Emerging from the rugged landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a new mountain biking trail, aptly named 'Bermasaurus'. The name alone conjures images of prehistoric creatures and daring adventure, hinting at a series of thrilling berms that await riders as they descend from top to bottom.
"I have ridden all over, and this thing would hold up and be considered top-notch anywhere," says Nick Ryan, the outreach coordinator for the Copper Harbor Trails Club located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
Integrated into the heartland of East Bluff Bike Park in Copper Harbor, the Bermasaurus trail is a tantalizing blend of bedrock, jumps, berms and slopes. All of these elements are densely packed within a .9-mile, 442-foot descent that lasts only two to four adrenaline-filled minutes. Designed for intermediate to expert riders, this trail is sure to challenge and excite.
Building such a trail was no easy feat. Over two months and $150,000 were spent to construct Bermasaurus. The process involved jackhammering sections of bedrock to create a slightly uneven flow that could be pumped to maintain speed, a detail that adds a dash of technical challenge compared to smoother dirt trails.
Despite some ongoing construction, including a bridge that is still in progress, Bermasaurus remains open for riders. Temporary solutions have been implemented to ensure a safe and satisfying ride. Bermasaurus is a key addition to the East Bluff Bike Park, ranking as the third-longest downhill trail there. The trail begins at the park's downhill hub and concludes as it merges into Flo' Roin, leading riders to a convenient shuttle pick-up point at the bottom.
"Overall, we have gotten really solid feedback, and people seem to really enjoy the trail," Ryan shares.
Over the summer, the Copper Harbor Cycling Club also launched Berry Picker, an up-hill-only biking trail on Brockway Mountain designed to facilitate easier ascents and prevent collisions between riders. Another trail, On The Edge, received some improvements, including new switchbacks, offering an even smoother riding experience.
The Copper Harbor Cycling Club, a nonprofit organization, is committed to building and maintaining trails for biking, hiking, and other non-motorized uses in and around Copper Harbor. To learn more about the adventurous opportunities they offer, check out their offerings on the Adventure Collective app.