The Course
The Headwaters 100 is a very scenic 100 mile ride through the lakes and forests of Northern Minnesota. It is a hilly ride with 1,447 feet of elevation gain total. The ride starts out with relatively small rolling hills for the first 25 miles, then gets hilly for the next 50 including through ltasca State Park. Once back on Hwy 40 for the second time it flattens out and the last 10 miles is on a paved railroad grade and flat again. Water and food stops are 17 to 25 miles apart. plan on riding for a hour and a half between each food stop.
The Weather
The weather is variable. A late September ride, you will find it to be cool in the morning but possibly getting to 70s in the afternoon. Bright sunshine and fall colors are its normal; however we have had rain and wind with 40 degree temps. Bring rain gear and warm clothing. There are clothing drops at the food stops, so riders may leave an extra sweatshirt or jacket there and pick it up at the Century School after the ride.
Gear You Will Need
- 12 to 21 speed bike in good repair
- Helmet
- Pump
- Extra tire and patch kit
- Padded bike shorts and bike gloves
- jacket and rain gear
- Cycle computer
- Sunscreen
Knowledge You Will Need
- How to change a flat tire
- How to get a chain back on
- Traffic and safety rules
- Biking in a group
General Biking Tips
Get a good bike fit from a good shop before you start your training. Have your bike serviced by a mechanic at the start of your training and again two weeks before the Headwaters 100 Bike Event.
Make sure your shoes, helmet and clothing fit properly.
Join a bike group for a ride once a week.
Teach yourself to ride with higher cadence.
Learn to stand and pedal on your bike, then stand for 30 seconds for every 10 minutes you ride. Your body will thank you tor it.
Learn all your gears and how to use them. All the front chainrings and rear gears.