Fat bike riders will be pleased to learn that some of the Mountain bike single track trails on Pincushion Mountain will be groomed this winter for bike excursions.
Under an agreement with the USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District the North Superior Ski & Run Club (NSSRC) and the Superior Cycling Association (SCA) a plan was drafted to allow grooming single-track mountain bike trails at Pincushion Mountain for a one-year trial period during 2016-2017. Grooming single track bike trails during the trial period will allow for the use of fat bikes; a popular winter sport that continues to grow at the local, regional and national level.
Located on the hillside above the city of Grand Marais, the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trail system has been maintained by the NSSRC in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, and Gunflint Ranger District for over 35 years. This impeccably managed system is a favorite destination for visitors to the North Shore as well as residents. While there is much enthusiasm and excitement about the prospect of winter fat biking on the single-track bike trails at Pincushion, preserving the integrity of the cross country ski trails at Pincushion is paramount.
The USDA Forest Service, the NSSRC, and the SCA have worked together over the last few months to engage in a collaborative effort to make the trial period possible. A plan has been drafted outlining several standards for trail maintenance and rider etiquette designed to minimize the impact on existing skiing opportunities on the Pincushion Trail Network. Included in this plan are an inventory of single-track bike trails that will be open to winter use, a grooming schedule, signage requirements and more. The success of the trial period is entirely dependent on fat biker compliance. Fat bikes will only be permitted on single-track trails with the exception of the East Overlook ski trail where dogs are also allowed. Reports of fat bike use on any other ski trails could result in closing the single-track bike trails to winter fat bike use. The USDA Forest Service will monitor use for compliance. Fat bikers observed using ski trails could be subject to a fine.
As a USDA Forest Service trail partner and proponent of winter fat biking in Cook County, the Superior Cycling Association has assumed the responsibility of acquiring maps, signs, and educational materials to inform fat bikers of local rules and rider etiquette adequately. If the trial period is successful, the USDA Forest Service will consider an extension of this trial period for future years at Pincushion Mountain.
The public will be notified via Boreal Community Media and WTIP when the single track trails are officially opened to winter fat bike use. For more information contact Cathy Quinn at the Gunflint Ranger Station at 218-387-3240.
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