Minnesota Northwoods, Lakes & Trails 2017

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

SUMMARY: Minnesota Northwoods, Lakes & Trails 2017 -- Arrive on Sunday, July 16, 2017; last ride day is Saturday, July 29, 2017. Depart on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from Duluth, MN. Max 24 - min 18 riders. Cycle along the north shore of Lake Superior and then loop through the Mississippi Headwaters along several paved trails.

OVERVIEW: Come ride with us in the wilderness that is northeastern Minnesota; a land of wolves, loons, and moose; of rushing streams and tall timber; of the Northern Lights; and Paul Bunyon and Babe, the Blue Ox. This is a 636-mile loop ride in northeastern Minnesota. The ride will be approximately 42% on paved trails and 58% on paved roads. We will depart from Duluth, MN, one of the larger international shipping ports in the country, connecting via the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Ocean, and ride the north shore of Lake Superior (watery grave of many ships including the historic Edmund Fitzgerald, and historic Split Rock Lighthouse), before turning inland to Ely, MN, the gateway to the Boundary Waters.  From there we travel the Mesabi Trail through the Iron Range which produced one half of the iron used in both World Wars. In Bemidji, MN we explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River before traveling the Paul Bunyon Trail to Baxter, MN. We continue onto Lake Mille Lacs, the 2nd largest lake in Minnesota before riding the Willard Munger Trail back to Duluth, MN. Minnesota is a bike friendly state with paved bike trails. Most of this itinerary has not been previously visited by BAC. This is an ideal ride for those who prefer to ride distance but don’t like excessive climbing. There are 3 scheduled rest days to give participants the opportunity to paddle in the boundary waters or Lake Mille Lacs. Come ride Minnesota; learn its history; view the wildlife and wonderful scenery. Bring a fishing rod (collapsible) if desired, as Minnesota is renown for Walleye and other game fish.

RIDE RATING: There are 10 required riding days and 3 rest days. We have rated this trip as a 2D, averaging 64 miles per day and a daily average of 1,569 feet of climbing. We gave this a D rating as half of the riding days are over 65 miles. The first few days have moderate rollers with a few short 8% grades and then the flatlands prevail. Most roads have a large shoulder although there are some sections with no shoulder. Traffic will be light to moderate and services will be available at small towns and resorts.

Day 1 Duluth, MN to Silver Bay, MN - 59 miles/2038' ascent

Day 2 Silver Bay, MN to Ely, MN - 68 miles/2886' ascent

Day 3 Ely, MN - REST DAY

Day 4 Ely, MN to Virginia, MN - 62 miles/2203' ascent

Day 5 Virginia, MN to Grand Rapids, MN - 69 miles/1871' ascent

Day 6 Grand Rapids, MN to Bemidji, MN - 79 miles/1156' ascent

Day 7 Bemidji, MN - REST DAY

Day 8 Bemidji, MN to Walker, MN - 72 miles/2032' ascent

Day 9 Walker, MN to Baxter, MN - 61 miles/740' ascent

Day 10 Baxter, MN to Onamia, MN - 33 miles/660' ascent

Day 11 Onamia, MN - REST DAY

Day 12 Onamia, MN to Hinckley, MN - 53 miles/870' ascent

Day 13 Hinckley, MN to Duluth, MN - 81 miles/1225' ascent

WEATHER:  The average temperature is in the mid 70's. Average lows are in the high 50's. Rain is a real possibility, weather patterns are unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

LODGING: The rest days are all located on/near lakes where kayaks and canoes will be available for rent. Three nights will be in Casino/Resort complexes and the remaining nights are in moderately priced chain hotels or resort settings. For a complete listing of accommodations, please contact the ride leader.

LOGISTICS: Duluth, MN is served by Duluth International Airport (airport code: DLH). The Park Point Marina Inn, 1033 Minnesota Ave, Duluth, MN does NOT offer an airport shuttle. Taxi from the airport will be approximately $30. Car parking and bike box storage is available at the hotel. If you desire to ship your bike, Continental Ski & Bike (www.continentalski.com), 1305 East 1st St., Duluth, MN 55805, (218) 728-4466 will be glad to serve you. Contact them directly to make arrangements.

ADMINISTRATION & COST: This tour is offered by leaders Judy De Santis and Marlene Rawles. Estimated cost of $ 2300 + $50 non-refundable BAC fee (which is paid online) for 14 nights lodging (includes first and last night in Duluth, MN), 3 group dinners and 9 breakfasts, luggage transfer, maps, cue sheets, GPX files, social hour refreshments and treats, and emergency SAG. To register, click on the Sign Up link above the Ride Description. Following your acceptance and receipt of your $800 deposit, your name will be added to the Participant List. The non-refundable BAC fee will be paid directly by credit card when you sign the Release of Liability (ROL) form electronically. Second payment of $800 is due on December 1, 2016 and final payment of $700 is due by March 1, 2017. We will assist with finding a roommate for single riders who sign up. The solo supplement for singles who do not wish to share a room is $1250 and is due with the second payment.

CANCELATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancelations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancelation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: The most important rider responsibility is to read and fully understand the ride description. BAC tours depend on participants providing much or their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. All participants are asked to wear bright, visible clothing and use a flashing rear light while riding. Participants should bring spare tubes/tire repair kit. If you are riding an odd sized tire you should bring a spare which we will gladly carry in the trailer.

Support our Ride Leaders, read the ride description carefully, respond promptly to calls for payments and emails from the ride leader. At the ride, offer to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation. Please keep the ride leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the ride leader’s decisions. Please bring any concerns to the ride leaders attention promptly.

REGISTER: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the non-refundable BAC fee by credit card. Once you are accepted onto the ride, a deposit of $800 is due within two weeks. You should send your initial deposit of $800 in a check made out to Judith De Santis (not BAC). When your deposit is received your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description, directly by email to LTCDeSantis@yahoo.com, or phone at (973) 207-7109.

WEB SITES: www.visitduluth.com; www.heartofthenorthshore.com; www.mesabitrail.com; www.dnr.state.mn.us/WillardMungerTrail; www.sites.mnhs.org/historicsplitrocklighthouse; www.dnr.state.mn.us/ItascaStatePark; www.PaulBunyonTrail.com