Category Archives: News

Bike Pic – Sept. 4, Fun Weekend Ahead

Have a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend, our last holiday of the summer.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking, hope you enjoy the photo?

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As we search and post more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to help you find your next adventure. Then, if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute, or at an event you plan to attend with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where camera will be and what we will posted next!

Do you have a fun photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us publish? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be at least 620 pixels wide for us to post. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual bike guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated, at-a-glance information, and maps we are known for in the Destination section of our website. Now, as the Bike/Hike Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of bicycle tourism information available for mobile device. Plus, beginning September 2015, this year’s e-version of the Guide will move to quarterly editions where you may see some additional bike pics posted.

 Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in a pic to post!

La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival Schedule

Come enjoy four days of on and off road, self-supported bike rides in Wisconsin’s scenic Driftless Region. The La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival,  September 4-7, includes mountain biking, architectural tours, coffee and muffin rides, ice cream rides, 30-100 mile road rides, live music and entertainment. All rides leave from Cameron Park (unless noted).

Free to the public, please register here to take advantage of all the festival has to offer.

This-family-comes-back-for-the-ice-cream-ride-every-year at the La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival.

This-family-comes-back-for-the-ice-cream-ride-every-year at the La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival.

Road rides that take you outside of La Crosse are self-supported, self-timed and self-guided.  By registering above you will get suggested start windows, turn-by-turn smartphone routes online, and maps with cue sheets available for free at Cameron Park.  Featured road rides also have volunteer ride ambassadors who will leave from Cameron Park at staggered times throughout the start window.  Routes out of town are also outlined on free maps and cue sheets, with turns marked on the road in the city.

In town guided interest rides are suitable for families, kids, and are easy to ride. They leave from Cameron Park at the designated time, make frequent stops, and have a leader to guide the ride through the city.

Friday, September 4 — Schedule

A mostly-moderate routes to start out the festival, the featured road ride leaves La Crosse to the northeast, heading through West Salem, over a few somewhat-challenging climbs including one through the scenic Mindoro cut.  The shorter Grandad Bluff Loop leaves town on the exact same route, but turns back for a much shorter (while still very scenic) ride, with a stop at an overlook.

  • 7-9AM Start Window — Featured Road Ride: North-East Route (63 miles)
  • 7-9AM Start Window — Optional Road Ride: Grandad Bluff Loop (23 miles)
  • 5PM Advanced Mountain Bike Ride: Meet in Myrick Park, where there’s plenty of parking if your bike is on the car.  We’ll ride over to Hixon Forest and ascend the Rotary Vista Trail before hooking up with the Upper Hixon Trails network on top of the ridge. Expect to ride 14-18 miles for about 2 hours on technical singletrack.  Rocks, roots, and fast elevation changes challenge even the most skilled rider.  This will be a no-drop ride.  (leader, organizer: Robbie Young)
  • 5:30PM: Guided Interest Ride: Slow ride through history. Local cyclist and Slow Bicycle Movement organizer Scot McCollum joins up with archivist and author Laura Godden for a tour of historic La Crosse.  While any period outfits and retro bicycles are optional, they’re certainly welcome. Tonight’s ride tours North La Crosse and will finish at Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey Bar and American Gastropub.
  • EVENT: Cameron Park Farmer’s Market, 4pm-8pm Enjoy fresh produce and treats from area vendors
  • 7PM All Rider’s Regroup: Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey Bar It’s a chance for riders of all kinds to come together at the end of the day — no matter if you were on the 63 mile ride to start to day or out on the Slow Ride through history, join us in the back room of the Old Crow Gastropub, 100 E. State Street for a little deluxe socializing

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Saturday, September 5  — Schedule

La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival Gravel Grinder Ride is back.

La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival Gravel Grinder Ride is back.

Today the festival features the routes to the west of La Crosse, crossing the bridges across the Mississippi and entering Minnesota to explore the bluffs and farmland near La Crescent, Houston, Brownsville and Hokah.  The featured ride, known as the Driftless Region’s Most Scenic Ride (or DRMSR), features wide-open landscapes and four good hills, including of the most challenging climbs of any of our routes.  The optional rides leave La Crosse by the same route and explore the same region as the DRMSR, but with shorter distances and different routing.  The new mixed gravel/road ride is in the same Minnesota region, but occasionally leaves the hard-surfaced road for unpaved climbs. Meanwhile, back in La Crosse, the ever-popular Ice Cream Ride visits three (three!) different shops that make their own ice cream.

  • 7-9AM Start Window — Featured Road Ride: Driftless Region’s Most Scenic Ride (DRMSR, options for 59 or 82 miles)
  • 7-9AM Start Window — Optional Road Rides: Brownsville-Hokah (32 miles)  / Apple Blossom (35 miles)
  • 8-30AM Mixed gravel ride:  La Crosse – Nodine – La Crosse or L-N-L is a brand new addition to our routes, and our (rural, Minnesota) version of Paris-Roubaix — a 64-mile mixed road ride with six gravel sections and five big climbs.  Gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike recommended.
  • 8AM Coffee Ride: A leisurely morning ride with coffee stops at La Crosse’s Olde Town North and University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Along the way, we’ll explore north side neighborhoods, the city trails through the marsh, and a newly built bicycle/pedestrian bridge. We’ll finish the 12-mile route with plenty of time to shop and enjoy the Cameron Park Farmer’s Market.
  • EVENT: Saturday Morning Cameron Park Farmer’s Market.  Enjoy fresh produce and treats from area vendors
  • 9AM Mountain Bike Ride (WORS Preview Ride): Be the first group to get a sneak-peek preview the new race course for this month’s Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS) Hixon Forest Epic. Meet at the Hixon Forest parking area at 9AM; riders will split into two groups to ride their courses, led by local volunteer race organizers. Course routes available on Strava.
  • 11AM Hear, Here Guided Interest Ride: Public History Tour: Bring your phones to hear history told by the person who experienced it.  Hear, Here executive director Ariel Beaujot will talk about the recent history of downtown La Crosse, and how public history projects can bring a community closer together.
  • 1 PM Guided Interest Ride: Architectural Tour: Public historian Charles Lee leads a family-friendly loop through La Crosse to explore the historic districts of 10th and Cass, 17th Street, and 23rd Street.
  • 1 PM Family/Kid-friendly Mountain Bike Ride: Guided ride around Upper Hixon Forest, mostly on beginner-level trails, with some intermediate. Meet at the trail head on Highway FA next to the NOAA weather ball, make time to explore your skills on the new pump track, and then venture into the beautiful bluffs of the Driftless Region.  If there are enough riders to split into varying skill-level groups, we will do that.  Otherwise expect to ride 4-7 miles over about an hour, leaving time to get back downtown for the Ice Cream Ride.  (leader, organizer: Robbie Young)
  • 3PM Guided Interest Ride: Ice Cream Ride: These short, popular rides are great for families, kids, and riders of all abilities on any kind of bike.  This one will only be around six miles long.  Leader Carolyn Dvorak will take quiet city streets and bike paths to get to the goods.  Destinations for today: local favorite Ranison’s Ice Cream, and downtown’s Great River Popcorn.
  • 5PM: The Root Note Pre-Party Tour de Pearl Ride (leaving at 5:30p to Pearl Street Brewery). Remember to bring your Tour cards for $2 beers and FREE entry into the End of Tour Party!
  • 5:30PM: Guided Interest Ride: Slow ride through history.  Local cyclist and Slow Bicycle Movement organizer Scot McCollum joins up with archivist and author Laura Godden for a tour of historic La Crosse.  While any period outfits and retro bicycles are optional, they’re certainly welcome. Tonight’s ride tours South La Crosse, finishing up at Four Sisters Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant.
  • 6PM: Tour De Pearl End of Tour Party  (joint party with Pearl Street Brewery) Celebrate with all your fellow bicyclists, free entry and food for premium members. $5  If you want to ride to PSB from downtown La Crosse, meet up at Root Note between 5:00 and 5:30 to socialize, then ride with leader Tami Plourde to the Pearl Street Brewery in North La Crosse. Special musical guest: The 4onthefloor.

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La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival poster for the Saturday night party.

La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival poster for the Saturday night party.

Sunday, September 6 — Schedule

An absolute fan favorite, the Norski Tur leaves La Crosse to the southeast, exploring the coulees and Amish farm region in Wisconsin. Multiple loops let you choose your preferred length even in the middle of a ride.  You might go all the way to Viroqua and Westby, known for Norwegian immigrants, dairy farms and excellent cheese. Big climbs and major distance options let riders pick their level of challenge.

7-9AM Start Window — Featured Road Ride: Norski Tur with multiple length options – 50, 75, 100, 125

  • 8:00 a.m. La Crosse Gravel Classic:  It’s the 6th annual La Crosse Gravel Classic, a 56-mile road race and/or bike tour.  Your choice.  The unique road-racing format is done in six parts on the gravel back roads of Minnesota, just across the Mississippi River from La Crosse.  Whether you are racing or touring, the event is free, but you’ll need to register on line or at the Cameron Park registration tent.  We recommend you ride or tour the course on a mountain bike, cross bike or road bike equipped with extra wide tires.   The 56 mile course has 3 climbs totaling 2800+ feet of climbing. The course is unsupported but well marked by volunteers.
  • 8-11AM BMX Open Track Ride:  Take advantage of one of the world’s largest indoor BMX facilities right here in La Crosse at Toad’s Cove Arena BMX!  This world-class course is opening its doors to highlight their great venue with this free event.  Staff will help riders of all ages and abilities, from the two-year old learning to balance on the Strider pushbike, to the seasoned rider who still digs the rush of the ride, learn and partake in the excitement and thrill that the sport of BMX racing has to offer!
  •  9:30 AM Guided Interest Ride: Pedal Paddle:  Starting with an easy 8 mile trail/street ride to Goose Island, south of La Crosse.  From there, explore the pristine backwaters of the Mississippi at 11:00 a.m. with knowledgeable guide, heading South on Sunday.  Limited number of kayaks available at no cost or bring your own, (Personal flotation devices required; Only Bikefest registrants will receive notice of when they may register for this event). 
  • 12-3 PM Family Pumptrack Ride at Human Powered Trails: Join local rider Aaron Kerr at the brand-new pump track at Human Powered Trails off of County Road FA on the bluff overlooking La Crosse. A pump track is a continuous loop of dirt rollers and berms that you ride — on mountain bikes or BMX — without pedaling.  An excellent way to improve your mountain biking skills.  Family and kid-friendly skills clinic to start.
  • 1PM Guided Interest Ride: City Tour: Enjoy a leisurely ride through the City and its historic neighborhoods.  This guided tour will show off some of La Crosse’s best known landmarks, architecture and bike trails.
  • 3PM Guided Interest Ride: Ice Cream Ride: These short rides are great for families, kids, and riders of all abilities, on any kind of bike.  Leader Carolyn Dvorak will lead the group on an eight mile loop, on streets and bike paths.  Today’s destinations: downtown’s Pearl Ice Cream Parlor, and the Sweet Shop in north La Crosse.
  • 5 PM Mysteries of the Driftless at Earl’s Grocery and Saloon: Join representatives of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy for a showing of this 30-minute, Emmy-award winning documentary about the unique geology, history, and ecosystems of the Driftless region.  We’ll follow the screening with socializing and discussion!
  • 7PM Guided Interest Ride: Dark La Crosse tour:  The La Crosse Public Library Archives takes you on a tour of the . . . seedier . . . side of local history.  This tour will take you to the old red light district, past former speakeasies, gangster hangouts, and the occasional murder scene.   Not all content of this tour will be entirely appropriate for young ears; spaces are limited, so sign up at early for a spot (Only Bikefest registrants will receive notice of when they may register for this event).
  • EVENT: 7PM REGGAE on the RIVER:Labor Day Luau with TUGG

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Monday, September 7 — Schedule

After four days of festival riding, we slow down with a shorter distance, moderately hilly road ride to the west into Minnesota, stopping midway at a favorite coffee shop. Appropriate for ambitious single speed riders.  Back in time for travel for out-of-town visitors who need to head home.

  • 7-9AM Start Window — Feature Road Ride: Barista’s Epic Coffee Ride (distance 44 miles, with option for additional loop for total of 55 miles)
  • 9:30AM Guided Interest Ride: Pedal Paddle: Starting with an easy 8 mile trail/street ride to Goose Island, south of La Crosse.  From there, explore the pristine backwaters of the Mississippi at 11:00 a.m. with knowledgeable guide.  Limited number of kayaks available at no cost or bring your own, (Personal flotation devices required; Only Bikefest registrants will receive notice of when they may register for this event).

    The La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

     

Root River Trail Towns News

Above, a happy cyclist looking forward to the Root River Trail, from Peterson to Whalan reopening.

If you are planning on going to the buff country and riding the Root River Trail system this weekend the segment between Whalan and Peterson will be opened tomorrow afternoon (9-4-2015). Under construction since July, this part of the trail will open just in time for the holiday weekend!  “Thanks goes out to Chris Rice, MnDNR project engineer who kept the contractors going,” stated Craig Blommer, MnDNR – Parks & Trails Area Supervisor.

According to Craig, “there are still some items that will be completed after Labor Day, including  rails at the new culvert and the seeding of all the disturbed areas, but the full trail is accessible for use. Trail users in Peterson need to be cautious as the city streets that cross the trail are still under construction. Bicyclists should walk their bikes across these streets.”

About the Root River Trail

The Root River Trail and the towns along the 60-mile paved system meandering along the Root River, amid 300-foot bluffs. Here you will discover many friendly towns supporting the trail system. Each year thousands of outdoor enthusiasts visit this Southeast Minnesota destination to ride the trail, tour the scenic roads running in and out of the valley and enjoy activities on the river.

There are eight communities along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trails to visit. Starting with Fountain on the west, to Houston on the east, to Harmony on the south and each Fall these communities get together for the “Taste of the Trail” over three consecutive weekend – Starting Saturday, September 12.

To view more about the “Taste of the Trail” and the towns of: Harmony, Preston, Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford/Rushford Village and Houston see the current article here. For your convenience, many have links to their own web sites that are included.

You will also find information about this event and the communities along the trail at the link below. See the HaveFunBiking.com  At-A- Glance Root River info for area map and lodging information when planning a visit to the Root River Trail and Towns along the way.

Futuristic Kickstand Includes a Pump and More

from Ben Coxworth, Gizmag

When most of us think of a cycling multi-tool, we picture something that goes in a jersey pocket or saddle pack. Seoul-based company Leeman, however, is looking at things a little differently. Its Kickstand Pump mounts on the bike, and serves not only as a kickstand and pump, but also a tire lever and tail light.

The Kickstand Pump serves not only as a kickstand and pump, but also a tire lever and tail light. (Credit: Leeman)

The Kickstand Pump serves not only as a kickstand and pump, but also a tire lever and tail light. (Credit: Leeman)

The aluminum alloy tire lever is flat-fork-shaped, allowing it to be snugged up between the bike’s rear dropout and quick release lever (assuming there is one). Because the lever pivots relative to the rest of the tool, it’s able to stay in place when the tool is flipped up for riding or flipped down for kickstand use.

When needed as a pump, the tool is released from the bike simply by pulling the quick release open. A foot stand can then be folded out from the bottom and an included hose run from the pump to the tire’s valve stem (Presta or Schrader), allowing the tool to be used as a 120-psi (8.3-bar) mini floor pump.

The Kickstand Pump, folded down and serving as a kickstand. (Credit: Leeman)

The Kickstand Pump, folded down and serving as a kickstand. (Credit: Leeman)

And yes, it has a red flashing LED on the end, which can be used as a tail light – albeit one that sits rather low – when the tool is on the bike and flipped up.

The components of the Kickstand Pump.(Credit: Leeman)

The components of the Kickstand Pump.(Credit: Leeman)

The Kickstand Pump weighs in at 196 grams (6.9 oz). According to Leeman, that’s less than the combined weight of a separate kickstand, pump, tire lever and tail light. It’s currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of US$45 will get you one – when and if it reaches production.

Source: Kickstarter

Bike Pic – Sept. 3, Family Fun

Pedaling the streets or trails, a family that rides together has a lot of fun.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking, hope you enjoy the photo?

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As we search and post more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to help you find your next adventure. Then, if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute, or at an event you plan to attend with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where camera will be and what we will posted next!

Do you have a fun photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us publish? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be at least 620 pixels wide for us to post. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual bike guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated, at-a-glance information, and maps we are known for in the Destination section of our website. Now, as the Bike/Hike Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of bicycle tourism information available for mobile device. Plus, beginning September 2015, this year’s e-version of the Guide will move to quarterly editions where you may see some additional bike pics posted.

 Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in a pic to post!

Bike Pic – Sept. 1, A Bonding Moment

A bonding moment- Dad and his daughter take to the Minneapolis street to enjoy an afternoon ride.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking, hope you enjoy the photo?

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As we search and post more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to help you find your next adventure. Then, if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute, or at an event you plan to attend with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where camera will be and what we will posted next!

Do you have a fun photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us publish? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be at least 620 pixels wide for us to post. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual bike guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated, at-a-glance information, and maps we are known for in the Destination section of our website. Now, as the Bike/Hike Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of bicycle tourism information available for mobile device. Plus, beginning September 2015, this year’s e-version of the Guide will move to quarterly editions where you may see some additional bike pics posted.

 Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in a pic to post!

South Twin City Metro Penn Fest in its Seventh Year

David Gepner

Now in its 7th year, Open Streets at Penn Fest, in Richfield, MN is on Sunday, September 20th from noon to 4 p.m. and promises to be the bigger and better than ever. With Penn Avenue closed all the way from 76th  Street to the Crosstown (Hwy 62) thousands of people will be strolling the “Avenue”!  Area businesses, crafters, flea market vendors and community groups will be on the street highlighting their wares and/or promoting their services.  Join in on the excitement and the opportunity that will be created by the all the actively on the “ Penn Avenue”.

Penn Fest 2015 Flyer

Penn Fest 2015 Flyer

Highlights of this years event, that encourages healthy living and sustainable transportation, will include various bike related venues.  Fellow bicycle advocates will be staging a bike rodeo.  Expect race competition between the surreys of Wheel Fun Rentals, a Pedal Pub, the pedicabs.

Plus, the library and the historical society have been persuaded to have costumed riders on bikes with a trailer “pedaling” their respective books.

Penn Cycle will again sponsor multiple performances by the BMX stunt cyclists.

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.

Bike Pic – Aug. 31, Many Things to See

There is something for everyone to see at Open Streets Minneapolis. From street side educational clinics, games for the kids and lots of fun food options, this streets event has transformed to allow residents and visitors a chance to experience Minneapolis in a whole new way — by bike, by skateboard, however they please. Having grown from one event in 2011 to eight in 2015 events all across the city, the next event is September 12th.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking, hope you enjoy the photo?

Now, rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As we search and post more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to help you find your next adventure. Then, if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute, or at an event you plan to attend with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where camera will be and what we will posted next!

Do you have a fun photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us publish? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be at least 620 pixels wide for us to post. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual bike guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated, at-a-glance information, and maps we are known for in the Destination section of our website. Now, as the Bike/Hike Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of bicycle tourism information available for mobile device. Plus, beginning September 2015, this year’s e-version of the Guide will move to quarterly editions where you may see some additional bike pics posted.

 Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in a pic to post!