Like the mineral-infused red dirt in Cuyuna Lakes area, Minnesota, the colour matches the personality of the people and therefore the place. Red symbolizes passion, primal forces, energy, and adventure. It's an apt description for a community that has been transformed from industry and mineral mining to an outside recreational juggernaut. Now, a world-class all-terrain bike trail system (IMBA Silver) is paired with a pristine chain-of-lakes… it is a place where “flow trails” are etched within the earth and on the clear lake waters.
Here, the red will stick with you and with you, well past your trip. It turns a motorcycle tire from black to a rusty hue. Here, flushed and rosy cheeks are partly thanks to trail dust and exertion. During our time in Cuyuna Adventure Town, we embraced the #shredthered mantra letting the vibe and therefore the color sink in.
New trails being built and opening in 2021.
As a Michigan (great lake state) resident, I feel qualified to discuss Minnesota's mantra, The Land of 10,000 Lakes. It's true. Quantity meets quality! Two hours north of the dual Cities, in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area's 5000 acres, there are 20 lakes and over 50 miles of trail to pedal. My CycleTherapy adventure research team experienced high levels of fun hogging on a recent June trip… we'd suggest doses of pedaling, paddling, plunging within the lakes, pulling during a trout, or simply putzing round the quaint towns, boutiques, restaurants, and bike shops. We embraced the friendly vibe that permeates the tiny towns like Crosby, Ironton, and Cuyuna. Ever hear the phrase, Minnesota nice? invite directions to a trailhead, and you will meet your new ally .
For places to remain , skip the Priceline searches; it is a no-hotel zone favoring unique, locally-owned spaces. Bonus, all the lodging choices have great places for you AND your bike to rest, and that they are only a couple of pedal strokes to trail access points. The Bike Vault on Crosby's Main Street may be a swanky, restored, top-floor suite during a historic bank , and you guessed it, the Vault has been converted to a stocked bike storage and maintenance area. Cyclists of any kind will appreciate the eye to detail at the Vault; it's both a cushty place to rest and part vintage bike museum. I fell crazy with the “map room” and haven't seen numerous bike-themed accessories in one place. Pillows, art, mugs, end tables, comforters, maps, books, oh and a craft beer on arrival…..nice touch!
We also hung out at the Red Rider Resort for top-of-the-line cabin glamping on the shores of Manuel Mine Lake. The wood-furnace sauna helped cleanse the carboxylic acid from my legs, plus we hopped within the kayaks for a paddle round the lake, dotted with loons diving for fish. for an additional Main Street option, Crosby Lofts, offers contemporary rooms on the second floor with bonus wood-fired pizza smells drifting up from Rafferty's. Just steps from your room is an outside deck, perfect for reflecting on your rides with trail buddies. Your reservation also gets you access to the Red Shed, another fabulous bike cargo area with racks, lockers, laundry facilities, and lounge chairs to rest your tortured thighs.
Active travelers need places to rest and refuel, and Cuyuna delivers. When logging 20 miles per day, we would have liked many caloric restoration. I'd suggest having meals at Trailside Tavern. The broasted chicken special is ridiculously delicious. And craft pizza at Rafferty's followed by a visit to Cuyuna Brewing, all stellar options to boost your carb meter. Biking followed by pizza and beer is one among the Cuyuna-verse's best combinations. Say yes to dessert at Shop Victual for a few Rave frozen dessert . The Church Basement Lemon Bar flavor is forever etched on my taste buds. And, the Red Raven is my new measuring bar for bike shops – I noshed a breakfast sandwich alongside a freshly roasted brew, stocked abreast of logo gear, and later had my bike serviced while sipping an area craft beer.
Kayaking clear lake waters in Cuyuna
The trails, ah yes. A biker paradise in Cuyuna is laid out with exacting precision. Professionally built trails are the inspiration with carefully connected access points throughout the CCSRA and minutes from town centers. regardless of where we stayed, the car remained parked, and therefore the mode of transportation was on two wheels or two feet. I tip my helmet to the community planners and trail builders for his or her vision. Usually, with connectors or easy trails, the idea is boring. Not so here: Galloping Goose, Haul Road, and Drag Line (green-rated) are the foremost fun “easy” trails I've rolled. Perfect mounds and dirt rollercoasters are sculpted round the lakes and cause more gnarly terrain.
Work your high from the Goose to Bobsled's berms, DrawPoint's downhill tech, the Winze jump line, and Roly Poly's rippin' descent. make certain to suit during a gander from the highest of Miner's Mountain and a stop at the talents park. once you feel particularly frisky, ask the guides from Sure Shift MTB to point out you around Cruser's Kettle and therefore the all-you-can-bike rock gardens. And, hot off the Cuyuna rock press (July 3), the north Mahnomen area unveils challenging-rock-laden jump lines, perfect for experts who haven't any fear and many of padding. For more on the new trails.
Riding down Bobsled's berms
Miners Mountain overlook
Cuyuna covers the complete spectrum of trails. When your legs will carry you no further, devour a paddle. Cuyuna Outfitters features a fleet of clear-bottomed kayaks to explore the reclaimed mine lakes. With 30-feet of clarity, you'll be your own fish finder! I'd suggest the half-day tour with a catered lunch on the banks of a Portsmouth Mine Lake. For a couple of hours, trade the Cuyuna red and two-wheeled adrenaline for calm strokes and crystal blue. While you paddle, ponder if there's an area more picturesque than a landscape of red earth and rock flanked by clear blue and calm waters.
Red, it's my favorite color, and in Cuyuna, it'll be yours too!
0 Comments