2009-04-13T19:39:00.013-05:00

Velo Duluth
Bicycle Club
33rd Annual

Split Rock Tour

Saturday, July 18, 2009

15, 40, 60, or 100 miles

Come join us Saturday, July 18, 2009, for one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the Midwest. This bike tour will take you along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. You will experience spectacular lake views and gentle rolling terrain. This ride will be enjoyable for all levels of riders.

Start Location
The ride will start and end at the Ordean Building at 424 West Superior Street in Duluth, Minnesota. We will use the Ordean Building's lower entrance on Michigan Street. After check-in, riders may choose an alternate starting location to avoid city traffic.

Traveling northbound on I-35 take the 5th Avenue West/Lake Avenue exit, turn left at 5th Avenue West, turn right on Michigan Street. The Ordean Building is on the corner of Michigan Street and 5th Ave West. Free Parking is available in the parking ramp across the street.

Check-in and registration will be at the Ordean Building. Bike socks will be given to all registered participants at check-in.

Check-in/Registration (All Riders Must Check In)

Registration/check-in will open at 6:30 am, with the ride beginning between 7:00 and 9:00 am. If you plan to ride the 100 mile tour, you will need to start by 8:00 am. The start/finish rest stop will be staffed until 4:00 pm. Route maps will be included in the registration materials.

Services
Mechanical support will be traveling the route to provide assistance as needed. Bring a well maintained bike. Carry a flat tire repair kit and spare tube. No SAG wagon support.

Advanced Registration
There are two ways to register in advance:

Online Registration---click on "Register Now" above

Request a ride brochure by email (splitrocktour@yahoo.com) and mail in an entry form.

Registration Fees
Postmarked on or before July 10th:
Individual Registration: $25
Family Registration: $35 (2 adults and 2 children under the age of 18)
After July 10th:
Individual: $30
Family: $40
Entry Fees are non-refundable

For Hotel Options
Go to VisitDuluth.com

Have more questions? Contact us at splitrocktour@yahoo.com

The Split Rock Tour FAQ

1) What distances are offered for this ride?

The distances are 15, 40, 60, and 100 miles. All routes are out-and-back along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. The distances correspond to the Rest Stops provided at Brighton Beach (15), Knife River (40), and Two Harbors (60). One more additional Rest Stop will be located at Gooseberry State Park prior to the turn around at Split Rock State for those riding the 100 mile ride.

2) Where do I register/check-in the day of the ride?

Registration will be at the Ordean Building at 424 West Superior Street in downtown Duluth. See the brochure for directions. We will be using the lower lobby of the building located on Michigan Street. Parking ramp directly across the street, on Michigan Street, will have free parking. Note: If you are using a car top bike carrier, there is not clearance for bikes in the ramp. You will have to take the bikes off before entering the ramp or park across the highway in Playfront Park.

3) Where will the proceeds from the ride go?

Proceeds from this year's tour will benefit Courage Center Duluth's adapted recreation program for people of all ages and abilities who have physical disabilities or vision loss and Union Gospel Mission, a Christian community organization that provides food, shelter, and hope to the needy.

4) Is there a family friendly route?

Participants have the option to check-in and then drive up to the edge of town and start their ride at Brighton Beach. This is about a 7 mile drive. This way the ride through town is avoided. From Brighton Beach, riders follow the Old Scenic Highway 61. This is a two lane road with very wide shoulders that follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. This is the same route that the popular Grandma's Marathon follows every June. It is relatively flat between Brighton Beach and Knife River, a 25 mile round trip.

5) Are there any challenges to this ride?

This route is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Weather can create some bigger challenges. Wind can be a factor along Lake Superior. Keep in mind that if you have a tailwind on the way out, you will have a headwind coming back. Be prepared for varied weather conditions. Sudden weather changes can occur along the big lake with afternoon storms that can bring winds, rain, and 10-20 degree drops in temperature over a very short period of time. Temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler along the shoreline than away from it. Check a weather report the morning of the event and dress appropriately.

Velo-Duluth