2013 Great Hawk Chase
July 21, 2013
Lester Park - Duluth, MN

The Great Hawk Chase is back and the outstanding success of our inaugural race has given COGGS momentum to create an even better race for 2012.

The Lester-Amity trails had long been a favorite, underground place to ride in Duluth until the fall of 2009 when an agreement with the City of Duluth was established to legitimize, rehabilitate and make sustainability improvements to this trail system. After hundreds of hours of work, a 4 mile loop of buff, flowing singletrack has been established along the gorgeous banks of Amity Creek. This trail is classic IMBA style singletrack with great flow and an amazing number of scenic vistas of the river.

A portion of the race course will be the Lester Park cross country ski trails to allow for passing opportunities and also a lead-out before the start of the singletrack. The ski trail allows for a perfect race start as it is a long, gradual uphill that will provide ample opportunity for the strongest to get to the front but is not so steep as to deter any newer or vertically challenged riders. The gradual uphill that creates the perfect start to the race turns into an exciting, big ring stomp to the finish which is sure to leave racers with a big smile on their faces.

The race will start and end in Lester Park, which is one of the most beautiful parks in the City of Duluth. Two waterways, Lester River and Amity Creek, join and empty into Lake Superior just two blocks from the race. There are several hiking trails along the river and numerous locations for families to play in the rivers or on the playground in the park. This is certainly one of the most family friendly locations for a bike race you’ll find anywhere.