Loam Pass Takes on the Unknown
Our latest adventure took us from the dry summer of Salt Lake City all the way to the surprising gems of the Midwest. None of us at Loam Pass had ever ridden in this region, so the excitement was palpable as we loaded up and pointed our wheels toward Duluth, Minnesota—the start of a journey that would blow our minds in more ways than one.
Duluth Debut: Spirit Mountain Resort
Rolling into Duluth, we were greeted by the lush greens of Spirit Mountain Resort, where our adventure truly began. Ansel, the director of the local trail organization, COGGS, warned us about weather but we had hope. Heavy rain the night before had threatened to close the trails, but after a few hours of exploring the town and a memorable Great Lake freighter tour, the rain-soaked earth transformed into absolute hero dirt. Our first run at Spirit Mountain was nothing short of perfection—slab-ridden trails and a rad crew turned what could’ve been a washed-out day into one of the best rides we’ve ever had.
Marquette Magic: Racing and Riding the Upper Peninsula
The next morning, we headed out to Marquette, Michigan, with no idea how good it could get. Marquette Mountain Resort, home to a local gravity series, just so happened to be hosting a round while we were in town. Naturally, we signed up to race. The fog rolled in, adding a slick challenge to the rock and root-laden trails, but the chocolate cake hero dirt was a dream come true. The fog made for some epic photos, and the racing was just as intense as we’d hoped. With a couple of days to explore, we dove into all the trails Marquette had to offer, both in the bike park and the surrounding “South Trails.” Favorites like Hemi and Bertha stood out as some of the best we’ve ridden this year. The town’s vibes and the perfectly crafted trails made Marquette a destination that climbed to the top of our list.
Into the Wild: Copper Harbor’s Untamed Beauty
Our journey continued as we traveled up the peninsula to the famed Copper Harbor. Along the way, we couldn’t resist stopping for a bit of “touristing,” exploring a self-guided mine tour from the mid-1800s that took us 1500 feet underground—a wild detour that set the tone for the adventures ahead. Copper Harbor itself was everything we’d heard about and more. The quaint town vibes, fantastic restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor exploration opportunities set the stage for what would be another incredible riding experience. After getting the lowdown from Keweenaw Adventure Company, we shuttled to the top of the trail system. Trails like Flying Squirrel and Over Flow proved that the quality of work and passion for trail building in this area is second to none. Each ride left us in awe, and the journey to this remote location was worth every mile.
The Grand Finale: The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Our final destination on this Midwest tour was The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Michigan. After four straight days of intense riding, a travel day was a welcome break. We swam in the lake, explored downtown, and indulged in some great Thai food—a perfect way to reset before diving back into the loamy goodness of Northern Michigan. The Highlands didn’t disappoint. The trails here were a pure joy to ride, from the green beginner trails to the challenging pro lines. The flow of “Shock” to “Grandma’s House” was a particular favorite, offering a raw, loamy start with a berm-filled finish that left us all grinning. It was the perfect way to cap off an incredible trip.
Reflections on the Ride
As we packed up and started the journey home, everyone was buzzing about the level of riding and trail building we’d experienced throughout the Midwest. It’s a region that often flies under the radar in the mountain biking world, but after this trip, we’re convinced it’s one of the best-kept secrets out there. From Duluth to Marquette, Copper Harbor to Harbor Springs, every stop was a revelation, and this adventure might just be the highlight of our year. If you’re looking for your next epic ride, don’t overlook the Midwest—trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
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