Welcome. We're your premier source for fun places to explore by bicycle or on foot. Offering guides, maps and articles on road and trail riding for the novice to seasoned cyclist - helping you find your #NextBikeAdventure
This Bike Pic Saturday, there is still a lot of work to do in the couple weeks to put more smiles on children’s faces in Minnesota. Please help Free Bikes 4 Kidz, as they prepare the 5,000 bikes donated for distribution before the holidays. Please volunteer today!
So, adjust to the cooler temps, dress in layers, maybe try out a fatty, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
As we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!
As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have fun as we pedal through the last days of fall with fond memories!
In this bike pic Friday, memories of cyclists stopping to reenact the Y.M.C.A performance from the Village People.
So, adjust to the cooler temps, dress in layers, maybe try out a fatty, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
As we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!
As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have fun as we pedal through the last days of fall with fond memories!
For many of us, being active and enjoying fun winter activities (fat biking, hiking, skiing, etc.) is what memories are made of while contributing to good health. Despite the lifestyle changes of new technology and evolving viruses, there’s still plenty of room to participate in some type of outdoor fun. Seeking out healthy activities may be even more critical now as winter approaches. Doing something you enjoy can distract you from problems and help you cope with all the new life challenges that cause stress.
Page through our latest Bike/Hike Guide with many maps of Minnesota destinations offering fun adventures. Then, layer up your dress attire for the temperature swings ahead and head out. If you haven’t already, you will soon discover that outdoor pursuits help lower the risk of getting sick than indoor workouts.
It’s a perfect time of the year to jump on a fatty and hit a Minnesota trail.
Why choose outdoor adventures?
When outside, the fresh air constantly moves, helping you digest food more effectively, improve blood pressure and heart rate, strengthen the immune system, and reduce obesity rates. Enjoying Minnesota’s fun outdoor activities offers other benefits, too. As you may have discovered from your time outdoors this summer, being outside also provides an emotional boost that will help you feel less tense, stressed, angry, or depressed.
Winter activities may include biking along the Minnesota River bottoms near Bloomington, MN.
Enjoy more with low-risk Minnesota winter adventures
Here in Minnesota, a winter wonderland pursuits, consider moving with these low-risk outdoor activities to stay healthy and safe. Again, use the current Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, with all the maps, to find a place to enjoy the following hobbies.
Fat Biking
Nature walks
Snowshoeing
Downhill and/or cross-country skiing
Ice skating
Ice fishing and hunting
Fitness classes, held outside to allow extra distancing
And exploring the snow-covered trails on an ATV.
Winter activities can also include stopping to make a snowman.
Remember, seeking healthy outdoor activities may be even more critical as winter approaches. Doing something you enjoy can distract you from problems and help you cope with all the new life challenges that cause stress.
Are you ready? The worldwide Global Fat-Bike Day helps to bring outdoor enthusiasts together to ride and make new friends. This year, on Saturday, December 7th, several rides will be held here in the upper Midwest to honor this event’s mission.
Global Fat-Bike Day fun in the upper Midwest
Here in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, find several fat bike events on the first Saturday in December, with all types of themes. From the Ugly Sweater Ride in Chaplin to Plymouth’s Holiday Ride in Osage or Rollin a’ Fatty in Bloomington, these are some of the scheduled events in Minnesota. In Wisconsin, ride from UW Wanderoos in Amery or the CAMDA Ride, which starts at Hatchery Creek, near Hayward. Or, in South Dakota, the Big Sioux Bikepacking Brigade is hosting a casual ride on the scenic gravel roads around Canton.
See all the fat bike event details and links for the upper Midwest posted at the MN Trail Navigator.
CAMBA’s Hatchery Creek Trailhead – Dec. 7
Don’t forget your camera because part of the Global Fat-Bike Day celebration will include sharing your experience through photos and video! Use the hashtag #GFBD2024.
Cruising the trails along the Minnesota River near Bloomington, MN.
Enjoy riding your fatty, and make some fun off-road memories!
Electric assist bikes (e-bikes) are fun to ride in cold, snowy, or wet weather. However, just like a standard bicycle, you may need some accessories (like rain gear or studded tires for winter) for comfort and safety. Most e-bike models also provide a high-quality, water-resistant casing to protect your battery when wet and cold. You can ride an e-bike at any temperature, but the colder it is, the more it may impact the battery’s range. So bring your battery (or the entire bike + battery) inside if you’re not riding it, if possible.
Riding an e-bike in cold weather
STAYING DRY WHILE RIDING IN THE RAIN
An electric bike’s system, including the motor, battery pack, display, and connection points, is usually designed with closed units to accommodate wet weather. This protects the electrical system from getting wet while riding in the rain. The critical distinction here is that e-bikes are water-resistant but not waterproof. So, for this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid heavily flooded roads, streams, and deep puddles that could submerge your bike’s electrical components.
As electric bikes might have different limitations, you may need to refer to your owner’s manual or check with your manufacturer for the IP rating of your bike first. If you live in an area that experiences frequent wet weather, you’ll want to make water resistance a top factor in your purchase decision.
Riding an e-bike with ice and snow conditions
Riding an e-bike fatty in inclement weather is fun
Yes, you can ride your e-bike in the winter. However, riding in extreme cold, snow, and icy conditions will require more maintenance, protection, and care. With advancements in tire technology and clothing warmth, there are fewer reasons not to take your electric bicycle out and enjoy the winter season. All e-bikes can handle winter riding, but the wider the tire, the better, especially if studs can be installed on your bike’s tire for icy conditions. That said, you must follow the key points below to ensure you enjoy riding your bike during the winter.
Use the correct type of tire
Like a regular bike you might use for winter riding, the tires that come with your electric bicycle are great for most dry pavement riding, but not winter. Maneuvering a bike (with or without a motor) requires a tire that handles ice and snow. Then add studs to those winter tires, transforming your e-bike into a fantastic winter vehicle! Great for riding on plowed roads and for hard-packed or icy conditions. If you are looking at a fat tire e-bike for winter riding, ask the dealer if studs can be added to the tires on that bike.
Battery Care
A center post battery mount is common for many e-bike models
The general rule with a 36 volt, 10.5Ah (ampere-hours) battery should get 20 to 40 miles per charge with the average weight of rider + gear & cargo less than 200 pounds in ideal weather conditions. You’ll get fewer miles the higher the assist level you use. You might get 60 miles or more on a single charge on the low assist. To maximize the life of your e-bike battery, try to charge it when it’s near empty. Then, ride your e-bike a lot and charge it often.
Before charging, make sure your battery is in a room above freezing. Otherwise, you could harm the cells. It is no problem to ride the bike in below-freezing conditions (it doesn’t damage the battery). However, make sure you let the battery warm up slowly before charging. When riding an e-bike in very cold weather, you will notice a drop in power and range. Don’t worry; this is normal when riding an e-bike in the winter.
Knowing your e-bike’s battery life and performance in cold weather is good. If you intend to commute to work or use the bike for a backcountry experience, test it out to determine the change in range with colder temps. And the steps you would take to ensure continued performance. For instance, purchasing a neoprene e-bike battery cover might be an option. Also, if you stop midway on your journey to warm up, bring the battery inside whenever you aren’t riding. This will keep the battery’s temperature up and give you extra power!
Avoid riding through slush
Riding your electric bike through snow is not only possible, but it’s also super fun! (See the Pedego video below for proof) What’s not fun is riding through slush. The watery, salty snow splashes up your gears and can seep into hard-to-reach areas, causing rust to form. If you must ride through slush, wipe the entire bike down, lube the chain, etc. Afterward, try to store your bike in a warm, dry location.
Don’t let winter pass you by; prepare your e-bike for Nordic fun!
For anyone unfamiliar with the bold north, biking, skiing, or walking on water is a fun outdoor winter activity when incorporating a few ice safety tips into the adventure. Mother Nature’s temperature swings in the upper Midwest will determine when to venture onto a frozen body of water. Usually, from mid to late December through February, venturing across a body of frozen water is a regular occurrence. This year, please take note. With above-normal temps so far this year, ice may be slow to form. Delaying many of the fun activities here on many of the lakes and streams. So, check the ice depth before you venture out!
Along with the proper clothing for a comfortable ride in the winter, here are some ice safety tips to ensure a safe time moving across a frozen lake or stream.
Ice safety tips – First and foremost, know the thickness of the ice.
There’s no way around it. While many visual cues can help you determine if it is safe to roll out or step onto the ice, the most reliable way is to measure the ice thickness.
You can use a few tools to measure the ice. An ice chisel can be stabbed into the ice until it penetrates the water. A cordless drill with a wood bit also works well to auger a hole to measure the thickness.
Ice safety tips – What is a safe thickness?
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources states on ice thickness, any ice thickness less than four inches should be avoided at all costs. At four inches, the ice can support bicycling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and walking. At five to seven inches, the ice can sustain the weight of a snowmobile or an ATV, while eight to twelve inches are needed to support a small car’s weight. While these guidelines are generic, and ice conditions vary, the current chart is for newly formed ice. Make sure to read more on thickness before going out there.
Measuring in one place is not enough. Measure several areas (approximately 150 feet apart) to ensure the entire area is safe. Ice thickness can vary, even over a relatively small area—especially over moving water.
Ice safety tips – Assess the area visually.
A visual assessment can help supplement your measurement and support if you rely on someone else’s measurements.
With safe ice, it’s a perfect time to jump on a fatty and ride across a stream.
Watch for signs of danger like cracks, seams, pressure ridges, dark areas (where the ice is thinner), and slushy areas—even slight slush signals that the icing isn’t freezing at the bottom. This tells you that the ice is progressively getting weaker.
Ice safety tips – The color of the ice
Check out the color of the ice. Clear, blue, or green ice thicker than four inches should be enough to bike on. White ice typically has air or snow trapped inside, weakening it. Dark ice might indicate that the ice is relatively thin—probably not thick enough for biking, hiking, or skiing.
The Fresher, the better!
New ice is typically stronger than older ice. The bond between ice crystals decays even in freezing temperatures as time passes. When the spring thaw begins, the ice weakens considerably. Heading out for one last ride across the ice can be tempting, but it is safest to say no. Even if ice fits the measurement criteria, it can still be hazardous.
More suggestions when venturing out on “safe ice.”
Along with knowledge of the thickness of the ice and a visual assessment, here are four more suggestions to help minimize the risk when biking on the ice:
Carry ice picks and a rope
Have a cell phone or personal locator beacon along
Don’t go out alone; tell someone about trip plans and expected return time.
Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
Know the proper rescue techniques.
Anyone venturing on the ice outdoors should know the basic ice rescue technique. Kids should also be familiar with the protocol, so educate them beforehand. If someone in your party falls through the ice, the first thing to do is call 911. Anyone still on the ice should slowly lie down, distributing their weight over a larger area.
Reach the person in the water using a long-reaching assist— maybe a large stick, a rope, or a ladder if available. The person in the water should be instructed to kick and slowly ease their way out of the water. Once they reach the surface, they should crawl or roll away from the broken ice area.
Anyone on the ice, including the victim and rescuer, should avoid standing up until they are far away from the broken ice. As soon as possible, get the victim into dry clothing and treat them for hypothermia.
Hopefully, we can have some fun soon
Enjoy the ice safety tips for a safer true North experience!
Has the idea of riding an electric assist bike, or e-bike, piqued your interest? If so, and you are looking to extend your range of bicycle travel, you are in luck. E-bike technology has improved, and many e-bike brands now offer increased range or distance you can travel. Some of the newer brands and models can travel more miles on a single charge, making this mode of transportation more practical for long commutes and extended rides. Plus, new battery technologies can significantly reduce the charging time, allowing riders to quickly return to the road or trail.
So first, what is a pedal-assist electric bike?
Pedego’s Ridge Runner is a great e-commuter that offers off-road options.
An e-bike has a battery and motor incorporated into a pedal-assist system, allowing bicyclists to ride farther more easily. With the class 1 and 3 models, the rider must pedal to engage the motor, enabling a more leisurely ride. A class 2 model comes with the addition of a throttle. If you’re worried about the legal stuff, remember that in the U.S., a motor that doesn’t exceed 750W will do just fine.
Now, with the latest technology, some cyclists can reach 60 to 90 miles on a single charge, making it easier to use the bike for commuting, recreational riding, hauling cargo, and shuttling the family.
Visit e-bike dealers and take a test ride.
After scouting all your options online and narrowing down your e-bike selection, visit the local bike shops that carry the brands you are interested in. Contact them to arrange a time to take a demo bike out for a spin. Some stores rent demo bikes and will apply the rental fee to the purchase if you want a lengthier test ride.
What you will discover
The best electric bikes will help you get around quickly and safely with a zippy electric power boost to complement your pedaling. What was once a tiny hobby has ballooned into a massive market with many different electric bike options, features, and more.
They’re certainly pricier than your average pedal bike but perfect if you want to commute without spending money on a car or public transport. They’re certainly an investment that could pay off in the long run, both in terms of your health and your wallet.
Here in this bike pic, digging through our summer archives, we captured this biker dude pedaling along the East River Road of the Mississippi River Trail.
So, adjust to the cooler temps, dress in layers, maybe try out a fatty, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
As we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!
As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have fun as we pedal into the fall with fond memories!
Do you have your fatty ready on this Bike Pic Wednesday? With snow in the forecast here in some parts of the upper Midwest, winter fun is days away.
So, adjust to the cooler temps, dress in layers, have rain gear handy, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
As we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!
As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have fun as we pedal into the fall with fond memories!
In this fun mountain bike pic from earlier this summer, we are on the trail near Lakeville, MN. This is one of many places in the area where trail riding opportunities are available for both seasoned riders and novices.
So, adjust to the cooler temps, dress in layers, have rain gear handy, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
As we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!
As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have fun as we pedal into the fall with fond memories!
