Category Archives: Destinations

Each September, over three consecutive Saturday's, the nine towns host the Taste of the Trail here in the Root River valley, in Bluff Country.

Bike Pic Sept 8, savor the Taste of the Trail along the Root River

If you have been to Southeast Minnesota you have probably visited or heard of the Root River trail system. It’s in Bluff County and each September, over three consecutive Saturday’s the nine towns there host the “Taste of the Trail.” If you haven’t experienced the Root River take in one or all three of the free weekend events September 9, 16 or the 23rd. Visiting now will allow you plenty of delicious foods samplings giving you a taste of what is available here throughout the year.

In Preston this cyclists enjoys a sample of the Branding Iron's barbecue ribs.

In Preston this cyclists enjoys a sample of the Branding Iron’s barbecue ribs.

Three Root River Taste of the Trail opportunities

Bring your bike and choose a weekend or come back for all three. Working together each town will showcase their favorite foods, beverages and entertainment. This year’s event kicks off in the town’s of Lanesboro, Peterson and Whalan, on Saturday, September 9th.  Here in the center section of the trail system enjoy the complimentary sampling from local growers, producers and restaurants. Plus, live music will be offered throughout the day at each town. (see map).

 

Vegetarian spread samples from a local farm operation in the Root River Valley

Vegetarian spread samples from a local farm operation in the Root River Valley

Lanesboro, presents “Voices of Lanesboro,” a celebration of local music and rich history, theater and more.

The town of Peterson presents “A Celebration of Farm Life. While the Cat in the Fiddle will be playing at the restored Peterson Bandstand. Plus local businesses and service organizations will have plenty of tasty food and goodies available.

In Whalan, the ‘little town that could’ invites visitors to taste test many ethnic foods. With a strong Norwegian influence, it’s only natural to find samples of Lefse, Rommergrot, and Blood Klub. And don’t forget to visit Ernie’s Restored 1917 Gas Station and the museum.

The following Saturday, September 16th,

The towns of Fountain, Harmony and Preston are planning to show you what the west end of the Root River Trail system communities has to offer.

Here cyclist are sampling Rommergrot, a Norwegian delicacy.

Here cyclist are sampling Rommergrot, a Norwegian delicacy.

In Fountain, enjoy Tom Schramm’s Music in the Park while sampling foods and the latest beer from the new brewery in town. Hope you have a couple extra hours to spare and visit the Fillmore County History Center & Museum?

At the far of the “Trail” in Harmony, enjoy the music of the Root River Jam Band. Then savor some of the food and beverage samples provided by the local businesses there.

Enjoy some samples of pie in Harmony

Enjoy some samples of pie in Harmony

“Hooked on Preston” enjoy the area music by Tom Schramm, while munching on some of the tasty samples offered by the local merchants. And don’t forget to visit the National Trout Center. Maybe taking in a fly fishing course?

And there is more fun on September 23rd!

Here the towns of Houston, Rushford and Rushford Village will cap off this year’s “Taste of the Trail.” Working together these communities will show you what the East end of the Root River Trail system has to offer.

These lucky biker chicks found some desert samples at this table on the Root River Trail.

These lucky biker chicks found some desert samples at this table on the Root River Trail.

In Houston, fun continues at the Trailhead Park where you’ll find samples of local food, arts, and activities that you can enjoy and take home. Learn to make your own balloon animals and see the Parade of Owls. Don’t forget to pick up your “passport” with a list of participating businesses offering more samples and a chance to win a major prize!

Arriving in Rushford, make your first stop at the Historic Depot. the community’s trailhead on the Root River State Bike Trail. After sampling some of the garden treats of Rushford Village, pick up a map of the local businesses here offering other samples, like lefse and local cheeses.

All Taste of the Trail activities are sponsored by Root River Trail Towns. Founded in 1988, the organization is a 501(c)3, dedicated to the continued betterment and well-being of the Root River State Trail System and its communities.

In this Bike Pic, a student from Washburn High School tests his mountain bike skills on the Jail Trail, near St Cloud last year, on a Minnesota High School Cycling League competition.

Theodore Wirth Park, a gift five minutes from downtown Minneapolis

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

In the western part of the Twin Cities, nestled between Golden Valley and Minneapolis is Theodore Wirth Park.  A space almost as large as New York City’s Central park. With in Wirth (as it’s known to the locals) you will find several scenic, natural areas around Birch pond and Wirth Lake, plus two golf courses and a fabulous mountain bike trail system.

For Twin Cities cyclists, it’s a natural playground you should be exited too explore.

Theodore Wirth Park History

What would become Theodore Wirth Park started in 1889 when 66 acres were purchased and established as a park. Now Theodore Wirth park (named after the park system’s superintendent from 1906 to 1936) has over 750 acres. The Central to the park is the Wirth Chalet, a stone and timber structure that offers events, and product rentals for snow sports.

Where to go in Theodore Wirth Park

If you are interested in riding the mountain bike trails of Wirth park, I find it easiest to park at the beach  house off Glenwood avenue. From there it’s a quick spin west over to the trailhead. If your interest are in the golf courses or Grand Rounds and Luce Line trails, the Golf Clubhouse on Theodore Wirth Parkway is your best starting point.

What are the trails like in Theodore Wirth Park

The trails at Wirth are predominantly designed for the intermediate rider. As you enter the trails at southern entrance you are greeted with a twisting climb up thorough rolling prairie and into well established woods. The trails themselves are well manicured and smooth with ample bermed turns. Expect to see narrow ribbons of brown winding through ample green surroundings. When you find your way into the northern trails, more rocks get introduced. The majority of the rocks are well embedded into the trails and act as exciting obstacles to manage. The northern trails also exist in denser forests, with far fewer field areas. Overall, the Trails at Wirth are fun and flowie, offer challenges for the most advanced riders while being accessible to casual riders.

Grand Rounds Trail

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is one of the countries longest continuous urban parkways. It is a connecting trail to more than 300 miles of regional trail around Twin Cities Metro Area. It also acts as the connecting trail between most of the parks in the Twin Cities area. That said, you can enjoy a day trip on the Grand Rounds Trail all over the Twin Cities via protected and paved bike lanes. The Grand Rounds travels through 7 districts:  Chain of Lakes (13.3 miles), Minnehaha (12.6 miles), The Mississippi River (9.2 miles), Downtown Riverfront (1.2 miles), Northeast (6 miles), Victory Memorial (3.8 miles) and Theodore Wirth Park (4 miles). Additionally, this trail is cleared by 6am every day through the winter if you choose to use it for commuting.

 

Luce Line Trail

The Grand Rounds Bike trail here connects to the binning of the Luce Line trail.

The Grand Rounds Bike trail here connects to the binning of the Luce Line trail.

The Luce Line trail is a 63 mile limestone path stretching from Cosmos in western Minnesota to Wirth park. It is available for Biking, hiking, running, jogging, and snow activities in specified areas. This trail is an exceptional way to explore neighborhoods and destinations west of the city.

How to help

If you ride and enjoy the trails at Wirth, consider volunteering for trail maintenance. The Minnesota Off Road Cycling organization (MORC) schedule trail work sessions on Wednesdays through the summer. Consequently, the group meets at 6 O’clock and welcomes anyone interested in helping. Wear long pants, boots, and work gloves because you will be doing hard labor. Moreover, you will find that the hard labor is enjoyable because you are giving back to fellow riders.

Winter riding in Wirth

The mountain bike trails in Wirth Park are extra fun in the winter on a fatty.

The mountain bike trails in Wirth Park are extra fun in the winter on a fatty.

While the trails are open through the winter, Fatbiking is not the only sport you can enjoy at Wirth. Therefore, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, tubing, sledding, skating, and, ice fishing are all available within the park. When planning a ride in the fall and spring, be sure to check the MORC website for trail conditions.

 

The trails of Lebanon Hills offer some of the most enjoyable mountain biking in the Twin Cities Area.

Enjoy fun and nature on Lebanon Hills fantastic mountain bike trails

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

The newly expanded trailhead of Lebanon Hills acts as a gateway to some of the most enjoyable trails in the Twin Cities Area. With nearly 12 miles of one way singletrack trails, Lebanon Hills has become one of the go-to trails in Minnesota. The trails feature riding for all skill levels combined with world-class facilities to enhance your riding experience. All the bike trails are built and maintained by the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC).

Where Lebanon Hills is

Another happy mountain biker riding through the forests of Lebanon Hills Park.

Another happy mountain biker riding through the forests of Lebanon Hills Park.

The Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike trails (Leb to the locals) are located in Eagan Minnesota off Johnny Cake Ridge Road. The newly expanded trailhead boasts ample parking, clean bathrooms, public grills and picnic areas as well as a skills course appropriate for all ability levels. Leb is a part of the larger Lebanon Hills Regional Park system that includes two swimming lakes, nearly a dozen hiking areas, three camping areas and close proximity to the Minnesota Zoo.

What to expect in Lebanon Hills

The first thing you will notice about riding in Leb is the amazing condition of the trails. Thank the Minnesota Off Road Cyclist organization (MORC) for the smooth berms, clear trails and exciting features. Ride into the first trail and enjoy the sweet smell of pine trees while you wind through a healthy forest. First, you are given the choice of staying on the beginner trails or hanging a hard right onto the intermediate loop. Staying on the beginner trails will lead you to five 8’ tall berms that are a total blast to ride. From those berms you can branch off into another intermediate loop or head into a skills section that including a berm, roller, and jump line.

Another fun run through an open meadow.

Another fun run through an open meadow in Lebanon.

If you choose that first right onto the intermediate loop, you are rewarded with twisty sections, a rock drop, and high speed downhill sections. That intermediate section brings you out to the far end of the park. Once out there, you can enter into the truly advance loops built on rock gardens, step climbs and steep descents. The trails on the far side of the park meet at one point, perfect for a quick break between loops.

Here on the advanced trail in Lebanon Hills you will find some obstacles to challenge you.

Here on the advanced trail in Lebanon Hills you will find some obstacles to challenge you.

 

Best part of the trails

Leb gives its riders amazing trails as well as awesome views. The best part of Leb is how well it integrates into nature. Even though the trails of Leb are well trafficked, Places like the “lake loop” give the impression of sanctuary for hundreds of riders a weekend. Because all the trails are directional, there is a great feeling of isolation even though other riders may be just a few hundred feet away. Overall, Lebanon hills is a great way to enjoy the beauties of nature in the Twin Cities area.

Here is a place for all ages to build on their skill levels.

Here in Lebanon Hills is a place for all ages to build on their skill levels.

How to help

If you ride and enjoy the trails at Leb, consider volunteering for trail maintenance. The Minnesota Off Road Cycling organization (MORC) schedule trail work sessions on Tuesdays through the summer. The group meets in the parking lot at 6 O’clock and welcomes anyone interested in helping. Wear long pants, boots, and work gloves because you will be doing hard labor. You will find that the hard labor is enjoyable because you are giving back to fellow riders.

Best seasons to ride

Those with fatty's are finding Lebanon Hills the perfect trail system year round.

Those with fatty’s are finding Lebanon Hills the perfect trail system year round.

If you love the trails at Leb during the summer, rejoice, they are open through the winter as well. Not only are the trails open when the snow falls, but well traveled. Because of that traffic, the trails stay clear and ride-able right up until the spring thaw. With that said, once the thaw begins, the trails are usually closed for about six weeks while things dry out. A quick check on MORC’s trail conditions website will let you know when the trails are open.

 

As you look around the Minneapolis Northwest area have no fear take a close look, you can even ride a section of the Mississippi River Trail while visiting.

Bike-Friendly Minneapolis Northwest is Full of Natural Gems Hidden Along the Trails

by Andrew Ellis, HaveFunBiking.com

As you look around the Minneapolis Northwest area you are dazzled with options! Here there are city streets and major highways as far as the eye can see around this northwest suburb of Minneapolis. You will find plenty of fast food eateries and strip malls amongst the trees and greenery in this suburban setting. So, how can this possibly be an attraction for those looking to take in some of Minnesota’s nature’s beauty in the Twin Cities?

Have no fear as there are plenty of options for outdoor recreation in the Minneapolis Northwest area. You just have to look closer below or look at our At A Glance Minneapolis Northwest link.

The Minneapolis Northwest area is made up of three suburban communities: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove. Where you will find plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors activities, including hundreds of mile of paved trail. You will also find some exhilarating riding in the Elm Creek Park for some mountain biking.

More About the Bike-Friendly Minneapolis Northwest Area

Tucked into the communities are substantive parks that offer the feeling of remoteness while visiting. If you want take a break from pedaling one of many trails there, you will find many options. You can meander along the trails by foot, channel your inner Robin Hood and learn archery or disc golf while learning more about the natural world around you.

While pedaling this three-city community there comes a point where you may need a break to enjoy some other activities available. Luckily, each community offers plenty to do. Whether it’s a game of bowling or trying your luck at Dave & Buster’s arcade games in Maple Grove. There are even plenty of chain and locally owned eateries throughout the area to satisfy whatever it is you crave. You will even find several movie theaters in the area and easy to get to on your bike from your hotel.

Biking Opportunities in the Minneapolis Northwest Area

Riding the scenic trails here in the Minneapolis Northwest Area you find many trails that safely cross over or under the busy roads.

Riding the scenic trails here in the Minneapolis Northwest Area you find many trails that safely cross over or under the busy roads.

In this area the opportunities for riding your bike are endless. In this three city area you will find quite a few parks that connect to trails for a lengthy ride. If you don’t want to stick to the meandering trails, then there are plenty of bike friendly streets and the Mississippi River Trail that will allow you to share the road with other vehicles. Here are some of the parks to bike too:

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

On a warm day crossing the Coon Rapids Dam from Minneapolis Northwest you can feel the cool mist rising in the air as you cross.

On a warm day crossing the Coon Rapids Dam from Minneapolis Northwest you can feel the cool mist rising in the air as you cross.

Find your way to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park via the Rush Creek Regional Trail. At the park, a part of the National Park System, you can connect to the Mississippi River Trail. If you want to discover what’s on the other side of the dam you can easily connect to the Twin Cities Gateway side of the park, crossing the paved trail across this massive water barrier.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Here in Elm Creek Park the mountain biking is fun and exciting, with trails for all skill levels.

This park is full of biking opportunities for multiple kinds of riders. There are many miles of paved multi-use trail that take the rider on a very scenic journey of the park. It passes by several of the park’s lakes. The trails here have plenty of slightly rolling hills to give you a little challenge as you ride and enjoy the many picture taking opportunities. You can also take a break for a swim, try your hand at archery, and more. For mountain bikers there’s plenty of singletrack trails depending on your preferred level of skill. While some are bike-only, others are multi-use trials.

Medicine Lake Regional Trail

This is a paved trail of over 13 miles and connects you to many parks such as French Regional Park. You can also catch views of Rice Lake in Maple Grove and Medicine Lake if you take the trail into Plymouth. The trail also has connections to Bassett Creek Trail, Luce Line Regional Trail, and many other community bike trails.

Rush Creek Regional Trail

This trail links Elm Creek Park Reserve to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. The path is smooth, wide, and mostly flat. Its abundance of signage makes it usable many different cyclists. If you’re looking to encounter wildlife, it’s recommended you get on the trail in the early morning. Pedaling here you will also pass through residential areas, but the trail here is shielded by trees which gives the rider a remote feel. The other side of the roadway slowly turns into farmland after you cross Highway 169. It ends at Elm Creek Park Reserve where it links to other trails such as the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.

Shingle Creek Regional Trail

This branches out of the Rush Creek Trail at Noble Parkway. The trail takes you through mostly residential areas and follows Shingle Creek for a while. It tapers off to wind through the greenery and marshes of Palmer Lake Park. The trail ends at 45th Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis. It’s a paved trail and provides access to various points of interest. Crossings are above and below grade when crossing  some of the major highways.

Road Biking Opportunities

In the Minneapolis Northwest there are many ways to get around on your bike. The three communities here offer a mix multi-use trails that parallel most major roads. So its easy to get around safely and connect to other parts of the metro area. So bring your bike and spend a day, a weekend or a lifetime exploring this north west section of the Twin Cities.

Only six months until the grass is green once again along the mountain bike trails of Minnesota.

Bike Pic Dec 1, Six Months for Green Grass Along the Mountain Bike Trails

Only six months and counting, until green grass and shorts are the norm along the trails in Minnesota for mountain biking fun.

As you wait patiently weather fun, many upper Midwest bike riders are now changing their gear over to winter fun activities, including fat biking, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing and other cold weather sports. See all the places to explore, throughout the year, in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic captured along the Mountain Bike Trails

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.

Have a great day!

A grassroots bike event to expand the Cuyuna Lakes trails

The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew (Crew) a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) recently announced their upcoming grassroots fundraiser #ForCuyuna to expand the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails. The goal of the #ForCuyuna event is to raise $132,000 in one evening. A hundred percent of these dollars will be immediately matched by the Hallett Trust matching grant and be earmarked, for the design and construction of a 10-mile backcountry adventure trail in the Cuyuna Hills — Crow Wing County’s designated recreation land adjacent to the City of Cuyuna.

©AaronWHautala_4917b

Riding the red dirt of the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, north of Crosby, MN. – photo by Aaron W. Hautala

Aaron Hautala, volunteer president of the Crew stated, “I continue to be amazed how the red dirt trails of Cuyuna have positively impacted so many individuals and businesses both near and far from the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens and businesses to invest in the continued expansion of the mountain bike trails in collaboration with the State of Minnesota.”

#ForCuyuna ― The Event, announced by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew.

The fundraising event was first conceived by Ben Thuringer, Vice President and General Manager of Madden’s Lodge at Madden’s Resort, Brainerd, MN. Thuringer approached Hautala well over a year ago with this simple statement: “Cuyuna is a big deal for our area. At Madden’s, with our summer business, we do not have the ability to assist in maintaining Cuyuna’s mountain bike trails. However, we would like to do what we do best, host an event for Cuyuna to raise a significant amount of money for the trails.” At that moment, #ForCuyuna was born. The event was originally planned for 2015 and was placed on hold temporarily when wind storms blew through Gull Lake last July, 2015.

Hautala remarked, “When we started the #ForCuyuna fundraiser, many said we’d never raise $50,000. The good news is to date we’ve already raised over $264,000 (including match) and now we are purposefully placing the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraiser’ with the objective of raising an additional $132,000 in one night ($264,000 with the match).”

©AaronWHautala_Cuyuna2637

A family riding the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, north of Crosby, MN. -photo by Aaron W. Hautala

These funds will complement the Legislative request for $4.2 million in bonding to complete the Master Vision. “It is meaningful to the Legislature to show this type of local support,” said Judy Erickson, Government Relations consultant to the Crew. “It is exciting to have this type of local enthusiasm for a project as we enter the legislative session.”

The #ForCuyuna event agenda will cover two days, starting on Friday, June 3rd. The event kicks off with a 7p Red Bull deck party featuring DJ Indy at Madden’s. Saturday, June 4th, the event focus shifts to the red dirt and paved trails of Cuyuna. Members of the Crew will host free-to-join group rides for all skill levels. To learn more about each mountain and paved trail group ride please visit www.ForCuyuna.com. To rent a mountain bike or paved trail bicycle in advance, please contact Cycle Path and Paddle, in Crosby at: 218-545-4545.

Saturday evening shifts back to Madden’s on Gull Lake. The evening’s festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the Minnesota Craft Beer (and Moonshine) Experience featuring tastings from Jack Pine Brewery (Baxter), Gull Dam Brewing, (Nisswa), Disgruntled Brewing (Perham) and American Born Moonshine. Also scheduled, is a one-of-a-kind silent auction, a “health-first-minded” dinner, program, and live auction. The live auction will provide guests a chance to bid on prize packages, including a vacation at Madden’s on Gull Lake, a Raleigh gravel grinder bike, Ruttger’s on Bay Lake vacation weekends, and one year of yoga lessons by Holy Yoga in Crosby. Following the live auction, Jillian Rae will provide a live concert to close out the night in “Rockin-the-Red” style.

“It’s our honor at Madden’s to be able to host this event for Cuyuna. As the mountain bike trails continue to expand, so does our entire region’s tourism economy, and more importantly, our area continues to grow as a destination for 21st-century entrepreneurs and employees. This is community economic development through trails. We are so excited to be a partner in this future,” remarked Thuringer in a news release.

Hautala closed saying, “This event marks a unique opportunity. During my 4-plus year term as volunteer president of the Crew, I’ve consistently heard how cyclists and business owners want to expand the trails. Here’s the best opportunity each of us has to take expansion into our own hands. Every dollar we raise doubles. It’s time to take action. It’s time to invest in Cuyuna.”

Tickets for the event may be purchased online; please visit www.ForCuyuna.com. The Friday Night Red Bull Deck Party with DJ Indy is $25 to attend with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the #ForCuyuna matching grant. Limited individual seats for Saturday’s #ForCuyuna – The Event are $60 per ticket; tables of 8 may also be reserved at $560. $30 from every individual ticket and $320 from every table reservation goes directly to the #ForCuyuna matching grant. Madden’s is also offering weekend ‘ride-cation’ packages where the Friday and Saturday events can be combined with overnight lodging.

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#ForCuyuna poster shows two days of activities starting a deck party Madden’s Resort. Then Saturday, June 4th, event rides the red dirt and paved trails of Cuyuna.

The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew is a group of local volunteers who gives back to the trails and community by hosting events, conducting trail maintenance, fundraising, and promoting trail advocacy. The Crew’s vision is to become an international, year-round, family cycling destination. To learn more about the Crew visit www.CuyunaLakesMTB.com.

Questions please contact Aaron W. Hautala, Volunteer President of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association at: [email protected] or 218-851-6749.

MN High School Teams Compete On New Trail

Brand new to this year’s selection of great courses and tracks in Minnesota, to mountain bike on, is Austin, where the Minnesota High School Cycling Leagues second race of the season was held. With beautiful skies and perfect riding weather the 2015 – Schindler Classic on this new trail offered some cool features including an exciting elevated bridge over a narrow span of water. With a course distance of 3.2 miles the new trail also offers a mix of fast straight-aways and twisty corners. As with any newly cut track, race participants experience a few added bumps and challenges on this new course that added to the fun.

A group of boys at the starting line, ready for their race, in Austin, MN. (photo Rydor Facebook page)

A group of boys at the starting line, ready for their race, in Austin, MN. (photo Rydor Bike Facebook Page)

To see race results from this last Sunday, click here.

The Minnesota High School Cycling League was organized in 2012 to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12. With the cooperation of local race organizers, many partners and sponsors they are able to provide a high quality mountain racing experience. They believe that mountain biking is the ‘T-Ball’ of cycling and several League alumni athletes are now racing on professional teams at events like the Tour of California and the Sea Otter Classic. Due to the rapid growth and participation, the MN League has expanded to now allow middle school aged students to race.

A group of boys out in front after riding their bikes under the start/finish line, in Austin, MN.

A group of boys out in front after riding their bikes under the start/finish line, in Austin, MN. (photo Rydjor Bike Facebook Page)

Regardless of ability level, the Minnesota League is committed to providing a positive experience for all high school and middle school aged student-athletes.

More girls riding together in their race in Austin, MN.

More girls riding together in their race in Austin, MN. (photo Rydjor Bike Facebook Page)

If you are interested in visiting Austin, MN, In addition to new mountain bike trail system, checkout their new artwork center, many wonderful restaurants, the Spam Museum soon to be open in the downtown area, or even the theater and the Rydor Bicycle Museum.

See their website here for more information on the new trail and visiting Austin, MN.

See more photos here, from Rydor Bike shop.

Las Vegas Strip By Bike

What a way to see the Las Vegas strip, then on a bike!

Highly recommended in numbers for safety reasons, for the last ten years at Interbike (the largest  bike show in North America) several hundred exhibitors and show participants have enjoyed the Bike Hugger Mobile Social. A bike ride that begins at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center parking lot and travels east for six miles with colorful, highly eclectic energy along the strip to downtown area for some eats, drinks and Vegas fanfare.

 

A couple riding down the Las Vegas Strip in the Bike Hugger Mobile Social Ride.

A couple riding down the Las Vegas Strip in the Bike Hugger Mobile Social Ride.

Presented by Mobile Social BH, New Belgium Brewing and Tern Folding Bicycles, the 10th annual Bike Hugger Ride was well attended with some participants using new bicycles off the tradeshow floor, along with many custom (some eclectic) built bikes.

A couple of us at HaveFunBiking.com were fortunate to ride some of Tern’s folding bikes designed for multi-modal touring. This gave me a chance to test ride their new folding bike, a multi-model touring model, The bike with racks (back and front) for panniers had a custom tire pump that was a part of the seat post and the bike fits into regulation check-in luggage, as well as my 6′ 2″ frame.

A spectacular show of lights as the group rides down Las Vegas Strip

A spectacular show of lights as the group rides down Las Vegas Strip

As the Bike Hugger Social Ride moved down the strip, taking a lane or two as drove their bikes in a somewhat organized group, at stoplights they visited with motorists as pedestrians on the sidewalk photographed and cheered them on.

At one of the many stop lights a rider poses with a big HaveFun smile.

At one of the many stop lights a rider poses with a big HaveFun smile.

A few miles into the ride the group spread out over a couple blocks with the DEUCE (the local bus that runs from the Vegas strip to the downtown area) a part of the unofficial parade.

Looking back, riders were spread out several blocks in back and in front of the bus.

Looking back, riders were spread out several blocks in back and in front of the bus.

Arriving in Downtown Las Vegas the destination was the Gold Spike Casino where riders received a compliment New Belgium Beer, some appetizers while enjoying the many oversized lawn games and comradery.

HaveFunBiking editor Russ Lowthian stops in front of the Gold Spike Casino and Bar where the ride ended.

HaveFunBiking editor Russ Lowthian stops in front of the Gold Spike Casino and Bar where the ride ended.

Bikes of all types and styles were ridden on this after dark social ride. They included many of the standard models manufactured and displayed at Interbike and then the custom bikes like the two shown below.

A couple of the two-wheeled customs steeds used to parade down the strip.

A couple of the two-wheeled customs steeds used to parade down the strip.

Oversized lawn games included Jenga, lawn chess and other yard games  that were enjoyed in the open air court area,  in the rear area of the Gold Spike Casino and Bar.

Enjoying food and refreshments after the ride participants tested their skills playing Jenga.

Enjoying food and refreshments after the ride participants tested their skills playing a lawn size version of Jenga.

If you are considering a trip to Las Vegas and would like to ride your bike or rent a bike while there we found several bike lanes and routes to get around town and shops to support your next bike adventure to Vegas. For more information, here is a good website [http://www.bikinglasvegas.com/cycling-blog/visiting-las-vegas/] to plan your journey.

Enjoy

Enjoy Minnesota’s “Taste of the Trail”

Each September the nine towns on the Root River Trail system host “Taste of the Trail” over three Saturdays and the area becomes a fall festival of local foods, artisan crafts, entertainment and fun. This annual experience is similar to many “Taste of …“events in many towns all over the Midwest. However, the communities along the Root River Trail, in Southeast Minnesota, focus their attention on all the delicious foods you will find while visiting the area throughout the year.

A stop in Lanesboro could prove to be tasty.

A stop in Lanesboro could prove to be tasty.

Choose a weekend or come back for all three, this multi-Saturday event along the trail is designed to show off the abundance of food and activities along the three sections of the trail system. This year, event kicks off in the towns of Lanesboro, Peterson and Whalen, on Saturday, September 12th. Working together to showcase the many food, beverages and entertainment options at the center of the trail, each town will include its own growers, producers and restaurateurs, offering complimentary samples of their products. Plus, live entertainment will be offered in all three towns as follows:   (click the following links for the latest information)

Lanesboro presents “Voices of Lanesboro,” a celebration of local music and rich history, theater and more.

Old time Norwegian cooking demonstrations in Whalan, MN.

Old time Norwegian cooking demonstrations in Whalan, MN.

The village of Whalan invites visitors to taste test many ethnic foods. With a strong Norwegian influence, it’s only natural to feature such foods as Lefse, Rommergrot, and Blood Klub. And don’t forget to visit Ernie’s Restored 1917 Gas Station and the Whalan Museum.

Some smokin' good food offered in Peterson, MN

Some smokin’ good food offered in Peterson, MN

The town of Peterson presents “A Celebration of Farm Life, while the Riff Rangers will be playing oldies at the restored Peterson Bandstand and local businesses and service organizations will have plenty of tasty food and goodies available..

Then, the following Saturday!

September 19th, the towns of Fountain, Harmony and Preston are working together to show you what the West end of the Trail system offers.

In Fountain, enjoy Tom Schramm’s Music in the Park, sampling foods and beverages from the local businesses and visiting the Fillmore County History Center & Museum.

At the far of the “Trail” in Harmony, enjoy the music of Dubious Cowgirls and display by Harmony Community Garden while savoring some of the food and beverage samples provided by the local businesses there.

“Hooked on Preston” enjoy the area’s Rutabaga Brothers, while enjoying some of the tasy sample offered by the local merchants here. And don’t forget to visit the National Trout Center with a fly fishing course.

A family of cyclists taking a break in Harmony enjoying the tasty samples.

A family of cyclists taking a break in Harmony enjoying the tasty samples.

And there is still more!

Houston, Rushford and Rushford Village cap off this year’s “Taste of the Trail” on Saturday, September 26th. Working together these three communities will show you what the East end of the “Trail” system has to offer.

In Houston, fun continues at the Trailhead Park where you’ll find samples of local food, arts, and activities that you can enjoy and take home. Learn to make your own balloon animals and see the Parade of Owls. Don’t forget to pick up your “passport” with a list of participating businesses offering more samples and a chance to win a major prize!

Arriving in Rushford, make your first stop at the Historic Depot–the community’s trailhead on the Root River State Bike Trail. After sampling some of the garden treats of Rushford Village, pick up a map of the local businesses here offering samples, like lefse and local cheeses.

A fun photo opp. along the Root River Trail.

A fun photo opp. along the Root River Trail.

All Taste of the Trail activities are sponsored by Root River Trail Towns, founded in 1988, and now a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the continued betterment and well-being of the Root River State Trail System.

See the HaveFunBiking At-A- Glance info for an area map and lodging information when planning a visit to the Root RiverTrail Towns.

Minnesota’s Newest Mountain Bike Trail is Ready to Rock

photos forwarded on from coach Spencer Salm­on

In preparation for the 700 high school students coming to compete on mountain bikes and in dedicated to Dick Schindler, Austin, MN new trail is ready for the challenge. Each year the Minnesota High School Cycling League schedules several statewide NICA-sanctioned races to provide student athletes an arena in which to set and accomplish competitive goals while achieving their personal best. With a new team created last year in Austin, the community came through this summer building a trail system where local residents and visitors could enjoy the sport.

A volunteer putting the finishing touches on a bridge so riders can start breaking in the new trail system in Austin, MN.

A volunteer putting the finishing touches on a bridge so riders can start breaking in the new trail system in Austin, MN.

Now that the trail is complete, a call out has been made to help “ride the trail in,” for the meet in Austin on September 20th. and the Austin Team will be able to practice on their “Home Trail” in preparation for the 2015 schedule listed below:

Race #1 – Sun. Sept. 13 Jail Trail, St. Cloud, MN

Race #2 – Sun. Sept. 20 Trail TBD, Austin, MN

Race #3 – Sun. Oct. 4 Game Haven, Rochester, MN

Race #4 – Sun. Oct. 11 Cuyuna Lakes Trail, Cuyuna Lakes, MN

Race #5 – Sun. Oct. 25 Mt. Kato, Mankato, MN

Mountain bikers checking out the new trail in Austin, MN.

Mountain bikers checking out the new trail in Austin, MN.

“It was a great accomplishment,once the land was approved for development, to build such a trail in a little over one month”, according to Austin’s coach Spencer Salm­on. “Volunteers and community response has been nothing short of amazing. It is indeed a tribute to our friend Dick Schindler”.

“Some of the resi­dents want­ed to build trails 10 years ago, ”but it nev­er got the city’s sup­port”, Salm­on said. “This year, once it be­came known kids were going to be com­pet­ing, a plan was quick­ly put to­gether and four miles of new moun­tain bike track were built on land owned by Riverland Community College”.

Some of the other volunteers checking out the new trail in Austin, MN.

Some of the other volunteers checking out the new trail in Austin, MN.

Dick Schindler, a retired Mayo Clinic Doctor and local resident was a big advocates for building the trail in Austin, however, he passed away earlier this year on one of the trail sections he wanted to see developed.

If you are interested in visiting Austin, MN, In addition to new mountain bike trail system, checkout their new artwork center, many wonderful restaurants, the Spam Museum soon to be open in the downtown area, or even the theater and the Rydor Bicycle Museum.

See their website here for more information on the new trail and visiting Austin, MN.