Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride this week

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The ninth annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, August 15.

The recreational bike ride will begin and end in beautiful Gooseberry Falls State Park. About 28 miles of the ride will be on the newly constructed Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST).

Bike riders will meet at Gooseberry Falls State Park, located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, on scenic US 61.

Riders will need an annual state park vehicle sticker or a daily vehicle pass, (which will be provided by the GGTA). This permit is also good for other state parks on this day only. Bikers should follow the park signs to reach the ride registration and parking areas.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and continue to 10:30 a.m. All riders are requested to depart by 10:30 a.m. Two rides will be offered: a 28-mile route and a 55-mile route. Both rides will follow the newly constructed GGST through Split Rock Light House State Park and along the North Shore to a rest stop in Beaver Bay, a distance of 14 miles.

The longer route riders will then ride County Road 4 and the Lax Lake Road to Highway 1; follow scenic Highway 1 to a rest stop near Highway 61; follow Highway 61 to Silver Bay; bike through Silver Bay to County Road 4; follow 4 back to Beaver Bay and then the GGST back to the beginning. The shorter route riders will take a break at the Beaver Bay rest stop and then re-trace the GGST back to the beginning.

The ride allows bikers to enjoy rest stops and to turn around at any spot along the way and to return to the starting point. Adult riders will receive a T-shirt regardless of the length of the ride that they have completed and the younger riders will receive a water bottle.

Registration postmarked on or before Aug. 2 is $28 and $35 thereafter. Registration for children under 15 years old is $5 per child with a paid adult.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided pre and post-ride. Mechanical, emergency and sag support will be provided. All riders must wear helmets and complete and sign the disclaimer form. One form must be completed for each rider.

Ride questions can be addressed to Charlie Michels at (218) 226-3720 or by e-mail to Annualride@GGTA.org. Bikers can check out our Web site at GGTA.org for further information, to register online or to download registration forms. Completed forms and checks should be sent to GGTA, P.O. Box 74, Silver Bay, MN 55614.

Tags: two harbors, silver bay, bike ride, outdoors, northland, outdoors, rec, sports