This year Bicycling Around Minnesota (BAM), a 4-day supported bicycle ride, returned to the Iron Range of Minnesota to allow riders to pedal through fabulous northwoods scenery, dig into interesting history, and indulge in delicious dining and engaging entertainment while camping under the stars.
Our adventure started in hospitable Hoyt Lakes, the All Season City, which hosted registration and 4-day parking as well as providing a scenic lakeside camping spot for us the night before the tour began.
Our first morning began overcast and cool. By mid morning the rain drops began, making the 62 mile route to Chisholm challenging. Highlights of the day included the tallest bridge in Minnesota; the bridge spans the 3-mile long Rouchleau Mine Pit lake which is 200 feet below. Lunch featured a hot baked potato which warmed me up for the remaining miles into camp at the welcoming Museum of Mining, which offered tours and interesting historic information.
Day two offered two distance options (77 or 101 miles) from Chisholm to Grand Rapids. Mother Nature was considerably kinder with only scattered rain showers along the heavily forested route. Just before the lunch stop at Lawrence Town Hall some of the early riders spotted a bear on the road! The Forest History Center provided an educational opportunity to get off the bike and stroll around their beautiful site. At the campsite I enjoyed yoga along with two different music groups as well as hearty meatballs and mashed potatoes.
Day three from Grand Rapids to Hibbing we rode about 49 miles, including a significant section of the hilly and winding Mesabi trail, which wove through the woods and past northwoods communities. Hibbing offered many activities including a tour of historic Hibbing High School which features an 1800 seat auditorium modeled after the Capital Theater in NYC and claims famous song writer Bob Dylan as a graduate. In the evening, we enjoyed live music, satisfying pasta and salad, and an informative, informal talk by BikeMN’s Executive Director Michael Wojcik, who grew up in Hibbing.
Day four we cycled 54 miles from Hibbing back to Hoyt Lakes, taking in the World’s Largest Hockey Stick in Eveleth before reaching our starting point. Riders were welcomed with root beer floats and Mexican fare for lunch. The daily present shower truck from Pork Belly Ventures and mechanical support from Freewheel Bike were there as well so we could finish the ride in style and safety.
BAM is part of BikeMN a non-profit organization with a mission to engage people, provide education, and advocate for biking and walking.
Rouchleau Mine Pit lake
Camping at Chisholm’s Museum of Mining
Eveleth (across from the World’s Largest Hockey Stick)
Along the Mesabi Trail – day 3
Mesabi Trail
Gear ready for collection at campsite
Pork Belly Venture Tent Service
Freewheel Bike Support