Riding on the Edge

[TrailPatrol]

I am working on a fall MTB tour from the Bearskin Lake on the Gunflint Trail, on backroads all the way to Crane Lake, basically riding around the edge of the BWCA. The DeLorme TopoUSA program gives it at about 200 miles, but it won't take me across Twin Lakes, since the road ends then starts up again on the other side. (I know there is supposed to be a boat, but does anyone know how deep it is to wade or swim across?) The program would also send me on MN Hwy. 1 from Isabella to Ely, and I know I can get back off the pavement on the road to Flathorn Lake, to Tomahawk Trail to the Tomahawk Snowmobile Trail and bridge across the Kawishiwi River, then up to Ely the back way. Echo Trail from Ely to Crane Lake is dirt all the way.

First question: Anybody interested? (Target date: Post-Chequamegon; late September or early October, figuring 5 to 7 days. Self-supporting, camping all the way. Non-competitive ride, 35 to 50 miles per day.)
Second: Anyone know a better way from The Grade or Sawbill Trail over to 18 Road or Tomahawk Trail than through Isabella?

For those of you who have heard me talk about this route before, this is "The Northwest Passage" that I have been toying with for years.

We proceeded on,
:banana:
Hans

"Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea;
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea." -Stan Rogers

[Nickel]

This sounds really amazing :crazy2: Unfortunately, I have class in the fall :P