Mountain Biking Adventures: Crosby, MN

Ok Friends, 

A few weeks ago I went mountain biking in Crosby, a small town near my aunt's cabin.
 

Side note: here we are doing some typical lake cabin activities.

Our first inkling of Crosby biking opportunities happened one summer when we stopped at Red Raven Bike Cafe after horseback riding. The coffee is hipster-level and they sell expert bike stuff.

We were all like, 'Wait, expert bike stuff?' ‘Who are all these expert bike people in bike gear with bikes in this small Minnesota lake cabin town known for its antiques?’ And, ‘Good heavens, there’s also a brewery.’

Then we forgot about it for a few years.

Well everyone now knows the answer to this question: Crosby, MN is a major center of serious mountain biking.

Around 2010, someone looked at the Cuyuna Iron Range mining hill, had thoughts, and took steps. Now the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has 28 miles of mountain biking trails.

It's a Silver Level Ride Center!!

It goes without saying I have no idea what that means, but there are only 11 of them in the world.

In addition to beautiful views, fresh country air, and bold adrenaline rushes, here are things anyone can easily experience while mountain biking: riding into trees, crashing into boulders, SMASHING YOUR FACE, falling over, getting stuck on a hill and tripping on things, sailing off a cliff, flipping off a cliff, and tumbling down a cliff like a drunk goat.

It was great!!

The wunderkind bikes we rode were cool and serious with big shocks and big tires. You can bring your own wunderkind bike, or rent one if you want to save funds for your injuries.

This was easily the most exciting workout of my life. And a reminder adventures can peacefully thrive alongside lake cabin traditionalist and relaxationary forces. 

In addition to the mountain biking I jumped in the lake.