Category Archives: News

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!

MN’s Ironman Bike Ride is back for its 56th year of fun!

As the summer biking season begins, set a goal starting with the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, in Shakopee, MN. The longest-running bike ride event in the state this year’s ride returns Saturday, June 17th to benefit Free Bikes 4 Kids. All routes start and end in Shakopee’s Huber Park, alongside the Minnesota River. With touring routes of 36, 60, and 100 miles, they have challenges that will put smiles on everyone’s faces. Even their 5-mile family ride on the winding Minnesota River Valley Trail gives even the littlest peddler a ride to remember.

Sign up now Ironman Bike Ride registration Increases on May 16th.

Gather your family and friends, or sign up your team before the price increases for the MN Ironman Bike Ride. Register here!

Help Kids Ride into a Happier, Healthier Childhood

By adding a donation of just $35 will give a kid a bike and a new helmet. Your donations help Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN provide bikes to kids most in need. Add an extra donation to your registration fee – or gather your friends and co-workers and form a fundraising team. Donate here!

About Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K’s)

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing free bikes to those most in need. When the public donates gently used bikes, FB4K’s organizes thousands of volunteers to clean and refurbish bikes to give away to kids in need. They started in 2008, fixing and giving away 300 bikes, and in 2014 they reached the goal of 5,000 bikes. In the last nine years, over 25,000 bikes have rolled through FB4B’s giveaways, and their sights in the future are set on other locations throughout the U.S. and the world. See more at: http://fb4k.com/about/

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.

Save Save Save… Get a new e-bike at clearance prices

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. Along with a huge selection of bike accessories, e-bike certified helmets, locks, bags, cell phone mounts, bags, and every imaginable bike part & tool!

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. All styles, including deep step-through, eMTB, fat tire, beach cruiser, e-Trike, folding, roadster, touring, and a Harley Davidson Serial 1 eBike. Many bikes listed include a manufactures warranty.

Place your bid for a new e-bike now!

The online Auction is now open for review and bidding starting Saturday, April 22, through Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 4 pm. Go to www.k-bid.com/PowerbikesClearance.

Appointments will be available for an open house preview of these e-bikes, from 9 am to 4 pm, on Saturday 04/29/2023… simply call or text Brad at 612-719-6416 and tell him you want to really Have Fun Biking!

Here are several models of bikes to you can preview on the auction site

BH Evo City Retails at $2,799 1 Available – Black

The Evo City is a large electric bike that works well for taller riders who feel cramped on other models. Perfect for commuting in urban and city environments, rain or shine, night or day, this bike comes with fenders, integrated lights (the front runs off a dynamo), and an oversized rack with reflectors, pannier blockers, and bungee cords. The motor operates smoothly and fairly quietly, with zip and power up to ~20 mph, in assist and throttle mode. The battery is removable and can be charged on or off the bike.

BH Evo Race Retails $2,799 1 Available – Black (in Box)

The lightest weight, most efficient electric bike in the Easy Motion Evo series is the Evo Race MD-T, designed for road cycling on smooth tarmac. This e-bike draws on the 100+ year bicycling heritage of BH, the Race offers 30 speeds on a well-balanced frame that looks beautiful, with aerodynamic mid-dish rims, efficient 700x25c road bike tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a carbon fork for high-performance riding with a top speed above 20 mph in pedal assist mode.

E-Lux Mailbu Highstep Retails $2,499 1 Available – Black

E-Lux Mailbu Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 8 Available – Gloss white

E-Lux Mailbu Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 4 Available – Matte black

The E-Lux Malibu GT model offers luxury, power, speed, and range with contemporary lines. With a battery-forward design, the frame puts you in an ultra-comfortable upright riding position. As you glide down the road, experience ultimate luxury with a zoom front shock, NCX suspension seat post, and Serfas gel seat. Hills and wind are no problem with the ultimate power, Dapu Motor and Samsung/Panasonic Battery drive train, giving you 48 Volt 750 Watt (1375 Peak Watt), with a top speed of 28 mph.

E-Lux Tahoe Highstep GT Retails $3,299 1 Available – Cherry Red – Fat Tire

E-Lux Tahoe Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 1 Available – Cherry Red – Fat Tire

E-Lux Tahoe Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 2 Available – Gloss White – Fat Tire

E-Lux Tahoe Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 4 Available – Matte Black – Fat Tire

E-Lux Tahoe Stepthru GT Retails $3,299 1 Available – Matte Black/ Red Rims- Fat Tire

The Tahoe GT (formally the Tahoe Sport) also offers luxury, power, speed, and range with contemporary lines. With a battery-forward design, the frame puts you in an ultra-comfortable upright riding position. As you glide down the road, experience ultimate luxury with a zoom front shock, NCX suspension seat post, and Serfas gel seat. Hills and wind are no problem with the ultimate power, Dapu Motor and Samsung/Panasonic Battery drive train, giving you 48 Volt 750 Watt (1375 Peak Watt), with a top speed of 28 mph.

E-Lux Sierra GT (Folding) Retails $2,299 1 Available – Cherry red

E-Lux Sierra GT (Folding) Retails $2,299 1 Available – Cobalt Blue

E-Lux Sierra GT (Folding) Retails $2,299 1 Available – Gloss White

E-Lux Sierra GT (Folding) Retails $2,299 4 Available – Matte Orange

The Sierra GT folding fat tire bikes combine all the great features of the standard Sierra model, brings off-road and folding capabilities to the lineup. Great for the RV, and camping, these bikes go everywhere. With the upgraded Bafang Mag Wheels, a Bafang 750 Watt (950 Peak) Motor, RST guide front shocks, Tektro Auriga E-Comp hydraulic brakes, Bigstone 600E Display, and upgraded Shimano 8-speed Acera derailleur.

Emojo Caddy Pro Trike Retails $3,199 1 Available – White

The Caddy trike, with 4″ fat tires, is paired with a torquey 48 v 500-watt electric motor that provides a quick boost when needed or simply aids in hauling an extra load. With consumer safety a priority, the trike provides a stable and comfortable riding experience with smooth turning capability to make it difficult to tip over.

Emojo Lynx Pro (Folding) Retails $2,099 2 Available – White

Ready for action, the new Lynx Pro Sport, with fat on-road tires, on Bafang® aluminum wheels, connects to a sturdy, foldable alloy frame. The powertrain is torqued with a 48 v 500-watt electric motor that provides a quick boost when needed or simply to aid in tackling steep uphills. The great features, like dual Tektro disc brakes, 7-speed Shimano® gearing, a standard LCD display with 5 PAS levels, a speedometer, odometer, trip time, and several more settings, standard metal fenders, and a rear cargo rack, make the Lynx a foldable e-bike to consider.

Emojo Ram SS (Folding) Retails $2,199 1 Available – Black/Orange

Ready for action and comfort, the RAM features a step-thru frame that makes getting on/off effortless. The foldable, sturdy aluminum frame is paired with a powerful 48 v 750-watt electric motor that gives you a unique kick boost at the command of your thumb to aid in tackling steep uphills. Dual Tektro disc brakes, 7-speed Shimano® gearing, standard LCD display with 5 PAS levels, speedometer, odometer, trip time, and several more settings, standard metal fenders, rear cargo rack, LED lights, and front suspension.

Gocycle G4 (Folding) Retails $3,999 2 Available – Black or, Blue

Gocycle G4 (Folding) Retails $5,999 1 Available – Matte Black

Foldable and portable, the Gocycle packs away perfectly for transit or storage in tight city living spaces, boats, or motorhomes. The streamlined chassis and PitstopWheels® make cleaning the Gocycle fast and easy. Lightweight and stowable, no other e-bike has the versatile dynamics of Gocycle.

iGo Discovery Atwater Retails $2,499 10 Available

iGo Discovery Berri Retails $2,499 10 Available

The Discovery e-bike is the perfect companion for leisure rides, commuting, or exploring the countryside with confidence.

iGo Outland Royal Black Retails $2,299 2 Available

iGo Outland Royal Red Retails $2,299 5 Available

The Outland makes molehills out of mountains and lets the OUTLAND Series boost you across single-track, logging roads, or any path you point it at. With comfortable and confident trail-inspired geometry and premium features – the only question you’ll have at the end of your ride is “Can we go again”?

Magnum Cruiser Retails $2,249 1 Available – Black/Copper

A beautifully designed beach cruiser-style electric bike well suited to urban riding or commuting. Powerful 500-watt motor paired with a large 48-volt 15-amp hour battery pack offers both pedal assist and throttle mode.

Magnum Nomad Snow Retails $2,599 3 Available

The Nomad is a powerful fat tire electric bike with a robust step-through frame that provides excellent standover clearance for riders of varying heights. The Nomad is built for trail riding and weekend adventures.

Magnum Pathfinder 350 Retails $3,198. 2 Available – Ocean

Magnum Pathfinder 350 Retails $3,198. 2 Available – Sand

The 350 is an e-bike that suits your active lifestyle for recreation, exercise, commuting, or the pure joy of power-assisted movement. The unisex step-through frame will match your physique and skills and exceed your expectations.

Magnum Pathfinder T Retails $2,499. 1 Available – Forrest

Magnum Pathfinder T Retails $2,499. 1 Available – Ocean

Magnum Pathfinder T Retails $2,499. 1 Available – FSand

Magnum Pathfinder T Retails $2,499. 1 Available – Slate

A bike for all uses! The Magnum Pathfinder T is a versatile e-bike for commuting, recreation, exercise, and more. The unisex step-through frame accommodates riders of all sizes and abilities. Includes Torque pedal assist for extra control.

Magnum Peak T7 Retails $3,199. 1 Available – Forest

The Peak T7 begins where the road ends! It has a torque pedal assist sensor that combines power from the rider and the motor for the ultimate in smoothness and control. A wide-range drive train and robust power system make the Peak T7 an ideal choice for trail riding.

Magnum Peak T5 MTB Retails $2,799. 2 Available – Gray

Magnum Peak T5 MTB Retails $2,799. 1 Available – Tan

Magnum Peak T7 MTB Retails $3,199. 1 Available – Blue

The T5 and T7 will take you to the end of the road, where the trail begins! It has a torque pedal assist sensor that combines power from the rider and the motor for the ultimate in smoothness and control. A wide-range drive train and a robust power system make the Peak Line an ideal choice for trail riding.

Magnum Pathfinder 350 Retails $2,799. 3 Available – Snow -Fat Tire

Magnum Pathfinder 500 Retails $2,799. 2 Available – Sand -Fat Tire

Magnum Scout 17.5h Retails $2,599. 3 Available – Snow -Fat Tire

Magnum Scout 17.5h Retails $2,599. 3 Available – Sand -Fat Tire

Magnum Voyager Retails $2,349. 1 Available – Black/Blue

For the road or trail the Voyager is a powerful 500W 48V system and a new fully integrated battery design on its elegant high-step frame with relaxed geometry.

Magnum Cosmo X Retails $2,199. 2 Available – Metallic Green

Magnum Cosmo X Retails $1,999. 2 Available – Metallic Gray

This e-bike is a budget-friendly option in the Magnum series. This e-bike a light low step frame with a fully integrated battery. The power system is 48 Volts running on a 500 Watt motor and a 10Ah battery for the range and power you need to run errands or go on a relaxing bike ride.

Magnum Lowrider Cruiser Retails $2,249. 2 Available – Black/Copper

Cruise with comfort and style! The Magnum Lowrider is an easy-to-mount low-step beach cruiser-style electric bike well suited for urban cycling. Magnum Scout

Segway C80 Retails $2,499 1 Available – Aqua/Yellow

Segway C80 Lemon Retails $2,499 1 Available – Yellow

The first-ever smart moped-style e-bikes by Segway is convenient and easy to use. The newly designed 1152 Wh lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy a long journey with a range of up to 52.8 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 20 mph. It features The RideyGo! Intelligent System, which brings an array of new functions such as the Airlock System, NFC Tag, Smart Seat Detection, and Auto-Lock Mode. It also comes with four built-in anti-theft mechanisms when parked and locked, giving you peace of mind where you are.

Serial 1 Rush/Cty Speed Retails $5,999 1 Available – Iris Silver

Serial 1 Rush/Cty Stepthru Retails $4,999 1 Available – Gloss Black

Inspired by the entrepreneurial vision of Harley-Davidson’s founder, the revolutionary impact of their first motorcycle, known as “Serial Number One”, is a smooth ride worth considering. Features include a light and strong hydroformed aluminum frame; sleek, integrated batteries; a Brose mid-mounted motor; integrated LED lighting; a maintenance-free Gates Carbon Drive belt; and an Enviolo AUTOMATiQ intelligent automatic transmission to keep you in the right gear.

Riese & Muller Charger 3 Retails $6,829. 1 Available – White -Stepthru

The Charger3 Mixte is the everyday E-Bike for long-lasting riding enjoyment. The slightly lowered top tube provides for comfortable mounting and dismounting, while the suspension fork and suspension seat post guarantee outstanding riding comfort. Thanks to its fully integrated 750 Wh battery, it comfortably takes you through everyday life and far beyond. With the new Bosch system, you are always one step ahead and constantly retain an overview, thanks to the integrated cockpit with display and LED Remote. And should you ever get lost, the bright light of the daytime running light will show you the way.

For a full list of gear to be auctioned off, go to www.k-bid.com/PowerbikesClearance.

Bike Pic Mar 16, fond memories with more snow on the way

This Bike Pic Thursday, with more snow predicted, get out and shred some of those frozen elements on the trail.

o, get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.

Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly, as we enter our 14th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.

Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day with a safe and memorable year ahead!

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.

Tips on charging your electric bike to maximize the batteries life

Having a fully charged battery is important to an electric bike. The most expensive component is the battery and the motor. Today most ready-to-go e-bikes use a lithium-ion battery pack, and the size of the bikes makes a difference in the price you will pay.

These lithium-ion batteries are now used in all types of applications. So it’s no surprise to find them powering electric bikes. What you will discover is that more expensive e-bikes have lighter higher-tech batteries that charge quickly and last longer. Batteries degrade over time, holding less charge as they age.

The quality of an electric bike battery makes a difference

A better battery will help you maximize the distance (range) you expect to achieve, so look for a reputable named battery manufacturer. Then make sure the warranty covers the battery for at least two years. Conservatively lithium-ion batteries are typically said to last for 1,000 full charge cycles. That’s about three years daily with five to seven weekly charging periods. With careful use, the battery can survive longer, so you could possibly double its life with half-charge cycles. In practice, a battery life of several years is quite easy to achieve, depending on how often you charge and store the battery.

A centerpost battery for an electric bike

A center post battery unit for an electric bike

To maximize the life of your electric bike battery

Ride your bike a lot and charge it often
If your bike comes with a smart charger, faithfully disconnect the charger within 24 hours.
When not in use for a week or more, please charge the battery to only 40% to 70% of its capacity
Then store the battery or bike and battery in a cool, dry place, above freezing, Checking the charge every two to three weeks to keep it in that range.

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.