Author Archives: Russ Lowthian

Fun ideas to stay fit once snow arrives

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

Living in the upper Midwest with four unique seasons, fat biking can be a fun way to pass the time in the winter while getting a good cardio workout. Many studies state the benefits of staying active in cold weather, and riding a fat bike will do that. As an avid cross-country skier, with climate change affecting us all, the fat bike is a great alternative to stay active throughout the winter when the ski trail turns into a bobsled run.

Don’t get me wrong; I have not nailed my skis to the wall as decoration. I still loved the thrill of kick-an-gliding through the rolling forests and open fields. However, climate change is a growing concern, making the trails icy and sometimes baron of snow for skiing. We have seen more freeze/thaw temperature swings in the last several years, making x-c skiing occasionally hazardous. If you are like me and want to stay active when the trails are icy or sparse of snow, the fat bike is a great option. Maybe with the addition of studs on the tires. Here are some places to ride the trail.

Fat biking trails are waiting for you in northern Minnesota

Please note: check before you head out. Not all federal, state, county, township, or city trails are open to fat biking, but the list is growing.

Here, north to south, are some Minnesota trails waiting for you as we enter the winter season:

This Bike Pic Tuesday as the temps continue to drop, we caught this biker dude, with plenty of layers and a mask having fun in the Bold North, near Bloomington, MN.

With plenty of layers and a mask, this biker dude is having fun in the True North.

Split Rock State Park Trails, northeast of Two Harbors. Here on the shore of Lake Superior, ride 8.7 miles of groomed trails, perfect for fat biking and skate skiing. Currently, access is only allowed near Beaver Bay.

Giants Ridge Trail, east of Biwabic, is a resort on the edge of the towering Superior National Forest that offers several fat tire biking adventures. Ride their 37-mile-plus Nordic trail system or experience downhill fat biking via their high-speed chairlift!

Redhead Trails is at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. This new park offers nearly 25 miles of hand-crafted mountain bike trails for fat bikers of all skill levels. Here, you will find an oasis of fun riding through the diverse terrain around the old open mine pits.

Suomi Hills Trail in the Chippewa National Forest is north of Grand Rapids. Here, you will find a 19-mile remote and stunning trail system in a semi-primitive, non-motorized area. While in the area, you will also find several other primitive trails to explore in this National Forest.

Lester River Trail, in Duluth. Fat bikers will find this 12.5-mile trail one of the most beginner-friendly trails in the area (especially riding back down). Other trails in the Duluth area are rated intermediate to advance for the steady incline/descent and rocks/roots.

Winter fat bike fun is back in the upper Midwest as this biker takes a break for this photo opp.

Winter fun, as this fat biker takes a break for a photo op.

Jay Cooke State Park Trail in Carlton. Nestled along the St. Louis River, the state park groomed 5.4 miles of fat biking trails allow you to ride through and possibly spot white-tailed deer as they winter in this area. The trail here is intermediate, with uneven terrain and small hills.

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Crosby/Ironton. A rugged park of old open mining pits, now lakes, with stockpiles of discarded quarried rocks scattered to create over 50 miles of groomed fat biking trails. Here, you will find a few loops for beginners. Most trails here are designated for intermediate to advanced skill sets.

Detroit Mountain, in Detroit Lakes. The bike park here features approximately 4 miles of downhill flow trails that make the most of the natural landscape in the park. The trails mimic a rollercoaster, with fast and flowing sections that take you up and down the mountainside.

Fat Biking Trails in the Twin Cities

Come November, it’s a perfect time of the year to jump on a fatty. Anoka Nature Preserve, north of Anoka. The nature preserve here is nestled along the bank of the Rum River with over five miles of double-wide trails. It is the perfect trail system for the novice fat-tire biker looking to enjoy nature in the winter and preserves gently rolling terrain.

Elm Creek Trail, west of Chaplin, in the north metro of the Twin Cities, is a 4,900-acre park featuring amenities for many outdoor activities. These include trails for fat biking, built to accommodate riders of all skill levels. So grab your fat for 10 miles of fast-flowing groomed trails of winter fun.

Here in today's bike pic this bold north biker dude commutes to work on his fatty, through the channel from Lake of the Isles to Lake Calhoun, into the Monday morning sun, in Minneapolis.

He was commuting to work on his fatty along the frozen lake channels in Minneapolis.

Gateway State Trail, in North St. Paul. A favorite for a quick getaway from the city, this section of the popular trail offers almost 12 miles of riding for fat bikers in the winter. From Cayuga Street to Jamaica Avenue, the plowed trail is perfect for beginners taking you out to the open fields of Ramsey and Washington County.

Theodore Wirth Park Trail, in North Minneapolis. Winter fat bike enthusiasts flock to the woods of this north metro park for seven miles of tightly twisting singletrack and a skyline-view pump track.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, in Salvage. This peaceful wilderness park in northeast Scott County has its wild side. Another challenging trail intertwined in glacial ridges, hilly terrain, and heavy forests. Riding a fat bike here in the winter is a fantastic off-road experience.

Minnesota River Valley Trail, in Bloomington. Affectionately known as the “River Bottoms,” the trails attract a variety of nature lovers, bird-watchers, hikers, and mountain bikers throughout the year. The River Bottoms is a fat bike paradise perfect for beginners, intermediates, and those looking to race in the winter.

This Bike Pic Saturday, in the bold north, the winter temps are finally dropping so dig out the layers and have some fun!

As winter temperatures drop, it’s time to dig out the layers and have some fun!

Fort Snelling State Park, in south Minneapolis. Located in the heart of the Twin Cities, where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi River, this park offers 6-miles of groomed for fat biking. Most of this state park is on the Minnesota River’s floodplain. It is easy to ride the trail along the river’s braided channels and see white-tailed deer, foxes, and wild turkeys.

Lebanon Hills Reginal Park, in Eagan. With nearly 12 miles of a single-use, one-way trail system, winter fat bikers are discovering the park’s popularity as one of the go-to trails in the metro area. The trails feature riding for all skill levels and world-class facilities to enhance your riding experience.

Central Minnesota mountain bike trails to shred

Alexandria

Lake Brophy County Park: 6.5 miles

This Central Minnesota gravity flow mountain bike trail system is perfect for beginners and experts, too, and 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 bike access. 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

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 a single-track system for beginners and those with intermediate skills. Two challenging climbs take you to panoramic views of Lake Minnewaska near downtown Glenwood. This system packs many rollers, berms, and fun flowy sections, including 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 park’s trails are singletrack and go through a mix of woods, hills, and fields. In the winter, the trails are groomed for fat biking.
Map

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

Fat Tire Biking in Winter – Jayme Sczublewski

Prairie Woods ELC: 4.5 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

South Minnesota fat bike trails are waiting

This Bike Pic Saturday, dig out your favorite Christmas sweater and take a fat bike out for a spin. It's a great way to bring in the holidays, even if there is not a lot of snow yet.

Dig out your favorite Christmas sweater and take a fat bike for a spin.

Kaplan’s Woods Singletrack, in Owatonna. For the avid fat biker, you will find 5-miles of fun loops. With a tight singletrack trail system winding through the hardwood forest next to the Straight River, climbs are short and punchy, leaving you breathless on each descent.

Bronk Unit Plowline Trail, a part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, is north of Winona. The fat biking trails of varying difficulty consist of a south loop and a north loop for 6.5 miles. Both loops generally follow the woods’ edge, or the plow line, as they go around the ridge, rising and falling, giving them a “more difficult” rating.

Do you have a fun trail for fat biking that we missed?

If you have a fat bike trail that you want to see added to this list, please send us the location to [email protected] – Thanks!

Fun off-road trails to explore by e-bike before snow

An electric-assist bicycle (e-bike) is an excellent choice for riding off-road and exploring the vast forest trails in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota, especially in the fall. Last week, I had the opportunity to test-ride the Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike while spending time in the Northwoods. First, I joined my nephew Ben in the above photo, testing the e-bike and scouting the area where he enjoys deer hunting. Then, I ventured over to the scenic mountain bike trails near Two Harbors.

Off-road trails with the Ridge Rider

Thanks to Pedego, riding the Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike proved suitable for the adventure I embarked on. In the Arrowhead region of Minnesota, you will find an extensive network of rugged logging roads and easy-to-extreme mountain bike trails to enjoy. I discovered that the Ridge Rider handles well with the bike’s battery placement in the downtube, giving it nimble handling even with the additional weight of the rear hub; the center of gravity was right.

A friend test rides the Ridge Rider Electric Bike out on an off-road trail.

The Ridge Rider Electric Mountain Bike

The Ridge Rider is a mid-range priced Class 2 e-bike that allows you to venture off the beaten path and enjoy the great outdoors. Its Shimano SLX drivetrain provides easy pedaling and smooth shifting. The bike will stop on a dime thanks to the Magura hydraulic disk brakes. Add the finely-tuned frame geometry, the battery built into the frame for sporty handling, and the RockShox suspension fork, which will help you maintain traction and ride comfortably over rough terrain. You will feel like you’re one with the bike!

The Ridge Runner Electric Bike with a TOPEAK Quick MTX Trail rear trunk bag.

The state-of-the-art 48-volt battery in the Ridge Rider uses the same advanced lithium-ion cells as an electric car. It weighs less than most e-bike batteries and offers up to a 56-mile range on about 10 cents worth of electricity. On my Arrowhead adventure, I mainly used assist level one, and for the severe upgrades, I hit the class-2 throttle booster. I can’t imagine needing higher assist levels unless you’re trying to use the levels for gears.

Trails in the Arrowhead region I covered

For this trip, I mainly focused on trails near Two Harbors in Lake County. In this area, you will find state, regional, and county 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, Northern Minnesota has miles of mountain bike parks and old logging trails waiting for you. Here is what I enjoyed in the Two Harbors Area.

Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest

North of town, you will find easy beginner trails through boreal woods in the Superior National Forest, which are shared with hikers. The trail is currently a 10-mile system and is set to expand, with the ultimate goal of 15-20 miles. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter, skis and snowshoes are also allowed.
Map

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Here, you will find an easy 3-mile trail system with a mix of dirt and grass shared with hikers. There is no single track, but the trail offers stunning views of the Split Rock Lighthouse along the Lake Superior shoreline. It can be combined with a return on the paved Gitchi Gami Trail for a 6-mile loop. The park grooms this loop and another 3 miles for fat biking in the winter.
Map

Split Rock Wilds Trails

Split Rock Wilds is the newest mountain bike trail system in northeastern Minnesota. It offers 22 miles of challenging, point-to-point backcountry riding experience connecting the new Shipwreck Creek campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park with the Cove Point Lodge property. Trail conditions vary from rugged and rocky to fast and flowy and include multiple advanced and expert-level features like jumps, rock rolls, and drops. There is, however, a beginner-friendly loop near the campground.
Map

For more information, visit Lovin Lake County for your next back country road or mountain bike adventure.

Tips to clean your bike gloves as the summer season ends

Sommer Adams, a HavefunBiking contributor

With cooler weather approaching, it’s time to clean and store away your summer bike gloves, especially if you plan to reuse them next year. Even if they look clean, they are not. How often have you wiped the sweat from your brow, or worse, used as a tissue to wipe your nose? Cool mornings and pollen make them disgusting bacteria collectors if not cleaned regularly or before storing. Here are the best ways to clean them, even if they are not machine washable.

A gentle washing with a little bacterial soap and /or white vinegar may clean and sanitize them.

Gentle washing with a bit of bacterial soap and/or white vinegar may clean and sanitize them.

Preparing bike gloves for storage

Thankfully, like shorts, jerseys, and other bicycling articles, most bike gloves are made from materials that can be machine-washed. Many gloves can easily be thrown into a washing machine on a care cycle and then hung up to air dry. So, before packing away your summer bike gloves, follow these steps for healthy and extended use—both cloth and leather.

Supplies you may already have on hand for cleaning your cycling gloves:

Antibacterial hand soap
Detergent
Leather conditioner
White vinegar

Cloth Gloves (handwashing)

Step 1 – Close the Velcro or glove fasteners.

Step 2 – Wash the bicycle gloves in a sink with cool water and mild liquid soap. Add 1/8 cup white vinegar to the wash water if they are dirty or smelly.

Step 3 – Rinse the gloves well and inspect them for soap suds. Rinse again if necessary.

Step 4 – Lay the gloves flat or hang them up to dry. It’s even better if you can hang the gloves out in the sun. The sun is a “natural sanitizer” that disinfects your clothes. Plus, if you dry your gloves under the sun, they will smell fresher.

Cloth Gloves (machine wash)

Step 1 – Close the Velcro, snap, or button on your gloves.

Step 2 – Put the gloves in your washing machine, set them on cold water, and add laundry detergent. Do not use bleach. You may wash other items with the gloves. If your gloves are particularly smelly, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener slot of your washing machine.

Step 3 – Rinse the bike gloves by hand after the wash if any soap suds remain.

Step 4 – Then lay the gloves flat or hang them to dry, or you can hang them out in the sun to dry. The sun’s ultraviolet rays will help kill bacteria on your workout clothes. But they need to be completely dry in the sun to be disinfected.

Leather Gloves (handwash only)

Step 1 – Put on the bicycle gloves and run some cool water over your hands. Then apply mild soap, such as Castile or leather soap, into the dirtiest parts of the glove.

Step 2 – Rinse the gloves well, spending twice as long on the rinsing as you did washing to ensure all the soap is gone. Do not wring moisture in the gloves. Squeeze gently to remove the water.

Step 3 – Remove the gloves from your hand and place them between layers of a bath towel. Then press to remove excess water.

Step 4 – Put the gloves back on and flex your fingers a few times to mold the gloves back into shape. Then, remove and lay the gloves flat to dry without pressing them again.

Step 5 – If desired, massage your cycling gloves with a pea-sized amount of leather conditioner when almost dry – use less conditioner if only part of the glove is leather.

Other Helpful Tips

If the gloves become smelly and damp between washes, lightly spray and rub vinegar into them and let them dry as you ride.
Leather and cloth gloves may be stiff once dry but soften with little use.
Wash leather gloves as infrequently as possible. If you are a dedicated long-distance rider, they may not last more than one season, regardless of how often you clean them.

Preparing your bike for storage, a check list help protect your gear

by Bill Anderson

Cyclists enjoy a beautiful day riding with a flower garden in the background.

Having enjoyed another summer season of cycling with many great memories, it’s time to think about preparing your bike for winter storage. Unless you plan to pedal your two-wheel steed throughout the winter, wouldn’t it be nice when the temperature warms next spring if you are ready to ride?

Rather than cleaning or tuning up your bike when you should be riding next spring. Or even worse, waiting two to three weeks or more for your bike shop to get it ready for you.

Preparing your bike for storage

When putting your bike away for the winter, there are several things you will want to do to store it properly. Following the helpful tips listed below or taking it to your favorite bike shop will help you avoid future problems and ensure that it will be ready to ride next spring when the weather breaks.

These tips apply whether you’re putting your bike in your basement, garage, or storage unit. Many bike shops now offer winter storage if you don’t have a storage place at home and don’t want to rent an entire storage unit. Just don’t let your bike sit outside.

Bikes left outside over the winter

You would think this wouldn’t need to be mentioned, but visit any college campus in the upper Midwest in February and see dozens of beautiful high-end bikes out suffering in the cold and snow.

In any case, follow these pointers so you are ready to go when the weather warms up next spring:

1. Wipe down the frame and inspect it

Inspecting the frame is important

Use a dry rag and a spritzer bottle filled with water or a light detergent mix to wipe it down while inspecting it. I’m not a fan of wet washing a bike with a water hose, which can create problems if water gets into your components. Be sure to wipe the bike dry to ensure all metal parts don’t rust.

The best way to do this is to take a brush to knock away any chunks of dried-on mud on your frame or wheels. Then, take a damp rag to your bike, wiping it all over to remove any remaining dust or dirt. Also, remove any grease or grime accumulated around your drive train or other areas where lubrication can attract dirt.

2. Inspect your frame

Look for cracks, signs of fatigue

Here’s a bonus hint: Wiping down your bike allows you to inspect the frame thoroughly. While cleaning, look for cracks or metal fatigue, particularly near welded spots on the bottom bracket, which supports much of your weight.

3. Cleaning your drivetrain

Wiping the chain is important

Now is an ideal time to clean and lube the cassette, chain, and crank to eliminate all the crud that may have accumulated over the riding season. Plus, a fresh coat of lubricant will help protect against rust. If you have several thousand miles on the chain or a lot of wear, this is the time to consider replacing it.

4. Lubricate the cables

Apply oil near cable housing and work in

To avoid problems that may pop up in the spring, such as rusting or poor cable performance, take a few minutes to lubricate the cables that control your brakes and derailers. Apply a few drops of light lubricant to a rag and rub it on the exposed cable—lightly work through the cable housing. This will help keep your shifting mechanism in shape while eliminating stress on your cables.

5. Inspect tires, wheels, and brake pads

Tires should be free of cracks

While wiping down your tires, check your wheels for loose or broken spokes by spinning them and looking to see if they still spin true. Ensure your wheels spin straight, with no wobbling from side to side and no rubbing against the brake pads. If your wheels don’t spin straight, it’s probably time to take your bike in for wheel truing.

At the same time, inspect your brake pads for proper alignment and any excessive wear in the pads.

6. Then inflate the tires

Before putting your bike away, inflate your tires fully, especially if you store it on its wheels. If your tires are flat, the bike’s weight presses down through the rims on one spot on the rubber. Over several months, that can cause deterioration of your tire, as the rubber can become distorted and/or the tire can develop a weak spot in the sidewall. If you hang your bike from the ceiling by its wheels, having the recommended pressure in the tires is still good.

7. Wipe down the tires, saddle, and handgrips

A conditioner will keep it soft

Now that you have cleaned and lubed your bike wipe down all the remaining components to prevent any wear or misalignment. Take an optional step that mainly affects the appearance of the bike. Armor- All works well for your tires, rubber handgrips, and seat – if it has a leather, vinyl cover, or another smooth synthetic surface. Products like this are beautifiers and protectants and will give a nice, clean, and shiny appearance while keeping the material soft. This only takes a few extra minutes and will be something you’ll be glad you did in the spring, as your bike will look sharp and ready to go.

8. Remove any batteries or charge to the recommended capacities

Remove any accessories with lead batteries, like front and rear lights, to avoid corrosion from battery acid leaking onto your bike while in storage. If the battery is hard to remove, like some Lithium Ion batteries on electric-assist bikes, charge it to the recommended capacity, generally around 85%. See “How to maintain an E-bike” for more information.

9. Clean out your panniers and trunk bags

If you leave your bike bags on in storage, clean them and wipe them out. Ensure no food items are left inside, as you may find a family of rodents nesting there next spring.

10. Empty water bottles and Camelbaks

Clean and dry the insides of your bottles if you plan to store them on the bike

Take all your water bottles off your bike, or drain them and give them with a light bleach rinse. Dumping out whatever is left in them since the last time you rode and running them through the dishwasher to get them nice and clean is best. When finished, leave the lids off to allow them to dry entirely inside.

If you have a Camelback or backpack canteen water carrier, flush the bladder with a very mild solution of vinegar and water, followed by several rinses of plain hot water, and then leave the lid off to dry.

Now, as you sit in front of the window watching the snow fly, recalling all the memorable rides you had this year, you can rest assured that when the first opportunity to ride next spring comes, you are ready.

A bonus tip

Take your bike in for its annual tune-up now. Many bike shops offer special discounts this time of the year. Plus, you will be ready to ride if we have an early spring.

Tips for bicycling after a heart attack

by Helen Curtiss

Having a heart attack or any other cardiac event can be scary: it can also give you a wakeup call about the life style you are currently leading. Once they’ve experienced a significant health incident, many people realize they are eating the wrong things or leading a lifestyle that doesn’t include enough exercise. Getting into the saddle and taking up cycling is a beautiful form of exercise and can be particularly beneficial to those who have recently experienced significant surgery. Using a bicycle can be as low or high impact as you need and is relatively easy to start. Here are a few tips for bicycling after a heart attack or other cardiac incident.

Take Things Slowly

After getting the go-ahead from your doctor, develop a cycling routine that gradually builds up the miles and pace you want to ride.

After a cardiac incident, it can be tempting to immediately attempt to remedy the reasons for your health scare and begin a vigorous exercise routine. However, this could cause more harm than good by placing too much strain on your heart. Instead, you should begin any new exercise routine, such as starting to cycle, very slowly, and you shouldn’t jump into the saddle until you’ve received a thorough checkup and approval to begin exercising from your physician. Most people can start to exercise between two to four weeks after they have experienced a heart attack. Light to moderate-intensity physical activity is what most physicians recommend after a heart attack, and cycling fits this requirement perfectly. You can begin by taking short journeys on flat routes and increasing the duration and intensity of your daily cycle as time passes.

Share Your New Hobby

Cycling is a beautiful social and sporting activity: it is something you can enjoy with your friends, your spouse, and your family; even the youngest members (grandchildren, perhaps) will enjoy taking part in a communal bike ride. The best way to take up a new hobby such as cycling and stick with it is to make it a habit, and involving your loved ones in this is an easy way to ensure you regularly get on your bike. You can also join one of several local cycling groups and clubs, which is a great way to meet like-minded people and share your passion for your new hobby. Another great way to ensure that you cycle regularly and stick with your newfound hobby is to use your bike as your everyday transport; if it’s achievable, why not cycle to work or your local grocery store? This will ensure you achieve your recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily while giving you a platform to improve your cycling skills and build your confidence in the saddle.

Don’t Worry About Your Gear

Finding a bike that fits you and the type of riding you plan will make your daily biking routine much more enjoyable.

Cycling can be an expensive sport: certainly, competitive cyclists spend a large amount of money on their bikes, their kit, and their other riding equipment. If you find that you are joining a cycling club and begin taking part in road races or charity bike rides, you may want to upgrade your cycle and invest in a new bike. However, any bike will do when you start or just want to cycle to and from work to get a little exercise. There’s no need to worry about your bike or how it looks: just jump in the saddle and enjoy the ride.

You’re Never Too Old

Many people are concerned once they have experienced a heart attack that, they’re too old to take up an active exercise such as cycling and that it may be detrimental to their health. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can be dangerous and can leave you feeling sluggish with high risks of suffering from serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. While exercising regularly may carry minor risks, such as pulling or straining a muscle or sustaining minor cuts and scrapes if you fall, the risks associated with not exercising are far more significant. So jump in that saddle, get on your bike, and experience the joy that arises when you experience the freedom of a fantastic bike ride.

Helen Curtiss is a U.S.-based writer and editor who initially worked in the healthcare sector, helping people with nutrition and fitness. When she became a mom, she took a step back and decided to start a career in freelancing so she could raise her kids.

Editors note;

If your new exercise program is interrupted for a few days (due to illness, vacation, or bad weather, for example), ease back into the routine. Begin with a reduced level of activity and gradually increase it until you’re back where you started. And have fun!

Bike pic Oct 28, riding into the Monday morning sun

In today’s Bike Pic, we caught this biker dude enjoying his morning ride along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) in north Minneapolis. Click this link for more on destinations and peak colors in the upper Midwest.

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

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 a colorful fall of fond memories!

Bike Pic Oct 27, it’s ‘Ice Cream Smiles Sunday around the world

It’s Ice Cream Smiles Sunday around the world. Here in Brugge, a family gathers and enjoys a creamy cool treat after their bicycle ride along the canals in the Belgium countryside.

Thanks for viewing today’s ice cream bike pic

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

Have fun as we pedal into a colorful fall of fond memories!

Bike Pic Oct 26, perfect weather for a euphoric day to ride!

A bike pic to remember! This photo was taken earlier this fall at the West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Park in Lakeville. Check out our latest article on places to ride in the upper Midwest, including destinations and peak color links.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

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

Have fun as we pedal into a colorful fall of fond memories!

Bike pic Oct 25, a sunny Friday for a cheerful commute

This bike pic Friday, what a picture-perfect day. Here we caught these biker chicks with the sun out warming the air temps. See our latest article on destinations and peak color links.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

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

Have fun as we pedal into a colorful fall of fond memories!

Bike pic Oct 24, fun riding along the MN River Trail

In today’s bike pic, we look at the fun everyone is having with continued warm temperatures, and this biker chick is enjoying the Minnesota River Trail.

Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic

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

Have fun as we pedal into a colorful fall of fond memories!