The start of the boys’ race begins in a sprint that lasts for about 100 yards and then the runners settle into their pace as they attack the first of many hills located on the rigorous Pincushion Mountain trail system.
What is your favorite memory of Pincushion Trails? Skiing? Hiking? Racing in the Sawtooth Challenge? Fisherman’s Picnic race? On October 19, everyone is invited to celebrate 40 years of recreation at Pincushion Trails.
“There is something for everyone at the 40th Anniversary Celebration,” said Chris O’ Brien, North Superior Ski and Run Club president, “and people can come for all or some of the events.”
Recreation enthusiasts should gather at 3 p.m. at Pincushion chalet to run, hike or bike the trails. At 5 p.m. there will be good food at a potluck. The club will provide anniversary cake, coffee, and lemonade, as well as plates, cups, silverware, and napkins. Stories begin at 6 p.m. Stories about how it was in the good old days and a diverse panel will tell how great we have it now. “Everyone has a favorite story about Pincushion Trails, and we hope many will share theirs,” said O’ Brien.
The North Superior Ski and Run Club which started 40 years ago has touched many lives through the development and maintenance of the Pincushion Trail system, support of youth programs, and hosting races and events. Keith Morris, one of the club founders and original groomers of the trails, remembers those early years. “The first trails, only used in the winter, were constructed by simply cutting brush and winding in between trees, with logs placed over streams. Grooming was a challenge, trying to get the snowmobile up and down the ravines.”
In subsequent years, a bulldozer smoothed the trail tread, bridges were put in, trails were widened to accommodate skate skiing, and eventually, the trails were upgraded for year-round use.
NSSRC has shared its passion for outdoor recreation with hundreds of kids over the years through the various kids’ programs. Evolving from the Bill Koch League, NSSRC established the Youth Ski League (Y-Ski) in the ’90s. Now numbering over 60 kids every winter, current Y-ski coach Tina Hegg Raway says, “It was a privilege to grow up in the Cook County Y-Ski program in the 1990s, and now I get to coach my son Alex here on the beautiful Pincushion Trails.” In addition, NSSRC has supported the high school Nordic Team, as well as developed and supported the flourishing cross-country running program and track programs.
Club events and races have evolved over the years. Is there anyone around who remembers the Tour de North (late ’70s/early ’80s)? The ski race started at the high school, skied up the ridge around Pincushion, and back down to the high school. How about the Sawtooth Mountain Challenge, launched in partnership with the Lions Club in 1985? That ski race started at the Gunflint Hills golf course, skied along Gunflint Trail, through the Pincushion trail system, and then down the ridge to the high school.
“We know there are many people who have been touched by Pincushion Trails, programs, and events over the last four decades,” said O’Brien, “and we hope the community will come recreate, reminisce and create more memories!” More information is available at pincushiontrails.org.
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