to ability appropriate groups and ride on mountain bike trails teach mountain bike skills. The investment in professional for the duration of the 2 hours. We will ride over logs & development will be tapped in 2014 to revise the program rocks, down & up steep hills. We will negotiate challenging in order to meet the needs of the growing mountain bike corners and different terrains. Most importantly, we will community. The program will continue to meet on Tues- have FUN! day nights with the schedule for summer of 2014 to be Best of all, the program is free. Contact the Marquette announced. Questions on the program can be directed to Down Wind Sports store for more details. [email protected] Youth Mountain Biking Development Program of Ishpeming & Negaunee YMBDP is a new youth mountain bike program host- ed by the Red Earth Classic race team. It is a free program for youth 5 years old and up through seniors in high school. Full program details can be found on Facebook search for YMBDP of Ishpeming and Negaunee. Like us and view the full program details. The first clinic is on Saturday, May 24th. There will be monthly clinics throughout the summer teaching our youth everything from safety and nutrition, to cornering and advanced climbing skills on mountain bike terrain. There will be a limited amount of bikes that may be borrowed if needed. In addition to the monthly teaching clinics, there will be weekly rides on Tuesday nights starting in June at 6:00 pm. All events start and end at the pavilion at Al Quaal Recreation Area. Volunteers are needed to help with weekly rides and clinics. 906 Adventure Team, Marquette A bike-centric advocacy group focused on creating opportunities for youth to enjoy a lifetime of cycling and bringing together trail-users of all types to work toward common trail use goals. This year is the Adventure Team’s “organizing year” and can be summed up with a simple motto “We’ll figure out what we want to do after we find the right people necessary to pull it off”. Look for 906 to be rep- resented at all of the UP races this year by their youth team and adult ambassadors. Continued on Page 29

GREAT DEER

CHASECan a trail system really offer2014 “something for every- one?” With its gently rolling, smooth-tread singletrack, Swedetown trails in Calumet offers a nonthreatening intro- duction to singletrack riding for kids and beginners. But find your big ring and ramp up the speed, and those scenic curves become high-speed rails challenging your skills and endurance. The 2014 Aspirus Keweenaw Great Deer Chase will again start in historic downtown Calumet, leading the floats and bands of the Heritage Days parade (no throw- ing candy ahead of the riders this year!). Then you’ll head into the woods to enjoy 15 or 28-miles of nicely maintained trails (singletrack with wider passing areas). Aid stations on the course will keep you hydrated until the carnival at- mosphere of a downtown finish. Kids’ races start at 9 am, with the 15 and 28-mile mass start at 11. Showers and locker rooms will be available, and food is a block away from the finish at the heritage celebra- tion. The Aspirus Keweenaw Great Deer Chase will again feature the UP Singlespeed championship as part of the 28- mile race. – Submitted by Jon Neufeld

Looking Back to Rediscover

By Frank “the bottlerocket” Louis before arriving at the startling conclusion that 12 hours “The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it be- of continuous sleep actually makes you feel more fatigued cause the only people who really know where it is are the than a regimented day punctuated by two 6-hour power ones who have gone over.” naps. So I slept and I dreamt of the pedals turning and the -HST from Hells Angels miles melting away like butter on a biscuit side. Getting The long off-season has wound down. Last fall, back at the other, end I wobbled onto the ice for the first time tentatively, and I’ve come out this end like a freight train. Close at hand are the pain baths of long climbs and the un-rivaled stoke of the descent. The ecstasy of first rub- ber meeting dirt, and the unforgettable smell of the forest in your nose. The years have taught me the stronger you are when the weather breaks and the ground dries out, the better. So this year I did some research, learned some physiology, nutrition and spiritual training techniques. The goal: to be a lean mean pedaling machine. Remember in the classic 1982 film Rocky III when Rock gets beaten down by a bad ass named Clubber Lang, played by a fearsome Mr. T? Where was Clubber from? That’s right, the streets of Chi-town. Clubber takes the belt, and Rocky goes to train with Appollo Creed in the ghetto of LA. Creed tells Balboa he needs to get the Eye of the Tiger back; he needs to train on the streets. Well, I took the film to heart and moved to my new training ground on Kalamazoo’s multicultural Northside. My training consist- ed of an uncompromising triad approach, one part Upton Sinclair, one part Easy E and one part Chris Charmical. The method: Base Miles, Fried Poultry Diet, and Sleep. The first and most important part of my training is Base Miles. I logged many hard winter miles like the lo- cal two wheeled warriors do, dodging broken glass crack pipes, snow drifts and black ice while riding a bike I threw up to get more blankets at 4 am when its cold in Château together from the trash in my shed. All errands and meet- Louis is like cross training at altitude. ings were covered under the guise of Base Miles. And a I have found definitive proof that there is no better generous boss also paid a dollar each way to ride to work. way to get warm after getting out of a cold bed than riding Before long I was lean and mean, and lookin’ for a fight. a beater bike into the freezing West Michigan nightscape With my ribs showing from Base Mile exertion, I en- to get a bucket of fried chicken made with the care a moth- acted phase two of my proprietary training regime. The er takes, using a guarded famous, but secret recipe, and a local diet seemed to consist of mostly carbs from fat, pri- side of potatoes and gravy in a handy Styrofoam container. marily from greasy chicken joints, so I incorporated that Still Clif Bar doesn’t return my calls, or emails… into the plan. The greater Kalamazoo metro area hosts a So, you ask, Frank for what are you training so vigor- flotilla of fried meat bird purveyors, from mainstays like ously? Well, I’ll tell you. A Blind Stoker Holiday Crit Se- KFC, Chester Fried and Popeye’s to more local favorites ries Stage win has always eluded me. For several long years Lee’s Famous and the Chicken Coop. I found fried chick- I’ve languished, some races coming heartbreakingly close, en intake to be quite favorable as a means of fueling Base some races were DNF’ed and some I just couldn’t get to. Miles, while also providing entertainment and furthered I know in my heart the beer swilled in victory is sweeter multicultural enrichment, as well as damn fine eats. than the bitter shot-gunned beers of defeat. So while you When I wasn’t cursing and riding against the wind are sitting on your ass reading this, know that I’m out there or licking my fingers, and patting a full belly, I was sleep- riding, the glimmer of broken glass on the horizon, Survi- ing like a dead junkie, in the comfort of sub 60-degree vor tunes pounding in my brain, getting a little bit stron- temps at my posh turn of the century bivouac. I did co- ger. And I’m right behind you…See You Soon. pious amounts of research on different amounts of sleep 28 Contact [email protected] for information re- recreation, and as a form of transportation. The program garding the youth mountain bike program, junior racing provides physical and emotional challenges within a con- team, group rides and much more. trolled environment to promote healthy risk-taking. Revolutions, Marquette This program meets for 10 weeks from June through Revolutions is a facility-based bicycle and ski repair August. Participants have access to bikes for program and youth program located in downtown Marquette. In the non-program use during this time at no charge. To find shop area, participants learn bike, ski and snowshoe main- out more info go to www.revolutionsyouth.org. tenance and repair; in the sales area refurbished bikes, skis Start The Cycle, Marquette and snowshoes are available for the public to rent, with As the 2014 Start The Cycle program gets underway, proceeds going to support the program. we first want to take the opportunity to express our grati- As youth participants complete the educational re- tude to Child and Family Services of the U.P. for working pair portions of the program, they may return as interns, as our fiduciary organization in the 2013 season. Thank staffing the rental program and finally moving on to staff you for helping us plant the seed and believing in our pro- in a bike-driven fossil fuel free yard card service. Return- gram. In 2013 Start The Cycle trained and mentored 16 at ing youth serve as role-models where reciprocal learning risk youth in Marquette County to ride and complete the is promoted. Continued contact with second year par- Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic. Our program provided ticipants offers the opportunity for deep connections and coaching, equipment and support to make it possible for meaningful impacts within the community. all 16 participants to not only complete the race, but to Revolutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization earn their equipment to continue riding. (pending) and all youth services and programs are offered In 2014, we are proud to announce, we have part- free of charge. Whenever possible, it is our goal to provide nered with the YMCA of Marquette County. Our goals are used and re-used equipment encouraging the value of recy- still the same, train and complete the Ore To Shore race cling and the benefits of re-purposing old bikes and skis. and this move has made it possible for us to increase our participant numbers. The YMCA, Cycle Soleil and Start Any youth between the ages of 11 and 18 are welcome The Cycle will provide training facilities, classrooms, help to participate in Revolutions. As the program is cyclical in both staff and mentoring, as well as administrative sup- and builds upon itself, participants’ first experiences will be port. We feel we have found the perfect partnership to through either the bike or ski repair programs, after which continue growing within the YMCA program, and per- they may continue into other areas. haps the State of Michigan and beyond someday. For more In the bike program, participants learn to refurbish information search Start The Cycle search on Facebook or bikes; building confidence, self-sufficiency, and a real-world contact the YMCA of Marquette County. skill set. Bicycle riding is promoted as an outlet for stress, Copper Harbor Happenings As an International Mountain Biking Association miles of trail is available in Copper Harbor but there (IMBA) Silver Level Ride Center, Copper Harbor is is more to come. attracting visitors from throughout the region, state, Reaching out from the existing trail system is po- nation and beyond. Attention keeps coming thanks to tential (over 8,000 acres of potential) and with a view top industry magazines and web sites featuring Cop- to the future, the CHTC – IMBA Chapter is moving per Harbor’s world-class trails, spectacular terrain, forward with the first phase of the Keweenaw Point panoramic views of Lake Superior and unique small Trail. Eventually the Point Trail will include 30 miles town flavor. Copper Harbor is enjoying the benefits of purpose built singletrack that will circumnavigate of the approving nod of visitors, returning visitors the remote terrain of the peninsula. With resident and bicycle industry representatives but is far from professional trail builder Aaron Rogers and his crew satisfied. on task thanks to the support of CHTC members and The 2013 year was one of growth and evolution for friends, riders can expect growth to continue at this the Copper Harbor Trails Club- IMBA Chapter that mountain biking outpost. included adding an Executive Director, Lori Haus- If you need an excuse to head to Copper Harbor, wirth to manage daily operations and the many Trails there are four mountain biking events on the calendar Club events. It was also a year of success in project for 2014 including Ride the Keweenaw (May 24-26), grants including $30,000 in assistance through the Ladies Weekend (July 25-27), SSUSA (August 9-10) Bell Built Competition to construct a professional and Bell’s Beer Copper Harbor Trails Festival (August level Downhill Trail that descends from Brockway 30-31). But don’t wait because events and lodging fill Mountain Drive and $25,000 for the purchase of new up quickly. Shuttle service is available through the trail building equipment. A new annual event was Keweenaw Adventure Company for the gravity ad- added, Copper Harbor Ladies Weekend, that attract- dicted and over 100 miles of singletrack is available ed 53 participants and 12 instructors for skills clin- with nearby trail systems. ics and social activities lead by professional instruc- – Submitted by Lori Hauswirth tor, Lindsey Voreis. At the closing of 2013, about 32