This year’s “Endless Adventure”. Bicycling Around Minnesota (BAM) riders pedaled 230 unforgettable miles over four spectacular days through the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. With overnight stops in Pequot Lakes, Pine River, Emily, and historic Aitkin on the Mississippi River. Where cyclists experienced the very best of Minnesota’s lakes, forests, and small-town charm—including stretches on the iconic Paul Bunyan Trail.
Local reporter Daniel Pursell captured the following in his coverage of the BAM sendoff.
Rolling Into Pequot Lakes
“The Endless Adventure began on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Pequot Lakes, in Bobber Park. Riders checked in, pitched tents, snapped photos with Paul Bunyan’s Blue Ox, and wandered into town for dinner and drinks. As evening settled in, bluegrass music filled the campground, Snarky Loon Brewing Company’s bar opened, and Tour Director Mary Derks welcomed riders and previewed the four-day endless adventure ahead.”
Enjoy the following BAM photos, and see more here.
Day 1: Pequot Lakes → Pine River (64 miles)
“Under perfect skies, riders rolled out Thursday morning. The day delivered everything Minnesota cycling is known for: shimmering lakes, lush forest corridors, and peaceful miles on the Paul Bunyan Trail. In Nisswa—named Best Small Town in Minnesota—riders toured the Nisswa History Center and Museum, where highlights included the boyhood bicycle of Billie Brown, a Bataan Death March survivor, and the bike later used by Harold Kletschka, inventor of the first fully implantable artificial heart.”
“A hearty picnic lunch in Breezy Point fueled riders for the final miles into Pine River, birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail. At the Cass County Fairgrounds, tents went up, showers flowed from Pork Belly Ventures’ truck, and riders enjoyed yoga, BAM bingo, and live bluegrass music and refreshments at the
Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival.”
Day 2: Pine River → Emily (63 miles)
“Friday began with egg bake and French toast at the campground—and a quick stop for many at the beloved Pine River Bakery, voted the #1 bakery in the region.”
“The day’s route wound around sparkling lakes, through the Crow Wing State Forest, and along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway into Crosslake. Volunteer docents welcomed riders to the Crosslake Historic Log Village, where exhibits brought the late 1800s to the mid-1900s to life. A highlight: Ben Knebel’s 1949 Chris Craft Mail Boat, once a fixture on the Whitefish Chain. No visit to Crosslake is complete without a stop at Lake Country Crafts & Cones—the top-selling cone shop in Minnesota—so naturally, riders indulged.”
“That evening, the friendly town of Emily hosted us in a beautiful pineshaded park. Riders enjoyedoutdoor massages, pickleball, pontoon rides, and a hearty dinner of pork loin, potatoes, green beans, spinach salad, and a giant brownie. The Pickled Loon poured cold drinks, live music set the tone, and historian Anna shared stories of her pioneer ancestors. The night ended with a birthday celebration for one of our riders.”
Day 3: Emily → Aitkin (65 miles)
“Saturday’s ride brought more lakes, more forest, and a scenic approach into Aitkin, our final overnight host city.”
“The Aitkin County Fairgrounds buzzed with activity—campers near the horse corral watched rodeo preparations, others went fishing with local anglers, and many enjoyed outdoor yoga, live music, and craft beer from Block North Brew Pub.”
“Following dinner, Michael Wojcik, Executive Director of BikeMN, shared his journey into bicycle advocacy, and Mary Derks recognized the 20 volunteers who made this year’s tour possible.”
Day 4: Aitkin → Pequot Lakes (55 miles)
“Sunday morning began with warm egg sandwiches and oatmeal before riders set out on a crisp final ride. The route showcased the Great River Road, the Cuyuna Iron Range, and more miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail. A steady headwind added challenge, but an early lunch stop in the sunshine powered
riders through the final push back to Pequot Lakes—tired, proud, and smiling.”
If you want a bike adventure in the Brainerd Lakes Area, check out their HFB Destination Page.
Watch for BAM 2026
In BAM’s 20th year, the endless adventure tour will be held Thursday, August 13 – Sunday, August 16. Registration and destination details will be available soon for the four days of great riding, food, and fun in 2026!
About BAM and its Mission
BAM’s mission is to promote bicycle safety, Minnesota’s bike route network, fitness, tourism, and bicycling as a mode of transportation. BAM has offered its 4-day bicycle tours since 2006. BAM is now part of supporting the vital work of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, strengthening the partnership while retaining the same Tour Director, planning team, and service providers as in the past.
Freewheel Bike is a sponsor providing mechanical support for the ride.
BAM is a program of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), a nonprofit dedicated to engaging communities, educating riders, and advocating for safe biking and walking across the state. BAM is where scenic miles meet small-town hospitality—and where four days on the road turns strangers into lifelong friends.