Pre Ride - September Equinox 2020

 Well, what the heck is this 2020 ride all about, anyways. 2020 has been a crap year, what with corona virus, associated economic malaise, fire and hurricanes, BLM protests and violence, topped off by never ending servings of political dysfunction and neighbor hating on neighbor.  Hard to read the paper or see the news any more

I, like many outdoor enthusiasts, had some adventures planned this season; for me to several new national parks, all nixed by the virus. But all said I am pretty lucky, despite likely having Covid early on, I seem healthy and Hale. The economics impacts to me are modest, though I feel for the many fellow citizens affected. I hope for an effective vaccine soon, for us and the world.

Also, as we are finding out, it can be much safer to recreate outta doors, as well as being a much needed salve for ones soul, even more important in these challenging times. I just need a break, damnit!!

One must be adaptive in these times, my big ride I was planning on was the ACA northern tier route from Theodore Roosevelt NP to the twin cities then branching into the ACA north lakes route for fall foliage. Alas, it was scrapped due Park shut downs and covid. This is my homeland, the great boreal forest and lake lands of the upper Midwest, Gods country in a glorious autumn. Plus I have family to see, including my elderly mother. I am covid delayed.

Must be a smaller alternative. Break out the maps and midnight oil, research the web for others routes and info, contact states and get their bicycling maps. Research rail trails, etc.

Plan for few interactions - no hotels, few grocery stops, no gas stops (once I start pedaling), avoid restaurants

 This is what I have found.

I will ride the ACA northern lakes route from the  Gandy Dancer rail trail in western Wisconsin to Escanaba MI. Then head north on my own to Lake Superior, hitting Munsing, Marquette, Houghton, and Copper Harbor on the Keeweenaw peninsula. At Copper harbor, I will catch a new bikepacking Roots dirt oriented route back to Duluth. 

From there I will finish up on 2 rail trails, the Munger trail to Hinckley in Minnesota, cross the St Croix river and pick up the Gandy Dancer rail trail to close the loop.

I plan on exploring  some new MTB trails in Marquette, and camp with a brother on the shores of the Green Bay for a few days.

There are a few cabins I hope to use along the way, thanks to generosity of family and friends .

I have just arrived in MN to visit with my mom, and trees are just starting to turn, so I am psyched about the timing.

ACA northern lake overview

I will actually be starting closer to Haugen, where one of the cabins is located.

 

There will be some freelancing routes to Copper Harbour, where I pick up the new BikePackingRoots Northwoods route, shown below

As you can see, I am only doing half the northwoods route, forgoing the Minnesota section. This route is really a loopkp, with ferries to Isle Royale from Copper Harbor Mi and Grand Marais, MN. Sadly, the ferries are closed due to Covid concerns.

However, I reserve the option to detour once I reach Minnesota!