On Aug. 18, some 200 bicyclists are expected to descend upon the community of Cloquet for the start of the fifth annual Bicycling Around Minnesota (BAM) bike tour. The event will then traverse the cities of Duluth, Two Harbors, Virginia, Eveleth and Hibbing before returning to Cloquet on Aug. 21.
Organizers stress the event is a recreational ride and not a race.
"I think this is a great opportunity for our area to promote itself," said Brian Fritsinger, Cloquet city administrator. "Having groups like this take advantage of our many campgrounds, trail systems and other amenities is a real benefit to everyone. It is exciting to see a continuation of the interest in our area for biking. We look forward to these bikers spending some time in our community and enjoying Cloquet."
This year's bike route will head out from Cloquet and then meander through Duluth before heading up to Two Harbors, a distance of some 67 miles on the first day. After spending the night along Lake Superior, BAM riders will pedal away from the shoreline and head along county roads to the cities of Virginia, Hibbing and Eveleth. On the fourth day the route will travel in a southerly direction and end up back at the starting point in Cloquet. "Bicyclists Ahead" signs will help alert motorists that they may encounter BAM riders.
The ride will cover from 65-70 miles a day, for a total of some 267 miles.
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Camping is highly encouraged by the BAM organization, and riders will set up camp on Dunlap Island in Cloquet just prior to the start of the ride and following the finish. Some of the riders will also stay at the AmericInn and Super 8. Riders will eat breakfast at the Cloquet VFW before they leave; Mayor Bruce Ahlgren is attending the ride orientation meeting at 7:15 a.m.
The BAM event was first organized in 2006 with an eye toward promoting tourism, fitness and safe bicycling on scenic Minnesota routes. Last year's ride, which was held in and around the Rochester area, featured riders representing 12 states and Canada.
BAM is a nonprofit organization with a focus on highlighting Minnesota communities to an ever-growing bicycling audience.
Did you know?
Did you know bicycles are considered legal vehicles on Minnesota roads and they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists? When passing a bicycle, motor vehicles should leave at least three feet clearance until safely past the bicycle (Minn. Stat. 169.18 subd 3). Bicyclists may ride two abreast on roadways as long as it does not impede reasonable movement of traffic.
One of the goals of the Bicycling Across Minnesota (BAM) ride is educating motorists and bicyclists on "Share the Road," www.sharetheroadmn.org , a bicycle safety program to educate adult bicyclists and motorists on how they can share the road safely to reduce crashes that result in injuries and death.
~ BAM press release
