Like we saw in 2020, 2021 events will look very different. This includes outdoor winter events such as the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. This week we introduce you to two opportunities on the North Shore to get outside in a safe, physically distant way so that you can still enjoy the North Shore beauty this winter.

Bearskin Virtual Nordic Race Series

Our first of the outdoor winter events is the Bearskin Virtual Nordic Race Series. From the Bearskin Nordic Series Website: “The Bearskin Virtual Nordic Race Series is a season-long Nordic ski event. Throughout each month skiers will race a set course on one of the trails at Bearskin Lodge, and record their time. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers of each month’s race, and a grand prize will be awarded to the overall winners based on their finishes throughout the season. All participants will be entered in a season-ending raffle for additional prizes. Each race completed will be worth one entry into the raffle.”

So, basically, at your own time and pace, you can ski along the set course and record your time using the Strava app. Submit your time through the Bearskin Nordic Series website. You can submit multiple race times should you choose to run the course several times over the month. Plus, each month is a new competition, so you can enter each month, as well. Whether you win the month’s race or not, your name will be entered into the raffle for the chance to win even more great prizes. Plus, this is a great way to get outside It’s a win, win… even if you don’t win!

Norpine Fat Bike Classic

Our second of the outdoor winter events is the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. From the Norpine Fat Bike Classic website: Continue the tradition- ride the Norpine Fat Bike Classic in 2021! Experience fat biking on the Norpine Trails in Lutsen. Ride through stands of old-growth cedars on Pisten Bully groomed trails while overlooking Lake Superior- winter riding doesn’t get better than this!

Of course, things will look different in 2021 due to COVID-19. Instead of a single-start race, the Norpine Fat Bike Classic will be an “informal Fun Ride”. According to the website, riders can sign up to ride either the short (14-miles) or long (20-mile) course anytime between January 23-31. All participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes in lieu of awards. The ever-popular swag bags will still be available to riders at Cascade Lodge. Parking to access the start of the racecourse is also provided by Cascade Lodge.

Information for each event, including entrance and ski/bike pass fees, can be found on their websites. Outdoor adventures do not have to stop in 2020 and 2021. They just look a little different.