Want to ride your bike in the winter? 

Other than riding a fat bike or pedaling on a trainer at home, winter riding is pretty difficult. However, a new Mesabi Trail virtual tour allows bike riders to “ride the trail,” even during winter months.

The virtual tour takes viewers on a “live” ride across the 120-mile long paved trail that runs from Grand Rapids to Aurora. 

“It allows you to literally ride the trail,” said Ardy Nurmi-Wilberg, executive director of Club Mesabi, a 100-member bicycling club on the Iron Range. “It’s a nice marketing tool that allows folks to get a flavor of the trail. If folks can get a look at the trail, it sells itself.”

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission produced the virtual tour. The video was captured by utilizing a rider with a video camera mounted to the front of a bike.

All sections of the trail are available for viewing.

In 2014, the trail had 217,000 users. Usage figures for 2015 are not yet complete. A study of the trail’s economic impact will be released soon.

It’s hoped that the virtual tour will allow potential riders from within the region and beyond to see the beauty of the trail, said Nurmi-Wilberg.

Photos of each community along the trail can also be viewed. 

“I’m really excited about it,” said Nurmi-Wilberg of the virtual tour. “This really shows people how nice it is.”

To take the tour, go to www.mesabitrail.com click on Maps & Images and then click on Virtual Tour.

Incredible Ely, a non-profit organization promoting economic and community development in the Ely, Minnesota area, is organizing a Small Business Conference on April 27 and 28 at the Grand Ely Lodge.

The conference theme is "Start, Grow, and Succeed." Established businesses and new start-ups, and even those just thinking about starting a business, are encouraged to attend. 

The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build the skills they need to make their businesses succeed and to network with banks, business advisors, and other entrepreneurs. Owners and employees of all types of businesses in Ely, its neighboring townships, and the rest of northeastern Minnesota are expected to participate.

Participants will be able to choose from a variety of sessions, including: 

• Planning and starting a business
• Using QuickBooks and other business management software
• Financing alternatives, including KickStarter and other forms of crowdfunding
• Marketing using social media
• Do-it-yourself website development and search engine optimization
• Getting started in export markets
• Issues and programs for women-owned businesses

In addition, the conference will include panel discussions with successful entrepreneurs from inside and outside Ely who will share the lessons of their experience.

Visit the conference website for additional details and to register.

Registration begins on Monday, Feb. 1. 

The conference is a collaborative effort between Incredible Ely, the Entrepreneur Fund, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth Center for Economic Development, with financial support from IRRRB, the Minnesota Department for Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and APEX.  

Giants Ridge in Biwabik is celebrating a Winter Trails Day with free one-day trail passes on Sunday, Jan. 24. The pass is good from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for cross country ski, snowshoe and fat bike. $15 value per person. 

Trail passes are required to access the trails and are available at the chalet front ticketing desk with registration. Cross country skis, snowshoes and fat bikes will be available for rent at regular rates. 

Nordic Ski Clinics: In conjunction with Winter Trails Day on January 24, two Nordic ski clinics will be offered at Giants Ridge. Here are the details about each session:  

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Instructional clinic for classic skiing, beginners through intermediates. Learn how to classic ski or improve your classic technique. Focus on technique and skills improvement on flats, uphills and downhills.
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Trail exploration for classic skiing, including some technique advice along the way. Focus on becoming familiar with trails and chairlift access to upper trails.

The cost is $30 for one clinic or $50 for both clinics. A $5 ski rental package is available to clinic participants. The trail ticket is free. Clinics are for ages 13 and up. To pre-register through the Snow Shop, call 218-865-8016.

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