Y We Bike - Fall Color Ride Retreat

Join us for our Y We Bike Fall Color Ride at YMCA Camp Northern Lights for a memorable weekend of cycling, community, wellness, and Minnesota's spectacular fall colors.

Choose Your Ride

Explore the beautiful Mesabi Trail with one of three ride options:

🚴 Ely to Tower Round Trip – Approximately 52 miles
🚴 Ely to Eagle's Nest Trailhead Round Trip – Approximately 26 miles
🚴 Ely to Tower (One Way) – Approximately 26 miles (Perfect for participants traveling with two vehicles. Simply park one vehicle in Ely and another in Tower for a convenient one-way ride.)

Not sure if you want to cycle? That's okay, it’s optional. Come enjoy the beauty of northern Minnesota, connect with friends, and experience everything camp has to offer.

Camp Activities

When you're not riding, enjoy everything YMCA Camp Northern Lights has to offer:

• Hiking
• Mountain biking on camp trails (mountain bike rentals available)
• Yoga
• Sound Bath experiences
• Sauna
• Massage therapy (additional fee applies)
• Relaxing by the lake
• Spending time with friends in a peaceful Northwoods setting

Lodging & Meals

We'll stay in shared full-facility cabins. While cabins are shared with other participants, everyone will have their own bedroom or private sleeping area, along with shared living spaces, bathrooms with showers, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Before the retreat, camp staff will send a questionnaire regarding:

• Lodging requests
• Dietary restrictions
• Special accommodations

Please note: We will not be using upper bunk beds.

Meals Included:

• Lunch
• Dinner

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 take place rain or shine.

If the weather isn't ideal for cycling, we'll make the most of our weekend with camp activities, wellness offerings, and time together.

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, September 10

Arrival and Meet & Greet. Settle into camp, meet fellow riders, and get ready for an amazing weekend.

Friday, September 11

Ride Day! Choose the Mesabi Trail route that best fits your fitness level and enjoy one of Minnesota's most scenic fall rides.

Saturday, September 12

Build Your Own Adventure Day! Spend the day your way. Stay at camp and enjoy the activities, explore Ely or Babbitt, head out for another bike ride or simply relax and take in the beautiful fall colors.

Sunday, September 13

Departure by 11:00 a.m.

Ride Expectations

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

Participants should:

• Choose the route that matches their fitness level and cycling experience.
• Arrive with a bicycle that is in good working condition.
• Be comfortable riding their selected distance.

Our rides are social pace, no-drop rides. This is a ride, not a race. We'll make plenty of stops to rest, enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos—because that's one of the best parts of the adventure!

Your Weekend. Your Adventure.

Whether you're coming for the cycling, the vibrant fall colors, the camp experience, the wellness activities, or simply the opportunity to connect with others, the Y We Bike Fall Color Ride Retreat is the perfect way to celebrate autumn in northern Minnesota.

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

Questions about the Y We Bike Fall Color Ride? We're Here to Help!

Jennifer Northrup
📧 jennifer.northrup@ymcamn.org
📞 612-230-3477

Kelsa McCormick
📧 kelsa.mccormick@ymcamn.org
📞 651-747-0806