A new Cook County event could bring a boon to businesses just before the summer tourist rush begins. On January 25, 2011 the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a special event permit for a June 11 100-mile mountain bike race to traverse the county from the West End all the way to Grand Marais and back.
A letter from Race Director Adam Harju, also representing the Cook County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) and Life Time Fitness, said, “The CCVB is partnering with Life Time Fitness, based out of the Twin Cities. They are industry leaders in developing and running world-class events. …The fact that they see such potential in Cook County speaks volumes for our community.
“Not only do we have the natural features they look for in a race, we have an energetic group of citizens who are truly invested in our county and are willing to volunteer their time. Life Time brings expertise in race logistics, fiscal resources, marketing, and access to an already existing market, which will allow the CCVB to quickly build a successful event.
“Hosting a nationally recognized race such as this will give Cook County very positive exposure. Life Time Fitness has done research that suggests that each racer actually accounts for three visitors to the area. This is a great opportunity for Cook County in early June, a time when our local businesses have a great need and capacity for economic growth.”
County Highway Engineer David Betts talked about plans being made to ensure public safety. His department has met with Life Time Fitness as well as Sheriff Mark Falk. “The biggest issue we’re going to have with this is traffic control,” Betts said.
The route would take riders from the Lutsen Ski Hill Road to some snowmobile trails and numerous county, state, and Forest Service roads including about 2½ miles along Highway 61, Caribou Road, The Grade, Bally Creek Road, Devil’s Track Lake Road, Murmur Creek Road, Clara Lake Road, Pancore Lake Road, the Sawbill Trail, Honeymoon Trail, and Barker Lake Road, ending up crossing over the Poplar River on a snowmobile trail and finishing at Lutsen Mountains.
The Caribou Trail is expected to be closed to uphill traffic for about three hours, reopening as the race progresses. Checkpoints and traffic control flaggers will be stationed throughout the route.
“We feel this event would be beneficial to the county,” Highway Maintenance Director Russell Klegstad wrote in a memo to the board, “and despite minor inconveniences to the traveling public, should move forward,” contingent on approval of traffic plans by Highway Engineer David Betts, Sheriff Falk, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation and an agreement by sponsors to pay all expenses incurred by the county.
“I think they’re working on a good traffic safety plan, and we’ll be working with them,” said Falk. “There will be a lot of volunteers, which I think is critical….”
Commissioner Bruce Martinson said that the Tofte and Lutsen town boards have passed motions of approval for the event.
Race organizers are hoping for 500 participants, with a 40-mile race held concurrently. Bikers are expected to complete the race in six to 11 hours, with recreational as well as elite racers participating. “It’s hopefully something we can continue into the future,” said Harju.
Life Time Fitness has 91 clubs in 20 states. Salt running low
The Highway Department has been working hard to keep roads safe through a winter that is delivering a lot of snow and ice, but road salt is running low.
Commissioner Jim Johnson asked Highway Maintenance Supervisor Klegstad, “How’s the sand doing?”
“Not good,” Klegstad replied. “Salt is becoming a rarity. It’s going to be tight for every county, I think.”
“Safety is first,” Commissioner Bruce Martinson said. “Come to us for an appropriation if necessary.” In other Highway Department news:
A highway garage stairway out of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations will be replaced at a cost not to exceed $6,500 plus tax. “We have to do it,” said county Maintenance Director Brian Silence. “”OSHA says we have to do it.”
The board authorized purchase of two new dump trucks to replace old ones in the Grand Marais and Hovland shops at a combined price of $393,000.40 plus tax. The amount is $10,000 over the amount that had been budgeted for them, but the purchase of several small pieces of equipment will be deferred to stay within this year’s equipment budget.
Leave a Reply