Scout builds new 'skinny' bike course in Cloquet

The final step in becoming an Eagle Scout - the highest rank for Scouts - is to do a project that will make a difference in the community. Bryce Sweere came up with a unique idea for his final project this summer: A skinny bike course in Cloquet's Pine Valley Recreation Area.

Mountain bikers call wooden features on a trail "skinnies," but the Esko senior-to-be built a criss-crossing course of four different features. His efforts will give people something completely new in the popular biking mecca.

"It is something different," Sweere said. "I love biking, I love working with wood and I thought why not combine the two? So, I did and now anyone in the community who wants a different challenge has something to try."

Sweere approached the city of Cloquet about building the course at Pine Valley, where there are more than 5 miles of mountain biking trails suitable for a range of skill levels. He met with Ross Biebl, assistant public works director.

"We felt it was a good addition to the single track trails," Biebl said.

Bryce gave a presentation to the city council and members gave him their blessing. He started making phone calls, trying to secure materials for the project. He started building at the end of June and finished up a week ago, Biebl said.

The trails vary in difficulty, with trails made of wooden planks at widths of 13, 8 and 6 inches each. The skinnier trails are the most difficult to ride on.

"I haven't even tried this turn yet," Sweere said Tuesday, pointing to a spot where two trails merge. "You've probably got like an inch to spare from the front tire because your back tire drags," he said. "This line is supposed to be very difficult and it turned out really good."

Sweere planned every inch of the course, using a computer program to create a 3-D model in advance. Donors included Minnesota Power, local trail builder Brad Miller, and Lester River Saw Mill, along with various family members. He also got some big savings from Proctor Builders Supply and London Road Rentals.

"This would not have been possible without the donations by so many," Sweere said.

The trail is anywhere from 1 foot to 3 feet off the ground and has two entrances, four paths and three exits, giving bikers of different ability levels options for honing riding skills.

Theoretically four people could use the course at the same time, but it would be pretty tricky.

"Timing is key," said his dad, Alan.

Alan explained that the Eagle Scout project is a leader project, which means the kids have to organize, manage and direct people to execute the project.

Bryce Sweere came up with the design and did much of the physical labor. He figures he has about 44 hours of work into the project, not counting what other members of Scout Troop 152 added when they helped put on the final decking.

The Esko student did have some experience with constructing something like this, having built a skinny in the woods behind his house before, along with a 22-foot-long "teeter-totter" that you ride the bike up until it decides to go down.

While Bryce was demonstrating the various routes (and trying the 4-inch for the first time), Jake Osborne rolled up on his bike and had high praise for the new skinny course. He bikes at Pine Valley almost every day and said he was excited to watch them build the course.

"I was like, 'Whoa, this is definitely going to be a nice addition to the park,'" he said. "I'm not originally from here. This is like Disney World for me. I love this place."

Biebl had high praise for Sweere.

"Eagle Scouts projects like this have benefited the parks and the community," Biebl said. "Through planning, organizing work crews, and following through to a successful completion of the project, the scout has proven his leadership ability."

The skinny course is located at the end of the cross-cut trail, left of the bike trailhead. It's down in a valley people use for a shortcut to the old snowtubing hills. It is open to everyone. Helmets are a necessity because it's easy to fall off.

"We only ask that you use caution and ride within your abilities," Biebl said.

Pine Knot editor Jana Peterson contributed to this story.