One of Cook County’s largest events of the year, the Lutsen 99er, returns this weekend, June 23-24.

Related: Lutsen 99er organizers announce change in bike race host

The 99er has moved this year, with Superior National at Lutsen - Golf Course serving as the venue for the Friday event festivities, the Little Niners kids event, as well as the start and finish of the races on Saturday. Superior National will be closed for golfing most of Friday and all day Saturday, with tee times available again on Sunday. Expect increased traffic on Highway 61 beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday as participants arrive to check-in and explore the expo grounds.

From 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, drivers may encounter the bike race around Cook County. As per years past, Highway 61 will be temporarily closed from approximately 7:25-8 a.m. the morning of June 24 during the start of the races as athletes roll out of Superior National. Spectators are invited to gather at Fika Coffee in the Clearview building located in downtown Lutsen for the official Watch Party to cheer riders at the beginning of the race. Full course map and additional spectator locations can be found here.

Additionally, part of the Onion River Road, north of the Oberg Mountain Trailhead, will be closed from approximately 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Should weather/wet conditions require use of alternate course route, all of the Onion River Road would be closed. Riders would cross Highway 61 from the Onion River Road on the alternate route, however, Highway 61 would not be closed. State Patrol would make periodic stops, working to keep bike and vehicle traffic moving.

There will also be heavy bike traffic along the Caribou Trail early in the morning as well as Cascade River Road and Bally Creek Road from about 8:15 a.m. until about 1 p.m. These roads remain open but drivers are advised to watch for bikers. 

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we welcome one of our favorite events and athletes from around the country back to Cook County,” Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek said.

Local businesses are invited to include something for the 99er swag tables, such as a rack card, small gift, discount on a future visit, etc. A total of 1,500 items or less would be needed. The Lutsen 99er is also still searching for volunteers. If you’d like to be a volunteer for this exciting event, or have a swag item you’d like to include, email Lutsen 99er’s Signe Larson at [email protected].

About Visit Cook County 

Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior”.  Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades -- most recently it was named USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016, and Budget Travel’s 2015 Coolest Small Town in America. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at www.visitcookcounty.com.