点评:Trail in General
The trail is NOT a rail trail and does have a few serious climbs, mostly short ones, but a few can put some burn in the legs. The trail surface does vary in condition in stretches as repair and maintenance is done. There is only one section that I would rate as horrible, and that is the mile and a half from Tower to Soudan, which is on the list for replacement soon. Other than that, there are some annoying bumpy sections, but no more than most local roads have. There are only 2 spots for public drinking water I found, one at the National Forest Service Center in Ely, which has a bottle filling station, and a drinking fountain in Mountain Iron, however it doesn’t flow high enough to get a water bottle under to fill. There may be others, but be prepared to carry adequate water. There are only a few Convenience Stores along the trail for snacks also. The trail winds quite a bit, so wind direction is not much of an issue, the primary summer wind is from the southwest. The history signs along the trail are interesting and informative of the early history of the area or general points of interest. Travel direction wise, I would suggest West to East as was suggested to me. It seems to be the best flow for hills, traffic etc. Watch for the green “Bike Route” signs with arrows, there are a few places arrows are painted on the trail also, but don’t count on it.
Equipment Choice
I ride a Hybrid Bianchi 3 front chainrings, 8 rear cogs on the rear freewheel. I ride almost exclusively on the front center 46 tooth chainring, like 99% of the time. I use all 8 in the rear 12-34 tooth eight speed freewheel. I never needed other than that 46 tooth chainring, but I did use all 8 on the rear riding the Mesabi Trail. Make sure your bike shifts smoothly, you do make many gear changes, mostly a gear or two up or down for the ups, downs and hills of the trail. Most of the longer downhills, with very few exceptions have blind corners, so be cautious on your descents, there could be a biker or walker coming the other way, or just a tight radius corner you can’t see yet.
I rode on 700 X 35 MM Michelin Protek clincher tires, pumped to 70 PSI, 85 is max on this tire, and I found 70 to be a reasonable compromise between rolling resistance and cushion on the bumps. I would caution against using tire and rim combinations that are much smaller and narrower, there are bumps in the trail. I didn’t see much for debris on the trail, other than some gravel at ATV crossings.
EBikes are allowed on the trail, up to Class 3.
Trail Shuttle
There is a trail shuttle service available through the Mesabi Trail website, which I used for two of my days. This is not an on-demand service you have to make a reservation and pay a deposit. Chris was very helpful in planning my trip days, shuttle points and lodging suggestions for the area. My pickup was right on time both days and took great care in making sure my bike was secure on the rack. Driver Craig was a great resource for trail knowledge, and local area knowledge in general. If you don’t have time to do out and back, or a group to self-shuttle, I would suggest using the service. There are many access points that have adequate parking of vehicles if you are travelling on your own.
Grand Rapids to Chisholm
June 2023 56.5 miles
Shuttled to Grand Rapids from Chisholm for start of the day.
This is the older end of the trail and the surface does have some roots popping through and some “thump thump” cracks in the asphalt. No rougher than the average city street, but noticeable. You will see sections where the asphalt has been replaced, with more to come once the new construction is completed to finish the full trail length out in 2023 and 2024. The streets in the trail towns do have some pretty rough stretches of pavement also.
I honestly didn’t notice the mapped first hill of the day between Grand Rapids and Coleraine, must have been pretty short. On the subject of hills, be careful with your downhill speed, some of the hills have blind sharp turns in the trail which require braking. Most hills on this leg are a gear or two drop and very short in length. There are 3 that are a bit steeper coming up that are more of a challenge.
The Rail Road crossing prior to Coleraine is really rough, slow down and pick your route carefully, the west side of the crossing is missing a board and is quite a dip. The rest of the railroad crossings for the day are in much better shape so don’t be too concerned crossing the rest, use the usual caution.
Bovey to Taconite has a short stretch along side Highway 168, but is set far enough back to not be an issue. The trail through Taconite runs on city streets for a couple of blocks, not a problem, no traffic here.
A mile out from Taconite the trail has a steep downhill with a bridge at the bottom. This hill has twists and turns so watch your descent speed. The bridge has signs to walk across the bridge and with good reason, the approaches on and off the bridge cannot be ridden they are too large of ledges, and the bridge is a narrow floating bridge, be smart here and take your time. As you cross Scenic Road you will see a railroad trestle crossing the road to your right (south). Get ready…. It’s time to climb. This is one of the 3 steeper hills of the day, not long but be prepared for the downshift. I find it helpful to stay in a lower gear when I crest a hill and spin a little bit to get the blood back flowing in the muscles.
The trail takes a right (south) when it reaches Marble to the kiosk near the baseball field. This is one of the few toilets on this leg of the trail located near the kiosk. If you don’t need it, you can just continue on Ekman Ave until you reach the trail proper again on the left (north) at the corner.
There is a slight downhill run for a bit here, but get ready…..as the trail turns to the right (south) it goes on the third steeper hill of the day. This one is longer than the first two, and a bit steeper.
Next up is Calumet, go south 3 blocks, and go east on 4th street to get back on the off-street portion of the trail. This is one of the few straight stretches of the trail and is at grade with the railroad tracks running just south of the trail. This is one of my personal favorite stretches of the trail, after you cross the bridge over 169 in Pengilly the slight downgrade makes for an easy ride with a canopy of trees, until it drops off the grade to cross highway 169 again.
There is a slight rise to the trail here, and it begins to parallel Hwy 169 for about a mile into Nashwauk.
There is a tree buffer between the trail in the road for most of it, so it really isn’t much for traffic distraction.
In Nashwauk, take the first right (east), then a left (north) on 2nd street for 7 blocks until you go right, (east) on Central Ave. this is not too clear but you need to go down the hill out of town until you go back on the off-road trail on the right (north) side of the road at the first road turn. The first section is on an old road, before it dips south to go around O’Brien Reservoir Beach, which is a nice rest stop. The trail goes back north and onto the old road again and into Keewatin. Proceed East to South First Street, go seven blocks south to the trail on your left to going to the east again.
The Trail parallels Hwy 169 for around 2 miles here, mostly with no tree buffer, but set back from the Highway enough to be comfortable from traffic.
When the trail reaches Rainey Rd it turns North toward Kelly Lake, the trail starts separated from the road, but merges onto the road about ¾ of a mile north, just south of Kelly Lake. The on-road section makes a left and slightly to the south onto 1st Ave South, then right on 3rd Street South before turning right on Center Ave. Eventually Center Ave ends to the trail picking up off-road again.
The trail runs next to the road for a bit before turning back into the woods for the short trip into Leetonia.
Travel straight for four blocks before turning right and picking up the trail again off road.
The trail winds for a little bit before it comes to the final climb before Hibbing. There is a climb, then a sharp round corner to the right (south). On the corner is a viewing stand and a bench. Then starts the 2nd part climb, and it is a pretty good one. Be mindful and stay right in case someone is descending this one. Once up the hill it is pretty gentle up and down until you reach the Hibbing Kiosk near the Greyhound Bus Museum.
There are a few gentle up and down grades between this kiosk and Chisholm, once the trail crosses under Hwy 169 there is a section of straight grade before you enter the Red Head Biking area. You eventually cross under 169 again and enter Chisholm after passing the Bruce Mine Headframe site. The trail to Buhl and the east intersects here just before it reaches Chisholm.
Chisholm – Embarrass About 55 miles
About 1.5 miles from the Hibbing-Buhl trail crossroads you reach your first climb of the day, it is medium long and medium steep, not a killer, but a workout.
After the downhill the trail goes onto old unused road for a couple of miles, they have paved new bike path on top of the old road and it is fairly smooth, with a few thump thumps, there is a short trail section, then back on to Old 169. Just as it begins to rise up, it goes to off road trail on the left-hand (northeast) side of the intersection. It goes past the swimming beach, then to a road edge trail through Buhl. Take the second road to the left for 3 blocks, then to off road trail again. Trail reaches and goes right (south) on Hwy 25 less than a quarter mile, then goes to off road again to the left, (east). It winds next to 169 going east for about 5 miles before turning left (north) away from the Hwy 169. After winding through the woods for a mile it parallels Old 169 for about a mile and then enters Mountain Iron, turn left (north) on State Street, and follow around to the east to the park where there is a drinking water fountain, which does not spray high enough to fill water bottles though. Going back south and then east, the trail picks up just at the edge of town as the road turns left to the northeast.
About 3 miles down the line, the trail turns left to the north then to the east, it parallels, then becomes road shoulder before crossing railroad tracks and then Hwy 53. Go straight for about a half block past the intersection on Hwy 53 and the trail crosses the road to the left (north). I would suggest this crossing as this is a busy road. When you reach the hospital in a couple of blocks the trail crosses the road again right to the south, and winds through Olcott Park. There is likely water in this park somewhere, I know for sure there are bathrooms, you will pass them.
As you leave the southwest corner of the park, at the first light go left (East) onto 4th Street North. Go East one long block until you cross straight into the park. At the lake go left (North). You will wind around, but before you reach the narrow foot bridge go left (North) to follow the trail.
The trail follows along the edge of street before going off road again. There is a small rest area to the left (East) of the trail with a view of The Virginia High Bridge, which you are about to cross.
The bridge crossing shares the crossing with ATV’s, I didn’t see any on the Tuesday I was there. When you cross the bridge, it starts to climb, not a steep climb by any means, but it is a longer gentle grade. Once you crest the hill there is a short downhill through a tunnel and up onto a grade. This roughly 3-mile grade runs almost all the way into Gilbert and is a nice gentle grade just about level, through some rock cuts.
Follow old 135 to the south, cross Hwy 135 and take a left (East) on Dakota Ave E. You wind around the corner in 2 blocks, the trail goes off to the left (east) off road again. The Trail ends up winding along Hwy 135 for ½ mile before turning right (south) uphill next to Enterprise Trail.
The trail winds around through the Off Highway Vehicle Area, before coming back to parallel Hwy 135 again. In 2023 the trail ends at Heritage Trail, although this is scheduled work for 2023 to complete an off road section.
You have to ride the Hwy 135 shoulder for about 3.5 miles east to Biwabik at this time. The shoulder is wide, and fairly smooth, slightly downhill, except for the railroad crossing bridge just prior to Biwabik.
The main road through Biwabik is somewhat narrow and can be busy, the trail goes back off road on the south side of the road at the edge of town. There are a few convenience stores for snacks and drinks in town here.
At about a mile and a quarter at the Lake Vermillion Trail Historical Marker, the trail doubles back to drop down to shore level of Embarrass Lake. The trail travels about a quarter mile along the lake before going back off road, and under Hwy 136 at the wayside rest area.
The trail winds through the woods with a few ups and downs, nothing real challenging, just a few gear drops and short climbs. When you reach the ski resort go (north) past the buildings, some is through parking lots, until you go east again to cross Hwy 136. After a couple of winding turns it crosses the bridge at The Narrows.
The trail winds around up and down through the woods, through some logged over areas it crosses back over Hwy 135. There are some climbs and drops in this section, none really super challenging, but a few that require a little work.
When it rejoins the grade there is a really nice long drop to the white bog bridge at the bottom. This is an aluminum floating bridge and is pretty noisy as you ride over it. I would imagine it can be slippery when wet, so proceed with caution.
After you exit the bridge there is a ¾ mile section that is sand/gravel mix, crossing a wildlife area. I found the center of the trail to be the most stable for travel.
The trail then runs alongside the road for the rest of the way into Embarrass, around 3 miles, and beyond. In 2023 this is new asphalt and is really smooth.
The trail goes on for around 6 miles north of the Embarrass kiosk, most sections are new trail here also. It does take short stretches on local roads. There is a nice section of grade in there that is new asphalt also. A short climb drops you onto Benson Road to the right (north) and then ends at Wahlsten road in ¼ mile.
The trail is being completed here in 2023-2024 from Benson Road to just shy of Tower as part of the effort at a completed trail from Grand Rapids to Ely.
Tower to Ely
June 2023 58.5 miles out and back, did not shuttle here.
Started from Civic Center in Tower rode to Ely and back.
The first 1.5-mile section of the trail from Tower to Soudan is horrible at this time, big cracks and ruts. Unless you are intent on doing the “whole” Mesabi Trail, I would start at the trail head in downtown Soudan, you will have a short uphill to start, take a right at the sign toward LVSP (Lake Vermillion State Park) and go from there.
The first 12 miles is in great shape, just a few places where roots have broken up through the trail or a small crack here or there. The trail has the usual ups and downs, nothing major, drop a gear or 3 for some short to medium climbs. There are only 2 or 3 in this stretch that are any length, but they are not steep grade. There is one long down grade after you pass the radio towers, and drop down into the bog level below. This is a long gentle grade to climb on the return if you do out and back.
After you cross Hwy 169 you cross the White Bridge on the section that parallels 169, it is very noisy, it is made of aluminum and although sturdy has grooves and such that make it pretty noisy, and it may startle you when you first get on it. It is the same type as south of Embarrass, and could be slippery when wet.
The trail goes right (south) at Bear Lake State Park Road, when you make the left to the east, and go past the Eagles Nest Town hall, the trail changes in nature a bit, there are more twists and turns and more ups and downs. There are a few where I had to drop down 4 gears in the rear to climb. Now I have to confess at 58 years old I am no Olympic Athlete and I know it. Just be prepared if you generally ride Rails to Trails that this trail has some short and steeper hills. Your results may vary, but be prepared. This goes on for about 10 miles unt
翻译:一般路线
这条路线不是铁路路线,确实有一些严重的攀爬,大部分是短的,但有一些可能会烧伤腿部。随着维修和保养的完成,步道表面的状况确实会发生变化。只有一个路段我认为很糟糕,那就是从塔楼到苏丹的一英里半,它很快就会被列入更换清单。除此之外,还有一些令人烦恼的崎岖路段,但并不比大多数当地道路多。我发现只有两个公共饮用水点,一个在伊利的国家森林服务中心,那里有一个瓶装水站,另一个在铁山有一个饮水器,但是水流不够高,无法获得水瓶下进行填充。可能还有其他的,但要准备好携带足够的水。沿途只有几家便利店也可以买到零食。这条小路蜿蜒曲折,所以风向不是太大问题,夏季主要风是西南风。沿途的历史标志非常有趣,并且提供了有关该地区或一般景点的早期历史的信息。就旅行方向而言,我会建议从西向东,就像向我建议的那样。这似乎是山丘、交通等的最佳路线。注意带有箭头的绿色“自行车路线”标志,小路上也有一些地方画有箭头,但不要指望它。
设备选择
我骑的是 Hybrid Bianchi,前盘有 3 个齿盘,后飞轮有 8 个后齿轮。 99% 的时间里,我几乎只使用前中心 46 齿齿盘。我用的是后部全部8个12-34齿八速飞轮。除了 46 齿齿盘外,我从来不需要其他齿盘,但在 Mesabi Trail 骑行时我确实在后部使用了全部 8 个齿盘。确保您的自行车换档平稳,您确实需要进行多次变速,主要是为了适应山道的上坡、下坡和山坡而升或降一两个档。大多数较长的下坡,除了极少数例外,都有盲角,因此下坡时要小心,可能会有骑自行车的人或步行者从另一条路上过来,或者只是一个您还看不到的小半径拐角。
我骑的是 700 X 35 MM 米其林 Protek 开口胎,充气压力为 70 PSI,该轮胎的最大压力为 85,我发现 70 是滚动阻力和颠簸缓冲之间的合理折衷。我会警告不要使用更小更窄的轮胎和轮辋组合,因为路径上有颠簸。除了全地形车十字路口的一些碎石外,我在路上没有看到太多碎片。
允许在步道上使用电动自行车,最高等级为 3 级。
步道班车
Mesabi Trail 网站提供步道班车服务,我使用了两天。这不是按需服务,您必须预订并支付押金。克里斯在规划我的旅行日期、班车站点和该地区的住宿建议方面非常有帮助。这两天我的接送都很准时,并且非常小心地确保我的自行车安全地放在车架上。司机克雷格是越野知识和当地知识的重要资源。如果您没有时间往返,或者团体自驾,我建议您使用该服务。如果您独自旅行,许多出入点都可以提供充足的车辆停车位。
大急流城 到 奇泽姆
2023 年 6 月 56.5 英里
从奇泽姆乘坐班车前往大急流城,开始新的一天。
这是小路较旧的一端,表面确实有一些树根突出,沥青上有一些“重重重重”的裂缝。并不比一般的城市街道粗糙,但引人注目。您会看到一些路段的沥青已经被更换,一旦新的施工完成,预计在 2023 年和 2024 年完成整个步道长度,还会有更多的路段被更换。步道城镇的街道也有一些相当粗糙的人行道。
老实说,我没有注意到大急流城和科尔雷恩之间当天绘制的第一座山坡,一定很短。关于山坡,请注意下坡速度,有些山坡的路线上有盲目的急转弯,需要刹车。这条路段上的大多数山坡都有一个或两个齿轮落差,而且长度很短。其中有 3 处比较陡峭,更具挑战性。
通往 Coleraine 之前的铁路道口非常崎岖,请放慢速度并仔细选择路线,道口的西侧缺少一块木板,并且非常陡峭。当天其余的铁路道口状况要好得多,因此在穿越其余铁路道口时不必太担心,请保持平常的谨慎。
博维 (Bovey) 到铁燧石 (Taconite) 沿 168 号高速公路有一段很短的路段,但距离足够远,不构成问题。穿过铁燧岩的小路在城市街道上延伸了几个街区,这不是问题,这里没有交通。
距离铁燧石一英里,小路有一个陡峭的下坡,底部有一座桥。这座山有曲折,所以要注意下降速度。桥上有步行过桥的标志,这是有充分理由的, 桥上和桥下的引道不能骑,它们的壁架太大,而且桥是一座狭窄的浮桥,在这里要聪明,慢慢来。当您穿过风景路时,您会看到右侧(南侧)有一个铁路栈桥横穿马路。做好准备…。是时候爬山了。这是当天 3 座较陡的山坡之一,时间不长,但要做好降档的准备。我发现当我爬上一座小山时,保持较低的档位并稍微旋转一下以使血液重新在肌肉中流动是很有帮助的。
当到达马布尔 (Marble) 时,小路右转(向南)到达棒球场附近的售货亭。这是这条步道上靠近售货亭的少数几个厕所之一。如果您不需要,您可以继续沿着 Ekman Ave 行驶,直到在拐角处的左侧(北面)再次到达正确的小路。
这里有一段轻微的下坡路,但做好准备……当小路向右(南)转时,它会进入当天第三个更陡的山坡。这个比前两个更长,而且更陡一些。
接下来是卡鲁梅特 (Calumet),向南走 3 个街区,然后在第 4 街向东走,回到步道的街边部分。这是这条小道上为数不多的笔直延伸段之一,并且与铁路轨道在小道南面平行。这是我个人最喜欢的路段之一,在彭吉利 (Pengilly) 跨过 169 号公路桥梁后,稍稍下坡,可以在树荫下轻松骑行,直到再次下坡穿越 169 号公路。
这里的步道略有上升,开始与 169 号高速公路平行,进入纳什沃克约一英里。
道路上的大部分路段之间都有树木缓冲区,因此不会对交通造成太大干扰。
在纳什沃克 (Nashwauk),在第一个路口右转(东),然后在第 2 街左转(北)行驶 7 个街区,直到您在中央大道 (Central Ave) 右转(东)。这不太清楚,但您需要下山出镇,直到您在第一个路口返回道路右侧(北侧)的越野小道。第一段是一条古老的道路,然后向南延伸,绕过奥布莱恩水库海滩,这是一个不错的休息站。这条小路向北返回,再次走上老路,进入基瓦廷 (Keewatin)。继续向东行驶至南第一街,向南行驶七个街区,到达左侧的小路,然后再次向东行驶。
这条步道与 169 号高速公路平行,长约 2 英里,大部分没有树木缓冲区,但距离高速公路足够远,可以轻松避开交通。
当步道到达雷尼路 (Rainey Rd) 时,它会向北转向凯利湖 (Kelly Lake),步道一开始与道路分开,但在凯利湖以南约 3/4 英里处与道路汇合。公路路段左转并稍微向南进入 1st Ave South,然后右转进入 3rd Street South,然后右转进入 Center Ave。最终 Center Ave 结束,再次回到越野路段。
这条小路在公路旁边延伸一段时间,然后返回树林,进行前往利托尼亚的短途旅行。
直行四个街区,然后右转并再次沿着小路离开道路。
这条小路蜿蜒一段,然后到达希宾之前的最后一次攀登。有一个爬坡,然后向右(南)有一个尖锐的圆角。拐角处有一个观景台和一条长凳。然后开始第二段攀登,这是一个相当不错的攀登。请小心并保持正确的姿势,以防有人从这里下来。上山后,上下坡路非常平缓,直到到达灰狗巴士博物馆附近的希宾亭 (Hibbing Kiosk)。
该亭和 Chisholm 之间有一些平缓的上下坡度,一旦小径穿过 169 号高速公路下方,在您进入红头自行车区之前,会有一段笔直的坡度。经过 Bruce Mine Headframe 站点后,您最终再次穿过 169 号公路并进入 Chisholm。通往布尔和东部的小路在到达奇泽姆之前在此交汇。
奇泽姆 – Embarrass 约 55 英里
距离 Hibbing-Buhl 步道十字路口约 1.5 英里,您将到达当天的第一个攀登路线,这条路线中等长度、中等陡度,不是一个杀手,而是一种锻炼。
下坡后,小路进入旧的未使用的道路几英里,他们在旧路的顶部铺了新的自行车道,相当平坦,有一些重击声,有一段很短的小道部分,然后返回到老 169。当它开始上升时,它进入十字路口左侧(东北)的越野小道。它经过游泳海滩,然后到达穿过布尔的路边小径。沿第二条路向左行驶 3 个街区,然后再次进入越野小道。小径到达并沿 25 号高速公路向右(向南)行驶不到四分之一英里,然后再次向左(向东)驶入越野路。它在 169 号公路旁蜿蜒向东行驶约 5 英里,然后左转(向北)离开 169 号高速公路。蜿蜒穿过树林一英里后,与老 169 号公路平行约一英里,然后进入 Mountain Iron,左转(向北)在州街, 沿着东边走到公园,那里有一个饮用水喷泉,但喷水的高度不足以装满水瓶。向南然后向东行驶,小路在城镇边缘处拐弯,向东北方向左转。
沿线行驶约 3 英里,小路左转向北,然后向东,平行,然后成为路肩,然后穿过铁轨,然后进入 53 号高速公路。直走约半个街区,经过 53 号高速公路和 53 号高速公路的交叉路口小径向左(北)穿过马路。我建议这个十字路口,因为这是一条繁忙的道路。当您到达几个街区外的医院时,小路再次穿过马路向南延伸,蜿蜒穿过奥尔科特公园。这个公园里的某个地方可能有水,我肯定有浴室,你会经过它们。
当您离开公园的西南角时,在第一个红绿灯处向左(东)驶入 4th Street North。向东走一个长街区,直到直接穿过公园。在湖边向左(北)走。您将蜿蜒而行,但在到达窄脚桥之前,请向左(向北)沿着小路走。
这条小路沿着街道边缘延伸,然后再次离开道路。步道左侧(东侧)有一个小型休息区,可以看到您即将穿越的弗吉尼亚高桥。
桥上的路口与全地形车共用一个路口,我周二去的时候没有看到任何路口。当你过桥时,它开始爬坡,无论如何不是陡峭的爬坡,而是一个较长的平缓坡度。一旦你爬上山顶,就会有一段短的下坡,穿过隧道然后上坡。这条大约 3 英里的坡道几乎一直延伸到吉尔伯特,是一个相当平缓的坡道,穿过一些岩石切口。
沿着老 135 号公路向南行驶,穿过 135 号高速公路,然后在达科他大道东 (Dakota Ave E) 上向左(东)转。您在拐角处蜿蜒 2 个街区,小路再次向左(东)离开道路。步道最终沿着 135 号高速公路蜿蜒 0.5 英里,然后在 Enterprise Trail 旁边右转(向南)上坡。
这条小路蜿蜒穿过非公路车辆区,然后再次返回与 135 号高速公路平行。 2023 年,这条步道将在 Heritage Trail 结束,不过预计将于 2023 年完成越野路段的工作。
此时,您必须沿着 135 号高速公路路肩向东行驶约 3.5 英里才能到达 Biwabik。除了 Biwabik 前面的铁路道口桥外,路肩很宽,相当光滑,略有下坡。
穿过 Biwabik 的主要道路有些狭窄,而且可能很繁忙,小路在城镇边缘的道路南侧返回。镇上有几家便利店,出售小吃和饮料。
在朱红湖步道历史标记处约一又四分之一英里处,步道折返至 Embarrass 湖岸边。步道沿湖行驶约四分之一英里,然后返回公路,并在 136 号高速公路下的路边休息区行驶。
这条小路蜿蜒穿过树林,有一些起伏,没有什么真正的挑战性,只有一些装备掉落和短暂的攀爬。当您到达滑雪场时,向北经过建筑物,有些经过停车场,直到您再次向东穿过 136 号高速公路。经过几个蜿蜒的转弯后,穿过狭窄的桥梁。
这条小路蜿蜒穿过树林,穿过一些被砍伐的地区,然后穿过 135 号高速公路。这一段有一些攀爬和下降,没有什么真正具有挑战性,但有一些需要一点努力。
当它重新加入坡度时,有一个非常漂亮的长落差,到达底部的白色沼泽桥。这是一座铝制浮桥,当你骑在上面时会很吵。我想潮湿的时候会很滑,所以要小心。
出桥后,有一段 3/4 英里的路段是沙子/砾石混合物,穿过野生动物区。我发现小路的中心位置最适合旅行。
然后,这条步道沿着道路延伸至 Embarrass,大约 3 英里,甚至更远。 2023 年,这是新的沥青,非常光滑。
这条小路在 Embarrass kiosk 以北延伸约 6 英里,这里的大部分路段也是新的小路。在当地道路上确实需要很短的路程。那里有一个很好的坡度部分,也是新的沥青。爬一小段路后,您将进入右侧(向北)的本森路 (Benson Road),然后在 1/4 英里处到达瓦尔斯滕路 (Wahlsten road)。
这条小路将于 2023 年至 2024 年完工,从本森路 (Benson Road) 到塔楼附近,作为从大急流城 (Grand Rapids) 到伊利 (Ely) 的小路已完工的一部分。
塔楼至伊利
2023年6月 往返58.5英里,没有在此接送。
从塔楼的市政中心出发,骑车前往伊利并返回。
从塔楼到苏丹的第一个 1.5 英里路段此时非常糟糕,有大裂缝和车辙。除非您打算走完整条梅萨比步道,否则我会从苏丹市中心的步道起点开始,您将有一个短上坡开始, 在前往 LVSP(弗米利恩湖州立公园)的路标处右转,然后从那里出发。
前 12 英里的路况很好,只是有几处树根断裂,或者到处都有小裂缝。这条路线有通常的起伏,没什么大不了的,放下一档或三档进行一些短到中度的攀爬。这段路段中只有 2 或 3 个任意长度的坡度,但坡度并不陡。经过无线电塔后,有一个很长的下坡,然后下降到下面的沼泽层。这是一个漫长而平缓的坡度,如果您来回的话,需要在返回时攀爬。
穿过169号高速公路后,您将穿过与169号公路平行的路段上的白桥,它非常吵闹,它是铝制的,虽然坚固,但有凹槽等,这使得它非常吵,当你第一次上车时可能会吓到你它。它与 Embarrass 南部的类型相同,潮湿时可能会很滑。
这条步道在熊湖州立公园路(Bear Lake State Park Road)向右(南)走,当你向左转向东,经过鹰巢市政厅时,步道性质发生了一些变化,有更多的曲折和起伏。起伏。有一些地方我必须放下后部的 4 个齿轮才能爬升。现在我已经 58 岁了,必须承认我不是奥林匹克运动员,我知道这一点。如果您通常乘坐 Rails to Trails,请做好准备,这条路线有一些短而陡的山坡。您的结果可能会有所不同,但请做好准备。这持续了大约 10 英里