FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Gunflint Trail to host its first competitive mountain biking event on October 7, 2023

Bearskin Lodge has organized a new event utilizing the challenging terrain of the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System

July 18, 2023 – Grand Marais, Minn. – The Gunflint Scramble, a new mountain bike event, is coming to the Gunflint Trail. Bearskin Lodge & Outfitters located on the Gunflint Trail is organizing a bike race utilizing some of the renowned cross-country ski trails that are a part of the Central Gunflint Ski Trail network as well as gravel roads.

The Central Gunflint Ski Trail System features over 70km 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.

“The variability of terrain and elevation change makes this trail network very desirable for riding,” said Quinn McCloughan, owner of Bearskin Lodge. “Our trails are both challenging and incredibly beautiful. We can’t wait to share it with new riders.”

The new event will be the first competitive bike race to occur on the Gunflint Trail. Registration this first year will be limited to only 100 riders to preserve the solitude of the wilderness experience and strategically grow the event.

“We’re excited to add this race to a great collection of bike races 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 Lutsen99er in June, there is an event for every ability and style!”

On the 20-mile 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/

###

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.

###