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Headwaters 100 Bike Event
September25, 2027
2027 Headwaters 100

The vibrant autumn colors of Hubbard County were literally dampened for the annual Headwaters 100 bike ride on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Despite chilly, soggy, and windy weather, over 200 resilient cyclists took to the roads for one of northern Minnesota's premier fall cycling tours.

A total of 281 riders registered for this year's event, with 223 officially checking in at Century Elementary School in Park Rapids on ride morning. Due to the sour morning weather, several registered participants chose to pick up their event shirts and hold off for clearing weather on Sunday, shorten their route, or enjoy the day warm indoors.

Hosted annually by the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club, the Headwaters 100 offers 42-, 75-, and 100-mile routes across scenic backroads, passing through Itasca State Park, Emmaville, and Nevis. First established in 1980 as a combined race and tour, Event Coordinator Phil Sailer noted that the ride today functions as a supportive community tour and serves as Itascatur's primary fundraiser for local cross-country ski trail maintenance, including winter grooming at the Soaring Eagle Ski Area.


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Fall Cleanup at Soaring Eagle is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Oct 24th. Please check our Facebook Itascatur Group Page for updated information, as this date depends on the DNR logging cleanup.


Those who do come out for our fall cleanup, please bring gloves, metal rakes, and clippers/trimmers. Be sure to check in at the warming house before going out on the trails so we have an accurate count of our number of volunteers.


Thank you!

Welcome to our Itascatur!

Discover the Itascatur Outdoor Activities Club: Your Gateway to Adventure and Community in Park Rapids, MN!

Founded in 1979, the Itascatur Outdoor Activities Club has been a cornerstone of fitness and fun in Park Rapids
and the surrounding Hubbard County area. For over 40 years, our mission has been clear: to inspire a healthier,
more active community through the joy of outdoor sports.

 

What We’re All About

Rooted in the heart of Minnesota, our club is fueled by local passion. Our primary focus has always been
Nordic skiing and bicycling—two activities that showcase the beauty and spirit of our region.
But we're more than just a sports club; we're a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing community life.
From donating bike racks to offering education and planning resources for outdoor activities, we’re proud
to give back in ways that make a real impact.

 


Deepest Gratitude to Our Headwaters 100 Dedicated Volunteers!


An event of this scale simply cannot happen without an enthusiastic team working behind the scenes. Itascatur extends our heartfelt thanks to the 50 or so dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to support the 2026 Headwaters 100!

Essential Roles Handled
Our volunteers handled a massive variety of essential responsibilities on ride day and leading up to the event:

  • Registration Desk & Check-In: Welcoming riders, handing out packets, and managing t-shirt pickups on a rainy morning.
  • SAG (Support & Gear) Vehicles: Cruising the 100-, 75-, and 42-mile courses to assist soggy cyclists, transport gear, and ensure safety.
  • Rest Stop Hospitality & Warm Soup: Setting up rest areas/food stops near Itasca State Park, Muskie Park in Nevis, and serving piping hot soup at the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club in Emmaville.
  • Pre-Ride Prep Work & Route Marking: Placing signage along county roads, preparing Century Elementary facilities, and organizing the ride.

Remember: Every dollar raised and every volunteer hour logged at the Headwaters 100 directly powers Itascatur's local trail maintenance and winter cross-country ski operations. You made this happen—thank you!



Get Involved!

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. We also have beautiful snowshoe trails, as well as cross country equipment for Itascatur members.

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.


Don’t Miss the Headwaters 100 Bike Event!

Each fall, the Itascatur Outdoor Activities Club hosts the Headwaters 100 Bike Event—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: 42, 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 26, 2026, and come experience the magic of Minnesota on two wheels.

 

 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!


DONATIONS

 

Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club is powered by volunteers and supported by generous individuals like you. Your gift, big or small, helps Itascatur promote outdoor recreation and maintain quality programs, trails, and events for all ages. Every contribution supports our ongoing efforts to build a healthier, more active community. Itascatur is a 501(c)(4) organization. 

PARK RAPIDS WEATHER