DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) — The Bike Duluth Festival concluded its 10th annual celebration at Spirit Mountain on Sunday, highlighting the growing presence of adaptive mountain biking (A-MTB) within the event’s diverse lineup.
The festival showcased the innovative adaptive mountain bikes, designed to empower individuals with limited or no lower extremity function to experience the thrill of mountain biking. This year’s event saw a significant increase in participation, with around 15 adaptive riders taking part, a notable rise from just four athletes four years ago.
Northland Adaptive Recreation, a key organization in promoting inclusive cycling, played a pivotal role in the festival. On Saturday, the organization set up a booth at Spirit Mountain, offering festival-goers the opportunity to test adaptive bikes and receive training.
Eric Larson, Manager of Northland Adaptive Recreation, emphasized the importance of designing trails that accommodate adaptive bikes. “Our community trails have traditionally been built for two-wheel bikes. However, trails that cater to beginners—whether they are young children on strider bikes or older adults on e-bikes—would greatly benefit from being inclusive of adaptive bikes,” Larson explained.
The festival also featured participants from afar, including Brian Carlson, who traveled from Arkansas to join the festivities. Carlson, who faces mobility challenges, described the adaptive bike as more than just a means of exercise. “For me, this bike is my gateway to the outdoors. It’s not just about getting exercise; it’s my ticket to engaging with nature and enjoying the world outside,” Carlson said.
The increasing visibility and support for adaptive mountain biking at events like Bike Duluth mark a significant step toward making outdoor sports more accessible and inclusive for all enthusiasts.