Norpine Fat Bike Classic on the North Shore MN
January 9 – 11, 2026
Fat tire mountain bikers unite at the Norpine Fat Bike Classic for an epic ride on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior! Don’t miss the chance to ride the pristinely groomed, and downright gorgeous trails of the Norpine Trail System in Lutsen, MN.
Whether you are a competitive mountain biker or prefer a leisurely ride to soak in the scenery, the Norpine Fat Bike Classic has a fun way to get you out on these remote northwoods trails. Even more, the event opens up trails on the Norpine Trail System that are not normally designated for fat bikes, making that another reason not to miss it!
The event is produced by the Superior Cycling Association.
3 ways to participate in the Norpine Fat Bike Classic – 2026
Norpine Fat Bike Classic Race
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Riders can choose between a 25-mile Long Pine Race with challenging climbs and descents or a more moderate 14-mile Short Pine Race. Both start at 10 a.m. at Cascade Lodge (and finish there too). An awards ceremony and race party will be held at Cascade Restaurant for all the racers, including a BBQ!
Visit Cook County
Registration includes entry into the race, a t-shirt, the after-race BBQ (with local beer), a swag bag, and more.
Full Moon / Dark Sky Tour, fat bike expo and demos, wine tasting
Friday, January 9, 2026
Kick off the race weekend with a fun event hosted by North Shore Winery in Lutsen. Take a guided Dark Sky Tour trail ride from the winery, peruse the fat bike expo, try fat bike demos, participate in a fun course event, and sample local wine. Race contestants may also register and pick up their numbers for Saturday’s race.
2:00 – 8:00 pm – Race registration and number pick up
2:00 – 5:00 pm – Fat bike expo and demos
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Dark Sky Tour
The registration fee is $25 and includes wine tasting, a swag bag and more.
Self-Paced Tour
Friday, January 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
This untimed tour of the Norpine fat bike trails in Lutsen is perfect for non-competitive folks who want to experience the 14-mile Short Pine Course! Bring family and friends to complete the tour on your own time during the event weekend.
The registration fee includes winter riding socks, a swag bag, the trail use fee, and more. Start and finish at Cascade Lodge
The Best Fat Tire Biking in Minnesota
There are a few reasons why the Norpine Fat Bike Classic has become such a popular winter fat tire biking event on the North Shore, MN. First and foremost, it takes place on one of the region’s most pristine cross-country ski trail systems – the Norpine Trail System – and it’s the only time you can ride fat bikes on some of these gorgeous boreal trails. Most noteworthy, the Norpine Trail System has one trail designated and groomed for fat tire biking in the snow, but the event opens up a whole-nother section of ski trails for this one-time fat bike use.
The scenery is outstanding! The trail winds through the Superior National Forest in the Lutsen area. Mountain bike through the tall pines and across wide swaths of remote boreal forest.
The 25-mile Long Loop boasts 2,700 feet of elevation gain and traverses through a variety of forest types. Starting at the Lake Superior shore, the course tracks north (inland) along the Cascade River and through a thick cover of spruce. As you reach the higher elevations in the Sawtooth Mountains, the forest turns to maple and conifer as you skirt the remote Deer Yard Lake and Lookout Mountain. After that, it’s an exhilarating downhill traverse to the finish at Cascade Lodge.
The 14-mile Short Loop runs on the lower-lying trails parallel to Lake Superior. Beautiful stands of birch offer a forest of white sticks with the sun percolating in. This course has some lovely long stretches, with modest elevation change compared to the Long Loop.
The Norpine Fat Bike Classic is more than just a biking event
It’s a getaway to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior! Experience the relaxing beauty of The Big Lake, hike or cross country ski on pristine trails, and much more. It’s also a chance for regional riders to reunite, and for friends and family to enjoy time together on the Norpine trails.
Cascade Lodge is the perfect home base for the event. Its historic lodge and restaurant offer spectacular Lake Superior views. The cabins sit behind the lodge and are surrounded by Cascade River State Park. Certainly, the grounds offer a beautiful, secluded forest and scenic Cascade Creek. Not only that, but guests have direct access to the Norpine Trail System, Cascade River State Park, Lake Superior, and dozens of other local trails.
Stay at Cascade Lodge and ride to the start of the race
Superior Cycling Association’s Signature Events
The Norpine Fat Bike Classic is one of the Superior Cycling Association’s signature events. They also host the Satwooth Challenge at Pincushion Mountain in Grand Marais, Minnesota, and the SheRides Clinic to help women improve their singletrack skills in a fun, supportive environment.
The Superior Cycling Association was founded in 2010 to grow mountain and road biking opportunities in Cook County, Minnesota. Through various partnerships the group has developed many miles of new singletrack on Britton Peak, including the new Jackpot Trail, and at Pincushion Mountain. A master plan has more trails on the way!
