Ep 2.02 | Pete Kero - From Mines to Mountain Bike Trails

Описание: What if abandoned mine pits weren’t the end of the story… but the beginning?

In this episode of the Iron Range Adventures Podcast, Steve sits down with Pete Carroll — environmental engineer, co-creator of Redhead Mountain Bike Park, Minnesota Book Award-winning author of _Mindscapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mine Lands_, and longtime community volunteer.

Pete grew up on the Marquette Iron Range in Upper Michigan before making his way to Minnesota’s Mesabi Range. With a deep love for the outdoors and a background in environmental engineering, he saw something different when he looked at reclaimed mine lands — not closed sites, but incredible opportunity.

We talk about:

The 13-year journey behind Redhead Mountain Bike Park
How mining and recreation can coexist and strengthen each other
The human stories behind mine land transformation
Vision, long-term thinking, and the power of journaling
Why “Sisu” persistence matters when chasing big ideas
The underrated quality of life on the Iron Range

Pete shares how reclaimed landscapes can inspire renewal — not just environmentally, but economically and culturally. From scuba diving and mountain biking to swimming and disc golf, the Iron Range is quietly becoming a model for how former mining communities can evolve without forgetting their roots.

If you care about community development, outdoor recreation, mining heritage, or simply building a life you love waking up to — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📚 And don’t forget to pick up Pete’s award-winning book Mindscapes — link in the description.