Category Archives: Destinations

Alex a bike-friendly getaway you can make on one tank

By Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

There is no shortage of fun in Minnesota, and looking at the latest MN Bike/Hike Guide, with all the maps, we wanted to see how Alex (Alexandria) stacked up as a one-tank, multi-modal, round-trip destination. With increased gas prices taking a bite out of every motorist’s wallet, we found that the Alexandria Lakes Area fits the criteria well. The perfect place to visit, park the car at the selected lodge and use a bicycle to get around. On this trip, we found the Cedar Rose Inn charming and a great place to relax. This allowed us to easily reach the local bike routes, trails, historic downtown attractions, and several restaurants within easy walking distance.

The welcoming Cedar Rose Inn B & B

With the bikes loaded and gear packed, Alexandria is proximately 130 miles (about a two-hour drive) northwest of Minneapolis on I-94.

See a whole lot more biking in Alexandria

Using the Alexandria Bike Map, on pages 50-51 of the MN Bike Guide, you will find options for routes to ride comfortably around town and scenic loops that take you out and around many lakes in Douglas County. Looking at the map and planning your next visit, check out the Explore Alexandria website for many other fun outdoor activities the area offers.

The 8-mile Historic Alexandria Route

Big Ole, at the Central Lakes Trailhead in Alexandria, MN

From the Central Lakes Trail, north of the downtown area, the scenic Alex Loop uses the quiet north/south neighborhood streets that parallel the main highway or Broadway Street from 30th Avenue. If you start at the trailhead, take a selfie with Big Ole, then visit the Runestone Museum, Fort Alexandria, and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens. Further along this loop, the route passes the Douglas County Historical Society and several parks where ducks, geese, and pelicans are close by to view.

The 22-mile loop to Garfield returning on the Central Lakes Trail

Touring the scenic bike-friendly roads in the Alexandria Lakes Area

The Garfield Loop uses a series of streets and county roads around a couple of lakes up to the town of Garfield. Here you will find the Central Lake Trail to return to Alex.

The 35-mile North Lakes Loop

This route winds around the picturesque lakes north of Alex, offering wide paved shoulders on the designated bike-friendly routes. As you ride your bike past the lakefront communities, options for stops include Carlos Creek Winery, the 23 Northman Brewery, or several eating establishments along the way.

Prefer staying on the Central Lakes Trail?

From Big Ole, head east to Osakis or west on the Central Lakes Trail to the many towns before Fergus Falls.

To the east, Osakis is 11 miles and connects to the Wobegon Trail. To the northwest, Garfield is 8 miles, Brandon is 14 miles, and Fergus Fall, at the far end, is 44 miles.

Mountain biking in the Alexandria Area

Prefer to bring your mountain bike on your next visit to Alex? Mountain biking is a growing sport in the Alexandria Area, and you can find great riding out at Kensington Runestone County Park and Lake Brophy County Park.

Mountain Biking the forest trail

Runestone Park is near Kensington, and the mountain bike trails here are tons of fun with easy-to-follow signs and many add-on loops to make a ride a little longer if you want. See map and further details here.

Mountain Biking on the prairie single-track trail

Lake Brophy Park is a relatively new multi-use trail system wandering through the upland prairie fields that take you to some of the best views in the county. A highlight of the park is that using the main trail gets you to the high point. At the top of the hill, 140 feet above Lake Brophy, you can choose from the easy, medium, and challenging trails to descend for an adrenalin fun experience. See map and further details here.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Cedar Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast for this trip to Alexandria. It is located at 422 7th Ave. West and Cedar St. is a very charming B & B, and the delicious breakfast Brenda serves each morning makes your visit to Alexandria even more special.

A blueberry brioche with maple syrup drizzled over

For more places to stay and things to do, see Explore Alexandria.

Many bike/hike adventures await your visit to the Mesabi Trail Towns

by Andrew Ellis

In Minnesota’s north mining region, the towns along the Mesabi Trail host several of the state’s historical gems and a family fun destination to explore by bike or on foot. In this pristine area of the state, you will find over 28 small mining communities along this well-known paved trail system. With the trail here, it is easy to travel from town to town by bike. From Grand Rapids on the western end to Ely, 150 miles to the east, there are a lot of fun sights to see as you ride. For the mountain biker, this area has left many rugged deposits to perfect your skills. The area also boasts some of Minnesota’s best scenic road touring routes, with low-traffic roadway loop options returning to the Mesabi Trail.

Mesabi bike trail near Hibbing.

More About the Bike-Friendly Mesabi Trail Towns

A vast area, the Mesabi Trail Towns string through the Iron Range, covering many mining towns you can start and stop at. They include Grand Rapids to the west; and further east, Hibbing, Chisholm, Mt. Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Biwabik, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, Embarrass, and now Ely. Along the way, if you prefer, there is no shortage of walking tours.

The west end of the Mesabi Trail is Grand Rapids, where touring cyclists will find the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), and mountain bikers can enjoy the Tioga Recreational Area.

Further east, in Hibbing, you can visit Bob Dylan’s childhood home; the Hull Rust Mine overlook, and Greyhound Museum. Mountain bike Redhead Mountain next to the Minnesota Discovery Center. And further east, look into the history of the Range’s “Queen City” at the Virginia Heritage Museum. Or take a walk around the US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth. To enjoy the scenic thrills of downhill mountain biking, there is Giant Ridge near Biwabik. There are also plenty of lakes to drop a line, swim, or enhance your tan.

The Iron Range Area covers many miles, but it’s all accessible – especially if you use your bike. The Mesabi Trail makes for a convenient connecting point for all the communities. So it’s easy to travel around pedaling on two wheels to all the unique stores, eateries, and attractions.

Mesabi bike trail near Virginia.

Biking Opportunities in the Iron Range

There are several opportunities for biking in the Iron Range. If you’re into mountain biking, it’s just a matter of where you want to go first, with four different systems to choose from. You can also extend your adventure using the Mesabi Trail to connect to various forest and mining roads.

The Mesabi Trail

Besides mining, bicycle tourism is the other attraction that connects the communities here. A fantastic adventure in its own right, the Mesabi Trail takes you through the beautiful northern Minnesota forests full of nature and wildlife. And with so many scenic views, there is no doubt you will want to stop to take a picture or two to share your experience here.

And don’t forget the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour. Ride for fun or ride for the challenge. Either way, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 5, 2023, for the most fun you can have on two wheels!

With several mountain bike parks, there is something for every skill level.

Mountain biking here includes an edgy new park.

The Iron Range may not have mountains, but there are plenty of trails and loops for mountain bikers to battle down. From the Tioga Recreational Area, near Grand Rapids, to the new Redhead Mountain Trails near Chisolm, they say it will rock you. This huge park, with over 30 loops, covers over 25 miles. Offering spectacular views of reclaimed mine lands, bright blue pit lakes, and more. Enjoy this edgy-designed park with remarkable terrain.

Further east is Giants Ridge offering over 24 miles of trails and loops to challenge you and offers great scenic views. Big Aspen offers a whopping 21 miles of trails to shred on old logging roads and abandoned railroad grades. The sections here vary in difficulty, with many loop opportunities offering scenic vistas.

There’s also Lookout Mountain, thanks to the hard work of the Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists, which has over five miles of single-track and over six miles of the multi-use rideable ski trail.

Road Biking Options

While the Mesabi Trail connects the Iron Range towns, each community has its own road system that allows for easy bike travel and loop options. These roads allow you to navigate from place to place and explore each town as in-depth as you wish. e the area.

See more at At-A-Glance Mesabi Trail.

Biking around Albert Lea may add a little Rock n’ Roll to your ride

by Andrew Ellis

Now that summer is here and many traditional outdoor activities are coming to the top of my list, I have a big decision to make. With my new e-bike, where should I go for my first out-of-town weekend bike getaway?

One of my favorites is Albert Lea, Minnesota, A one-tank getaway that offers a beautiful bike route around Fountain Lake that makes it easy to connect to the Blazing Star State Trail. Another option is to follow one of the routes from the annual bike ride called Rock n’ Roll the Lakes. This year the ride takes place on August 12th. Offering cyclists of all abilities several fun, scenic route options for that #NextBikeAdventure!

Bike-friendly Albert Lea

Less than two hours, drive down Interstate 35 from Minneapolis. After passing the I-90 crossroad, pull into Albert Lea and prepare for a weekend of outdoor fun. Known as the Land Between the Lakes, the city sits between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake, prime destinations for soaking in the rays while biking, hiking, or paddling. Getting around on your bike from several lodging options is easy with the city’s low-traffic bike lanes and trails. After checking in at one of the hotels, it’s exciting to ride around this southern Minnesota community.

Touring around Albert Lea Lake

The homes along the lake route are very picturesque.

The homes along the Fountain Lake route are very picturesque.

In town, touring around Fountain Lake, traveling clockwise, is recommended. The experience of this route is reminiscent of riding around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. With beautifully landscaped lawns along the fingering shoreline, a ride around the lake is very picturesque. This popular route is about eight and a half miles around, using trails and quiet residential streets.

After returning to the downtown area of Albert Lea, you will find many options for lunch. Then it’s time to ride on the paved Blazing Star State Trail out to Myre-Big Island State Park.

Myre-Big Island State Park and the Blazing Star State Trail

The Blazing Star State Trail is over six miles from Albert Lea to the State Park.

The Blazing Star State Trail offers over six miles of riding from Albert Lea out through the State Park.

Here in the park, you will find both, a mountain bike and a paved trail system for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy. The park offers about seven miles of wide grass trails in a sequence of three separate loops, strung together alongside the State trail for mountain bikers. The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from Albert Lea Lake in town out through Myre-Big Island State Park, approximately six miles.

Both trail systems meander through the open prairie meadows with some young woodland near Lake Albert Lea throughout the park. Nice rolling hills make for a surprisingly good workout, and the park is also an excellent birding spot.

Road Biking Opportunities

Exploring the area on a bike is easy, too. You can use the roads to navigate both around town and rural routes throughout southern Minnesota. There’s even a dedicated bike lane to get you in and out of town safely. From past Rock n’ Roll the Lakes events, here are the printable maps for the 10-mile loop option and the 30/50-mile loop option for your enjoyment.

More about Albert Lea

The bike route around Albert Lea Lake id reminiscent of the Lake of the Isles.

The bike route around Albert Lea Lake is reminiscent of the Lake of the Isles.

When you need a break from the outdoors, there’s plenty to keep your exciting adventure going. There are locally-owned shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants, and the area’s history will top off your bike adventure. Check out more here.

The best part about spending time here in Albert Lea, it’s easy to get around by bike while keeping your social distance from others for a memorable adventure.

Making yourself heard with a bicycle bell, vs voice command

By Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

With summer riding opportunities here, it may be time to look for a new bicycle bell for added safety. Personally, I prefer using a bell when approaching slower cyclists and people walking on the trail, just ahead of me. Rather than using my voice alone, with a tone that may vary. I find a bell noise from SpurCycle, with a quick statement of “On your left,” when passing, is more effective and appreciated. The Compact Bell is perfect and offers the same high-frequency ping as SpurCycle’s original bell, just smaller with fewer moving parts.

The SpurCycle Compact Bicycle Bell

In a recent test of the SpurCycle Compact Bell, I found the ring lasts longer than most bells. I found the high-frequency ping with a rich aftermath tone helps those, as you approach, of your on-coming presents.

The perfect brass bell housing holds a ring longer, starting with a very hard “ping.”

This compact bell is plenty loud for off-road riding and suburban commuting but won’t win against car horns and heavy street traffic in a metropolitan area. This bell’s true advantage is how long the ring lasts (or “sustains”), ending at the same frequency.

From its package, test out the high-quality ping this bicycle bell makes.

It’s great for commuters or mountain bikers because you can start the ring 10-15 seconds before passing a biker or pedestrian. Letting them know where you are and when you will be approaching. With the SpurCycle Bell, there’s no need to ring your bell 20-times like the inexpensive department store models. The initial ring offers enough of a shrill to get the attention of even the most hardcore earbud rockers, if you do choose to hit it repeatedly.

If your bike has a larger diameter handlebar (22.2 to 31.8 mm), consider the SpurCycle Original.

Mastering the use of your voice or the use of a bicycle bell

In a recent article published by CyclingSavvy, should you use a bicycle bell or your voice? For many, it’s a cultural issue. In this in-depth article, John Brooking discusses how you can use a bell or your voice to alert people and what to check for after sending an audible signal. He also touches on the other sounds bicycles make and how these extend your pre-ride safety check. Making it natural so your bell and voice, when riding, is a call-and-response. Musicians use this so the audience can sing along; you can use it, so your passage is predictable and safe.

Personally, as you can probably tell in this read, I prefer the bell to voice commands. Especially if you are in an urban area with heavy pedestrian foot traffic. Having spent time in Amsterdam on a bicycle made me a true believer that the bell’s sound was mightier than the voice.

Pedal Jam/Bike the Brooklyns family-fun ride

Are you looking for a family-friendly outing that explores the northwest suburbs, the Brooklyns of the Twin Cities? Enjoy the inaugural Pedal Jam Bike Ride on trails in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. In conjunction with the Brooklyn Center Health Fair and Brooklyn Park IgboFest cultural festival, the ride will take place on August 12, 2023.

About the Pedal Jam/Bike the Brooklyns Ride

The ride sets the stage for the family to enjoy a bike adventure together, traveling 6.5 miles and showcasing businesses, parks, and residential areas of the two cities. The ride starts at Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, in Brooklyn Center, and ends at the Brooklyn Park Community Center, 8500 W Broadway Ave, in Brooklyn Park.

The Pedal Jam begins at 2 p.m. But come early to check in, collect your number, visit the food trucks, and enjoy the Brooklyn Center Health Fair before the ride starts. From 12 Noon up to the start of the Pedal Jam, you can even get your bike tuned up for free. On the route, riders are encouraged to make stops along the way for fun activities and treats. Then, a the end, at Brooklyn Park Plaza, celebrate with chalk art, popsicles, music, giveaways, and the grand prize drawing for a new e-bike!

After the ride, also visit Igbofest down the street at North Hennepin Community College, enjoying ethnic food, music, and performances until 6 p.m. Prize announcements at the Pedal Jam will be at 4 p.m., and you must be present to win.

Pre-register here

Ride registration is $10 for Adults, 18 and under, is $5 (Youth under 12 must ride with an adult). Click here the Register.

The ride starts at 2 p.m., and cyclists are invited to register on-site, starting at 12 Noon if they haven’t pre-registered and have time to collect their rider number.

Minneapolis Northwest Tourism, the tourism marketing affiliate of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, is the host sponsor. They would like to thank the Brooklyn Park Library, the city staff of both Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, and the police and fire departments.

A list of bike companies in the Eco Experience Building at the MN State Fair

Thanks for exploring all the electric assist bikes (e-bikes) in the Eco Experience Building at the Minnesota State Fair. From past events, check out the top 10 questions asked when considering an e-bike. With the latest options in e-transportation available today, thanks to Affinity Plus and HaveFunBiking. Below, find links to two E-bike you can win. Plus, a list of bike shops with their favorite electric assist bicycle they are exhibiting. Also, find their contact information you may want to bookmark and have available when you need an E-bike.

Along with questions on the new Minnesota Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate Program, here are the answers to the top ten (10) questions asked:

Two chances to win an E-bike

Affinity Plus “Win This E-bike” – register here

Win this Pedego City Commuter E-Bike from Affinity Plus

HaveFunBiking “Win This E-bike” – register here

Win this Magnum Navigator X E-bike from HFB

Contacts for fun and safe bicycling in Minnesota

Affinity Plus – their website

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) – their website

Bicycling News (e-bikes are outpacing e-car sales) their website

Car Free MSP – their website

Cargo Bike Shop – their website

Erik’s Bike Shop – their website

GoCycle – their website

HaveFunBiking.com – their website

HFB “10 tips on buying an e-bike” – weblink

MnDOT Bike Safety – their website

MnDOT Digital Map – their website

MnDNR Park& Trails – their website

Move Minneapolis – their website

Move Minnesota – their website

Pedego Stillwater – their w ebsite

Pedego Twin Cities – their website

Perennial Cycle – their website

QBP – their website

Surly – their website

Velosurance – their website

Watt Cycle Works – their website

Dance on your pedals in Richfield with the Joyful Riders

The Joyful Riders Club is coming to Richfield on the evening of August 9th! Come out for this dance-paced community bike ride around beautiful Richfield, MN. While meeting new friends, the ride will feature live music with DJ Dev. as you explore this bike-friendly city. With a fun-filled evening of bike-focused highlights, upon your return, enjoy refreshments and more music at the award-winning inclusive playground!

Join the Joyful Riders

Join other cyclists at the Richfield Pool/Richfield Ice Arena parking lot (636 East 66th Street) on August 9. The ride will roll out after a few announcements at 6:30 p.m. and return by 8:15 p.m. The route is an estimated 5 miles and will take place primarily on protected trails and bike lanes.

Biking, Music, and Dancing

Prepare to pedal, groove, and learn about everything the community is doing to prioritize cycling and bike/ped safety. Don’t forget to bring your lights and smiles to brighten the night!

Families and Friends

The ride will maintain a lively party pace, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun together. It’s a no-drop ride, so feel free to ride at your own pace, bring the kids and enjoy a beautiful summer night.

Save the date & invite your friends!

Stay tuned for more exciting details on the Joyful Riders Facebook Page!

Good eating along Minnesota’s trails

With all the new maps in the 2023 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, we are constantly scouting for good eating haunts, and think you will agree. A tasty meal can add to an adventure. But locating an outstanding cafe, restaurant, or sweet shop in an unfamiliar place can be tricky, especially when hunger has already set in. So please look at the helpful Good Eating tip sheet we created for finding a memorable food experience on your next adventure. Then scroll through our list of communities with unique places to eat below from the current maps we have posted.

Patio dining is the perfect option in Minnesota’s summer months.

If you have a recommendation for a place we should check out, or you would like us to post your review at HaveFunBiking, please send them our way at HaveFunBiking.

Here are our ever-evolving good eating haunts to enjoy

Albert Lea

With scenic bike routes around the fingers of Fountain Lakes and the Blazing Star State Trail, out to Myre Big-Island State Park. An evening downtown at Crescendo is a great dining experience, especially with their piano music setting the ambiance.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Albert Lea.

Good eating!

Alexandria

With many bike-friendly roads, the 8-mile Scenic Circuit Loop, and the Central Lakes Trail running through the community, plus the off-road fun in the County Parks of Lake Brophy and Kensington Runestone, upon your return, you will be ready for a wide variety of dining options.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Alexandria.

Bloomington

With many bike-friendly roads and trails throughout the community and off-road fun in Minnesota Valley River bottoms, experience some culinary delights in the south metro here.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Bloomington.

A much-deserved treat after the ride.

Brainerd

With many bike-friendly roads, the 12-mile Scenic Circuit Loop, and the paved Paul Bunyan Trail running through the community, plus the off-road fun French Rapids Park, upon your return, you will be ready for a wide variety of dining options.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Brainerd.

Cook Country

With the Gitchi Gami Trail running up along the North Shore and several off-road trails for mountain biking to explore, ???

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Cook County.

Ice cream smiles.

Cottage Grove

With many trails throughout the community, scenic bike loops, and off-road fun in Ravine Regional Park to pedal, check out the many eating establishments that will make your taste buds dance.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Cottage Grove.

Crosby -Deerwood

With many bike-friendly road routes and the pave Cuyuna Trail now connecting Ironton, Crosby, Deerwood, and several Cuyuna Moutain Bike trailheads, you will find plenty after your ride of places to challenge your taste buds when visiting.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting the Cuyuna Lakes Area.

Edina

Enjoy miles of scenic riding with the 14-mile Scenic Circuit Loop that connects to the Nine-mile Creek and Minneapolis trail system for more riding options. Then stop at one of the many eating establishments to satisfy your appetite.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Edina.

Alfresco fun along the trail.

Faribault

Regardless, if you are riding the trails that connect to the 12-mile Scenic Circuit Loop or off-road trails out at River Bend Nature Center, you will find eating establishments to satisfy your tastes.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Faribault.

Grand Rapids

With the Mississippi River Trail passing through the city, connecting to the Mesabi Trail and several off-road parks is easy. After your ride, enjoy several fun places to eat and drink while visiting.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Grand Rapids.

Bon Appetit!

Hastings

Enjoy miles of scenic riding with the 10-mile Scenic Circuit Loop here that connects to the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) for more riding options. Then stop at one of the many eating establishments to refuel.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Hastings.

Hutchinson

With many trails throughout the community, scenic bike loops, and off-road fun in Stohls Lake Park, find several tasty options to enjoy after your ride.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Hutchinson.

Inver Grove Heights

Set in the rolling Mississippi River Valley, the area here offers miles of paved trails connecting to the Twin City Metro trail-grid and off-road riding to work up an appetite while visiting,

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Inver Grove Heights.

Lake County

With the Gitchi Gami Trail running up along the North Shore and several off-road trails for mountain biking to explore, ???

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Lake County.

Service with a smile adds to the day’s outing.

Lakeville

With many paved trails around the lakes and parallel to many Dakota County roads throughout the community and off-road fun at West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Park, you will work up an appetite to add to your experience visiting here.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Lakeville

Mankato

After riding the Minneopa, Red Jacket, or Sakatah paved trail systems here or the off-road mountain bike parks, check out the current Free Press of Fine Dining.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Mankato.

Maple Grove

With many trails throughout the community, scenic bike loops, and off-road fun in Elm Creek Park Reserve, you will find plenty of riding opportunities and places to expand your taste buds when visiting.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Maple Grove.

Mesabi Iron Range Cities

With many towns along the Mesabi Trail. When not riding the paved trail or one of the popular bike parks at Giants Ridge or Red Head mountain, be prepared for various tastes. Expect to be surprised…and pleased!

Here are some eating experiences when visiting communities on the Mesabi Iron Range.

Bon Appetit!

Minneapolis Northwest

With the rich diversity of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, the many trails here will take your taste buds on a flavor tour of the world without leaving the community,

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Minneapolis Northwest.

Owattona

With many trails throughout the community, scenic bike loops up to Clintonton Falls, and off-road fun in Kaplan’s Woods, enjoy Foremost Brewpub and flatbreads after a day of riding.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Owattona.

Ice cream smiles along the trail.

Richfield

Enjoy miles of scenic riding with the 9-mile Scenic Circuit Loop that connects to the Nine-mile Creek and Minneapolis trail system for more riding options. Then stop at one of the many eating establishments here to refuel. New this year and worth checking out is Kataki Sushi & Ramen.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Richfield.

Shakopee

With many trails throughout the community that connect to the 10-mile Scenic Circuit Loop and the Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park at Quarry Lake Park. You are sure to work up an appetite while visiting.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Shakopee.

Good eating along the trail might be a box lunch from the local deli.

Waconia

With a bike-friendly route around Lake Waconia, many paved trails running parallel along county roads, and the off-road fun at Carver Park Reserve, you will work up an appetite to add to your experience visiting here.

Here are some eating experiences when visiting Waconia.

Willmar

Enjoy miles of scenic riding with the 8-mile Scenic Circuit Loop that connects to the Glacial Lakes State Trail for more riding options. Then stop at one of the many eating establishments to satisfy your appetite.

Here are some more eating experiences when visiting Willmar.

A yummy treat or meal will add to your next t Minnesota trail adventure.

Bike gear closeouts and new products reviews

As the e-transportation industry continues to develop, we occasionally list bicycle inventory closeouts that you will find here next to our product review items. So please bookmark this page and check back often as we refresh this page with new items and deals to enjoy that next adventure.

HandleStash bicycle cup holder

New product reviews on items for that next outdoor adventure

As tree buds appear along the forested trails, finally shedding their winter coat, here is a list of new products we thought you might find interesting for that next outdoor adventure. New products for lovers of bikes.

The Thermacell E55 offers a 20 ft. radius of protection from mosquitos.

Over my 25 years in the cycling industry, I have found that the excitement of a new bike only increases as you get older. Here are a few cycles and gear to check out at your favorite bike shop. Click here to see our full review of fun products for that next bike adventure, and check back often.

Save with these bike gear auction items.

Sorry, this auction has ended!

With the closing of PowerBikes.com here in the Twin Cities, here is your chance to get a new e-bike at a near-wholesale price. The inventory listed below is being auctioned off with a huge selection of bike accessories, e-bike certified helmets, locks, bags, cell phone mounts, bags, and every imaginable bike part & tool.

This 2022 Gocycle G4 is one of many e-bikes on the action.

You can get the best deal on a new electric assist bike before the spring riding season begins. Select from new in-the-box, new pre-prepped, demo, and used e-bikes. Check the full list of e-bikes here.

Good eating tips along Minnesota’s trails

Here are some good eating tips when riding along Minnesota’s trails. Maybe it’s to a new area you haven’t had the chance to explore yet. When visiting a new town, or one that you may not have been to in a while, where is the best place to eat, find that afternoon snack or a refreshing beverage?

A meal can add to the experience of the trail.

A tasty meal can add to an outing, but locating a good restaurant in an unfamiliar place can be tricky — especially when hunger has already set in. To find the best tastes in a new town, follow these tips to know whom to ask and where to look. Bon appetit!

1. Plan, tap your network, then look at local news/blog posts

Traveling to a new place can be nerve-racking, but don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the barista at that coffee shop near your hotel or the locals there. My first move is to check my contacts for locals to hit up for advice or contacts who might be able to introduce me to someone in the area. Often, locals won’t send you to the restaurants on every best-of list but to their beloved haunts.

Add some fun research to your trip planning by reading up on local history that may influence a signature dish or sandwich served along the trail. A treasure trove of posts from local food bloggers or reporters is a quick Google search away to find the hot spots to add to the memorable trip. It’s easy to save all the addresses to a Google Map or print one out and highlight the places worth visiting along the trail. Also, before you go, you can post on Facebook and Twitter to see if anyone in your circle also has must-visit spots to share.

Another option is putting the word out to your social media network that you plan to visit an area and are looking for recommendations to favorite haunts. Put the word out on your Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn page.

Another option is to look at local newspapers and websites, though, increasingly, vigorous local food scene coverage can be hard to find. “Local news is much more helpful in larger cities.

A deli might be the perfect option when a picnic along the trail is in the plan.

2. Ask the locals where to eat

Getting recommendations from the hotel staff or local chamber can be a reputable source. But, some of the best restaurant picks we’ve gotten are people we’ve met along the trail enjoying the many highlights the area offers. The local police can be a wealth of knowledge of good eats, and employees at the local bike shop could have a scoop on what’s good nearby for lunch. And asking people you meet can be a good icebreaker for even more tips and suggestions to discover that gastronomic delight.

3. Avoid eating on the main tourist drag

Restaurants near prominent tourist attractions usually don’t have to be excellent or exciting to get a decent crowd. Most travel experts say, “Usually, neighborhood places are a better bet than the main tourist drags.” Don’t be afraid to walk down a famous restaurant stretch and pop into a place where the menu draws you in. If you are like me, “I am moved by menus that make me hungry.” Follow your hunger, and you (probably) can’t go wrong. Do some research beforehand through Yelp, message boards, and friends who have been there.

When the food is spectacular, you may have to make reservations.

4. Look for lines, and then book reservations

That says a lot if people are willing to wait to dine at a particular eatery. We’re not advocating wasting precious vacation time waiting long times to be seated for every meal, but once you find a spot that looks hot, research to find a better time to come back, or even better, see if they take a reservation.

Enjoy our list of fun places to eat when riding Minnesot’s trails.

5. Our list of good eating places along Minnesota’s trails

At HaveFunBiking.com, with all the new maps in the 2023 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, we are constantly scouting for good places to eat. See our evolving list of places for a delightful gastronomic meal as you explore Minnesota’s trails and touring roads.