This event is free to attend… however, you will need to make a donation to the NE St. Louis County Toys for Tots foundation. Donations that are accepted: toys/books/stocking stuffers, all new and unwrapped. Cash and or checks are also gladly accepted. The donation process starts at 8:00 a.m. with the ride departing as close to 9:00 as possible.
2022 Ride Poster
You’ll have two routes to choose from 15 and 30 miles respectively.
The group loosely stays together until the 15 mile mark.
Studded Tires
A word on #studded-tires. Over the year’s, this is the question I definitely get asked most. “Should I mount my studded tires?” “Are studded tires required?”
Through the 10 year’s of this ride… there was truly only one year they were required…. 2017. Anyone who was in attendance that particular year will not soon forget!! Ha
I will not answer any studded tire questions sorry, not sorry. I just have to much going on in preparation for the ride. 🤷♂️
I will say… mine will be going on, as usual, a week or so before “the day.”
If you have them mount em up…. If you don’t, I wouldn’t worry to much about it…. You’ll be able to play with your PSI, and you’ll be fine… unless it rains for 2 days before the ride… which I have no control over…. 😜🤷♂️
This is NOT a social issues commentary, however a question about it is below.
Instead, think of this as a bit of a history lesson. It certainly seems, beyond a shadow of a doubt; to be one of great importance; yet one many have forgotten.
You know who you are!!
Please continue….
The opinion article in the (5/1/2022 HHS Parents and Alumni) paper was “absolutely deplorable?”
Isn’t That Ironic!!
Not that many years ago, two ISD701 employees, both an administrator and teacher were abusing/having inappropriate behavior with young girls. That was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, yet there was no “absolute deplorable” sentiment then hey?
Also… not one PEEP (on social media or elsewhere), from school board members, school teachers, or other employees of this once proud school district, let alone a grade school principal and high school VP.
Whispers, however, were all around.
Where were you all then?
Much to touchy of a topic for you?
Hit to close to home?
How about… where were you when the MNDHR investigation was complete?
Silence…
Where were you when the pervert teacher was allowed to walk away with a three year taxpayer funded severance package?
Where were you and your comments of #strongertogether when allegations of racism by a certain HHS administration member were “overlooked?”
Where were you, and to the bigger point, where was the discipline when a teacher told a classroom of students “I don’t know why we’re all back. We’re all going to get “C” and die.” This was on day one of school being back to in-person learning.
It was said to me. “Yes, that was a mistake, and something should’ve been done.”
There’s that theme again with this school district. Yes, something should’ve been done.” However, time after time, year after year, situation after situation, within this district, nothing is actually done!??
We as a community should demand better from our elected school leadership.
It makes no difference if you weren’t anywhere near this school district during those dark times; however, knowing the history and why parents are/get so upset, would go an extremely long way to your understanding of it. It goes back, literally decades!
Plus, after the last two years everyone’s nerves are so near the top and exposed. It doesn’t take much to set everyone off now, does it?
This (the article, whether you choose it is as fact or fiction), is all just another layer of the iceberg that was once underwater, but let us not talk about the bullying and everything else that has also gone “overlooked” on a regular basis.
The opinion piece or whatever you personally refer to it as, had NOTHING to do with teachers. Instead, it has EVERYTHING to do with ISD701 leadership…. Know the difference!!
Being led by dinosaur’s = dinosaur thinking, and dinosaur decisions.
Sadly with the average age of our area 65 +, I don’t expect anything to change.
I did once, but not anymore.
People are content having our communities youth being lead by dinosaurs. So be it…
BUT…
There’s a reason this school district remains a laughing stock of this state To This Very Day!!
Everyone knows where to look, right??
Besides students leaving in record numbers, teachers are also leaving in numbers, not just in this district, but nationwide. Can anyone blame them, locally or nationally?
Some completely awesome local teachers are contemplating leaving. Some have said, “I’m done sooner than later, I can’t take the crap that goes on district wide!” “There’s no support from administration.” “That opinion piece wasn’t all wrong. Pick a building.” The kicker “our elected school board officials suck, I wish the community would wake up!”
These comment’s should scare everyone within the community: These are the teachers of our future leaders!
Some teachers, that I respect more than life itself, saw the writing on the wall and left already.
Through this ALL, and I believe I’m stating the obvious again, everyone knows where to look. If I have to tell you, ya all are NOT as engaged as you think!
Never underestimate my support of the GOOD teachers, and support staff. Yet also, never underestimate my show of zero support to the lazy BAD teachers, and support staff!!
There’s always the (BAD) few who ruin it for the (GOOD) many in any walk of life!!
I DO NOT however support, while also HAVING ZERO TRUST in the leadership of this district. That non trust has been well earned in spades over the years!!
See above!!
A perfect example of this FACT?
The letter that was (supposedly) written and signed by the whole of the school board… (the week of 5/2/2022), In response to the opinion article.
All that amounted to were more words that DO NOT back up this school board’s actions!!
To the school board directly…. COME UP WITH SOMETHING ON YOUR OWN…. Not plagiarized from elsewhere!!! COWARDS!!
You all SHOULD HAVE addressed, point by point, to that letter!! You all, at the very least, would’ve had a leg to stand on in doing so.
Instead, you all signed your names to a letter that literally meant NOTHING!!
You’ve proven year after year, situation after situation, you all DO NOT practice what you preach!! You all however, obviously think you do. Thanks to all of you for proving this point yet again!
Yet a school board member pens a letter to the editor, (week of 5/16/2022), and in her first few paragraphs claims “right wing conspiracies?”While touting this and that…. While the touting is warranted…. Again,
You lost all credibility by AGAIN showing your political beliefs; which HAVE NO PLACE IN, AT, OR AROUND the school board level!!
Figures you STILL DO NOT realize this!!
She also speaks of positivity.
Again, give me a break, you fraud!!
You are one of the biggest bullies on this current school board!! You have learned from the biggest bully; so normally I’d give you a pass… but NO MORE!!
There’s only one board member that I have respect for. The rest of you, as I stated above, are dinosaurs!!
She should realize to keep quite!
You open your mouth, and your words DO NOT match your actions!!! Some people just can’t get out of their own way!!
If others within this community only knew!!
Also, what’s so threatening to you about a different community member being elected to the school board? Guaranteed anyone within this community could do just as horrible of a job as you and your cronies. What a disappointment you all are!
It would also seem, as with anything, that there are two sides to any coin, within this school district.
Kids are saying this, and that.
Adults are doing the same.
Some ISD701 support staff are vehemently denying any such actions, as stated in the opinion article that are happening. “I’ve never seen anything like what this article states.”
It’s understandable they’re in denial. It really is, BUT again….
Remember back to your high school days.
Did you straighten up, or stop screwing around, when you got wind of someone in authority walking the halls? Thought so.
Today’s kids are sneakier than ever before. I’ve been driving bus for the past 6 years, and my experiences prove the above statement as fact.
What I really don’t understand?
How can some students see the things the article mentions, yet other’s do not??
I get why teachers and staff do not see it.
Of course there are no litter boxes in the school restrooms.
Stop picking and choosing what to pull out of that article and run with!
From an HHS student…
“Yes people bark. Yes people meow. Yes there is one kid who gets “walked” on a leash. Yes, people wear cat ears, and yes some people wear tails. To anyone who wants to say that part is a lie, they are mistaken. You can walk into any bathroom and it smells like someone just peed on the floor…. daily”
Reread that opinion article, I mean really read it.
Some people are blowing the writers comments way way way out of proportion. This is not surprising in the least. You know who you are. Why are you doing so??
#strongertogether?? I DO NOT believe that means, to you, what it means to me.
As usual these are my thoughts and words. If you have concerns with them, you know how to contact me and we can discuss them.
I am unafraid.
Something I’ve never said before, but yet have learned.
These words are NOT written out for you, you, or you!!
Please DO NOT come up to me in public and say “good job,” “way to go,” or “you said exactly what I was thinking.”
I DO NOT CARE…. I am NOT speaking for you, or anyone else!!
If you can say these things to me, but yet slink back under your rock, and cower in fear of being reprimanded and or public scrutiny, save any words of encouragement you have towards me… I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THEM!!
You guys are freaking AWESOME!!! I’m speechless! Thank You!! The underprivileged youth of the greater NE St. Louis County area Thank You!!
Give yourselves a pat on the back, job well done!! This years event numbers…. 69 riders. $2685. 00. 63 toys. 5 bikes.
Again, THANK YOU!!
Get EXCITED people…. This looks to be a special year…. YOU DO NOT want to miss out on!!
This event benefits the NE St. Louis Country Toys for Tots Foundation.
This years date is 11/27/2021
Your ride fee will be a donation……
In the form of toys/books/stocking stuffers ALL NEW and unwrapped.
Cash and or checks will also be accepted.
The TFT donations start at 8 a.m. at Palmer’s Tavern (1717 3rd Ave. E. Hibbing), with the roll out being as close to 9 a.m. as possible.
You will also be signing a ride day wavier. Old hat for most event participants, new for other’s.
You are encouraged to hang out afterwards… sharing your trail stories, making new friends, and for the end of ride giveaways; generously donated by our many fine sponsors… and get yourself “The Best Burger’s” on the Iron Range via the Palmer’s Tavern grill, and you might as well wash that tasty burger down with the beverage of your choosing!! 🍻
After 15 to 30 miles… you’ll never have food and drink that’s tasted so good!! 💪🏻👊🏻
There are two distances 15 and 30 miles…. The group loosely stays together until the 15 mile mark.
Come ride your FatBike in the Heart of Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range…..
“True FatBike Country”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Directly from the Facebook event page……
This event benefits the NE St. Louis Country Toys for Tots Foundation. Your ride fee will be a donation…… In the form of toys/books/stocking stuffers ALL NEW and unwrapped. Cash and or checks will also be accepted. The TFT donations start at 8 a.m. at Palmer’s Tavern (address is listed above), with the roll out being as close to 9 a.m. as possible.
You will also be signing a ride day wavier. Old hat for most event participants, new for other’s.
You are encouraged to hang out afterwards… sharing your trail stories, making new friends, and for the end of ride giveaways; generously donated by our many fine sponsors… and get yourself “The Best Burger’s” on the Iron Range via the Palmer’s Tavern grill, and you might as well wash that tasty burger down with the beverage of your choosing!! 🍻 After 15 to 30 miles… you’ll never have food and drink that’s tasted so good!! 💪🏻👊🏻
There are two distances 15 and 30 miles…. The group loosely stays together until the 15 mile mark.
YOU WILL BE responsible for YOURSELF!! There will be NO ONE to come pick YOU up!! PLAN ACCORDINGLY!! Please have your bike in good working order, bring enough water and snacks. YOU have been warned!! 😉👍🏻💪🏻👊🏻
A word on studded tires I will not answer any questions about “do I need studded tires?” I will however reference those question to this information. I just WILL NOT have time to answer everyone individually…. 🤷♂️ Mine will be getting mounted halfway through November.
It is better to have your studded tires mounted, and not really need them, than wishing you had put them on before you left!!
If it rains the day or two leading up to ride day (like 2017 😉) I will definitely let everyone know.
Come ride your FatBike in the Heart of Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range….. “True FatBike Country”
*****
PARKING……
Red equals NO PARKING Please!!
Please leave the parking places directly in front of Palmer’s Tavern open! We leave at 9 am, and aren’t back until we’ll after noon.
Thank You for following these simple direction’s!!
*****
Yellow equals where to park!! The yellow X is now an empty lot.
Donate to the Redhead MTB Park crowdfunding campaign!!!! Red Head MTB Park is looking to raise $100,000 by October 3. Small donations add up to a large sum in the end!
RECLAIMED short historical documentary on the area and this world-class trail system.
World class trails right in our backyard. 30 year’s in the making!! It’s not hype; try it for yourself!!
After much back and forth… and with the blessing of the host venues ownership… this ride will go on as planned!! It will take whatever form it will; with whoever feels comfortable attending.
As years past… we depart Palmer’s as close to 9:00 a.m. as possible.
The route and terrain: It’s nothing that will shock anyone. A lot of double track (aka wheeler trails), Abandoned mining roads. Goat paths thrown in, just to keep everyone honest. 😜 We head west away from Palmer’s Tavern…. then snake our way back to the east via the “westside dumps” or long abandoned mining stock piles. We ride on city streets to the old Whitney Tailings pond area east of town. I removed the infamous “Pie Burner” climb…. it was just to time consuming to have the people who’d rather not climb sit around waiting.. the whole goal is to keep the group moving forward. There will be some climbing… but nothing that should hurt any rider to bad… 😂😂🤷♂️ For those that know me… I hate climbing, but it is very much part of our “game of bike” in general and not just this day…. 💪🏻👊🏻 After the ride through the above mentioned area… we are a short pedal away from the halfway point. At this point riders who’ve “had enough” follow the Mesabi Trail back to Palmer’s Tavern, while the riders who want to beat themselves up some more make their way to the Redheadmtbpark…. and this year is where the real challenge will begin!! I’m excited, how about you?? 😂😂👍🏻👊🏻💪🏻
I’ll say this up front…. everyone will be responsible for themselves this year. I don’t believe I’ll be having any half way point water and or snacks. If something happens to you, your bike or whatever, be prepared to deal with it on your own. Thank you for your understanding in this fact… for this year only.
As always…. there will be two distances 15 and 30 miles. The 15 mile mark is the halfway point and the group separates at this spot.
A word on studded tires!!! If you have them mount them up before ride day. I’ll mount mine up mid November or sooner. My thinking… it’s better to have them, and not truly need them; than need them and not have them!! Please PLEASE don’t bombard me with the studded tire questions…. More than likely I will not have the time or desire to answer each individual studded tire question; just mount them and enjoy the ride. In years past it’s been 50/50 plus a coin flip. Except 2017…. they were most definitely needed in 2017!! 😂😂🤦♀️🤷♂️👊🏻 Consider this paragraph your answer to the inevitable studs or no studs emails I receive like clockwork.
Same as years past this event is FREE to attend!! However also as years past, a donation to the Northeastern St.Louis County Toys for Tots Foundation is your RIDE FEE The Toys For Tots donation starts at 8:15 a.m. with us departing for the ride as close to 9:00 a.m. as possible. Donations should be in the form of NEW UNWRAPPED Books/Toys and stocking stuffers; with cash and or check also accepted.. if at all possible with these donations start at $20.
We all know what is expected during this time. Please wear your face covering when you enter Palmer’s Tavern. Please leave your face covering on while inside. Until you sit down… Do your Toys For Tots donation, sign your ride waiver, and find somewhere to sit down; if you’d like… this is the only time your face covering may come off. Again I believe we all know the drill.
I DO NOT care if you disagree with the whole face covering mandate.. PLEASE PLEASE show respect for the host venue, their staff and your fellow riders.
There will be volunteers to make sure to guide you to each step of Toys for Tots donation, ride waiver signing and getting your shirt.
IF YOU HAVEN’T giving us your name and t-shirt size… ahead of time, you will not receive your shirt until after everyone WHO HAS contacted us with name and shirt size.
The time for giving us your name and shirt size has past. The shirt order has been placed. 70 shirts have been preordered. 58 people either contacted me, or I contacted them. I even contacted riders I know who are not attending; just to get those certain sizes on the preorder. Sizing runs from S to 4XL. If after we hand out the shirts to the people who gave their names and sizes, and you find yourself with the wrong size shirt… that’s just the way it will be.
If you must have the right size shirt… we will start a list. BUT you will have to pay for those shirts yourself. Shirt pricing is as follows: $20 per shirt. Plus $5 for us to ship to you upon completion by the printer. Sizing 2XL and up add $2.50 per shirt. He does keep the Pie Burner layout open for 7 days after the event.
30 years ago my buddies and I used to ride all the mine dumps in our area; always saying… “wouldn’t it be cool if we had actual trails to ride, not just these mine overburden piles?” From then to now, I’m the only one of that group that still rides; and has stayed in the area… It’s just how life goes. I’ve ridden the wheeler trails in and around the Minnesota Discovery Center since “back in the day.”
Well, June 12th 2020 that dream has become a reality!! The Redhead Mountain Bike Park opens to the public. With 16.3 miles of machine built single track goodness. Riders of all abilities will be able to roll ever single trail. There is truly a trail for every rider at Redhead. A huge achievement for both IROCmtb and the City of Chisholm, Mn.
It took a lot of dedicated people many years to make this dream come true. It took a city that saw past the “not in our backyard” mindset. it took a vision. Thankfully the stars aligned and things got done!! 💪🏻👍🏻👊🏻🤟🏻
There are most definitely still the naysayers… but in the coming months and years… these people will see what an asset this trail system will be to the area as a whole!
This trail system will take your breath away, literally with the trail design; and figuratively, with the stunning views! Yet still has trails to please everyone!
Secret Garden bike playground
“These trails are now state of the art world class, and number one in the country” as stated by this guy… and he definitely would know!!
(All photos below Credited to Cindi… unless otherwise noted.)
Gary S. Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Member.
I think the best description I heard on opening weekend… “it’s a mix of Copper Harbor, part Cuyuna, part Duluth… Which equal ALL GOOD!!”
“This area has instantly become a destination with this trail system!”
“When we left the trailhead, and made our way down into the pit… we forgot we were still in Mn. Thought we teleported out west… Amazing!!”
Fractured Falls Fractured Falls Glen Line North Star Loop North Star LoopEarly on Fractured Falls… yes, this trail will become the feature draw of this system.Orange Crush Photo Credit: Brian V. Top of Orange Crush
And here’s a link to a 20 minute video… that’ll give you an idea what Redhead has to offer. Thanks to Rich O. and the LCR Racing crew he brought with him this day. These gentleman can ride a whole hell of a lot better than I!! GET SOME!!
Saturday 4/25/2020 found me joining IROCmtb’s trailboss Pat C. for some riding and trail clearing. It consisted of clearing rocks, downed trees, and filing away problem areas after and during our spring melt in northern Minnesota.
Pat using his trusty handsaw.
We’d pedal aways, stop and clear debris. Repeating over and over.
Making mental notes of problem areas. Which surprisingly for less than year old trails, weren’t so bad….. on the south side units.
After a few hours it was time to bid Pat a due, and make my way back home……
Riders in the upper midwest should be very excited about the trails this area is getting put on the ground, from Tioga to Giants Ridge….. our area is going to become a destination riding area!! Completely complimenting Cuyuna and Duluth!!
With the “new normal” of the “Covid19Winter” our date of having an official grand opening is in constant flux. Our next club meeting is towards the end of May…. hopefully by that time things workout to some semblance of what our post covid19 world will look like.
Originally the date for the trails “soft opening” was to be June 12th…. time will tell if that date holds; we as a group, however are not holding our breath on that date. Time will definitely help.
The Adventures of Joboo and His Trusty FatBack 