While Dan Jurek was riding the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System in 2013 with a friend and sons, a powerful rainstorm and strong winds blew down their tent.

That unpleasant event - and the outstanding world-class mountain bike trail system they rode on - has led to the opening of a new year-round camping facility for adventure sports enthusiasts.

True North Basecamp, built along the shore of the former Armour Mine Lake 2 in Crosby, opens Nov. 27.

True North Basecamp Lodge, located within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, is opening six cabins and 33 campsites to outdoor enthusiasts. The basecamp will also have a community bathhouse with showers and bathrooms.

"We want to be a destination for winter family events and a destination year-round," said Dan Jurek, of Minneapolis, True North Basecamp Lodge co-developer.

The exploding popularity of mountain biking, coupled with the Cuyuna Mountain Bike System's world class trails, are turning Crosby into a destination location for mountain bikers from across the world.

Ranked as one of the top mountain bike systems in the United States with nearly 30 miles of trails, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System in n 2015 attracted about 20,000 users.

Each of the industrial-looking 17-foot by 22-foot True North Basecamp Lodge cabins provides visitors with an extended-stay base from which they can mountain bike, road bike, paddle board, kayak, cross country ski, or snowshoe.

Each cabin includes three twin beds, one full-size bed, heat, and air conditioning. Campsites are located atop an abandoned mine stockpile overlooking recreational areas and the city of Crosby.

In addition to family and small group stays, plans are to host camps for high school mountain bike teams, paddle boarders, and fitness groups.

"We are completing phase one now," said Jurek. "Phase two will include more cabins equipped with kitchens and bathrooms on top of the hill and Phase 3 will be the addition of more cabins that have amenities."

For additional information visit www.truenorthbasecamp.com

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board supported the project with a development infrastructure grant to the city of Crosby.

Pictured above: True North Basecamp, co-developed by Dan Jurek (pictured) and friend Jeff Bajak, opens Nov. 27 at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.