New trail is for bikes only.
HIAWATHA NATIONAL FOREST -- They're revving up their engines and hitting a brand new trail in the Hiawatha National Forest. It's not just any trail, however. It's made for motorbike use only.
It's the first of its kind in the area.
"You've got a trail that's totally dedicated to motorcycles, and it gives you that opportunity to ride a trail that you really enjoy to ride," said DNR representative Rob Katona.
The 27-mile trail has been in planning stages since 2001 when the U.P. Sandstormers, a motorcycle club, decided that there was a need for a motorcycle-specific trail.
"There's a need for this not only locally, but tourism is a big draw," said Jeff Magowan from the U.P. Sandstormers.
Working in conjunction with the DNR and the National Forest Service, the Sandstormers got permission last year to construct a trail in the forest. It's a collaboration that officials feel will become necessary in the future.
"Especially with the budgets as they are in the state, I know the DNR as well as the Forest Service are going to rely more heavily on the efforts of clubs and organizations like U.P. Sandstormers," said Anne Okonek, assistant district ranger at the Hiawatha Forest.
That partnership will continue. The DNR and the Sandstormers have already agreed to share maintenance efforts on the trail.
The trail officially opens to the public on Saturday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special presentations starting at noon.
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