The past two Red River International Bike Tour events have trekked north of Grand Forks, up into Canada, but now it's time to turn south and west.
"We've never been this way before, so it'll be more of an adventure," said Mike Kellogg, coordinator of the tour, which will run June 21-25 and will cover 299 miles.
- Day 1 begins at the Town Square in Grand Forks. Bikers will pedal 57 miles down U.S. Highway 81 for an overnight campground stay in Mayville, N.D.
- Day 2 will be the long haul, 78 miles to the campground in Valley City, N.D., plus another 22 miles along the Sheyenne River for riders who want to complete the Century Loop (100 miles).
- Day 3 heads back north 55 miles to an overnight stay at the campground in Cooperstown, N.D.
ADVERTISEMENT
- Day 4 covers 45 miles before spending the night at the Hatton High School grounds.
- Day 5 and the final 42 miles conclude in Sherlock Park in East Grand Forks.
"We wanted to vary the route, and the restrictions for crossing the Canadian border are too cumbersome," Kellogg said. "I've driven this new route. It's really nice."
New this year
For the first time, the bike tour, which is sponsored by the Herald, will offer tent rentals, tent setup, towels and chair rentals, and massage services through www.eventsbikeriderservices.com .
Kellogg said the massage service is being provided by Canadian Glen Morely.
"He asked permission to come along because small rides are right up his alley," Kellogg said.
- Baggage transport is provided.
ADVERTISEMENT
- Meals will be arranged in each community, including breakfast and evening dinner. Plan to spend $20 to $30 for meals and rest stops. There will be menus and a price range for each meal inside the route map. Riders are welcome to venture out into each community and choose their own food options, as well.
- Repairs: Business sponsors will volunteer teams of bike mechanics and pickup service for breakdowns and adjustments during the ride.
- In case of bad weather, arrangements have been made with area schools and community centers to provide indoor shelter.
Registration information as well as suggestions on what to pack and optional motel accommodations may be found at www.rribt.com . Click on "route map," then "more ride basics" and scroll to the bottom.
As of this week, Kellogg said registration for the ride, "just nosed over 50, compared to 21 last year."
"The route (through northwest Minnesota) last year was spectacular, but I think the recession kept registration local," Kellogg said.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
