from the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
The 14th Annual Gitchi-Gami North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2014. The recreational bike ride will once again begin and end in beautiful Gooseberry Falls State Park, located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, on scenic Hwy 61. The ride begins at 9 a.m. Riders are requested to depart by 10:30 a.m.
Because of road construction scheduled this summer, this year’s ride has some important changes from prior years. The “short” ride – 28 miles out and back on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, from Gooseberry through historic Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, continuing to the rest stop at the Beaver Bay trailhead, and returning on the trail – will take place as usual. However, the “medium” (37 mile) and “long” (55 mile) loops will not be options this year, due to road construction north and east of Beaver Bay and in Silver Bay.
We are offering an alternative “medium” ride – 34 miles, which will take riders out and back on the newest Gichi-Gami State Trail (GGST) trail segment from Beaver Bay to Silver Bay. Because the trail is not complete from the Beaver Bay end to Highway 61, this route will entail a mile of gravel road – ½ mile each way — on the West Road. The trail from Beaver Bay to Silver Bay is mainly uphill going out and downhill on the return. This route may appeal to riders who want a little more “hill work,” or those with mountain bikes or cross bikes who enjoy riding on surfaces other than asphalt.
But to entice bikers to come on the ride, we have also made special arrangements for this year only. All riders will have the opportunity to visit and tour Split Rock Lighthouse, including the maritime and shipwreck museum and lighthouse keeper’s house, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. The 104-year-old lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark, within Split Rock State Park — right off of the GGST at the top of the park drive. Entry will be free with your ride registration (the usual cost is $9).
We will also provide information about Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, including recommended hiking, to maximize your enjoyment of the two magnificent state parks along the GGST that will have free admission for registered riders on ride day.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the Beaver Bay rest stop and post-ride. Mechanical, emergency and sag support will be provided. All adult riders will receive special t-shirts, and younger riders will receive water bottles.
All riders must sign waivers and wear helmets. Registration postmarked by August 1 is $30. Registration thereafter is $35. Registration for a child under 15 years old is $5 with a paid adult.
For mail-in registration, click on the REGISTER BY MAIL link,
print the form, sign, and send with your check. For secure online registration, click on the REGISTER ONLINE link. Payment is by credit card via secure PayPal website.
Questions? Contact Bill Blank at [email protected], or 218-370-1003.
