Thursday, July 13, 2017

Cuyuna 2017

It has been a busy summer of work for Jack. He is working in the pizza Shack again at Hotel Shoreham in DL and also has been working kitchen shifts covering for a cook that is off this month. There haven't been many days off this summer but this week he had three days off. Was going to be four but he got asked to cover for someone on one of the days. We planned a trip out west to Red Lodge, MT. but with days off cut short and two days would of been too much driving we decided not to head west. Instead, we went over to Cuyuna for 24 hours spending the night at True North Base Camp. It's been three years since I have been to Cuyuna. The trails aren't at the top of my list, personally, but its a fun place to ride from time to time and a lot of people definitely get into mountain biking after riding there. Tons of people, especially on the weekends and the two way traffic can be dicey. The local mtb community works hard making improvements on trail flow, tweaking trail and takes great pride in development.   
 We arrived late afternoon and got in a two hour ride, rolling about half of the trail system. Couldn't of asked for nicer weather. Cool, damp and tacky track.
 Bobsled run.
 Skip trail.
 Crossing creek back up to True North Base Camp.
 Rock Garden on Skip trail



First night checked out the new brewery and ended up ordering food from across the street while I lost in checkers.
 Dusk at True North Base Camp. It was interesting to check this out after reading out it in Outside Magazine and hearing from others that had been there. Right on the trail, clear refreshing lake to swim in afterwards and nice fire pit to cook over.
Crosby has been revived since Cuyuna has exploded with riders. Another 3.6 million recently awarded for trail expansion. Will be interesting to see how things change. The town still looks the same for the most part with empty buildings and a lot of antique stores.
 One new business that is thriving is the Iron Range eatery. Had to try the Tater Tot appetizer dish. Chicken gravy, bacon, fresh cut mozz, a unique dish for sure. Pretty much a meal in itself.
 If Jens plays here for hockey next winter, we know where we will be stopping to eat!  Red Raven is another new business to cater to riders including a bike/coffee rental shop call. Owner makes great coffee.
 Taking in the view during the next mornings ride. Off and on mist kept the track damp but not muddy or greasy.
 Flowing through the forest.
Taking a swim before heading the road. Fun quick trip!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for writing about True North Basecamp on your blog. Have a great day!