All-Season Biking

by Lacey Squier

Dear reader: Were you once like me? Did you think of your bicycle as something that must be packed away in the depths of your garage for the winter months? Goodness, did I have much to learn!

There is an adage within the biking community: the proper number of bikes to own is n + 1, with n being the number of bikes you currently have.

Perhaps you are like me, and in a position to consider purchasing a new bicycle. I gather we might start with a fat tire bike which can be ridden year-round. Indeed, many Elyites sing the praises of fat tire biking, particularly winter fat tire biking. Dedicated cross country skiers appreciate that, while the late winter/early spring thaw-and-freeze cycle can make for undesirable classic cross country ski conditions, a fat tire bike–especially one with studs–can go anywhere.

Fat tire bikes feature wide tires that typically have lower air pressure than regular bike tires, which increases comfort and suspension when riding. They were originally developed for people who needed to have reliable transportation in Alaska during the heavy snow seasons. The popularity of fat tire biking has grown steadily, thanks in large part to their versatility.

With a fat tire bike, every single backcountry road and dogsled trail becomes an opportunity to recreate. Of note is the Old Tomahawk Road near Isabella Lake, and the 40+ miles of trails used by Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge on the Kawishiwi Triangle. Frozen lakes that are not within the BWCAW are also prime fat tire biking spots.

The biking scene in the Ely area has also been growing steadily; we are on our

way to becoming a true biking destination. There are continued regional investments on the horizon, including the Mesabi Trail. When finished in the next two years, this paved bicycle trail will stretch over 155 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely.

Another exciting bike-related development: Team Borealis, a 6-12th grade mountain bike team. Mark Sponholz served as the head coach this inaugural year, assisted by several other community members. This season featured five races. Competing was optional, so students who participated in races competed individually. Although the team didn’t have enough riders to field a full team in the high school division, they competed in a junior high division race at RedHead, where they placed 5th out of 29 teams.

Practice for Team Borealis was held three days a week at Hidden Valley Recreation Area, which is now home to eight miles of engineered mountain bike trails and a skills park, winding through towering pine trees and overlooking beautiful wetlands. Riders refer to the engineers as artists, remarking on the amazing flow of the trails. These trails are groomed, fully functional year-round, and serve beginner through advanced riders. Folks who have ridden the trails eagerly await a fifth and final single track loop.

As I develop a growing awareness of the sheer magnitude of opportunities to engage with the biking community in Ely and beyond, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed! I’m looking forward to going into Ely Bike & Kicksled, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, pulling up a chair, and discussing what I’ll need to get started with bike enthusiasts Alvin Goeser and Alexia Springer. Alvin and Alexia are in the process of purchasing Ely Bike & Kicksled, and anticipate a winter opening. They also happen to be

my close friends and neighbors. There is no one I trust more to help me navigate the ins and outs and potential purchases of getting more involved with biking.

Alvin and Alexia took their first bike touring trip together in 2015, cycling through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. That trip was but a prelude to an even more extensive trip in 2017, in which they cycled from Vancouver Island to Baja California with their dog, Fitzroy.

“I’ve found there is no better way to connect with a place and its people than from the saddle of a bicycle,” says Alvin. “On a bike your senses are in tune with your environment at all times. You’re a little speck, and you have a great big world to experience, people to meet, and cultures to observe. On a bike you can do all that in a holistic way.”

For Alexia having a bicycle has always represented the joys and

© Chris Ellerbroek

comforts of freedom. Her godfather gifted her a mountain bike when she was 13 years old, which afforded her the ability to go to friends’ houses or to the pool without waiting for a ride. In college Alexia became engrossed in bike touring as a form of local outdoor recreation and place-based learning, which parlayed into professional opportunities. “Biking has opened so many doors for me,” she acknowledges.

These days Alexia bike commutes as a rule for health, and because biking is a familial ethos. Bicycle commuting and bike tourism continually teach this family to go slower and to see more. As such, Elyites will see Alvin, Alexia, and their two-year-old son, Ullr, out on their bikes daily–rain or shine, snow or ice.

Autumn Cole might also be sighted out on one of her bicycles daily. “Why should I get into biking?” I ask her. “Biking is a tool for longevity,” she says. “It is a good low-impact, aerobic activity that anyone can do. It is good for physical and mental health, and stress reduction.”

Stress reduction? Ok, yes I need that.

Autumn, 71 years old, calls biking a lifetime sport–a good sport for every age, and perhaps the ideal workout for seniors. She is part of a group of 20+ women, friends in their 60s and 70s, who go biking together on a regular basis. They’ve been to the Tioga trails in Grand Rapids, the Cuyuna trails in Ironton, and RedHead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm. Even so, Autumn appreciates the Hidden Valley Trails for presenting new challenges and obstacles. “After riding the new trails, I can do things now I couldn’t do a month ago.”

In addition to the health benefits and time with friends, biking gets Autumn

Alexia and Alvin on their Canada-Mexico bike tour

outdoors and into the beautiful scenery. While on her bike she has sighted bears, wolves, foxes, and pine martens.

When I asked them what they like about biking, Team Borealis had some interesting things to say. It seems that whether you are in 7th grade, or in your 70s, the appeal of the bicycle remains the same: It’s exciting to ‘get out there’ and have fun. It is special to be part of Ely’s inclusive and supportive community of cyclists. The activity itself is relaxing, a form of stress relief. And if you’re on your bike in northeastern Minnesota, you can be sure the scenery will be something to behold–no matter the time of year.

If you haven’t experienced biking in all seasons, I encourage you to give it a try–perhaps at the Ely Winter Festival. Fat tire bikes will be available to rent for free. Check ElyWinterFestival.com for more details. Beginners should be mindful of wearing proper attire for outdoor activity. Having a good light that can withstand the cold is important for safety, and of course, helmets are always recommended. ElyBikeandKicksled.com will have up-to-date information regarding the re-opening.

The Hidden Valley project is funded by the Federal Recreation Trail Program and IRRR with matching funds from community members. Kay-Linn Enterprises, Dirt Candy Designs, and Pathfinder Trail Builders were the designers and builders. But it is the dedication of several Elyites that has made the whole project possible.

© Alexia Springer

Biking is fun and healthy for all ages - a true life sport.