Copper Harbor Women's Weekend

Welcome to the 2025 Copper Harbor Women's Weekend Clinic!

A weekend of learning, camaraderie, and above all else, FUN!  The Copper Harbor Women's Weekend brings together fantastic coaches and eager riders for one of the premier women's clinics in the Midwest.  Not only do you get to ride the awesome trails in and around Copper Harbor, but you also get to do so with some seriously high-powered professional coaching talent. We'll show you how it's done in a women-focused learning environment.  No jocks, hotshots, show-offs, or mansplainers here!  Just women teaching women how it's done, one incredible weekend at a time.

The Women's Weekend Clinic begins the morning of Friday, July 25th, and finishes the afternoon of Sunday, July 27th. The clinic is open to women of all shapes, sizes, colors, faiths, background, orientation, age (over 18), and skill level. If you identify yourself as a woman mountain bike rider, this clinic is for you!  From those just getting started in the sport to folks who have been riding for years and need to work on a particular technique, our coaches will help take your riding to the next level.  Participants will be assigned coaches depending on their skill level and interests. Some groups will focus on the basics to ensure you can get up and down the trail safely and efficiently, while others will take on more formidable obstacles that only Copper Harbor can offer.  Throughout the weekend, everyone will get confidence-building how-tos from coaches who have been in your shoes and experienced the same challenges we all face on the trail. Friday is spent working on foundational skills, including bike body separation and bike handling drills. This is often done in a grassy area or open space off-trail. These basic skills are then brought onto trail Saturday, where coaches often have you session on and off trail. Sunday, you'll have the chance to choose a special ride to focus on, including tackling the expert-level Red Trail or going for a scenic ride out on the Keweenaw Point Trail.

When you sign up for a bike clinic, you are signing up to work on your bike skills. We suggest adding a day or two to your trip to ride the trails, practice your new Copper Harbor skills, and get in all the miles you want!

Bike Gear

What kind of bike should you bring? The bike you're most comfortable with! Just about any decent bike with front suspension from the past several years will be more than enough to take on the vast majority of the Copper Harbor trails. Your hardtail will do just fine for most activities.  Full suspension bikes are a bonus but not required - don't feel like you have to upgrade to attend. Helmets are a must!  Pads are optional, but they never hurt if you've got 'em.  If you are deciding on pedals, go flat, as this will help advance your skills faster.

Shuttles: Again, for 2025, shuttles will be available on Saturday at the East Bluff Bike Park. The shuttle is a big rig that every group will get to ride at least once, saving a trip up one of Copper Harbor's biggest hills. We won't be using the shuttles to crush loads of laps because we'll have 80+ participants, coaches, and photographers sharing one rig. Trips will be scheduled, and all groups will get a chance to ride.  

E-Bikes: We welcome Class 1 E-bikes into the clinic!  If you need an E-bike to get around or want to save your legs some strain, feel free to bring yours along.  All skill levels of E-bike users are welcome. If you have the option to bring an analog bike in addition to your e-bike, that would be ideal. Skills are easier to practice and learn on a lighter bike. Friday is primarily spent off trail doing skills and drills; this would be the time to have a non-e-bike, if possible. Let us know if you have any questions!

Weather

Watch the weather and be prepared: we ride rain or shine. The Copper Harbor Trails don't shut down when it rains, nor will we. A little mud never hurts anyone! We ride rain or shine, hot or cold. Located next to chilly Lake Superior, we've had all types of weather for this event. The Copper Harbor Trails don't shut down when it rains, nor will we. A little mud never hurts anyone! Be sure to bring gear for rain, cool weather, and extreme heat.

Refund Policy

You'll be charged a flat $50 processing fee if you must back out of the clinic.  You will then receive a refund based on the following schedule:
•100% of the remaining balance if 45 or more days before the clinic
•70% of the remaining balance if between 45 and 30 days before the clinic
•50% of the remaining balance if between 30 and 15 days before the clinic
•NO Refund within 14 days of the clinic.  Cutting it too close!

As usual, transfers to friends or family members are free.  If you find a replacement, you'll receive a full refund.

Questions?

Clinic-related questions can be sent to Sarah Kuhl at sarah@copperharbortrails.org

Registration, logistics, and trail questions can be sent to info@copperharbortrails.org