Cyclists begin the 25-mile Long Pine Race. All photos by Alex Dobbins

By Alex Dobbins - Boreal Community Media - January 13, 2025

This past weekend, the Superior Cycling Association (SCA) hosted the Norpine Fat Bike Classic at Cascade Lodge and Restaurant. Men and Women could choose from either the Short Pine Race, which is 14 miles long, or the 25-mile Long Pine Race. There were around 100 cyclists that signed up for the races this year, an increase from previous events. 65 racers finished, according to the published race results. Friends and family of the cyclists were cheering racers on from the sidelines. 

Earlier this month, race organizers required studded tires for all racers as a safety precaution due to icy trails. Trail conditions were indeed icy on race day, and contestants were required to ride with extra caution, but it did not take away from the beauty of the trails. 

In addition to the two race courses, weekend activities included a dark sky tour, a group bike ride, local food and drinks, fat bike demos, and more.

The race acts as one of the main fundraisers for the SCA. Proceeds go towards trail maintenance efforts by the SCA and the Norpine Trail Association. 

The Long Pine Race Winners in the Men's Catagory: 

1. Nick Nygaard, 34, Duluth: 1:52:26
2. Jacob Olson, 32, St. Paul: 2:08:20
3. Shane Maxwell, 46, Two Harbors: 2:13:10
4. Steve Yeung, 47, Thunder Bay, ON: 2:17:43
5. Sean Nickoley, 25, Minneapolis: 2:18:03

The Long Pine Race Winners in the Women's Catagory: 

1. Anna Torchia, 36, Duluth: 3:10:31

The Short Pine Race Winners in the Men's Category:

1. Thomas McCarthy, 53, Forest Lake: 1:13:57
2. Nick Pethan, 27, Duluth: 1:19:09
3. Aaron Pozzini, 52, New Port: 1:22:42 
4. David Johnson, 37, Duluth: 1:23:21
5. Akos Varga, 32, New Port: 1:23:28

The Short Pine Race Winners in the Women's Category:

1. April Wahlstrom, 41, Grand Marais: 1:18:45
2. Nicholina Schiewe, 43, Thunder Bay, ON: 1:22:06
3. Martha Flynn, 59, St. Paul: 1:26:10
4. Nicole Billings, 45, Eau Claire, WI: 1:30:02
5. Sara Martin, 52, St. Paul: 1:31:05

For the full list of winners, click here. 

 Racers warm up by the bonfire before the Norpine Fat Bike Classic.

 Bikers gather at the starting line, waiting for the race to begin.

 Cyclists prepare to take off.

 Some of the Norpine Fat Bike Classic's 25-mile Long Pine Race contestants.

First-place winner Nick Nygaard, bib number 187, and third-place winner Shane Maxwell, bib number 189, compete in the long-distance race.

Short Pine Race Men's winner Thomas McCarthy, bib number 51, and third place winner Nick Pethan, bib number 59.

Fourth-place winner of the Long Pine Race men's category, David Johnson, celebrates as he gets close to the end of the race.

Short Pine Race contestants, including the second-place winner in the women's category Nicholina Schiewe (front, right), in the middle of their 14-mile race.