Under the direction of the Superior Cycling Association (SCA), work will soon begin on the single-track mountain bike trails in Tofte and Grand Marais. Once again Adam Harju will be in charge of construction and will work to add about two more miles of single track trails to Pincushion, and “if we get some money, add more single track trails to the Britton Peak trail systems this summer,” he said.
“We would like to increase both trail systems dramatically. But our biggest problem is money,” said SCA president Jerry Hiniker, adding, “We hope to step up our donation program and are in the process of applying for grants and are working on some creative solutions that will help us with that.”
Mountain bikers rave about riding single-track trails. The trails are sometimes technical, twisty, and tough, have lots of turns, and are tons of fun to navigate. But beware, take your eyes off of the path and you could end up in a heap on the ground.
As far as design, most trails look like they follow the path created by a sugar-charged child gleefully chasing a chipmunk through the woods. Which, say single-track enthusiasts, also adds to the fun.
In reality, Harju said the trails are designed to take advantage of the terrain and are constructed with a close eye on maintaining the integrity of the land.
To date, five miles of single track trails have been built at Britton Peak, located three miles up the Sawbilll Trail from downtown Tofte, and 5.5 miles of single track trails have been installed at Pincushion Mountain, located two miles above Grand Marais off of the Gunflint Trail.
Offering views of Lake Superior and spectacular scenery, both Pincushion and Britton Peak trails are a panacea for cross country skiers, runners, hikers and mountain bikers.
Pincushion offers three single-track trails that connect with the main trail, a four-mile loop mostly preferred by walkers and joggers in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter. The Talus Trail is 1.25 miles long and can be accessed from the trailhead area. The upper half of the Fuluvial Trail is 1.75 miles long and the Black Trail, located on what is referred to as the back 80, is 2.5 miles long and is considered an advanced trail with tight turns and narrow boardwalks.
Britton Peak’s three trails intertwine. The Short Stacker loop is for novices, the Cross Cut trail is set up for intermediate bikers and the Skookum trail is designed to challenge advanced riders. Few places are more beautiful in the fall than Britton Peak when the maple leaves turn red and yellow and orange and color the trails.
Partnering with the SCA in this venture are the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association), the U.S. Forest Service, Bikes Belong, Superior North Outdoor Center and Sawtooth Outfitters.
Should enough money be found, Hiniker said the long-term goal—or dream—would be to connect Britton Peak with mountain bike trails at Lutsen Mountains. This would put Cook County on par with most of the biggest mountain bike trail systems in the country.
While single-track trails are the new rage in mountain biking, Hiniker said the SBA is also involved in trying to increase and promote all forms of cycling.
Hiniker said, “We would like to encourage people to ride their bikes on a daily basis. And they don’t have to have all of the newest technology, but they need to have fun biking. If you enjoy riding and ride for fun, you will stick with it.”
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