As birds and flowers return, here are several spring events to enjoy!
Thanks to the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (Bike MN) recent newsletter. Here are more spring bike/walk events scheduled for May and into the summer that might interest you.
Southeast Minnesota has a new bike ride tradition
Join “We Bike Rochester” in southeast Minnesota as they celebrate the incredible trail network that winds around the city with the Med City Meander, on Mary 25th. For years, "We Bike Rochester" has been working to bring community engagement around biking and walking. MCM has partnered with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) to create an event highlighting local businesses, beautiful natural areas, and outdoor fun in Rochester. Register today and save!
Solve common cycling mistakes easily for more fun
Mistakes are something humans can't escape, but nobody is perfect. That said, we can try to eliminate some of the simple errors we may make without ever realizing we are proceeding down the wrong path. Consider taking a look below at some of the most common and damaging cycling mistakes made by newbies and seasoned riders alike.
The MN Ironman Bike Ride is now the Freebike ride
Since 1967, the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride has challenged bicyclists around the upper Midwest yearly. Today, Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K’z), the event's benefactors, keeps everything cyclists love about Minnesota’s longest-running bike ride, fun. This year they are giving it a new name, a new look, and another new location and routes to the ride. The new name, Freebike, represents the future of the ride and your support of Free Bikes 4 Kid'z MN.
Bike to Minnesota’s Salt Lake Birding Festival
With temperature predicted to return into the 60’s, you will find the 46th Annual Salt Lake Birding Weekend on April 27th. Located in Western Minnesota, you will find this event is bike-friendly, and the perfect way to explore the bird haunts. Consider packing up the bikes and family for a spring birding weekend in the Prairie Waters Region area for some fun activities. With many birding haunts on local gravel roads, both fat and gravel-tire bikes work well to quietly approach and view the many species of birds returning to the area.
Add a casual doughnut ride to 30 Days of Biking in April
Recently I spent some time in the cradle of liberty, Philadelphia. While there, I enjoyed a few rides, but the most enjoyable one was the Trek of Philadelphia’s Doughnut Ride. I was reminded of the joys of simple rides and good company, rather than difficult efforts and a competitive pace. Now, with 30 days of Biking a little over a month away, here is a fun idea you may want to consider with friends, as warmer weather moves our way soon.
Ride the early spring gravel race in the driftless area
The Driftless 100 Ride Gravel Race (previously the Volga City 105) is a hilly road race (mainly gravel) through Clayton County. And yes, this race is in Iowa, if your bike knows no borders. A short distance from the Minnesota border, you will find beautiful landscapes in one of Iowa's best-kept secret places. If you are ready to get some training miles in, this gravel race is on Saturday, April 27th is the way to kick off spring. Here, you will find over 10,000 feet of climbing on the 100, 50, and 25-mile race course.
There is still time to register for HFB e-bike contest
If you haven't already registered for a chance to win this Avenue E-bike, by Pedego. Sign-up today, the Avenue is the perfect commuting bike ready for that next adventure. This e-bike empowers you to go farther and faster. The state-of-the-art watt motor achieves an ideal balance between power and efficiency. Offering a step-thru frame for easy mounting and dismounting. Powerful 500W 48V power system with a fully integrated battery.
Teaching your child the ancient art of bicycle maintenance
As a parent and tinkerer, one of the most fun activities I share with my two boys is teaching them how bicycle maintenance works. Now that my older son is riding more and helping me review a bike for HaveFunBiking, the time has come to teach him how a bike works. Almost everybody gets the basics, but after 20 years working in shops, I want to give as much of my experience to him as possible. Take a look at my plan for teaching my son bicycle maintenance.
Bicycle theft prevention to keep your e-bike secure
Bikes in general, are stolen often, but for a thief in today's crazy world, an electric bike is the crown jewel. With e-bikes, normally a larger investment here are some bicycle theft prevention ideas to consider. To protect your bicycle investment, consider using a combination of a U-lock, or cable lock, along with a GPS-tracking air tag. You could also take the bike inside a building with you or use a mobile bike storage locker for storing your bike. Using a combination of the above locks will deter a thief. And with a GPS tracking device attached will help you retrieve your bike if it is stolen.