Neil King wins Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Award

By Robin Fish, April 8, 2025, Park Rapids Enterprise

Neil King of Nevis is one of two recipients of the 2025 Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Award.

King was honored alongside fellow award recipient Ben Croft of Carlton at the Minnesota Nordic Ski Association’s (MNSA) awards banquet Sunday, April 6 in Mora.

A MNSA press release states that King has been instrumental in the growth of the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club, serving as a groomer, ski instructor, ski racer and fitness advocate.

“Through his vision and efforts, the club has developed trails, secured grooming equipment, trailhead facilities and ski equipment for the club and community,” the release states.

“My first experience Nordic skiing, I was 16,” King said. “I’m 75 right now.”

An ID check might be in order; he looks very fit and youthful for his age.

Read the full Article on the Park Rapids Enterprise Website.

Welcome to spring!

Weekly "coffee rides" are held on Friday mornings. Itascatur members meet at 9:00 in Dorset at the Heartland Trail parking lot and ride to Nevis. Once in Nevis, attendees enjoy coffee and conversation at Muskee Waters. Feel free to join in the ride, or just gather in Nevis. Watch for weather updates on our Facebook Page.

Thursday "Women's Rides" are held at 9:30. Meet at Heartland Park and enjoy a casual ride to Dorset. Once in Dorset we will take a break and perhaps stop into LaPasta/Dorset General Store for coffee and breakfast. Feel free to join us there if you aren't able to ride! Weather updates will be posted on the Itascatur Facebook Page.

Additional opportunities for group rides will be posted on our Facebook Page. You're invited to join in whenever you are able to do so!

Get Involved!

Join Our Group Bike Rides!
Spring through fall, we organize exhilarating group bike rides along the scenic Heartland Trail
and area blacktop roads. For a more laid-back experience, our weekly Social Rides every Friday are the
perfect way to pedal into the weekend. Keep up with the latest schedules by visiting our Facebook page.

Ski the Stunning Soaring Eagle Trails!
Winter enthusiasts, rejoice! We operate and maintain the Soaring Eagle Nordic Ski Area, the premier
Nordic skiing destination in this part of Minnesota. Located just north of Park Rapids off Highway 71,
Soaring Eagle offers pristine trails that beckon skiers of all levels.

Don’t Miss the Headwaters 100 Bike Tour!
Each fall, the Itascatur Outdoor Activities Club hosts the Headwaters 100 Bike Tour—a signature event
in Park Rapids that you won’t want to miss! Registration is easy and available at BikeReg.com.
Check our website for all the details.

Widely regarded as one of Minnesota's top one-day bike tours, the Headwaters 100 offers riders
a choice of three routes: 45, 75, and 100 miles. Pedal through some of the state's most
breathtaking landscapes, including the famed Itasca State Park, home of the Mississippi River’s headwaters.
With rolling hills, vibrant fall colors, and well-supported rest stops, this ride is as enjoyable as it is challenging.

Attracting hundreds of riders from across the U.S. and Canada, the Headwaters 100 is not just a ride—
it’s a celebration of cycling and community. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27, 2025,
and come experience the magic of Minnesota on two wheels.