Y We Bike - Fall Color Ride Retreat

Join us for our Y We Bike Fall Color Ride at YMCA Camp Northern Lights—a special weekend of riding, community, and Minnesota's beautiful fall colors.

We'll ride the scenic Mesabi Trail with your choice of two routes:

🚴 Ely to Tower – approximately 55 miles round trip
🚴 Ely to Eagle's Nest Trailhead – approximately 26 miles round trip

At camp, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking on camp trails (mountain bike rentals available), wellness offerings, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Lodging & Meals

We'll be staying in shared full-facility cabins. While you may be sharing a cabin with others, you'll have your own bedroom or private sleeping area, along with shared gathering spaces, bathrooms with showers, and a kitchen in each cabin.

Camp staff will handle cabin assignments and will send out a questionnaire that includes:

• Lodging requests
• Dietary restrictions
• Special accommodations

We will not be using upper bunk beds.

Lunch and dinner are included. Breakfast is not provided but can easily be prepared in your cabin kitchen.

Helpful Links

🏕️ YMCA Camp Northern Lights Amenities
(Be sure to check out the cabin photos!)

🚴 Mesabi Trail Information
A Mesabi Trail Wheel Pass is required ($10 for 3 days). You can also request a free trail map and additional information from the Mesabi Trail website.

Weather Policy

Our retreat will happen rain or shine. If weather conditions aren't ideal for cycling, we'll find meaningful ways to connect, have fun, and enjoy our time together.

Camp offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of the weekend, including:

• Hiking trails
• Mountain biking
• Yoga
• Sound bath experiences
• Sauna
• Massage services (additional fee applies)
• Relaxing by the lake or spending time with friends

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, September 10 – Arrival and Meet & Greet.

Friday, September 11 – Ride Day!

Choose your Mesabi Trail adventure and enjoy a day of riding through Minnesota's stunning fall landscape.

Saturday, September 12 – Build Your Own Adventure Day!

Stay at camp and enjoy the many activities available or explore the Ely and Babbitt area. Fall in Northern Minnesota is beautiful, and there are endless ways to enjoy it.

Sunday, September 13 – Depart Camp by 11 a.m.

Ride Expectations

YMCA staff and volunteer ride leaders will be available on both routes; however, this is not a supported ride event.

Participants should:

• Choose the route that matches their fitness and cycling ability.
• Ensure their bicycle is in good working condition before arriving.
• Be comfortable riding the selected distance.

This is a social group ride. We'll make frequent stops to rest, connect, enjoy the scenery, and take plenty of photos along the way.

Your Weekend, Your Adventure

Whether you're coming for the riding, the fall colors, the camp experience, or simply the opportunity to connect with others, this promises to be an unforgettable autumn getaway.

We'd love to have you join us! Register today!