Welcome. We're your premier source for fun places to explore by bicycle or on foot. Offering guides, maps and articles on road and trail riding for the novice to seasoned cyclist - helping you find your #NextBikeAdventure
No matter how brave you are, sometimes weather conditions keep you from conquering those trails with indoor biking. This is especially true as the mercury drops and turns our beloved Earth into something reminiscent of the Russian front. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun with indoor biking. Maybe with a spin class?
Has the idea of riding an electric assist bike, or e-bike, piqued your interest? If so, and you are looking to extend your range of bicycle travel, you are in luck. E-bike technology has improved, and many e-bike brands now offer increased range or distance you can travel. Some of the newer brands and models can travel more miles on a single charge, making this mode of transportation more practical for long commutes and extended rides. Plus, new battery technologies can significantly reduce the charging time, allowing riders to quickly return to the road or trail.
Are you ready? The worldwide Global Fat-Bike Day helps to bring outdoor enthusiasts together to ride and make new friends. This year, on Saturday, December 7th, several rides will be held here in the upper Midwest to honor this event's mission. Check them out!
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.
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.
With cooler weather approaching, it's time to clean and store away your summer bike gloves especially if you plan to reuse your gloves next year. Even if they look clean, they are not. How often have you wiped the sweat from your brow, or worse, as a tissue? 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.
The first snowfall keeps many inside by a warm fireplace. But a growing number of cyclists find winter biking an excellent opportunity to be more environmentally friendly while earning bragging rights!
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?
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.
Towards the southern edge of Bloomington, you will find the Minnesota River Bottoms Trail System. It is the perfect place for a great wildlife adventure. It is also a fun place to bike, hike, and watch the annual fall migration, where you can observe over 250 species of birds. I regularly use the trailhead near the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge (See flag #4 below), overlooking Long Meadow Lake. Here, at the trailhead, you can easily view the marsch land of Long Meadow Lake, which is full of waterfowl activity. You can also jump on the trail with your bike, or grab your walking stick, and use some of the other designated hiking trails to find more observation points.