Bike, ski, or walk on water with these ice safety tips

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

For anyone unfamiliar with the bold north, biking 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. From mid to late December through February, riding a bike across a body of frozen water is a normal occurrence. This year. please take note. With above-normal temps so far this year, ice is slow to form. Delaying many of the fun activities here on many of the lakes and streams. Remember to check the ice depth before you venture out!

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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 bicycle 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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As the winter season progresses remember your fat bike etiquette

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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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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Making a bicycling experience safer with a handlebar blinker light system

WingLights is an inexpensive blinker light system for bicycles to display a very visible directional turn signal at an intersections.

At HaveFunBiking, we have shared blinker systems embedded in bicycle helmets and rear-mounted signaling lights. Now, for those with flat bicycle or scooter handlebars, the WingLights might be worth checking out. This inexpensive directional light system (a perfect stocking stuffer) is easy to mount on each end of the handlebars. Then, when turning, tap the light at the end of the right or left handle grip and move to the proper lane, just like signaling when driving a car. As a cyclist riding on the road or trail, you will find added comfort and visibility in displaying your intention when changing lanes or directions.

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Put smiles on kid’s faces by helping prep FB4K bike giveaway

Put more smiles on children's faces by volunteering with Free Bikes 4 Kidz to clean, prep, or wrench some of the 5,000 bicycles collected this last month.

If you live near or close to the Twin Cities, help the Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) bike giveaway program in its 15th year. Volunteer to help put more smiles on children's faces. Donate your time to help clean, prep, or wrench some of the thousands of bicycles collected this year for their distribution drive before the holidays and in the spring.

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Fun outdoor winter activities to stay healthy

For many of us, being active and enjoying fun winter activities (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 outdoor fun. Seeking out healthy activities may be even more important 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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Global Fat-Bike Day brings old and new friends together

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 2nd, there are several rides here in the upper Midwest to honor the mission of this event. Check them out!

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Can I ride an electric bike when it’s cold or wet?

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

Electric bikes can be used in cold or wet weather like most standard bicycles. However, you may need some accessories (like rain gear or studded tires for winter) to ride safely. 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. Do not leave the battery on the bike if parking the e-bike outside in the winter at any time.

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