Author Archives: Russ Lowthian

Bike Pic June 24, a perfect day riding into the Monday morning sun!

This Bike Pic Monday we captured this biker dude riding the scenic roads, around the lakes, in the western suburb of the Twin Cities,

So, adjust to the warmer temps, 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 our bike pic

As we roll through 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 a summer of fond memories!

Bike Pic June 23, it’s a sunny Ice Cream Smiles Sunday

It’s another Ice Cream Smiles Sunday bike pic, or in this case, it looks like an ice cream face-stuffing good time. So pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure with a stop at your favorite ice cream shop.

Thanks for viewing our bike pic

As we roll through our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into a summer of fond memories!

Fun memories and spectacular views on the Mesabi Trail Tour

Join old and new friends on the Mesabi Trail Tour for the most fun you can have on two wheels. The 2024 Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour returns on August 10th with five fun distances for your next bike adventure. Choose from 5 different routes – 12, 26, 46, 58, or 70 miles. All routes travel out and back on Mesabi Trail from one start/finish location in Buhl Park, Buhl, MN.

All routes travel out and back on the Mesabi Trail from Buhl Park in Buhl, which is located on Highway 169 between Hibbing and Virginia.

Mesabi Trail rolling over an ore train crossing.

While you pedal (fully supported) along one of Minnesota’s premiere paved bicycle trails, you will encounter historic & scenic points of interest, food & music at rest stops, and a finish line celebration complete with a picnic lunch and more music!

Cost of riding the Mesabi Trail Tour in 2022

The cost of riding this year’s event (cost per weekend ride) is $45 for riders 17 years and older. The ride is still free for kids 16 and under, with a parent or guardian riding along.

The scenery is stunning along the Mesabi Trail.

Stretching from the Mississippi to the Boundary Waters, with over 150 miles of paved trail, the Mesabi Trail is like no other in the country. Cutting through the forests of northeast Minnesota, your adventure will take you past lakes, creeks, and ponds, by vast red pits of old iron ore mines now filled with emerald green water. You are sure to be greeted by native wildlife during your travels. Passing through 28 communities, visit local attractions, learn about the local mining and logging legacies, and enjoy the local cuisine, like sarma, a pasty, or some potica.

Mesabi Trail Tour riders enjoy the scenery at O’Brian Reservoir.

Spring, summer or Fall your riding experience on the Mesabi Trail is what great memories are made from.

Your riding experience on the Mesabi Trail in spring, summer, or fall will create great memories.

Camping and lodging along the Mesabi Trail

Camping will be available at Buhl Park, with a $10 charge for a tent/camper site. There are no water or electrical hookups at this park. There will be portable toilets and a hand wash station. Please keep your trash and dispose of it correctly. Please leave your site as you found it. The money collected will go towards the Buhl Youth Recreation Program.

Lodging:

Visit Grand Rapids: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-stay/

The Iron Range Tourism Bureau: https://ironrange.org/motel

To learn more about the trail: http://www.mesabitrail.com/.

5-tips to extend a lithium battery life for e-bikes and other power tools

by Jonathon Monk

Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly common in most countries worldwide, and here are some tips to extend the lithium battery life.

Tips for charging your new Lithium Battery

With more and more people choosing to take to two wheels, these bikes offer the perfect opportunity to enhance fitness while playing an important role in helping to reduce the carbon emissions generated by other forms of transport. These bikes are helping to persuade many non-cyclists to start pedaling. However, it is essential to understand that purchasing a new e-Bike or tool with a lithium battery is just the first step.

Extend the life of your Lithium battery

Once you have bought your e-bike or light, it is crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure that it continues to run at its optimum level. Few aspects of an e-bike are more critical than its battery.

Enhanced technology has seen many electric bike manufacturers utilize the benefits of long-life lithium batteries. While these batteries offer a significant upgrade over their predecessors, specific guidelines are still essential to maximize the batteries’ lifespan and run time.

5 Lithium battery life tips

Below I have outlined several e-bike battery care tips that will help you along the way.
1. Owners Manual – Read and follow your bike’s accompanying manual and warning stickers. If you have any questions, call your bike dealer or the company directly and ask.

2. The Charger – Only use the charger supplied with your electric bike or light. Using a different charger can be very dangerous, possibly resulting in fire and/or explosion. So use the charger that came with the item you purchased.

3. Fully Charge – When you get a new e-battery, fully charge the battery per the instructions before you ride the bike.

4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Very hot or cold temperatures can negatively affect the battery’s performance and shorten its expected life. Avoid storing and charging your battery in a garage or shed that could be subject to really hot or cold temperatures. Instead, charge and store your battery in a moderate-temperature area. (Recommended storage temperatures are 32F – 77F. Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat, 104F +, for long periods.

5. Storing a Lithium Battery – If you will not be riding your electric bike for an extended period, it is a good idea to store your lithium battery with a full charge. At the three-month point, check the state of charge and recharge to top it off if necessary.

Two more bonus tips!

6. Charging Location—When charging your bike or battery, do so in a dry location where a hot battery or charger (should there be a malfunction) will not cause a damaging fire.

7. Avoid Humidity—Store your bike, battery, and charger in a dry location. Water and humidity are unsuitable for electrical devices.

Central Minnesota mountain bike trails can add fun throughout the year

In Central Minnesota, you will find an extensive network of single-track and easy-to-moderate mountain bike trails to enjoy in spring, summer, Fall, or Winter. Explore the following list, with many state, regional, and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, there’s no shortage of mountain bike trails to explore in Minnesota. When planning that next adventure in the Heartland, here are several trail systems to choose from.

Spring, summer, fall, or winter, have fun on the trails in the Heartland.

Central Minnesota mountain bike trails to shred

Alexandria

Lake Brophy County Park: 6.5 miles

Perfect for beginners and experts to expert, this Central Minnesota gravity flow mountain bike trail system offers 200 feet of elevation change. The top overlooks the entire park and the city of Alexandria and has a prairie landscape. Here find dock jumps, drops, and a rock garden on the more technical, expert sections on the west side of the trail system. The eastern part is a cross-country ride with long straightaways and sweeping turns. There are bathrooms, beach access, and a playground. The paved Central Lakes Trail skirts the park and provides access by bike. Map

Kensington Rune Stone Park: 7.5 miles

Beginner to intermediate, dedicated singletrack. The park has a visitor center with bathrooms. Gromed for fat bikes in the winter.
More Info

Fun on the trail

Cuyuna – Crosby, Deerwood, Ironton

Cuyuna Lakes State Recreation Area: about 70 miles

An IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, the Cuyuna one-way singletrack trails are marked from easy/beginner to hardcore/expert. Along the trails, enjoy stunning views from the top of overburdened piles left from the area’s mining days. Deep mine lakes offer refreshing dip after a hard ride. At the trailhead, dive in or take the kayak out for a paddle. The town of Cuyuna also has a pump track. Lots of trails are groomed for fat biking in the winter, including the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail, which runs through the heart of the system and connects many of the mountain bike trail clusters. Look for the new 7.5-mile adaptive trail that accommodates hand cycles. Map

Fergus Falls

Ferber Park: 2.2 miles

A mix of rolling hills and flat terrain in wooded and grassy areas with less difficult to more challenging trails. Trails were developed by volunteers with help from the City of Fergus Falls and continue to be improved. Look for additional trails in the future.
Map

Glenwood

Barsness Park: 7 miles

The park offers beginners and those with intermediate skills a single track system. Two challenging climbs take you to panoramic views of Lake Minnewaska near downtown Glenwood. This system packs in many rollers, berms, and fun, flowy sections, including some rock obstacles.
Map

Hutchinson

Stahl’s Lake Park: 3 miles

Moderate terrain with some small hills, a balance beam, and seesaw.
Map

McGregor

Savanna Portage State Park: 10 miles

Here find a mixture of grass and dirt double-track trails. The park offers varied topography in its several loops, with a challenging climb up the Continental Divide with an awesome view as a reward.
Map

Milaca

Milaca City Trails: 14 miles

Located near the Rum River, this system offers a variety of

Trail options for riders of all skill levels.

Most of the parks trails are singletrack and go through a mix of woods, hills, and fields. Trails are groomed for fat biking in the winter.
Map

Pillager – Brainerd Lakes Area

Pillsbury State Forest: 27 miles

The State Forest trails are a mixture of gravel, grass, and dirt logging roads, The trails wind and twist through the forest and past lakes with rolling terrain. All trails are multi-use. You may encounter some horseback riding activity.
Map

Pine River

Cut Lake Trail: 10 miles

Find grassy trails through the forest around Deer and Cut Lakes, perfect for beginner to intermediate skill levels. Great backcountry riding when you are looking for solitude. Map

Saint Cloud

North Loop – Jail Trail: 7.5 miles

Beginner to intermediate with advanced options. Singletrack trail runs through dense woods with sections along the fence of the Minnesota Correctional Facility. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.
Info

Plum Creek – River Bluffs Regional Park: 3 miles

Beginner singletrack loop near the Mississippi River. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.
Info

Quarry Park: 2 miles

The new Quarry Park trail system has been cut by hand by Mid Minnesota Cycling Club (MMCC) members over the last few years. Trails are a mix of gravel, dirt, and grass around some granite outcroppings. Passing through a heavily wooded area with a few fairly technical sections where you bike over billion-year-old bedrock. There are many other trails at the park to create an enjoyable MTB trail experience for all rider skill levels. The entrance to the new trail is near the gated entrance. Just follow the fence line to the trailhead. Map

Spicer – Willmar

Prairie Woods ELC: 4 miles

Easy singletrack trails at the Environmental Learning Center start at the parking lot and wind through a mix of open prairie and deciduous woods. The Oak Savannah Trail has a seesaw; other trails have short boardwalk sections and bridges. The Kandi Trail Riders maintain these trails and groom for fat biking in the winter. Info

Wadena

Black’s Grove: 8 miles

Beginner to advanced scenic trails that wind through a wooded setting and along Oak Creek. Groomed for fat biking and skiing in the winter. Map

See more trails in Minnesota to shred here

Bike tune-up tricks for better cycling performance

By John Brown,

Do you want your bike to go faster, ride more effortlessly, and shift smoother after your annual bike shop check-up? Here are some bike tune-up tricks that you may want to keep handy.

Bike tune-up tricks to remember.

Improvements in these areas are often relatively easy to accomplish with just a few simple steps. Try out these four simple tune-up tasks below. They don’t require any special knowledge or tools, and you should see a long-lasting improvement in your bike performance and ease of riding:

1. Clean your chain and lubricate often

Light lubrication is the key, wiping off excess to prevent dirt build up.

Light lubrication on your bike chain is the key; wipe off excess to prevent dirt build-up.

The chain and sprockets on your bike are key in transferring power from your legs to your wheels, making them go round and round. When the crank and gears collect dirt and grit and get gummy, not only does it slow you down, but they also wear out faster. Keeping your chain clean and lubricated is one of the best ways to keep your bike working well.
• How to clean your chain – quick and easy check out this video.

Tip: Use lightweight oil specially designed for bikes. Please avoid motor oil as it is too heavy and quickly attracts dirt and crud. Want a big greasy chainring mark on your leg? Using too much oil or the wrong kind is a guaranteed way to get one. Light lubrication is the key, and wipe off excess at the end.

2. Lubricate the moving parts of your derailleurs.

Keep your derailleurs clean for smooth shifting.

Keep the derailleur on your bike clean for smooth shifting.

Your bike has quite a few moving metal parts that are vulnerable to dirt and moisture. These parts should be lubricated regularly to keep your bike happy and in good working condition.

Pivot points on the brakes and derailleurs are good places to target because they are vulnerable to attracting dirt and grit due to their placement on your bike. You can spot many of these places by watching your bike in action and seeing where metal parts move against and around each other.

For instance, think about your brakes. Most road bikes are mounted on a bolt on the frame above the wheel. When you squeeze the lever, the brake pivots around this bolt as it contracts. These are places where you want to apply a couple of drops of oil.

3. Inspect your brake pads.

check your brakes to see that the pads are clean and aligned correctly.

Check your brakes on your bike to see that the pads are clean and aligned correctly.

A quick check of your brake pads will often reveal potential problems that are easy to fix. You want to check:
• Are your brake pads adequately aligned? Brake pads are the little rubber things that clamp down on your rims to slow you when you squeeze the brake levers. Ensure they are hitting the rims evenly and aren’t rubbing the tire or missing your rim partially or entirely.

• Are the brake pads toed in? The bike brake pads should also be “toed in,” which means the leading edge of the pads should touch the bike rim first when you lightly apply the brakes. The pads squish a little, and you should get complete contact with the rim when you squeeze down hard—this helps prevent squeaking.

• Check for junk embedded in the brake pads. Inspect the surface of the brake pads where they meet the rims, and using a sharp, pointy instrument like a knife, pick out any bits of sand or metal that may have become embedded in the pad. Removing this grit prevents the pads from wearing and scratching your rims and helps them provide more even and consistent stopping power. Need more info? Check out this video.

4. Check the pressure on your tires.

Always check your bike tires’ air pressure.

Checking the tire pressure is one of the simplest things you can do for the best results. Surprisingly, most people overlook this both on their bikes and cars. Paying attention to keeping the proper level of air pressure in your tires accomplishes many things, including:
• Makes pedaling easier
• Protects your rims from damage
• Prolongs the life of your tires
• And it makes it much less likely that you will get a flat.

And, checking for proper air pressure in your tires before every ride is quick and easy to do.

Simply look for the recommended air pressure for your bike’s tires. It will be printed on the tire’s sidewall in both English and/or metric units. When you know what that number is, inflate the tire and check the air pressure as you pump to ensure that you’re on target. You’ll need a tire gauge, either built into your pump or a separate gauge, to measure the tires’ air pressure. Be sure to check the pressure frequently as you pump up the tire so that you do not overinflate your tire. See this video for more information.

Also, take a quick moment to check your tires for proper inflation before each ride and add more air if needed. It is not uncommon for tires to gradually lose air over several days, even without having a flat that needs to be replaced. Taking just this simple and easy step will prove valuable to you in the long run.

If you are still having problems, need to adjust the derailleurs, or need to get some new tires if the ones on your bike are several years old, visit your local bike shop. They will fix you up and share some more easy maintenance tips.

Now go out and have fun riding!

About John Brown, the author

As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and that particular fever was still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then as a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.

Bike Pic June 22, rain continues to summer plans

On this bike pic Saturday, rain and cool weather in the upper Midwest are tough for those trying to fulfill their summer plans. Here are some bicycle maintenance tips to keep your equipment in top shape.

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 our bike pic

As we roll through our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into a summer of fond memories!

Bike Pic June 21, bike maintenance tips after the rain

With wet pavement a possibility, this bike pic Friday, give your ride a little TLC soon after so your ready for the weekend. Here are some bicycle maintenance tips to keep your equipment in top shape. HaveFun!

Thanks for viewing our bike pic

As we roll through our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into a summer of fond memories!

Bike Pic June 25, a little rain won’t stop this Vikings fan

It’s Bike Pic Tuesday, and this young biker dude rides in the rain anxiously as the Vikings team roaster shapes up.

Thanks for viewing our bike pic

As we roll through our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into a summer of fond memories!

Bike Pic June 20, fond memories with a possibility of rain

With rain showers threatening many outdoor activities this bike pic Thursday, take a moment to reflect while planning your #nextBikeAdventure. Here in this photo, a biker chick and her friend are riding the Mississippi River Trail, in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Thanks for viewing our bike pic

As we roll through our 21st year as an outdoor media, enjoy!

Have fun as we pedal into a summer of fond memories!