Great Lakes - Duluth or Marquette?

I'm wondering which of the two places has the best road cycling, as in having multiple route options for longer weekend rides, as well as good close-in loop options for 20 to 30 mile after work rides out the back door? I'm thinking Duluth?

On the other hand, I imagine Marquette is better for cross-country skiing and having dependable snow, over the long term?

I have never ridden the roads around those cities but I been around Bayfield and would think the roads are similar. Lots of rollers with an occasional climb, little to no traffic and great scenery. At least in Duluth you won't be called a Yooper.

I think Marquette has a longer ski season due to the lake effect snows, but there is a big XC ski scene in Duluth as well. Roads in the MQT area I believe are somewhat limited, but I think the MTB routes are just about unlimited (fire roads and snow mobile trails). I've never lived in either place, so my view is skewed.

Marquette has a very extensive paved trail system in town, and many decent roads out of town. My favorite ride is now posted on Routeslip.com: http://www.routeslip.com/routes/69001 Thanks for motivating me to finally add it to the list.

There is a lot of riding and skiing opportunities in the Duluth//Superior area. The road riding and mountain biking possibilities are endless. Also just to the south a little there are some of the best single track you can find anywhere.... the CAMBA trails in the Cable WI area...but there are plenty in Duluth and Superior also. Feel free to contact me if you wish some specific info as there are just to many options to list.

thanks to all for the input, definitely advantages to both places - any comments about how motorists treat cyclists in either city?

There is a lot of riding and skiing opportunities in the Duluth//Superior area. The road riding and mountain biking possibilities are endless. Also just to the south a little there are some of the best single track you can find anywhere.... the CAMBA trails in the Cable WI area...but there are plenty in Duluth and Superior also. Feel free to contact me if you wish some specific info as there are just to many options to list.
I agree, except Marquette has the best single track you can find anywhere. There are several bike groups around including kmcycling.com We have a major bike weekend at Superior Bikefest. The Ore to Shore race is a 40 some mile point to point race. Most drivers are ok but it only takes one anal spincture to ruin your day

At least in Duluth you won't be called a Yooper.

Being a Yooper is a good thing.

Being a Yooper is a good thing.

You bet, eh?

Duluth would be colder, aina hey?

Lots of great athletes at NMU in Marquette, no problem finding someone to ride with.

Duluth is relatively close to the Twin Cities. Marquette is relatively close to ... ummmm .... Green Bay?

I think either would be a great place to live.

(so why am I here?)