An electric-assist bicycle (e-bike) is an excellent choice for riding off-road and exploring the vast forest trails in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota, especially in the fall. Last week, I had the opportunity to test-ride the Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike while spending time in the Northwoods. First, I joined my nephew Ben in the above photo, testing the e-bike and scouting the area where he enjoys deer hunting. Then, I ventured over to the scenic mountain bike trails near Two Harbors.

Off-road trails with the Ridge Rider

Thanks to Pedego, riding the Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike proved suitable for the adventure I embarked on. In the Arrowhead region of Minnesota, you will find an extensive network of rugged logging roads and easy-to-extreme mountain bike trails to enjoy. I discovered that the Ridge Rider handles well with the bike’s battery placement in the downtube, giving it nimble handling even with the additional weight of the rear hub; the center of gravity was right.

The Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike

The Ridge Rider is a mid-range priced Class 2 e-bike that allows you to venture off the beaten path and enjoy the great outdoors. Its Shimano SLX drivetrain provides easy pedaling and smooth shifting. The bike will stop on a dime thanks to the Magura hydraulic disk brakes. Add the finely-tuned frame geometry, the battery built into the frame for sporty handling, and the RockShox suspension fork, which will help you maintain traction and ride comfortably over rough terrain. You will feel like you’re one with the bike!

The state-of-the-art 48-volt battery in the Ridge Rider uses the same advanced lithium-ion cells as an electric car. It weighs less than most e-bike batteries and offers up to a 56-mile range on about 10 cents worth of electricity. On my Arrowhead adventure, I mainly used assist level one, and for the severe upgrades, I hit the class-2 throttle booster. I can’t imagine needing higher assist levels unless you’re trying to use the levels for gears.

Trails in the Arrowhead region I covered

For this trip, I mainly focused on trails near Two Harbors in Lake County. In this area, you will find state, regional, and county parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, Northern Minnesota has miles of mountain bike parks and old logging trails waiting for you. Here is what I enjoyed in the Two Harbors Area.

Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest

North of town, you will find easy beginner trails through boreal woods in the Superior National Forest, which are shared with hikers. The trail is currently a 10-mile system and is set to expand, with the ultimate goal of 15-20 miles. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter, skis and snowshoes are also allowed.
Map

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Here, you will find an easy 3-mile trail system with a mix of dirt and grass shared with hikers. There is no single track, but the trail offers stunning views of the Split Rock Lighthouse along the Lake Superior shoreline. It can be combined with a return on the paved Gitchi Gami Trail for a 6-mile loop. The park grooms this loop and another 3 miles for fat biking in the winter.
Map

Split Rock Wilds Trails

Split Rock Wilds is the newest mountain bike trail system in northeastern Minnesota. It offers 22 miles of challenging, point-to-point backcountry riding experience connecting the new Shipwreck Creek campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park with the Cove Point Lodge property. Trail conditions vary from rugged and rocky to fast and flowy and include multiple advanced and expert-level features like jumps, rock rolls, and drops. There is, however, a beginner-friendly loop near the campground.
Map

For more information, visit Lovin Lake County for your next back country road or mountain bike adventure.