Wet conditions and downed trees lead to course changes for Lutsen 99er bike race
The excessive rain of the past several weeks has caused flooding, huge amounts of damage to public roads and private property, and innumerable downed trees. Despite more rain predicted for race day, the Lutsen 99er is still scheduled to take place on Jun. 29, albeit with some adjustments required.
Signe Larson told WTIP that the Lutsen 99er racers “turn the challenges into great stories,” and that each year, the organizers, volunteers, and racers have managed to pull off a successful race.
While the races are still being held this year, the organizers have had to make one major change to contend with poor course conditions.
They made the announcement via Facebook post that the 99er course had sustained too much damage, describing it as impassible in some places, and with too many downed trees to clear before the race. Those who registered for the 99er will, instead, use the 69er course, though they will still be racing against other riders from the 99er field.
The other races, the 49 and 29, will go on as scheduled. Larson also said that the events planned around the race, like food vendors and live music, will go on throughout the races and into the evening. She added that the events planned for youth riders will take place on Friday evening.
Larson reminded residents that the race will impact traffic on Saturday morning. She said that Highway 61 will be closed between Superior National Golf Course and the Caribou Trail between roughly 7:25 a.m. and 8 a.m. She also said that there will be riders on the Caribou Trail throughout the morning, as well as on Clara Lake Road, the Four Mile Grade, Sawbill Road, Barker Lake Road, and Honeymoon Trail.
WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Signe Larson about the upcoming Lutsen 99er, and how the organizers have adjusted the race based on course conditions. Audio of that interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins June 28, 2024
