Lutsen 99er 2026

Lutsen 99er 2026

Presented by Life Time Events · Updated July 2025
Mountain Biking
Lutsen, MN
Jun 27, 2026
Solo

99er

Distance
99 miles
Elevation Gain
7,000ft
Terrain
mixed
Difficulty Index
70Severe

69er

Distance
69 miles
Elevation Gain
4,500ft
Terrain
mixed
Difficulty Index
52Demanding

49er

Distance
49 miles
Terrain
mixed

25er

Distance
25 miles
Terrain
mixed
Approachable Extreme
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About This Event

The Lutsen 99er 2026 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 Race 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, ~4,500 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 around 49 and 25 miles, respectively. There are also races for the kids!

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.

Life Time Events

Event Organizer
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Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

  1. Leadville Race Series
    • Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
    • Links:
  2. Sea Otter Classic
    • Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
    • Link: Sea Otter Classic
  3. Unbound Gravel
    • Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
    • Link: Unbound Gravel
  4. Life Time Grand Prix Series
  5. Tour of the Battenkill
    • Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
    • Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.

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