Fat bike racing has gained popularity in recent years, which has led to the creation of the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. The race happens annually around the first weekend of January. Experience fat biking on the Norpine Trails in Lutsen. Ride through stands of old-growth cedars on Pisten Bully groomed trails while overlooking Lake Superior- winter riding doesn’t get better than this!
History of the Norpine Fat Bike Classic
Fat Biking became a popular wintertime activity in Minnesota in the mid 2010s. Although, it has been a pastime much longer in other cold-weather regions of the world. As interest in the activity grew in Minnesota, it spurred the creation of a wintertime Fat Bike race along the North Shore.
The very first Norpine Fat Bike Classic was held in January of 2017. That year, a segment of the Norpine Trail System on Lake Superior’s North Shore was opened up for Fat Bikes for the first time, on a trial basis, so that the race could be help. The Norpine Fat Bike Classic ran a 12-mile out and back segment of the trail in its first year- starting and ending at the Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course. Sub zero temperatures didn’t stop hundreds of racers from competing, and the race was a success. Not only did it show increased interested in the activity itself, it showed that Fat Bikes could ride on the same trails as cross country skiers and not destroy the trails.
The race has been held annually since 2017. It moved from the Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course to Cascade Lodge located in between Lutsen and Grand Marais. Different trails were opened up in subsequent years and different race lengths for different level of Fat Bikers were created. The 2021 race was altered slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the race returned in 2022 in its regular format.
2024 is the year of no snow, but that won’t stop the Norpine Fat Bike Classic! Although the race had to be adjusted and altered, the conditions on the trails have permitted the race to happen.
More Info on the Norpine Fat Bike Classic
The race is coordinated and sponsored by the Superior Cycling Association. Most Norpine Fat Bike Classic events happen in and around Cascade Lodge and Restaurant, with the race itself both starting and ending at the resort. Race weekend is typically the first full weekend in January.
Other events take place around the race and centered around Fat Biking. These include demos and workshops, a short fun run, and even a Dark Sky night ride.
A full schedule of events, registration information, spectator information, and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Superior Cycling Association website.