2020 was a year of great uncertainty. The Covid-19 pandemic had the world in lockdown, restricted large gatherings and brought great suffering to our country. Despite this 36 of you were able to make the journey to North America’s largest ski jump and support local trails by riding in the Virtual Copper Peak Trails Fest last fall. Thanks to your participation and our generous sponsors this past year (and in previous years) the Dirt Crew was able to partner with the Gogebic Range Health Foundation to apply for an IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant with the goal of designing, mapping and flagging a planned mountain bike trail system at Mt Zion Park and Gogebic Community College. This winter we were awarded a $22,000 Trail Accelerator grant and that design process is expected to take place this year! In addition, our long awaited Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund project at Miners Memorial Heritage Park in Ironwood has finally gone through the bidding process and completion of the new trail system is expected to take place in either 2021 or 2022. None of these projects would be possible without the funds brought in through Copper Peak Trails Fest! Our loyal racers and sponsors past and present will allow for the continued expansion of mountain bike trail access in the greater Ironwood area. Thank you all!
In 2021 we plan to bring live, in-person racing back to Copper Peak! On Saturday, September 11th racers will once again roll out of the start gate and begin the long climb to the summit. The Trails Fest event page is live and registration is open. As in previous years we will have a 3 lap Expert and 1 lap Sport mountain bike race, a 1 mile Kids race, and a 5 mile Trail Run, and all registrations before August 10th are guaranteed a t-shirt. Come prepared for some lung-busting climbs, beautiful views, and thrilling downhills! Check out the Copper Peak Trails Fest event page for more info and additional details yet to come. See you all in September!
