COGGS

What COGGS does

COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mountain bike advocacy organization founded in 1994 and headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, operating in the Twin Ports region spanning Minnesota and Wisconsin. The organization builds, maintains, and advocates for over 120 miles of free, multi-use mountain bike trails across Duluth, Superior, and the surrounding area. Its trail network comprises nine named systems including the 40-mile Duluth Traverse spine trail, Hartley, Lester, Mission Creek, Piedmont/Brewer, Spirit Mountain, Stone Age, Craft Connector, and Downer Park, each stewarded by experienced volunteers and rated across beginner through expert skill levels. COGGS is an IMBA chapter and holds the IMBA Gold Level Ride Center designation — one of only six such designations worldwide — and the City of Duluth formally partners with the organization on trail access and management.

The organization's core products are physical trail infrastructure, the Duluth Enduro Series, Race Across Duluth, the Gitchee Gumee Gallivant, the Wheel Reels Film and Photography Festival, and the Lester Bike Playground and Pump Track (Phase 1 targeted for 2027 completion). Supporting offerings include an annual membership program, a $1,000-per-trail annual Trail Sponsorship Program, and a tiered corporate sponsorship structure (Titanium, Carbon, Aluminum, Steel) plus Permanent Legacy Sponsors. Revenue is generated through five streams: membership dues, individual donations (one-time and monthly recurring via PayPal), corporate sponsorships, trail sponsorships, and event-based fundraising. Operations are supported by an all-volunteer Board of Directors with functional roles covering Executive Director, Trails, Rides, Volunteer, Fundraising, Marketing, and Membership, supplemented by ~25 named Trail Stewards with multi-year tenures across each trail system.

The go-to-market is event- and community-led: COGGS acquires and retains members and donors through weekly volunteer trail work nights across four trail systems, signature events, The COGGS Crew ambassador program focused on inclusivity, and partnerships with corporate volunteer groups (Minnesota Power, Surly Brewing, Cirrus Aircraft, UMD, Carlson Management). Technology infrastructure is limited to standard nonprofit SaaS — NeonCRM (memberships and donations), Trailbot (volunteer hours), SmartWaiver (liability waivers), PayPal (payments), Trailforks and MTB Project (trail maps), and Google Calendar (event scheduling). The organization is not backed by institutional investors, has no paid staff disclosed beyond the 1–10 headcount range, and financials are not publicly disclosed.

Name

COGGS

Legal name

Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores

Website

https://coggs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

COGGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded 1994 in Duluth, Minnesota, that builds and maintains over 120 miles of free mountain bike trails across the Twin Ports region, serving non-motorized trail users, members, and corporate sponsors through IMBA Gold Level Ride Center infrastructure and community programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mountain bike trail services and outdoor recreation

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives) (MPAKAIAC)

Keywords

• Mountain bike trails
• Trail advocacy
• Nonprofit recreation
• Cycling community
• Trail building

Headquarters

HQ city

Duluth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership dues: Annual membership providing access to member-only events like the Duluth Enduro Series, early registration for races, and exclusive benefits from partner businesses including discounts at local bike shops.
2. Donations: One-time visitor donations and ongoing monthly contributions through PayPal, credit card, or check mailed directly to the organization. Donations support trail maintenance and construction.
3. Corporate sponsorships: Tiered sponsorship program with multiple levels (Titanium, Carbon, Aluminum, Steel) providing visibility and recognition benefits to local and regional businesses supporting trail development.
4. Trail sponsorship program: Annual sponsorship fee of $1,000 per trail or trail segment, with benefits including trail signs at both ends and business recognition.
5. Event fundraising: Events like Race Across Duluth donate proceeds to COGGS for trail development. The annual GALA includes silent and live auctions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

COGGS builds, maintains, and advocates for over 120 miles of free, multi-use mountain bike trails across Duluth, Superior, and the surrounding Twin Ports area. The organization complements its trail network with an annual membership program, weekly volunteer trail work crews, an ambassador program (The COGGS Crew), and signature community events including races, enduro series, and film festivals.

Product overview

COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mountain biking advocacy organization that operates a network of over 120 miles of free, multi-use mountain bike trails across Duluth, Superior, and the surrounding Twin Ports area. The organization's core offerings center on trail infrastructure and access, including the Duluth Traverse (40-mile spine trail), Hartley, Lester, Mission Creek, Piedmont/Brewer, Spirit Mountain, Stone Age, Craft Connector, and Downer Park trail systems. COGGS complements its trail network with membership programs providing event access and business discounts, volunteer trail work crews, the COGGS Crew ambassador program, and signature events including the Duluth Enduro Series, Race Across Duluth, Wheel Reels Film Festival, and Gitchee Gumee Gallivant. Current development includes the Lester Bike Playground and Pump Track (Phase 1 completion 2027). The organization was established in 1994 and is an IMBA Gold Level Ride Center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Duluth Enduro Series: A fun enduro-style mountain bike race series presented by COGGS that takes place every summer, showcasing trails across Duluth, MN.
• Wheel Reels Film and Photography Festival
• Race Across Duluth
• COGGS Crew

Products and services

• Duluth Traverse Trail A 40-mile spine trail connecting Chambers Grove and Lester Park, forming the backbone of Duluth's mountain biking network. The beginner/intermediate two-way trail traverses the city and connects to all major trail systems.
• Hartley Trail System A 9-mile trail system featuring traditional hand-built single track with roots and rolling terrain. Best suited for beginner/intermediate riders with a focus on classic Midwestern XC style.
• Lester Trail System A 12.5-mile trail system known as one of the most beginner-friendly in Duluth. Features smooth, flowing singletrack along ridges above Amity Creek with views of the river valley.
• Mission Creek Trail System Approximately 23 miles of fast, flowing singletrack with bridges, berms, and rollers. The western bookend of the Duluth Traverse, featuring spectacular views of the St. Louis River Valley.
• Piedmont/Brewer Trail System A 9-mile technical trail system with significant elevation changes and rocky terrain. Features intermediate to advanced rock features, jumps, drops, and challenging descents.
• Spirit Mountain Bike Park Lift-served downhill riding facility with trails for all skill levels. Features include Sprung-a-Leek, Happy Camper, Candyland, Smorgasbord, Blaster, Wild Cat, Wrecking Ball, Calculated Risk, and Boss Hog trails.
• Stone Age Trail A 1.2-mile expert-level technical trail near Mission Creek featuring a challenging technical uphill with excellent views, followed by a demanding downhill with features for advanced riders.
• COGGS Membership Annual membership program providing access to COGGS events (including Enduro Series), exclusive member benefits from local businesses including discounts at bike shops (Galleria Bicycles 15%, Twin Ports Cyclery 10%, Continental Bike 10%, Stewart's Bikes 10%, Skihut 10%), trail maps, early event registration, and support for trail development.
• Trail Sponsorship Program Annual sponsorship program allowing businesses to sponsor trails for $1,000. Includes two 6x8-inch signs at trail ends, a business display sign, and recognition as steel-level sponsor. Adoption window is January-April with sign installation in early May.
• Duluth Enduro Series Summer enduro-style mountain bike race series for COGGS members. Free to participate with theme nights, swag giveaways, and races across various Duluth trail locations.
• Lester Bike Playground and Pump Track Planned bicycle playground and pump track project at Lester Park. Phase 1 (completion 2027) will include balance skills track, pump track with progressive features, beginner/intermediate drops, rock features, restrooms, water access, lighting, and improved signage.
• Volunteer Trail Work Program Weekly trail work crews (Monday-Lester, Tuesday-Hartley, Wednesday-Mission Creek, Thursday-Piedmont) for trail maintenance and construction. Includes weed whacking, corridor clearing, and leaf blowing opportunities.
• COGGS Crew Ambassador Program Volunteer ambassador program promoting inclusivity and reducing barriers to outdoor recreation. Includes Full Crew Ambassadors (4 events + 4 group rides annually) and Crew Club (2 activities + 1 volunteer event annually).
• Wheel Reels Film and Photography Festival Annual community film and photography festival celebrating trails and outdoor recreation. Accepts submissions of local short films (1-8 minutes) and photography from local riders and creators.
• Race Across Duluth Point-to-point mountain bike race on the Duluth Traverse. 45-mile epic race across the city with proceeds donated to COGGS for trail development.
• Gitchee Gumee Gallivant Annual party-pace group ride following the Duluth Traverse from Chambers Grove to Lester Park. 45 miles of mostly singletrack with lunch stop along the way. Free for COGGS members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 120 miles of mountain bike trails maintained across Duluth, Superior and surrounding area
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOGGS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter of IMBA. The organization received Gold Level Ride Center designation from IMBA, one of only six globally.
• City of DuluthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOGGS works with the City of Duluth to develop and maintain world-class, multi-use trails across Duluth. The city provides trail access and park infrastructure.
• One Track Mind (OTM)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit focused on funding single track build and maintenance projects across the U.S., partnering with Conservation Corps of MN to work on COGGS trails.
• Conservation Corps of MNmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPerforming trail building and maintenance work on Duluth trails through partnership with One Track Mind.
• Orion Construction Services (OCS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsored winter trail grooming operation. Owner Jamie McDevitt is a local contractor and trail building volunteer.
• Trail Partners (Volunteer Work Crew Partners)minorOthersBusinesses including Minnesota Power, Surly Brewing, Cirrus Aircraft, UMD, Carlson Management, National Bank, College of St. Scholastica, and others have supported COGGS through organized volunteer build days with employees.
• Mount Du Lac ResortminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated camping to volunteer work crews with great access to trails and recreation.
• Snowflake Nordic CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated camping to volunteer work crews.
• Kraus AndersonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPermanent Legacy Sponsor of COGGS.
• Loll DesignsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPermanent Legacy Sponsor of COGGS.
• Minnesota PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPermanent Legacy Sponsor and corporate volunteer partner.
• Ski HutminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbon level sponsor offering 10% off apparel & accessories to COGGS members.
• Bent Paddle BrewingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbon level sponsor.
• ATK DuluthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbon level sponsor.
• Saline LandscapeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbon level sponsor.
• Continental Ski and BikeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAluminum level sponsor offering 10% off select merchandise to COGGS members. Hosts annual Continental Bike Swap.
• Spirit MountainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail partner providing lift-served downhill mountain biking accessible via the Duluth Traverse.
• Duluth Cross Country Ski ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of No Man's Land Film Festival with COGGS.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bentonville Trails Coalition: Nonprofit mountain bike trail organization that helped develop Bentonville into a major mountain biking destination. Comparable in mission and in building destination-level trail networks through public-private partnerships.
• Pisgah Area SORBA: IMBA-affiliated mountain bike advocacy nonprofit in the Pisgah region managing trail systems, races, and volunteer programs. Similar organizational structure and operating model to COGGS.
• Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA): Regional mountain bike trail advocacy nonprofit in northern Wisconsin operating a similar model of trail building, maintenance, events, and community volunteer stewardship — directly comparable mission and operating structure.
• Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE): IMBA chapter and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mountain biking advocacy, trail building, and education in the Mid-Atlantic. Directly comparable as an IMBA chapter operating trail systems and events.
• Arizona Trail Association: Nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and advocates for a long-distance trail. Comparable in mission, volunteer-based model, and reliance on partnerships with public land managers.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit focused on trail development and advocacy for multi-use trails. Operates a broader scope but shares the core mission of building, protecting, and activating trails for public use.
• International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): COGGS is a 501(c)(3) chapter of IMBA, and IMBA awards the Gold Level Ride Center designation. IMBA is the closest peer as the national umbrella organization for mountain bike trail advocacy, education, and destination designation.
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance: Pacific Northwest IMBA chapter operating as a nonprofit mountain bike advocacy and trail-building organization with comparable programming (rides, events, volunteer work parties) and chapter structure.
• Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew: Minnesota-based nonprofit mountain bike organization managing a popular trail system. Operates with a comparable model of volunteer-led trail building, events, and community programming, serving a similar northern Midwest audience.

Broad incumbents

• National Park Foundation: Larger nonprofit that supports outdoor recreation and conservation across U.S. public lands. Comparable as a higher-level outdoor recreation/conservation advocacy nonprofit, though operating at much larger scale than COGGS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/coggstwinports
• Instagraminstagram.com/coggstwinports
• Xx.com/coggstwinports

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about COGGS