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If you are a gamer, outdoor enthusiast, or fan of fairy tales, you will appreciate visiting the giant trolls in Detroit Lakes (DL). The storyline here is a slight twist to a version of Alice in Wonderland. Thomas Dambo, the curator, spins a folk tale about one of the giant trolls, Alexa Elixer. Who breaks a curse that binds humans. Hearing the story of the five trolls and the golden rabbit, all made from recycled materials, piqued my curiosity to revisit DL. Marcy joined me on the trip and was primarily excited about the area's bike, hike, and paddling opportunities. But after seeing the first troll, Alexa's story grabbed her attention, and she was hooked. We both found these magnificent troll creatures in a land of 412 lakes inspiring. Especially after seeing the Golden Rabbit, it was like a shot of happiness straight to the brain. Enjoy the adventure!
All around the country, bike paths are being built, and designated bike lanes are being established. So, riding to school can be an easy and safe option with all the colorful fall weather ahead. Many of these paths are routed from neighborhoods to nearby schools to get more kids energized by riding. To encourage your kids to ride their bikes to school safely. Please look at our helpful tips below, especially if your home is far from a connecting trail or a designated bike lane that leads to school.
Now that summer is just about here, for fun in the sun, let's plan a bike trip adventure. While hundreds of people flock to the lakes and local pools to cool down. Many, like myself, will find refreshing the soul on two wheels the best way to go. Please take a look below at how I plan for an enjoyable bike trip through the summer.
Throughout the year, Naked Oats has become a tasty outdoor adventure breakfast option for me. As an active outdoor travel writer and editor, after a few hours on the trail, I like to stop and take a break with something nutritious like oatmeal. After trying many brands, Naked Oats is very delicious and gives me a great mid-morning boost. It comes in three flavors and is a perfect mid-morning snack or on-the-go breakfast.
The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament returns to the Twin Cities on August 17-18. Historically held in downtown St. Paul, this 3-on-3 family-focused tournament is now in Brooklyn Park, MN, the perfect place to bring your bike. While visiting, you will find five major paved trail systems that intersect. Plus, there are many bike-friendly streets to get to and from the games and the many attractions in the Minneapolis Northwest while visiting.
Before the city's 16th annual art festival, Saturday, September 21st, enjoy the trails and bike lanes on the Tour of Lakeville. Registration is free thanks to the Lakeville Friends of the Environment, who will lead two rides of different lengths. Select between the 6 to 8-mile (kid-friendly) ride route or the 18 to 20-mile scenic bike trip on Lakeville’s trails and bike lanes. While touring Lakeville, gain a new perspective of the town's beauty and closeness to nature, then enjoy the Art Festival.
It is time to start planning your visit to this year's Minnesota State Fair and using your bicycle is a comfortable way to get there. If you plan on attending this year's 'Great Minnesota Get-together, bicycle parking is still free. Ride your bike from home or do a multi-modal commute to the fair. Load your bike on your car or use the Metro Transit Bus, a few miles away and ride to one of the fair's bike corrals. Commuting by bicycle can take the hassle factor out of your annual visit. Plus, it is a great way to burn off some of those calories from all the fun things you can eat on a stick.
The 30th Annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour is a music-filled fall bicycle ride through the Capital City. It offers fun for all who participate. This year’s ride on Sunday, September 8, will again showcase the beauty of the east Twin Cities Metro Area. Riders will celebrate riding through historic neighborhoods along the 12.5-mile “Lollipop Loop,” the 30-mile Saint Paul Grand Round, or add a lap around Lake Phalen for 33 miles. Registration for this event closes this Thursday, September 5th.
Come celebrate with the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates (GMBWA) on Sun, Oct 6th, with the Best Dam Pie Thank You Ride. With the destruction of the Dam and Pie Shop earlier this year. The GMBWA is grateful to its past sponsors, participants, and volunteers of the Mankato River Ramble over the past 13 years. For a fun fall bike ride in 2024, they are thanking the community by offering a ride and the best dam pie available in southern Minnesota.
Use protection, a reminder from the '90s with Baz Luhrmann's song, "Everybody is free to wear sunscreen." A timeless reminder that many forget. We get so caught up in preparing for our races and rides. We check our equipment and focus on our nutrition. We check whether we have all our goodies and gear during the transition. We try advice online from other athletes, coaches, and magazines. However, we forget the most important thing we need to do during these summer events is to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.
