GRAN PORTAGE BIKE TOUR AND EXPO

SAT, OCT 5TH, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Minneapolis Cider Gran Portage and Expo! A thrilling bike ride that will benefit Friends of the Boundary Waters. Following the ride you can explore the gear expo featuring your favorite brands and local music.

Not only will you have a fantastic time, but your participation will also make a meaningful difference. 100% of the net proceeds from this event will be donated directly to Friends of the Boundary Waters, an organization dedicated to safeguarding our cherished wilderness.

  • Minne Portage Family Ride - 15 Miles (6,000 Rods)

    Enjoy a relaxing 6,000 rod (15 miles) ride along the Mississippi River. Perfect for families or casual riders.

  • Gran Portage - 50 Miles (16,000 Rods)

    Ride the Gran Portage, 16,000 rod (50 miles) around the lakes of Minneapolis, across the river into St. Paul and then back along the river to Minneapolis Cider Co

What You Need to Know

Where: 

The race starts and ends at The Haralson Room, the event space at Minneapolis Cider Co. 701 SE 9th St. Minneapolis, MN  55414

When:  Saturday, October 5th

Sign-in/Registration opens at 9:00am. If you are new to the location, I would recommend arriving an hour before your ride leaves. There is parking in the back lot for riders. 

Online registration will close the day before the event. Day-of registration will be available at sign-in. If you have yet to sign a waiver, you will be required to do that before you're able to ride. 

The "Gran" rolls out at 10:00am and the "Minne" leaves at 11:00am. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the sign-in desk, get your route uploaded to your gps device, fill your tires and water bottles, and greet your fellow riders! We will be doing a formal start from the parking lot but there will be no lead out. Once you leave the parking lot you are on your own. 

Expo:

We are hosting a gear expo and live music in the Haralson Room after the ride! We will have food and drinks, games, and you will be able to make purchases on site. This is open to the public so make sure to bring family and friends to chill out after and enjoy a cold beverage. Each registrant will receive a free cider or drink for after the ride. 

Navigation and Support:

We will be sending out the final route GPX files next week, a few days before the event. We will also have cue sheets available with Points of Interest we encourage you to get familiar with. 

We will have two resupply stops along the Gran route and one on the Minne, where you will be able to fill up water bottles and grab a snack. 

There will be signage along the routes. These are to help with navigating intersections, turns, etc. These aren't intended to replace navigation for the entire route, so make sure to have a GPS device or pickup cue sheets before you head out. 

Safety:

We will have a SAG support number to call if you have mechanical or other issues while out on the route. If you get injured or have an emergency of any kind, call 911. 

Much of this route follows bike paths along roadways. The roadways are recommended for faster riders in most cases to avoid pedestrians. While the majority of the Gran route is well designed for bikers, you will be passing through downtown St. Paul before you head back to Minneapolis. Be sure to use caution, slow down and always obey traffic laws when at these intersections. 

There will be one more follow up email with the Route file and other details prior to the ride. 

Looking forward to a great Ride! 

Ride FAQ

What is the Minneapolis Cider Gran Portage?

The Gran Portage is a non-competitive ride starting at our taproom in Northeast Minneapolis. This year the race is raising funds to support Friends of the Boundary Waters. The tour is named after the Italian "Gran Fondo" or "Big Ride" and the French "Portage", a canoeist's nod to the lands linking the ride's waterways including the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, and the famous lakes of Minneapolis.

Who are Friends of the Boundary Waters?

Since 1976, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has been the leading voice for protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota. Currently, the organization is fighting proposed copper-sulfide mines that threaten Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters as well as offering programs to bring young people from diverse backgrounds into the wilderness and engaging volunteers to clear trails in the BWCA.

What's included in my registration?

  • x1 Free Cider after your race
  • Race Entry
  • On-Course Support
  • Donation to Friends of the BWCA
  • After party at Minneapolis Cider

Can kids ride free?

Yes, children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult may ride for free.

Is it a race?

Nope - it’s a ride that is open to riders of all abilities. There are no prizes, and you are required to ride in a way that is safe and legal.

How long is it?

We have two routes to choose from. The Minne Portage is 15 miles (6,000 rods) and the Gran Portage is 50 miles (16,000 rods). Both races will have at least one rest stop along the route and are on a combination of roads and paved trails.

How old do I need to be to ride?

This is a family friendly event - there is no minimum age requirement. 

What time does it start?

The Gran will get started at 10:00 am with the Minne kicking off at 11:00 am. 

Are the roads closed?

No, you'll need to be comfortable riding on roads and follow all traffic laws.

Do I need a GPS?

You don’t - we use route signs to mark the turns on the route. However, GPS  route links will be available if you’d like to use them. GPS route links will be emailed to participants closer to the event.

What kind of bike do I need?

All bikes are allowed, including Ebikes, as long as they meet all regulations. The route is 100% paved.

Do I need a helmet?

You do. It's cool to be safe.

How do I sign up?

Right here (www.bikereg.com/gran-portage) - sign up before July 19th and save $10 on your entry fee.

Where do the rides start and end?

Both rides start and end at Minneapolis Cider

Will there be support on the courses?

Yes, support will be available for both the Gran and Minnie. 

Is the race refundable if I can’t make it?

No, but you can feel good that 100% of the proceeds from the race go to benefit Friends of the Boundary Waters.

More questions?

Send us an email at hello@minneapoliscider.co