Author Archives: Russ Lowthian

Bike Pic Apr 27, a break in the rain for fun and unicycling

This Bike Pic Saturday, as spring temps warm and road surfaces dry out, celebrate day #27 of 30 days of biking. So pull your bike out and ride each day in April – we know you can do it!

So, adjust to the warmer temps, have your rain gear ready, 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

Now, 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. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

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 spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 26, bike riders had fun riding in the rain

This bike pic Friday, the last week of 30 Days of Biking, expect ntermittent rain showers throughout the day. Dressed properly, you may wear a smile and have bragging rights pedaling in the rain.

Get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Having fun riding their bikes in the rain on the Minnesota Ironman's 50th Anniversary Ride.

More having fun riding their bikes in the rain on the 50th Anniverasty Minnesota Ironman bike Ride.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Now rolling through our 18th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, our goal is to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to 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]. Include a brief caption (for each) of who is in the photo (if you know) and where the pic was shot? Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

Two of 3,000 bike riders riding in the rain at the 50th MN Ironman Sunday, yesterday.

Two of 3,000 bike riders having fun riding in the rain at the 50th MN Ironman Sunday, yesterday.

As we continue to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly as we enter into our 13th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.

Remember, 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. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day with a safe, and memorable year ahead!

Bike Pic April 25, doing a little dance before the next storm hits

This bike pic Thursday, with the sun shining and air temperature on the rise. Do a little dance after your ride this #30 days of biking. Nasty weather is predicted to be on its way tomorrow.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 24, find your sweet spot this wheelie Wednesday

This bike pic shows a biker dude riding along the Minnesota River, taking a chance this wheelie Wednesday. So, if life were a fat bike trail, a bunny hop could help smooth out your day-to-day ride. Why not review the following tips to make your week an adrenaline high?

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 23, riding into the Tuesday morning sun

A bike pic to remember as temps continue to warm. Maybe with an April shower this 23rd day of 30 Days of Biking. This photo was taken in Southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country, west of LaCrescent, MN.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 20, springtime ride along the Mississippi River Trail

This Saturday’s bike pic shows three happy bike riders on a springtime roll along the Mississippi River Trail, south of Grand Rapids, and heading towards Palisade, MN.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 20th year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 22, riding into the Monday morning sun

Looking through the archives, this bike pic Monday shows three biker dudes having fun riding into the morning sun on 30 days of biking.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Bike Pic April 21, it’s ice cream smiles Sunday around the world

This ice cream-smiles Sunday bike pic is day twenty-one of the annual 30 Days of Biking initiative. Here, we found two biker chicks enjoying a cool, sweet treat.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

Now, as we roll into our 20th year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into spring 2024!

Ride the early spring gravel race in the driftless area

The Driftless 100 Ride Gravel Race is a hilly road race (mainly gravel) through Clayton County. And yes, this race is in Iowa, if your bike knows no borders. A short distance from the Minnesota border, you will find beautiful landscapes in one of Iowa’s best-kept secret places. If you are ready to get some training miles in, this gravel race is on Saturday, April 27th. The perfect way to kick off spring. Here, you will find over 10,000 feet of climbing on the 100, 50, and 25-mile race course.

A scenic course through history.

The race is designed to showcase the Driftless region of the state. Where even the savviest gravel rider will find new heights. Over 90% of the race is on limestone gravel, with about 5% on pavement and 5% on level b/c roads.

Gorgeous views as you climb the hills.

It is not designed to be a mud fest, but it is April, and the current forecast suggests the race may become sloppy. With course options ranging from 100 miles to 25 miles, the race will test your skills. Making it a perfect event to train for this coming season of rides and races.

The Driftless Branding Iron awaits your completion.

An added carrot for those who finish the 100-mile course in under 7 hours. They will be awarded a Driftless branding Iron for finishing. You do have to follow the official course and receive aid only at the aid stations to earn this award.

Can’t make it, ride gravel routes throughout the year

If you can’t make it to the Driftless 100 on April 27th and want to experience Clayton County’s scenic gravel roads. Here is a Gravel Touring Map to help you plan your next adventure. It also shows stops for local breweries, coffee shops, or wineries. Or, check out their events and entertainment before grabbing a bite at one of the county’s fine restaurants and cafés.

While visiting, you can also expand your knowledge of local history at a museum or browse the fine art galleries. Various retail shops and boutiques make visiting a family affair.

Visit Clayton County! Here, you can enjoy gorgeous views and much more while biking and hiking along the Mississippi River bluff.

Win this E-bike at HaveFunBiking.com

When you sign up for our email updates at HaveFunBiking.com (HFB), you are also entered for a chance to win this E-bike. The all-new Avenue Electric Bike by Pedego. Please fill out the form below to enter. Good luck!

Your entry will give you a chance to win this E-bike and a complimentary e-subscription to the HFB Blog. The blog features bike-friendly maps and tips on new bike destinations posted at HaveFunBiking.com. When planning your next adventure, we will also inform you about what’s new in bicycle-related products and gadgets.

Good luck, and share this contest for the Avenue E-bike, with your friends!

About Avenue E-bikes

The Avenue E-Bike is a beautifully designed electric bike perfect for urban riding or commuting. It has a step-thru frame for easy mounting and dismounting. The bike also has a powerful 500W 48V power system with a fully integrated battery.

Everyone’s favorite bike media company is giving away a set of wheels

Managed by Constant Contact, the HaveFunBiking (HFB) e-database is a news media source sharing outdoor activities, mainly centered around Minnesota destinations. Since the beginning of 2003, HFB has promised that our email list will never be sold or shared, and you can always opt-out at any time. Plus all individuals signing up for this prize drawing for the e-bike can expect no sales appointments or calls.

The fine print

Deadline to enter: 11:59:59 PM PT, October 14, 2023
Sweepstakes drawing date: October 13, 2024
Selection Process: The Grand Prize winner is selected using a computer-generated selection method to ensure that each drawing is conducted entirely at random. We will notify the winner via email and phone. Once contacted, the selected winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is randomly selected.
Number of winners: 1
Eligibility: You must be 18 years old or older to win.
Approximate Retail Value: $2,299.00 USD