Going to Tower area on 10/16 where 2 ride

[quickerpicker]

I will be up in Tower area on 10/16 through 10/19 and was looking for some trails to ride, any ideas?

[Trialsdave]

There are plenty of random logging roads/dual track west on 169. If you find the road sign for old Hwy 169 follow it back a little bit, try not too get lost though!!!!!! Otherwise, if your more of the roadie type, I believe the Iron range paved trail heads all they way over there as well. That should be just south of town.

[quickerpicker]

There are plenty of random logging roads/dual track west on 169. If you find the road sign for old Hwy 169 follow it back a little bit, try not too get lost though!!!!!!

I am bringing a GPS along just to prove I'm lost! I'll set waypoints as I get off road, thanks for the advice.

2 questions, well maybe 5 or 6:
1. where is "old 169" as you described? I enjoy off road/or single track over riding pavement, especially when the leaves are changing.
2. the cabin I am staying is close to Tower, and a river that flows into lake vermillion. I've only been there one other time. I was planning on bringing a canoe also. What are the waterways like? Are the rivers navigable? Is there one particularly nice? I don't want whitewater beyond class I, as I am paddling solo. Ideally, I could find a 10-12 mile paddle, and take my mountain bike from the takeout back up to the car.

thanks,
carl

[jms]

you can bike the ski trails just south of tower. 1.5 miles south on hwy. 135. ski trail parking lot on west side of 135. you can't miss it, look for the sign that says city of tower ski trails.
although with all the rain we've had the last week, you might be better off stopping at benchwarmers and having a beer or two??? :banana: :nono:

Peace,
Joe

[quickerpicker]

although with all the rain we've had the last week, you might be better off stopping at benchwarmers and having a beer or two??? :banana: :nono:

sounds like a great idea, but I'm bringing my 15 year old son with me, so I think I may have to pass:beerme::cryin:. Does Benchwarmers have burgers or pizza too? Then maybe I could swing it on Friday night.

I'll give the trails a try. I rode the pincushion trails in Grand Marais earlier this year and used my mud tires on the ski trail, didn't do the singletrack cause it was too wet.

[jms]

sounds like a great idea, but I'm bringing my 15 year old son with me, so I think I may have to pass:beerme::cryin:. Does Benchwarmers have burgers or pizza too? Then maybe I could swing it on Friday night.

I'll give the trails a try. I rode the pincushion trails in Grand Marais earlier this year and used my mud tires on the ski trail, didn't do the singletrack cause it was too wet.

yes, benchwarmers has a full menu!! :banana:
the ski trails are going to be messy, if you like, there are some interesting trails in and around the soudan underground mine. they'll be much drier than the ski trails after this rain we've been getting.
also on that same note, if you've never done the underground mine tour it is a total blast!!!! my 12 year old loved the tour!! getting kids that age to love things other than the computer or vid games is really a challenge these days??!! :banghead:
anyway hope this helps you out!!!

Peace,
Joe

[quickerpicker]

Joe,
Love the mud!:banana: Love new places, so It looks like multiple rides:banana::banana: Do you know anything about the feeder rivers into Lake Vermillion? In a perfect world, I would lock up bikes at a river take out, drive up the river for 12-15 miles, put in the canoes, paddle down to the bikes, and then off road bike back to the car. In my book there is no better way to spend a day. :D Not looking for whitewater, but current is fine.

I think a mine tour would be cool. My company did some crane work down in that mine years ago. Never did get down the shaft though. This cabin only has a generator, sauna and outhouse. No Wii next weekend! My cell phone doesn't even work there. But I have lots of reading to catch up on, a banjo to practice, and cribbage to play. Maybe we should make a week out of it....

Carl

[jms]

Joe,
Love the mud!:banana: Love new places, so It looks like multiple rides:banana::banana: Do you know anything about the feeder rivers into Lake Vermillion? In a perfect world, I would lock up bikes at a river take out, drive up the river for 12-15 miles, put in the canoes, paddle down to the bikes, and then off road bike back to the car. In my book there is no better way to spend a day. :D Not looking for whitewater, but current is fine.

I think a mine tour would be cool. My company did some crane work down in that mine years ago. Never did get down the shaft though. This cabin only has a generator, sauna and outhouse. No Wii next weekend! My cell phone doesn't even work there. But I have lots of reading to catch up on, a banjo to practice, and cribbage to play. Maybe we should make a week out of it....

Carl


Carl,
i don't know much about Lake V. :banghead:, sorry.
my better 1/2's father has a place on elbow lake, which would be north of where you'll be. we also have a cabin in canada, so i do very little on the water here in northern mn.
the weather was great today, and you'll be looking at mid 50's to 60's for the next few days. if the rain holds off, the trails should be ok for you guys!!!
enjoy the solitude!!!

Peace,
Joe

[quickerpicker]

Thanks Joe! I'm looking forward to the week-end.