12th Annual Gitchi-Gami bike ride is Aug. 18

The 12th Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18. The family-friendly, recreational bike ride will once again begin and end in Gooseberry Falls State Park, located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay on scenic U.S. Hwy. 61.

A 28-mile ride option is entirely on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST) from Gooseberry through historic Split Rock State Park, continuing to the rest stop in the town of Beaver Bay and returning on the trail. Because it is an “out-and-back” ride, bikers can turn around at any point to return to the start. A 55-mile option follows the GGST to Beaver Bay and adds a loop north on paved state and county roads, returning to Gooseberry on the trail.

The ride begins at 9 a.m. All riders are requested to depart by 10:30 a.m. Parking for the ride is at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Vehicles will need an annual state park vehicle sticker or a daily vehicle pass. Signs will be posted in the park directing bikers to ride registration and parking areas.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided at rest stops and post-ride. Mechanical and emergency support will be provided. All adult riders will receive a T-shirt, and younger riders will receive a water bottle. All riders must wear helmets and complete and sign a waiver.

Riders can register or find more information on the Gitchi- Gami Trail Assocation website, www.ggta.org. Registration is also welcome on the day of the ride.

Proceeds from the ride benefit the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association, a nonprofit organization working with the Minnesota Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources in the planning, construction, maintenance and promotion of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail.

When completed, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail will be an 88-mile non-motorized, paved recreational trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, paralleling Lake Superior’s North Shore. Several segments of the trail, totaling over 25 miles, have been completed in Lake and Cook counties. Another 4.7 miles are scheduled for completion this summer.