Why mountain bikers keep returning to this remote Michigan trail system

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Nick Ryan discussing the Copper Harbor trail system and its appeal to mountain bikers.

Today we’re talking with Nick Ryan, the Trails Coordinator for the Copper Harbor Trail Club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Copper Harbor has been on mountain bikers’ radars for years, both for its remote location and its incredible trail quali. With some exciting new projects underway and a lot of lessons learned over the years, we get up to speed on Copper Harbor with Nick. An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today. Follow Singletracks on Instagram ⁠⁠@singletracks⁠⁠ to keep up with the latest mountain bike news.

People in this episode

Guest: Nick Ryan

Topics covered

• mountain biking
• trails
• Copper Harbor
• Michigan

Keywords

• remote trails
• trail quality
• Upper Peninsula
• Copper Harbor Trail Club

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Michigan, Upper Peninsula

More episodes of Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast

• CEO shares what it takes to start — and sustain — an online bike shop · April 21, 2026 · 1h 8m
• “You’re not going to win the stage race on the first day” – Thomas Turner on strategy and survival · March 31, 2026 · 48 min
• Pole Bicycles returns: Leo Kokkonen on CNC'd bike frames, bankruptcy lessons, and eMTB prototype · February 24, 2026 · 1h 15m
• How 23-year-old Gabriel Wibmer lands "Impossible" tricks on his mountain bike · February 3, 2026 · 1h 14m
• MTB skills: Tips and flow state secrets from expert coach Josh Whitmore · November 18, 2025 · 1h 21m
• From stand-up to singletrack: How a comedian built Georgia’s most entertaining bike park · October 28, 2025 · 59 min