The Gunflint Scramble mountain bike race returns along with a brand new bikepacking event
Bearskin Lodge is encouraging riders to explore the challenging terrain of the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System and surrounding area
August 27, 2024 – Grand Marais, Minn. – On October 5, 2024 the Gunflint Scramble mountain bike event returns to the Gunflint Trail. The race hosted by Bearskin Lodge & Outfitters utilizes cross-country ski trails as well as gravel roads in the central Gunflint Trail area.
“The variability of terrain makes this trail network very desirable for riding,” said Quinn McCloughan, owner of Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. “Our trails are both challenging and incredibly beautiful. We can’t wait to share it with people who like to get out and ride before the season wraps up.”
The Central Gunflint Ski Trail System features over 70 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and is best known for its world-class trail system and superior grooming that attracts visitors from around the region. The trail network is located on U.S. Forest Service land and is managed by Bearskin Lodge & Outfitters and Golden Eagle Lodge and Outfitters. In 2019, Bearskin saw the potential of the ski trails for summer use and worked with the US Forest Service to allow mountain biking on the trails.
“This is a rider-focused community event,” continued McCloughan. Kicking off the event, there will be a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the local youth mountain biking club. The race will remain intimate with a 100-rider registration cap and riders should be prepared to be self-supported. “These trails border the boundary waters canoe area wilderness, we felt it was important to preserve that wilderness experience by limiting the number of participants in order to retain that sense of peace and solitude that is sought out in the area.”
In continuing to foster a growing cross-country riding community, Bearskin is also offering a new event, Intro to Bikepacking from September 6-8, 2024. Limited to less than a dozen participants, this event welcomes all skill levels to experience a multi-day cross-country riding and camping adventure with the help of an experienced rider and guide.
“Both of these events are a great addition to the collection of bike events throughout the year,” said Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County. “Each event has its own unique personality, from the wintery Norpine Fat Bike Classic in January to the gravel grinder Le Grand Du Nord in May to the endurance mountain bike Lutsen 99er in June, there is an event for every ability and style!”
On the 20-mile Gunflint Scramble course, participants can expect to find a mix of gravel roads, mowed ski trails, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning boreal forest views. For more information on the event, visit: https://gunflintscramble.com/
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Visit Cook County, Minnesota
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.” Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.
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A rider having fun at the inaugural event in 2023
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Linda Jurek Executive Director
