Five-day bike tour planned for northern Midwest

Published 9:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2006

A bike tour planned for next summer will take riders throughout eastern North Dakota and into Canada and Minnesota, organizers say.

Participants in the five-day Red River International Bike Tour will pedal at least 316 miles, starting in Grand Forks on June 18 and finishing in East Grand Forks, Minn., on June 23, organizer Mike Kellogg told the Grand Forks Herald.

“There are hundreds of these tours throughout the country, but not one around here,” he said. “Hopefully, we can promote tourism … and show off our great state a bit.”

Western North Dakota has had a bike tour for years – Cycling Around North Dakota In Sakakawea Country. It starts and ends at Fort Stevenson State Park, taking a different route each year. It annually draws hundreds of people from around the country and Canada.

Officials are hoping for at least 150 riders in the Red River tour.

“The opportunity is great for these tours, especially in their first year,” Kellogg said. “It’s incredible how far people will travel to come.”

The tour route is still being decided, but Kellogg said towns along the way will provide rest stops for riders.

State parks along the route also will provide riders a place to sleep at a reduced rate, and a vehicle will haul the riders’ camping equipment during the day.

Riders can travel at their own pace, but the tour also will offer an optional “century route” – a 100-mile course on the second day. That route would add 26 miles to the total.

Red River International Bike Tour

Michael Kellogg

4626 Wheatlands Circle

Grand Forks, ND 58201

mckellog@scheelssports.com