Winona’s scenic bluffs offer a new twist for mountain bikers

Winona's scenic bluffs are a great place to shred some winter, spring, summer, or fall trails. Enjoy the new mountain bike trail system in Bluffside Park, overlooking Winona, MN. The park offers over five miles of switchback trail fun above this historic river town. The mountain bike park will give you and your companions spectacular views of the scenic Mississippi River Valley in Minnesota’s Driftless Area.

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Quick tips for renting a bicycle when traveling

For every new bike there are bike accessories you should consider getting. Accessories will make you more comfortable, more informed, and more prepared.

Taking your bicycle when you travel is not always possible, but don't give up on the idea of riding altogether. Renting a bike or e-bike is an easy way to experience new places. Plus, it lets you try a new bike you may want to buy when you get home. So, before you travel, here are a few tips to get you going.

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Minnesota River bottoms, a fun year-round trail network

Famous for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and bird watching, the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington MN are some of the last natural trails in the Twin City metro. At the Bloomington Ferry Bridge site, you will find one of three starting points for many outdoor adventures along the river.

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Gaiters may be an added bonus to winter riding warmth

Cold, snow, sleet, and ice are normal conditions for my winter bike commute to work here in Minnesota. With the elements being so unfriendly, I am excited to try commuting with a pair of gaiters for added warmth. With that direction in mind, I was excited to try the Hillsound Armadillo LT gaiters. For those who aren't familiar with a pair of gaiters, they cover your shin and calf, below the knee, and above the ankle. Splash-proof protection works in combination with your winter boots to extend your leg. They are designed to keep snow, slush, and debris off your legs and dripping into your boot.

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Remember your fat bike etiquette as the winter season progresses

Winter fat bike season is once again upon us as the leaves fall and temps become cooler. While riding a fat bike is much like riding a regular bike, there is a certain fat bike etiquette to keep in mind when you get out there on the trail this winter season for some fun.

Winter fat bike season is upon us again as the snow and temps drop. Like riding a regular mountain bike, there is a certain bike etiquette to follow when on the trail. Everyone on the trail wants to have a good time outdoors and make memories in the crisp, clean air. Whether biking, hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, these are all valid activities where trail etiquette is important. The trail needs to be shared for everyone to have a good time. The rules below will keep everyone free from harm and make it fun for everyone.

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Helpful tips to consider before purchasing an E-bike

E-bikes (electric assist bikes) are a fun and eco-friendly way to travel, offering a new way to get around and encouraging various non-commuting activities, like grocery shopping. They are game-changers that provide flexibility for navigating heavily populated areas or touring scenic countryside routes. With the growing popularity of the e-bike, here are some key questions to consider when making a purchase to help you out.

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Stay healthy with fun outdoor winter activities

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.

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Can I ride an e-bike when it’s cold, snow, or wet?

This Bike Pic Thursday, we caught this biker chick out having fun along the Minnesota River bottoms near Bloomington, MN.

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. 

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Ice safety tips to bike, ski, or walk on water

Visually keep an eye out hazards that may be developing in the ice.

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!

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