It is a one day touring event of varying distances.
Registration begins at 7:00 AM, with the official ride time listed as 9:00 AM. You can start the ride at any time, but we encourage you to leave by 9:00 AM so you’ll have time to make the food stops.
- The Century School: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Itasca State Park: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Mantrap Valley: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Nevis: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 42 mile route: Mantrap Valley (at mile 17) and Nevis (at mile 29)
- 75 mile route: Itasca State Park (at mile 21) and Mantrap (at mile 57)
- 100 mile: Itasca State Park (at mile 31), Mantrap (at mile 67) and Nevis (at mile 89)
There will be a various foods including sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at all food stops served in casual environment.
If anyone has specific dietary needs they will need to provide for their own specific requirements.
We will have bike repair available at two or more of the food stops.
Volunteers thoroughly sign the route indicating turns and directions. You will also receive a map at registration that clearly outlines the separate routes.
There is no separate fee if you are riding a bicycle.
All of the roads and trails on the route are paved.
There are some appreciable hills on this ride- very much a rolling terrain. The MapMyRide Headwaters 100 map page has an elevation change screen where you can track the hills and gauge the gain. Basically there is an elevation gain of 1214 feet (ride starts at 1446 feet, the highest elevation is 1651 feet.)
All riders will be responsible for providing their own helmet.
Other than that all variety of non motorized bicycles are permitted.
Please note that speeds on the Heartland Trail should not exceed 20mph for safety reasons, due to the size of the trail and the amount of traffic.
The Headwaters 100 is a family friendly ride, however please keep in mind all protective equipment required for adults is also required for children, especially helmets. Also, our SAG is not equipped to transport small children so you will want to have some support available that can transport your children safely should you find you can't complete the ride.According to the Office of Traffic Safety (MN Department of Public Safety) children 8 and under and under 4' 9" must have a federally approved car seat or booster seat. (Child Passenger Restraint Law: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/laws/Pages/child-passenger-safety.aspx)
Yes; You will receive a wristband with the cellphone numbers of our SAG team and they will come to you. SAG vehicles carry a bike pump, first aid kit and a cell phone. The SAG support vehicles are clearly marked in the windshields and on the sides.
Due to advice from law enforcement, Itascatur does not condone riders providing their own SAG support.
There is a drop box at the first and second stops, Itasca Park and Mantrap Conservatory. Your items will be brought back to the Century School for you to pick up after the ride. We do keep a lost and found also, so if something goes missing send us an email: webmaster@itascatur.org.
We do not issue refunds. Itascatur volunteers must anticipate resources and services based on the number of riders who sign up and incur numerous fixed prepaid expenses. We appreciate your support.
Showers are available throughout the day at Century Middle School (the registration location) in Park Rapids.
There are currently no organizations that host riders overnight, however we do have a nice selection of hotels and local resorts. We suggest that inquiries for lodging information be directed to the Park Rapids Chamber.
Register here: www.bikereg.org/headwaters100
We do offer same-day registration. However, we strongly suggest pre-registration if you're certain you'll make the ride. Register before Sept 11 to receive your logo long sleeve t-shirt.
You will receive your t-shirt at registration on ride day if you selected a size when you registered for the event prior to September 11.
Only riders who register prior to September 11 receive a t-shirt.
Long sleeve t-shirts will be handed out to riders the day of the event. No t-shirts will be mailed following the ride.
As mentioned, no t-shirts are available for late registrees as of September 11.
BikeReg uses your email address to send a verification of registration. Even if you mail in a registration form, your information is entered into BikeReg for our record keeping purposes and you will be emailed a verification of registration by BikeReg.
All of your information is handled carefully. Itascatur does not use your email address without your permission, and only for the purpose of verification.
We really, really want you to! If you absolutely can't, send a request for a registration form to:Itascatur, PO Box 581, Park Rapids, MN 56470. You can also email webmaster@itascatur.org with your preferred mailing address, or register in person at the Century School the morning of the event.
You can confirm your registration by clicking this link: https://www.bikereg.com/
Unpredictable at best! We are usually fortunate to enjoy temperatures in the 60s to 70s, however some years have seen rain (and one memorable year had a light dusting of snow!). The bottom line is that fall is usually lovely in Northern Minnesota, but the not guaranteed to be so. Please dress accordingly!
Send me an email: webmaster@itascatur.org or post to our Facebook group. You'll get a speedy reply and your question will be added to the list. Thanks!