Gitchi-Gami Annual Trail Ride

The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) Annual North Shore Bike Ride is an event sponsored by the GGTA, which is a private non-profit organization incorporated in July, 1997. The GGTA was organized to work with the MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the MN Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to make the 86 mile non-motorized Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST) running between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, Minnesota become a reality. The Annual Ride is a fund raiser for the GGTA and proceeds are used for maintenance of the GGST.

The 2007 Seventh Annual GGTA North Shore Bike Ride was held on August 18. A beautiful sunrise over Lake Superior greeted early morning risers. Skies were blue, temperatures were cool and there was a slight breeze from the east. One bike rider reported his thermometer registered 32 degrees that morning, and the cool winds from Lake Superior never allowed the temps to get above the low 60's, perfect biking weather.

This year's ride began and ended in beautiful Gooseberry Falls State Park. This year we did not have the "mass start" so bikers registered at their convenience and all started before 10:30 A.M. Pre-ride snacks and beverages were provided.

Bikers had a choice of two rides: a 28 mile shorter trip and a longer 55 mile route. Both rides followed the newly constructed GGST through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and along the beautiful North Shore to a rest stop in Beaver Bay, a distance of 14 miles. The longer route riders made a 27 mile loop and upon reaching the Beaver Bay rest stop, followed the GGST back to Gooseberry Falls State Park. The shorter route riders enjoyed the Beaver Bay rest stop and then re-traced the GGST back to the beginning.

Our congressman, Jim Oberstar, was once again a participant in our ride. Due to a busy schedule, he was not able to complete the longer route. We sure appreciate his support of biking trails. This year we had 243 riders, a nice increase over last year. All children received a water bottle and all adults received a classy T-shirt, regardless of the length of the ride they completed.

The GGTA offers a big "THANK YOU" to all of our ride sponsors: Arrowhead Electric, Blue Fin Bay Resort, Clif Bars, Coop Light and Power, Cove Point Lodge, Grand Marais Hotel Company, Grand Marais State Bank, Grand Superior Lodge, Lutsen Resort, North Shore Federal Credit Union, North Shore Mining and Superior North Outdoor Center. The GGTA also thanks all of the volunteer helpers as well as the cyclists who participated in this year's ride.

Mark your calendars now for next year's ride, which will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008. Come join us for a fun ride and to help support our efforts to design and construct a premier 86 mile non-motorized trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, MN.

Mail In Registration Form Click here to display a reistration form that you can print and mail in. Release Form A signed copy of this form must be completed before riders may participate. Gitchi-Gami Annual Trail Ride Gitchi-Gami State Trail, along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota Online Registration for Annual Ride This link will take you to a different web site to process your online registration.

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