Update March 31, 2024
The Lutsen 99er movement continues high above the shores of beautiful Lake Superior. This 99-mile course (69-, 49-, and 25-mile options are also offered) takes advantage of the scenery and topography of Minnesota’s North Shore. Lutsen is a Leadville Race Series event and qualifier for the famed Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The team at Strambecco considers it one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Midwest.
The event starts at Lutsen Ski Resort in Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains overlooking majestic Lake Superior, kicking up from the start with a Category 3 climb. Once over the ridgeline, the course takes advantage of the glacially sculpted terrain, rolling hills, and numerous lakes and streams at the southern range of the Boreal Forest. You will be riding on sections of road and trail that see as much moose traffic as people at any given time.
The signature 99er event has 99 miles and nearly 7,000 feet of elevation gain, with course features including 7% single track, 10% pavement, 40% snowmobile ski trail, and 43% forest service road. The 69er event has 69 miles, 5,000 feet of climbing, and similar terrain as the 99er. Rounding out event options are the 49er and the 25er, at lengths, you guessed it, of 49 and 25 miles, respectively. There are also races for the kids!
Located 90 miles north of Duluth and 240 miles north of the Twin Cities, America’s North Coast is perfectly located on the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. The picturesque communities of Lutsen, Tofte, and Schroeder form the foundation of America’s North Coast, an area featuring stunning natural beauty and diverse entertainment offerings. This is one of the best vacation spots in the country. The lodging choices on the North Coast are as varied as the visitors who enjoy them. From rugged to resort, camping to pampered, options are nearly endless. To explore all the area has to offer, visit visitcookcounty.com.
Lutsen 99er benefits the Minnesota High School Cycling League, which promotes personal development and teamwork through mountain bike racing and encourages the formation of teams at public and private high schools. With the cooperation of local race promoters and our sponsors, the MN League organizes the first-class series of races designed for high school-aged riders. The MN League makes high school racing the easiest route for student-athlete participation in cycling, and a happy byproduct is the creation of cycling families as parents become engaged.
The Leadville Race Series began in 1983 with just 45 runners making the epic 100-mile trek through rugged Rocky Mountain terrain. Now produced by Life Time Events, the world-renowned series stretches from New York to California and hosts thousands of racers on foot and in the saddle. Year after year, endurance athletes from all over the world test their grit, guts, and determination with the ultimate goal of “Racing Across the Sky” and earning the coveted silver and gold buckle. Leadville Race Series MTB events include Lutsen 99er, Silver Rush 50 MTB; Tahoe Trail; Leadville Stage Race; Leadville Trail 100 MTB; Austin Rattler MTB, Barn Burner, and Wilmington Whiteface.
Besides the Leadville Race Series, Life Time Events also owns and produces some of the biggest and best events in the country, including Sea Otter Classic, Unbound Gravel; Big Sugar; Chequamegan; Crusher in the Tushar.
