Gitchi-Gami Annual Trail Ride

The Eighth Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008. Our recreational bike ride will begin and end in beautiful Gooseberry Falls State Park. About 28 miles of our ride will be on the newly constructed Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST).

Bike riders will meet at Gooseberry Falls State Park, located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, on scenic US 61. Riders will need an Annual State Park vehicle sticker or a daily vehicle pass,(which will be provided by the GGTA). This permit is also good for other State Parks on this day only. Bikers should follow the park signs to reach the ride registration and parking areas.

Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue to 10:30 a.m. All riders are requested to depart by 10:30 a.m. We will again offer two rides: a 28 mile shorter trip and a longer 55 mile route. Both rides will follow the newly constructed GGST through Split Rock Light House State Park and along the North Shore to a rest stop in Beaver Bay, a distance of 14 miles. The longer route riders will then ride CO. Road 4 and the Lax Lake Road to Hwy 1; follow scenic Hwy 1 to a rest stop near Hwy 61; follow Hwy 61 to Silver Bay; bike through Silver Bay to CO. Road 4; follow #4 back to Beaver Bay and then the GGST back to the beginning.The shorter route riders will take a break at the Beaver Bay rest stop and then re-trace the GGST back to the beginning.

Our rides allow bikers to enjoy rest stops and to turn around at any spot along the way and to return to the starting point. Adult riders will receive a T-shirt regardless of the length of the ride that they have completed and the younger riders will receive a water bottle.

Registration before August 2 is $28 and $35 thereafter. Registration for children under 15 years old is $5 per child WITH a paid adult.

Pre-ride snacks and refreshments will be provided as well as after the ride. Mechanical, emergency, and sag support will be provided. All riders must wear helmets and complete and sign the disclaimer form. One form must be completed for each rider.

The GGTA extends a "BIG THANK YOU" to our ride sponsors: Arrowhead Electric, Blue Fin Bay Resort, Coop Light and Power, Cove Point Lodge, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association, Grand Marais Hotel Company, Lutsen Resort, North Shore Federal Credit Union, North Shore Mining, Grand Marais State Bank, Grand Superior Lodge and Superior North Outdoor Center.

Ride questions can be addressed to Charlie Michels at 218-226-3720 or by email to Annualride@GGTA.org. Bikers can check out our web site at www.GGTA.org for further information and to download forms. Completed forms and checks should be sent to GGTA, Post Office Box 74, Silver Bay, MN 55614.

Mark your calendars now and come join us for this fun and scenic ride through two of Minnesota's most beautiful State Parks.

Back to AnnualRide