UPMTBaka U. P. Mountain Biking

FREE

2018 PRINT EDITION

OVERNIGHT DELIGHTS

REGIONAL LINES

IT’S FOR THE KIDS

THIS IS YOUR RIDE GUIDE

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PublisherBob Hendrickson

EditorRyan LaBar

Ad RepJon Andrus Becker

Contributing WritersLori Hauswirth

Danny HillRyan LaBar

Rhonda LassilaLaura MacDonald

Marc NortonSam Raymond

Trail Write-up Contributions: Kyle Lindstom Bill Quigley

Contributing PhotographersChris Guibert, dabeachcabin.comAndy Gregg, bikefurniture.com

Chris Schmidt, xmatic.comJeff Wolf, jeffwolfphoto.com

UPMTB x-files

Center Spread Credit: Jeff Wolf, jeffwolfphoto.com

Cover Creditgraphic design Ryan LaBarphoto credit Chris Guibert

This issue is dedicated to:Keeping the Rubber Side Down

--Gratuities Appreciated

--©2018 U.P. Mountain Biking™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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 publication ofMicrocosm Adventures, L.L.C.

--U.P. Mountain Biking Negaunee, MI 49866 www.upmtb.com

--Some of the activities covered in U.P. Mountain Biking may carry significant risk. We recom-mend abstaining from these activities if you are not qualified. We assume no responsibility for

your actions.

Just Wandering Through4 - Let’s Take a Rode Trip Are we there yet?

7 - Hey, Let’s Build Some Trails NTN making things happenin’

Publisher’s Note:Another season of dirt is upon us. What are you going to do with it? It’s your choice. Summer is short up here. Get after it!

Cover: Pete Karinen getting vertical on Red Trail, Copper Harbor photo: Chris Guibert

In This Issue:

Trail 1 - Rider 0

Don’t Go Down that Trail

Silver Bike Surfer

So Many Stories, So Little Space19 - Events, Events, Events Take your pick, or pick your...

20 - Stay the Night or Two Don’t forget your toothbrush

22 - Not a Drive Thru Town Anymore The little bike park on the hill

We Double Dog Dare You13 - Dirt Season Challenge Nobody won last season,let’s do it again

14 - It Takes a Village with Trails Kids on bikes are awesome!

UPMTBaka U. P. Mountain Biking

The following is not an all inclusive list. The trail information was provided to UPMTB by the respective region’s DNR, chamber of commerce, tourism associations or council, U.S. Forest Service, local mountain bike club, and by our own personal experiences.

EASTERN UPPER PENINSULADrummond Island

Location: Drummond Island, the eastern most point of the Upper Peninsula, is the largest freshwater island in the United States. The island contains over 87,000 acres with well over 100 miles of terrain to explore. There is also a technical riding area called Turtle Ridge which is a limestone out cropping that allows numerous routes and trial challenges. For those freeriders look-ing for a challenge this is the place to go. Island trail guide books are available at the Drummond Island Resort & Conference Cen-ter, 906.493. 1000 or 800.999.6343 or call the Drummond Island Tourism Association at 906.493.5245 or 800.737.8666.

Canada Lakes Pathway, Luce CountyLocated 5.5 miles southeast of Newberry via M-123 & Co. Rd.

403, the Canada Lakes Pathway offers 14 miles of trails broken

into three loops. Although the soil is a little on the sandy side, the trails are well used and a stable tread winds it way through a jack pine for forest and on the back loop it climbs into a hard-wood forest before looping around back to the trailhead. The ride is easy to moderate, sometimes a little dusty when dry but really nice just after rain fall. It is a marked DNR trail system and a rec-reation passport is required. For more information contact the DNR Newberry Field Office at 906.293.3293 or search for it on the Michigan DNR website: www.michigan dnr.com

Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Schoolcraft County

Boarded by Highways M-28 & M-77, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to take the family or if you looking for a mellow ride through some of the most diverse wetlands in the Upper Peninsula. This place isn’t about epic trails. It’s about getting into nature, taking a relaxing cruise on the dirt/gravel roads which are only open to automobiles one-way, and checking out some truly unique U.P. wilderness.

Comprised mainly of wetlands, the Seney Wildlife Refuge is home to all types of native animals and migratory birds. The land is managed for wildlife. Water levels on over 7000 acres are regu-

Park the Car, Get on the Bike...

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lated using a system of spillways and dikes. Cyclists can see this management system first hand as they pedal along the streams and pools. The visitor center is located near the town of Germ-fask off Hwy M-77. It is open daily from May 15-Ocotber 15 from 9am-5pm. Exhibits, and orientation show and friendly staff will help you get started with your visit, for more information call 906.586.9851 or online at www.fws.gov/refuge/seney.

CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULABruno’s Run Trail, Alger County

Bruno’s Run Trail is located approximately 11miles south of Highway M-28 on Forest Highway 13. The trail may be accessed from Widewater and Pete’s Lake campgrounds, as well as Forest Highway 13 at Moccasin Lake and Forest Road 2173 at Grassy Lake. Limited parking is available at each site.

The trail offers a nine mile loop ideal for advance beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. Described by many as an enchant-ing trail it winds its way past small lakes, over rolling hills and along ridge tops and valleys. For more information call the Mu-nising District Ranger Station at 906.387.3700.

Valley Spur Mountain Bike Trails, Alger CountyThe Valley Spur Mountain Bike Trail System is located five

miles southwest of Munsing on Highway M-94 and is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The Friends of Valley Spur are the care-takers of the system. The trails offer riding opportunities from be-

UPMTB Bicycle Shop DirectorySault Ste. Marie:

Pro Sports, 2621 Ashmun St., 906.632.8161Newberry:

S&J Sports, 317 Newberry Ave., 906.293.9330Munising:

South Bay Outfitters, 209 Maple St., 574.70.3811Marquette:

Downwind Sports, 514 N. Third St., 906.226.7112Lakeshore Bike, 505 Lakeshore Blvd., 906.228.7547Quick Stop Bike Shop, 1100 N. Third St., 906.225.1577Revolutions, 130 W. Washington St., 906.235.0412Sports Rack, 315 W. Washington, 906.225.1766The Flying Moose, 351 W. Washington St., 906.273.2246

Keweenaw Peninsula:Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak St., Calumet, 906.337.4520Downwind Sports, 308 Sheldon Ave., Houghton, 906.482.2500Hancock Bike Shop, 115 Quincy St., Hancock, 906.482.5234Keweenaw Adventure Co., Copper Harbor, 906.289.4303Rhythm, 418 Shelden Ave., Houghton, 906.487.9500

Gladstone/Escanaba:Beaten Path, 1015 Lundington, Esacanaba, 906.789.6220Brampton Bike & Ski, 910 Delta Ave., Gladstone, 906.428.2135Mr. 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

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ginner to intermediate. It offers four loops that provide 26-miles of marked trail. Riders travel through northern hardwood forests, meadows, past lakes, hemlock groves and giant white pine stands. For more information call the Munising District Ranger Station at 906.387.3700 or online at www.valleyspur.org.

Grand Island, Alger CountyGrand Island is a Congressionally-designated National Recre-

ation Area (NRA) located in Munising Bay for recreational pur-suits. The island contains 22-square miles of land with 300’ sand-stone cliffs on the north side, beaches and historical buildings. For more information call the Munising District Ranger Station at 906.387.3700 or online at www.grandislandmi.com.

Noquemanon Trails Network, Marquette CountyThe Noquemanon Trails Network is a 501c3 organization ded-

icated to developing, maintaining, signing and mapping non-mo-torized trail networks throughout Marquette County. The multi-use trail system is being created to connect communities, foster stewardship and draw tourism. The NTN feels a trail network is an important asset to the health of the residents and economy.

A jewel of the NTN system is the South Trails of Marquette. This multi-loop system offers great mountain bike singletrack. The trailhead is located just off County Road 553 just south of the City of Marquette and just before the downhill ski area Marquette Mountain. For more information go to www.noquetrails.org.

Range Mountain Bike Trails, West Marquette CountyThe Range Mountain Bike Trails are located in and around the

cities of Ishpeming and Negaunee. It has marked and un-marked trails that are easily accessible via Highway US-41. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail runs between the two communities. This paved greenway connects the two communities and allows access to several trails within the location called Old Town.

The best way to experience the Range Mountain Bike Trails is to join up on an open ride on Wednesday evenings leaving at 6:30pm from Cognition Brewery, Ishpeming. For more informa-tion go to https://ramba-public.sharepoint.com or Facebook.

SOUTH-CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULADays River Trail System, Delta County

Located about five miles north of Gladstone, the Days River Trail System offers riders a looped run of up to nine miles. With scenic lookouts and rolling hills this is one of the more popular trail systems in the south central U.P. The trails are well marked with four loops from two miles to nine miles. Several intercon-neciting singletrack trails add some mix the system. For more in-formation contact Brampton Bike & Ski at 906.428.2138 or online at www.michigan.org/property/days-river-pathway

cont. from page 5

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Iron Mountain, Dickinson CountyDickinson County is located in the south central section of the

Upper Peninsula. Mountain biking and hiking trails are available at most state forest campgrounds and county property. Specific trail information includes:

Fumee Lake Natural Area: Fumee is a wildlife area that is only minutes from downtown Iron Mountain and contains both dou-ble and single track trails. It can be accessed from both the Iron Mountain and Norway sides of the area. It contains double track trails around Big Fumee (4.45 mi) and Little Fumee (1.55 mi) lakes. Built in the 1999 and 2000 the North Ridge (2.93 mi) and South Ridge (1.43 mi) singletrack trails have survived the test of time and are used on a daily basis. Currently these are the only 2 trails of dedicated single track in the county. The local Dickinson County bike path group has been working on local routes in town and are currently working with the city of Norway to build the first single track trails since 2000. Fumee Lake Trail map http://fumeelakes.org/Fumee%20Lake%2011x17.pdf

Genes Pond: the 2.3 mile trails begins at the boat launch and travels to a scenic overlook and through wildlife openings.

Iron Mountain City Park: This trail system offers four loops to-taling 3.5 km with east to difficult paths. These wide trails are used as ski trails in the winter as well as running a biking in the sum-mer months.There are several other trail head in this area. For more information call the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area at 906.774.2002, or www.dickinsonchamber.com

-Submitted by Kyle Lindstrom

NORTHERN UPPER PENINSULAHoughton/Hancock/Calumet, Houghton County

Houghton/Hancock offers a variety of trails and terrain for mountain biking. Using an old railroad grade, bikers can start in Chassell, ride along Portage Lake to Houghton, cross the lift bridge to Hancock and continue on the grade to Calumet, the to-tal distance being more than 25 miles.

But there are a lot of interesting loop systems in-between and at both ends. The Chassell ski trail offers 10K of mostly wooded single track. Moderate elevation changes suited toward beginner to intermediate riders. You can find the trail one block west of town. Follow the signs off US-41 for the ski trail.

In Houghton, the Michigan Tech Trails offer a variety of chal-lenges, from beginner loops to expert dirt jumping & technical features. The stacked loop system is located just south of the MTU campus off US-42 turn on McInnes Drive. Follow the road up the hill and past the football field and turn on to Sharon Drive. Look for the water tank and turn left. Take the dirt road to the trail head.

One of the gems of the area is the Maasto Hiihto Trail/Churning Rapids Trail Systems which offer scenic views of the Swedetown Creek Gorge, dramatic up-hills and down hills, plenty of single-track and a rhythm pump-style track section that is sure to bring a smile. The trailhead is behind the Houghton County Arena in Hancock.

The Swedetown Trails located near Calumet host the annual continued on pg 8

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NTN Singletrack UPdateThe year was 2001 and Marquette, Michigan is rec-

ognized in Bike Magazine as a Top 5 Place to Live and Ride. When determining the top 5 places factors sited included quality of riding, riding season, job market, affordable housing, and cycling culture. In 2001, Mar-quette was already on the map for all of the above. Flash forward 17 years. Is Marquette still a Top Place to Live and Ride? Arguably, heck yes as a person who just re-located back to Marquette but the area is also enjoying status as a top trail destination thanks to extensive pro-motion of our world-class trails by Travel Marquette and coming off of hosting the 2018 Bike Magazine Bike Bible Testing in October, 2017. Many current residents will site the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) as a prima-ry reason they have chosen to make Marquette County home, employers are using the trails for talent recruit-ment, and visitors are making repeated trips to explore the region’s trails.

Marquette has become an outstanding example of trails influencing and building community as daily resi-dent activities, local business success, and visitor expe-riences have become intimately intertwined. Unfortu-nately, in a community such as ours, people often don’t

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Great Deer Chase mountain bike race in mid-August. It is home to some 20+ miles of sweet flowy singletrack and is a system that will challenge the beginner or intermediate. And for experts, a few more challenging trails have been build over the past couple seasons. For more information on these trails call Cross Country Sports at 906.337.4520 or go online to www.keweenawtrails.com.

Copper Harbor, Keweenaw CountySome of the most unique mountain biking in all the Midwest

is located in Michigan’s northern-most resort community, Cop-per Harbor. The narrow finger of land known as the Keweenaw Peninsula extends nearly 70-miles north and east into the center of the world’s largest fresh water sea, Lake Superior. The Keween-aw’s northern tip is particular is a geographic anomaly consisting of a series of spiny ridges and undulating valleys amidst some of the oldest exposed rock in the world outside the Grand Canyon.

The rocky, rugged terrain and sustained elevation changes in-clude a multitude of singletrack climbs and descents that are up to 550’ vertical over the course of up to three-miles at a time and are comparable to the western-like mountains biking experience... some even say “BC-esque.”

The singletrack trails wind over exposed bedrock, extensive cedar planked bridges and boardwalks, and through enchanted Boreal Forest, along the scene vistas above Lake Superior with bermed switchbacks, edges of hidden canyons, scenic streams

and historic locations. For more info on the Copper Harbor Trail System go online to www.copperhabortrails.org.

-Submitted by Sam Raymond

WESTERN UPPER PENINSULAAdventure Mine Trails, Ontonagon County

Located in little town of Greenland, the Adventure Mine Trails host the annual Miner’s Revenge, early July, mountain bike race where participants race on a five mile cross country loop that even goes through one of the mine drifts. Literally “underground” rac-ing at its best.

These are very rugged and technical trails, but also have a two-track road system that winds through the mine are where founda-tions of the old mine structures can still be seen. Even if the trails are too technical this is a great stop to discover some of the history of the Upper Peninsula while in route to the Porcupine Mountains. For more info online go to www.adventureminetours.com.

Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon CountyThe Porcupine Mountain on the western north shore of the

Upper Peninsula offers some great easy riding along the cross-country ski trails there, but plans are underway to expand singletrack options at the downhill ski area located on the east

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NTN Singletrack UPdate Cont.

recognize how things are interconnected and the high level of volunteer commitment and funding needed to sustain quality trails. Not to mention the years of sweat and tears that have gone into building the extensive NTN network. Trail related events such as the Marquette Trails Fest and Marji Gesick or programs such as 906 Adven-ture Team just wouldn’t be possible without the extensive trail infrastructure. But how do you and I make sure trail organizations such as the NTN continue to thrive? Get involved through NTN membership as a local or a visi-tor, as a business sponsor, as a volunteer, or by helping introduce potential supporters to the NTN organization. Every little bit helps including simply sharing your trail experiences via social media with the hashtags of #ntn-trails, #ntnevents, #northtrails, and #southtrails.

Going into 2018, the NTN has hired me as their new Executive Director to help guide the organization in the coming years. Behind the scenes this Spring, stra-tegic planning with the board of directors is the prior-ity to help better align activities to mission, but on the frontlines the NTN (your NTN) is also looking forward to work on the ground including ongoing trail main-

tenance, completion of the Yellow Trail that meanders rolling terrain south of Marquette Mountain Ski Area, fundraising for construction of a much needed vaulted toilet at the South Trailhead, and ongoing improvements to the North Trails. In between these activities is an ex-tensive calendar of NTN and other events, some that directly support the NTN mission, a few that donate to the trails, and others that utilize the NTN trails. Another busy season ahead. Whether you are here for good or here for the weekend, if you have ideas for the trails or input for the NTN board, please reach out. Live and Ride Marquette!

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side of the park. The first singletrack trail under development is Log Jammin.

The 21 miles of designated mountain bike trails offers loops ranging from 1.5 to 10.5 miles long. Riders can expect rugged terrain, incredible vistas and abundant wildlife viewing op-portunities. For more info online go to www.porcupinemoun-tains.com

Wolverine & Copper Peak Mountain Bike Trail Systems, Gogebic County

Located on the far west end of the Upper Peninsula near the town of Ironwood, the Wolverine Mountain Bike Trail Sys-tem has an extensive loop system built on private land and privately owned. It is open to non-motorized use only. It has a mixture of technical singletrack and wide cross-country ski trails. Please observe signage as some of the ski trail system is closed in the summer.

The Powers Trail System is a fun network that has a mix of two track, single track and gravel roads. There is around 25 miles of trails total. Some of the trail is shared with ORVS and horses but generally a nice quite place to go ride. It is an easy trail system to get lost on so make sure to carry a map: www.getaroundwup.org/non-motorized/maps/gogebic-county/

The newest trail system on the western Upper Peinsula is Copper Peak Trails. These are modern Flow style trails with great views and a lot of elevation change. They are located at the Copper Peak Ski Jump just off Copper Peak Road north of Ironwood. These trails are open but in progress so use caution.

Currently there is about six miles of ride able single track that winds down a valley along Black river then up the back side of Copper Peak Ski jump with the last two miles being a fun downhill section. These trails would be rated at an interme-diate level. Maps should be available by mid-summer at the trail head and at Hobby Wheel.  Check out copperpeak.com for updates.

Also located within the town of Ironwood is the Miners Memorial Heritage Park which offer and easy 2.6-mile loop taking riders past historic mine sites and interruptive markers. There is a section of the trail that is two-way traffic. This sys-tem is more of a tour and trail etiquette needs to be followed.

For more information of mountain bike opportunities in the Western Upper Peninsula contact Hobby Wheel at 906.932.3332 or go online to www.westernup.info.

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XX Best Trails- Check ListApple Sauce, CalumetA good, classic singletrack ride.

Downtown, Copper HarborThis gnarly descent has a solid mix of features.

Garden Brook, Copper HarborSmooth and flowing. Now with optional jumps.

Paul’s Plunge, Copper HarborA rough, hard-charging plunge.

Red Trail, Copper HarborClassic Copper Harbor

Dangerous Curves, GreenlandName says it all, really. Pucker up.

Great Oaks, HancockSwooping singletrack sure to cause grins

Don’t Think, HoughtonFlow trail for all skill levels. Go as big as you dare.

Outer Limits, HoughtonFast and smooth. Both directions are equally fun.

Copper Peak, IronwoodSwitchbacky climb up, amazing view, long swoopy down

Grand View, IshpemingTake it all in, upper ridge line of Suicide Ski Bowl

Carroll Jackson, IshpemingBuilt by Carroll Jackson, named in memory of

Doctor’s Trail, MarquetteFun flow.

Lowes Trail, MarquetteLong mixed descent.

McLovin, MarquetteRock-face riding at its best.

Split Tree, MarquetteClassic Marquette flow.

Scary, MarquetteSteep and swoopy.

Your Mom, MarquetteOld-school all-mountian.

Bruno’s Run, Munising, Hiawatha National Forest Beautiful 9-mile singletrack loop in U.P. backcountry

Munising Bike Park, MunisingMachine-built flow, bridge features, sweet loop in town

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Getting Kids on Bikes906 Adventure Team

Few things embody childhood, independence, and the drive to reach beyond our current capabilities more than riding a bike. In a sense, bikes have always been a catalyst in shaping many of us as individuals as we ex-perienced our first taste of freedom in choosing which roads or trails to take.

Building upon this youthful love of cycling and the desire to shape kids into healthier and more balanced individuals, 906 Adventure Team, a nonprofit cycling or-ganization, has brought together an entire community of passionate cycling enthusiasts wanting more for not just their own kids – but all kids.

From its inception as a small group of like-minded individuals looking for cycling opportunities for indi-viduals at all skill levels, 906 Adventure Team has grown into an orchestrated assembly of volunteer leadership, coaches, and families shaping 300 plus youth across Marquette County and beyond. The 2018 Governor’s Fitness Awards Extraordinary Organization of the Year, 906 Adventure Team has set its sights on expanding its programs throughout the entire Upper Peninsula in the years to come.

Today, through a series of after-school mountain bike clubs, summertime Adventure Bike Club, family night rides and high school racing teams, the organiza-

tion is working to get kids moving and build the cama-raderie so many kids are lacking. Add to that chances for kids to challenge themselves on an individual and team level, access to nutrition education and activities instill-ing values of trail and environmental stewardship as well as opportunities for community involvement, these kids are finding balance both on and off the bike.

“All of this work would not be possible without the tremendous support of all of the volunteer leadership, coaches, families, youth and supporting organizations that have helped to make what we do possible,” said Todd Poquette, President of 906 Adventure Team. “The num-ber of kids we’re able to reach is directly impacted by the support we receive. We are grateful for the tremendous community support we’ve received and hope that we can continue to grow this program throughout the entire Upper Peninsula. We want to see every kid that wants to (or needs to) get moving has access to these opportuni-ties.”

As the success of the 906 Adventure Team pro-gram continues to grow, so does the number of inquiries into the organization asking for help for individual kids (needing a bike or mentor) as well as entire communi-ties seeking to develop their own youth programs. To support its mission, the organization has been applying for grants, outlining new opportunities for individuals and businesses to support youth programs, as well has hosting several unique races that draw locals as well as

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tourists out to the trails. The organization hosts several intense races –Marji Gesick (an extreme 50- and 100-mile race/run), 906 Polar Roll (part of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series), and HAMR (a hybrid gravel ride and adventure race). Each of these events helps support trail management as well as 906 Adventure Team youth ac-tivities through a portion of race proceeds.

Whether they are putting together one of their limit-challenging endurance races or teaching a kid how to fix his or her chain, 906 Adventure Team is help-ing the U.P. keep pedaling in the right direction. And, through mutually beneficial partnerships with many key organizations including the Range Area Mountain Bike Association (RAMBA) and Noquemanon Trail Net-work (NTN), they are utilizing valuable resources and making sure the community as a whole benefits. If you want to help support youth programs or seek opportu-nities to challenge your own capabilities, 906 Adven-ture Team has something for you. To learn more, visit www.906adventureteam.com

Start the Cycle, Marquette CountyThe Start The Cycle Bike Team, now beginning their

6th season, has a lot to be proud of. Having competed in 5 Ore To Shore races, all 4 of the 906 Polar Roll fat tire bike races, all 3 of the Iron Range Rolls, 2 Winter NTN Wild Side fat tire bike races and 2 CycloCross events, all together we have had over 150 finish line crossings. 2018 is gearing up to be our best year yet!

We are happy to announce the addition of a Mo-bile Unit/Trailer! The mobile unit will not only provide transportation and storage of equipment, but will serve at the local trailheads as our riding basecamp. A work-bench being built and installed by North Oak Manufac-turing will make repairs and maintenance on the trail much more convenient. After achieving our own 501(c)3 Non-Profit status in 2016, donations, grants and spon-sorships have made it possible for our team to expand our outreach and be more mobile than ever.

Each year 10-14 new members are interviewed and selected for the Start The Cycle team. Orientation and in-door training/team building gets underway in April. The team is taught bike maintenance and repair, along with trail etiquette. Start The Cycle provides a bike, hydration pack, helmet, gloves, race and practice jerseys, padded riding pants and 20 weeks of trail riding with trained volunteer mentors. All of this is supplied by fundraising and donations and there is no charge to the participants.

The end of the season is marked by the completion of the 28 mile Ore To Shore Mountain Bike Race in Au-gust. Once the team members cross the finish line, they get to keep all of the equipment. Next there is opportu-nity to be selected for the Winter Fat Tire Bike Team and

if they keep their equipment in satisfactory condition for the following year, they are invited to take their place as a returning team member to set new goals and mentor our new team members.

Look for our new mobile unit at local trailheads and biking events! Volunteers and team members will be happy to give you a tour. And remember, our team members are trained to help you with tire repairs, bro-ken or dirty chains, or just a friendly smile!

Start The Cycle would like to Thank our volunteers, mentors, sponsors and donors for their continued sup-port and making this all possible. Together, we are Build-ing Community through Biking!

HOTSHEETRaces:June 16: Keweenaw Tread Fest: 12 &25 mile XC races, youth races, contact: MichiganTechRecreation.com

June 22-24: Marquette Trails Festival, cross country, gravity events, youth events, for more info: marquettetrailsfest.com

July 14-15: Miner’s Revenge Mountain Bike Race, 1/3 mile underground, for more info: minersrevenge.com

August 11: Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, 48-mile and 28-mile races, youth events, info: oretoshore.com

August 18: The Great Deer Chase, 17.5 & 27-mile cross country races, 3 & 4.5-mile youth races, contact: greatdeerchase.org

Labor Day Weekend: Bell’s Copper Harbor Trails Festival, Michigan’s northern-most MTB event: copperharbortrails.org

September 22: Marji Gesick 100-mile & 50-mile self supported races, Marquette County, contact: 906adventureteam.com

September 29: Marquette Mountain Bike Enduro, enduro stage race, more info: marquetteenduro.com

Sept.-Nov: UPCROSS, cyclocross series, multi-venues; mulitple catagories; more info on Facebook UPCROSS

February, 2019: Polar Roll snow bike race, short & long, Mar-quette County, contact: 906adventureteam.com

Events:May 25-27: Ride the Keweenaw, organized group rides, multi-ventues contact: copperharbortrails.org or keweenawtrails.comJune 17-21: MTU Youth Mountain Bike Camp, featuring coach Brian Matter, ages 13-20, www.michigantechrecreation.com

Weekly Rides: Range Mountain Bike Association, Ishpeming: Wednesday, Cognition Brewery, 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, 6:30pm906.337.4520 or www.crosscountrysports.com, open groupKeweenaw Adventure, Copper Harbor: Thursday evening rides, for more info: keweenawadventure.com or call 906.289.4303Hobby Wheel, Ironwood: Tuesday evening group rides, call 906.932.3332

All events & rides: Helmets are mandatory!

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Top Five for... Overnight Bike Packing

First thing’s first: Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out. If you find someone else’s litter, pack it out too. Also: Make sure to research your trip prior This list is designed to be a starting point; things like trail access, campsites, and regulations can often change.

Negaunee to Big Eric’s Bridge Campground This out-and-back trip is less about singletrack and more about adventure and scenery. You’ll find big climbs and rowdy, rocky, two-track descents. All the roads here are on street maps, so it makes navigation easier (get a print map you won’t have cell reception). Start on County Rd 510 near the Dead River Basin. Make a left on Triple A Rd then a right on North Western Rd (can be a trick to find) North West-ern will wind you through Dodge City and over the Huron Mountain Range (enjoy). You’ll eventually merge into Erick’s Rd, which will lead you to the state campground. Round trip is about 90 miles. Check out our ride-recap at upmtb.com Camping details at: michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/

Grand Island While not a “big” ride by any means, Grand Island offers beautiful views, good fishing, and loads of relaxation. Take the fairy out to the island ride the 20-mile perimeter loop can be done in 4-6 hours with some exploration time, but why not take it easy, get some fishing in and spend the night? It’d be a good idea to hit up the Munising Bay Trails or Bruno’s Run trails before or after the island. Fairy details: grandislandup.com

The GRAM The Great Ride Across Michigan. This annual group bike-packing trip, which is held the first weekend in May, is now in its 30th year. It starts in Germfask, MI and ends at Black Rocks Brewery in Marquette. Be ready for mud, snow, wind, rain, cold, and pain, but also be ready to party and have the time of your life. It’s largely a gravel-grinder, but due to the sloppy mix of conditions, a lot of riders opt for fatbikes. This ride will test you and put on the miles (about or above a 100) and empty more than a few cans. You could get a map and solo this ride too. If you’re considering this ride, talk to some of Marquette’s local shops first for route/event details and stories (there are many).

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Drummond Island Similar in its nature to the Grand Island trip men-tioned here, this is more about the experience than the ground covered. Turtle Ridge Off-road Park contains 300 acres of off-road trails. The park’s large stair-stepping slabs of limestone rock makes the riding on Drummond Island unlike anywhere else in the U.P.. Most of the trails double as Jeep/ORV trails, but max-speed limit is 25mph. Details available at: visitdrummondisland.com

Marquette South Trails to Harlow Lake Starting at the South Trail head take the Blue Loop around to the bottom of Doctor’s trail take the dirt road to the bike path and follow it along the lakeshore and turn left on Hawley St. then take a right on to Powder Mill road, fol-lowed by a quick left to cross over the pedestrian bridge and then dip under the road onto the North trails at the dead riv-er. Follow the North Trails climbing gently up to Forrestville Rd. Take Forrestville Rd out toward Harlow Lake and hang a right on Jedi Trail down to Climb Section 1 and then a left up Climb Trail. Once at the top, hang a right onto McLovin and take that down the lake. If your’e into “Glamping”, then check out the Little Presque Isle Cabins. They are nice, but rustic: michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/

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Superior Air! Da Play Zone! If you haven’t heard these “trail” names mentioned by fellow mountain bikers yet, it won’t be long before you do. The Munising Mountain Bike Park is getting great feedback from those who have hit the trails after they heard the news of the expansion of the Bike Park. If you have a great trail, it must have a name. Some-thing that can be shared with others as they share their ride –tell their stories…. Like the “awesome landings” and “crazy rock/wood obstacles mastered”.

Deemed by locals as a playground for mountain bik-ers, a place for riders of all ages and abilities to have some fun. The newest addition to the bike park is “Rock On!”, A 1000’ black diamond rock armored trail which is suited for the more advanced rider featuring gaps, steep decking, and of course punchy rocks. Future plans include expanding this trail to end near the bottom of the jump trail, “Superior Air”. This 1500’ jump trail features 21 rollers, 12 table top jumps, 5 large berm turns, and one massive (dirt to wood) bridge roller that takes you over the outer trail. The “Munising Bay loop” encompasses the entire bike park and provides access to the top of the other trails.

The 1000’ skills loop “Da Play Zone” has multiple wood/rock ride overs, 500’ of wooden-decked boardwalks, log rides, a teeter totter, a wood ramp/drop, rock drops, and multiple bridges. This trail system is connected to the park-ing lot/trailhead at the bottom of the hill located off M28 near Hillside Party Store by short connector trails (top and bottom) linked to the “Gateway Loop”. This one-way trail will be designated as an ADA trail once complete and is open for use in its current state for both hikers and bikers. Construc-tion of the parking lot is scheduled to be completed by June 15th. Bathroom amenities, picnic tables, a trail kiosk with trail maps, rules, and a park tool for immediate mechanical needs will be available to all trail users. Continue reading to learn about the other great places to ride in the Munising area.

Within the Hiawatha National Forest:Valley Spur Recreation Area (VSRA) offers approxi-

mately 11.5 miles of singletrack to date. With logging behind

Munising Bay Trail UPdateus, construction is planned to continue this season to com-plete the approximately 13 mile loop. The trail begins from the parking lot and is fun, flowy and family friendly. Ad-ditionally, there are 26 miles of two track trail within VSRA. Additional signage will be added this season to help users navigate the accessible two track trails if they are looking to make shorter loops by mixing the singletrack and two track trails.

Bruno’s Run Hiking/Mountain Biking Trail is a 10 mile loop trail that offers outstanding scenery including small lakes and streams along the trail, with a variety of trees and other plants. It is located down Forest Highway 13 (~10 miles south of M28 from Wetmore) with trailheads at Moc-casin Lake Rest Area, Pete’s Lake Day Use Area and Widewa-ters Campground. Several reroutes have been completed in the past few years which has improved the trail and created a safer and more sustainable trail.

Grand Island features 40 miles of roads and trails that take you along cliff tops and past secluded beaches and his-toric sites. Spend a few hours or the whole day on one of the most beautiful islands on Lake Superior.

For more information on the trails located within the Hiawatha National forest, including detailed trail maps, con-tact the Munising Ranger District Center, 400 E. Munising Ave. or call 906-387-3700.

Munising Bay Trail Network is extremely thrilled to have many new trails for all to enjoy. It’s been a massive effort from a few dedicated individuals. We are very thank-ful for the tremendous amount of support we have received from the land owners and all our supporters. The bike park expansion was made possible by the Sault Tribe of Chippe-wa Indians/CDC through Partners to Improve Community Health grant funding (PICH). Many local businesses have really stepped up to the plate to help fund our efforts and we are very thankful for that. Please patronize these support-ers when you are in the area and let them know how much you enjoy the trails (sponsors will be listed at the trailhead kiosk).

If you are a runner, we will be hosting the 43rd renewal of the Pictured Rocks Road Race half marathon and 10k on June 24 (Sunday). It’s one of our largest fundraising efforts and all money earned goes back into creating more trails for our community. MBTN is proud to be improving the health of our community one trail at a time.

For more information on trail conditions, visit mbtn.org and our Facebook page.

Hope to see you all on the trails.

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Carrollisms: “Always, Jesus hates a coward.”

“I turned something down once, I regretted it ever since.”“Friday night bible studies, Sunday church rides.”

“Got any bad habits?”“Let’s see where this goes.”

RAMBA UPdate Annual IMO Ride for Carroll Jackson

On Wednesday, June 6, the Range Mountain Bike Association will be hosting a memorial ride in honor of founding member Carroll Jackson who passed away on June 4, 2014 during a mountain bike ride on a trail that he just completed building.

The ride will start at 6:30pm with a social time and favorite beverages after. Come and share your favorite stories, laugh, cry and remember a true mountain biker.

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RAMBA has big changes happening on the Westend of Marquette County. A ribbon cutting happened at their new trailhead this past October, formerly known as the Howard Oil Building and now renamed The HOB. The new trailhead is lo-cated at the corner of Malton Road and US Bus 28, easy access will be available heading South off of US 41 on Malton Road for 1.5 miles.

Through a grant from the Western Marquette Health Foundation, RAMBA has begun a new mapping and signing project which should be complete this summer. The days of getting lost on the Westend of RAMBA’s 72 miles of singletrack should be a thing of the past, Hallelujah! Also coming this Summer to The HOB will be a technical skills park and pump track, construction is to begin May 1st. As soon as the snow decides to leave RAMBA has plans for three new trail sections to be built and added to the system in time for the Marji Ge-sick!

What hasn’t changed is the Westend Wednesday Night

Rides, they currently depart from Cognition Brewery at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and beginning June 6th the time chang-es permanently to 6:30 so local bike shop owners and crew can make the rides. RAMBA encourages all skill levels to attend their ride as there is a group for everyone. The Sunday “Church Ride” will also continue, leaving from Cognition Brewery at 10:00 a.m., this ride tends to be geared toward intermediate to advanced riders. Come check out what RAMBA has to offer, see you on the trails!

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The Chase is On!Once again, the Swedetown Trails Club will be

serving up some delicious singletrack in the 14th running of the Aspirus Great Deer Chase on Sat-urday, August 18, 2018. The course features well over 50% of its distance on the twisty, flowy single track for which Swedetown is famous. Take note: the 29-mile course isn’t much longer than the O2S short course, but the tight, twisty nature of the sin-gle track and all the short ups and downs will tax your strength. The race features the U.P. Singlespeed Championship, categories for fat bikes, and the usu-al age divisions for geared bikes.

After the race, downtown Calumet will be serving up the staple of miners – the pasty. Pasty Fest has moved to Deer Chase weekend and local purveyors of the preponderant pastry will be in Agassiz Park to take care of hungry Deer Chasers. More details regarding Pasty Fest can be found on-line at mainstreetcalumet.com.

As with most mountain bike events in the U.P., this race is the way funds are raised to build, maintain, sign and promote the Swedetown Trails.

Whether you are looking for your first race or you are a pro, we hope you will support our efforts and accept the challenge of chasing Bambo this year.

One of our projects planned for this summer is a bermed, flow trail paralleling the Burly Trail. We’re hoping this will be done before the Deer Chase. Whether it will be incorporated in the race is not yet determined.

Other new trail projects to be done in future seasons : a flow trail starting on top of Tower Hill; a flow style trail from McGunn Pond to the M-203 trailhead; singletrack continuing from the new Tower Hill trail to Farmer’s Well on the south por-tion of the trail system and the addition of a single-track loop in the Tamarack Location area.

Maintenance projects for 2018: Continued rock armoring of certain spots of the Burly Trail and Farmer’s Well Trail. A grant was received from the Portage Health Foundation, which along with proceeds from the 13 previous Deer Chases, will be used to repair a portion of the main road that bisects the trail system. This repair will allow bet-ter access for less aggressive riders or runners to the sustainable 2-track ski trails.

Come on up and try out the trails! Fees are not charged for summer trail use as we rely solely on do-nations and support of the race. Our goal is to keep the trails open and accessible to everyone. If you’re able to support the trail system we thank you.

Places on the web to find us: www.swedetown-trails.org; www.greatdeerchase.org; or Facebook.com – Great Deer Chase or Swedetown Trails.

Area information may be found at mainstreet-calumet.com or Keweenaw.info

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The wheels of progress continue to roll forward in Copper Harbor. Completion of Phase II of the Keweenaw Point Trail (KPT) was the largest accom-plishment of 2017 – a “dream trail” in the making since 2002, the KPT now extends from the Harbor to High Rock Bay near the Peninsula’s tip at Keweenaw Point. Grant Township submitted a Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grant application on behalf of the non-profit Copper Harbor Trails Club (CHTC) in April to secure funding for Phase III development, which will be the longest, most expensive and final phase of the project.

The CHTC is in the midst of a campaign to raise $75,000 as a local match to fund the nearly $500,000 Phase III development. If awarded, work on Phase III could begin as soon as 2019 – please visit copper-harbortrails.org for updates and to learn how you can support the project! When completed, the KPT will represent a 30+ mile human-powered trail loop trail that will showcase the pristine wilderness along Lake Superior’s shore within the heart of the Keweenaw. As a creative fundraising and public relations endeavor, the CHTC has worked with the Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC) of Houghton to launch the “Point Trail Ale” in the fall of 2017. A portion of every six pack and barrel sold is being donated by the KBC to support the CHTC fundraising campaign.

The CHTC received notice in November that its Executive Director of five years, Lori Hauswirth, had accepted a similar position with the Noqeme-non Trails Association in Marquette. Lori helped to take things to the next level and left her mark with the CHTC as a result of her efforts to maintain and expand upon Copper Harbor’s world-class mountain bike trail status on a number of fronts. The Club is thankful for Lori’s leadership and dedication for the trails and wishes her the best for her new position! Fortunately, there was an excellent pool of candidates to choose from to fill her position and the Club ex-pects to have the new person in place by May.

In other news, Copper Harbor is working on get-ting into the winter bike game. With the help of the Copper Harbor Improvement Association and the Ke-weenaw Snowmobile Club, Copper Harbor residents have brought back the popular Brockway Mountain Challenge and are now doing it on Fat Bikes instead of XC skis! The first year of this event was hosted in March and was a great success with participants and sponsors alike. Currently winter is coming to an end but plans are being made for the 2018-2019 season. Please follow the Brockway Mountain Challenge page on Facebook for more information.

Significant happenings on the summer’s horizon include plans to develop a new intermediate-rated connector trail on Brockway Mountain between the Flow and Woopidy Woo Trails, currently only linked by the advanced-rated On the Edge Trail. The new connector trail will expand looped riding options to a broader audience, in addition to providing more options for races and events. The CHTC also plans to designate a significant amount of its annual budget into maintenance, as some of the trails are showing signs of wear as result of increasing traffic and an exceptionally wet 2017 season. Lastly, the CHTC is partnering with Rock Solid Contracting to develop a pump track and skills park at the new Trails End Campground on the west end of Copper Harbor.

The 2018 season will kick-off with the annual Ride the Keweenaw event on Memorial Day Weekend with rides and activities planned at the Adventure Mine in Greenland, Michigan Tech Trails in Houghton, Churning Rapids in Hancock and Swedetown Trails in Calumet before convening in Copper Harbor for the third and final day. The annual Bell’s Beer Cop-per Harbor Trails (formerly Fat Tire) Festival will celebrate its 25 anniversary on Labor Day Weekend and will feature XC, enduro, downhill and kids races in addition to great food, live music and of course Bell’s Beer. Please visit copperharbortrails.org for a schedule of events, more info about the trails and trip planning information.

Copper Harbor UPdate

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