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Before or after that next soccer game, at the National Sports Center, grab the handlebars of a bicycle for a true north Twin Cities Gateway bicycle adventure. Surrounding the soccer fields, in Blaine, MN, the nine communities of the Gateway offer hundreds of miles of paved trail for you and family members to explore.
Enjoying a Twin Cities Getaway bicycle adventure you will feel as if you’re deep in the country as several communities here border the Mississippi River Trail. Along with several nature parks, it can expand your personal playground while visiting. Options, traveling by bike include stopping along a lake to go swimming or fishing; play a round of disc golf; go birding; explore one of the many parks; or travel the trail through the chain of lakes by bike or rent a canoe. You can even satisfy your inner sports desire by visiting the velodrome track on the grounds at the National Sports Center.
Stop along the trail in the Twin Cities Gateway if wetting a line and catching some fish are a part of your agenda.
Stop along the trail, in several of the parks in the Twin Cities Gateway for a round of disc golf.
For more extensive rides you can also explore the trails along the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. Or, take the Rice Creek West Regional Trail back to the Mississippi River. This trail passes through Long Lake Park which has several trails that take you by the park’s namesake and Rush Lake. Another option is the trails in the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park which is filled to the brim and full of beautiful scenery as you switch from one trail to the next.
The velodrome at the National Sports Center
If you’re tired of riding trails and want more of a challenge, check out the velodrome at the National Sports Center. Especially their ‘Thursday nights under the lights’, the wooden track is open to the public for single speed fun. The season begins in late spring and through the summer. Check out their schedule for more details.
Twin Cities Gateway area bike shops and rental services
Car’s Bike Shop | 2661 County Road I, Mounds View, MN 55112 | 763-784-6966 Jerry’s Schwinn | 4136 Coon Rapids Blvd. N.W., Minneapolis, MN 55433, USA| 763- 421-4270 Pioneer Cycle | 12741 Central Ave. N.E., Blaine 55434 | 763-755-8871
For more info on the Twin Cities Gateway
Here you will find more details on where to stay, play, and explore this nine-city area.
How far, how high, how tough you ask? With ‘Ride the Ridges’ (RTR) bike ride, out of Winona, MN, you choose the level of challenge you want with four routes options. Ranging from 18 miles to a Century, Ride the Ridges features something for everyone. And now, the trails and gravel roads in western Wisconsin easily connect!
If you are up for the challenge and believe you will exceed your planned level of endurance this summer here is a memorable way to test those glutes, thighs, and calf muscles. In its seventh year, on Saturday, September 21, 2019, the Winona Rotary Club is expanding its annual road tour event. This ‘Ride the Ridges‘ event will take riders through some of the most scenic areas in Southeastern Minnesota. Participants of RTR will pedal into lush valleys riding alongside cascading streams then up into the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Will you be up for the challenge?
Bike Routes on Riding the Ridges
The beautiful scenery and the challenging hills make this ride one to remember.
Choose one of four RTR routes, each having hills, valleys, and spectacular views. All routes have rest stops and SAG support!
Registration, with a stunning jersey available
Early registration is through September 1 and includes a pair of RTR socks, rest stops, SAG support, post picnic and party. If you like the jersey, orders close Wednesday, July 17, 2019.
The RTR benefits the Winona Rotary Clubs – Feed My Starving Children program. Can’t ride, donations are always welcome!
Visiting Winona
Check here for places to stay, eating establishments and attractions when visiting.
What past riders say about RTR
You have to do this ride if you enjoy biking. Great roads, great event!
The beautiful scenery and the challenging hills make this event one to remember.
Ride The Ridges is as good as it gets when it comes to bike tours. It offers great scenery, safe roads, superb organization, wonderful volunteers, excellent rest stops, mechanical support and a choice of distances…….everything a cyclist could ask for.
Ride the Ridges had the best rest stops and volunteers. The food selection was excellent. The volunteers were extremely friendly. I also loved the HAM operators supporting the ride.
In this photo recap, the Hiawatha Bicycling Club (HBC) celebrates the Tour D’ Amico (TDA) bike ride and picnic for the 20th year. A premier 4th of July bicycle celebration, it all began as a fun club gathering to bring old and new friends together to build membership and community ties. With the slogan “Eat Well, Laugh Often and Ride” the tradition of Tour D’ Amico hasn’t changed much over the years with the long-standing partnership with D’ Amico and Sons Restaurants. Each year, on Independence Day, the Tour offers several scenic route options with a fabulous picnic lunch at the end. No different this year, the delicious buffet was served al fresco style, around the water fountain at the Golden Valley D’ Amico’s location. Delicacies include special pasta salads, fresh fruit, dessert bars, and beverages as you will notice in some of the pictures below. Enjoy by all!
A special thanks to Hoang Pham for helping me shoot some of the photos you are about to enjoy.
This first picture shows Ed Newman (The 2019 TDA Director) and some of his staff enjoying dinner at D’Amicos in Golden Valley, after some preliminary TDA set-up the evening before.
Ed (in white cap) and some of the TDA Crew enjoying a meal after the preliminary set up the evening before.
Along with all the HBC volunteers it takes to make this annual holiday celebration a success, a special thank’s the TDA sponsor: D’Amico & Sons, Plymouth Hyvee, Bread Smith, Great Harvest, Kwik Trip, Tonka Cycle, Brown’s Bicycles, and Wheely Good Bikes. Please stop in and thank them for their generosity.
The 20th Tour D’ Amico bike ride and celebration
First thing in the morning as riders arrived, HBC volunteers were there to greet and direct them to where they should park their cars in the complimentary parking area.
One of our Happy TDA volunteers directing riders into the lot to park their cars.
At the registration area, riders visited with old and new friends while checking in.
TDA riders checking in for the 2019 4th of July ride.
Heading out on the first leg of TDA
With a few adjustments to the 21, 29, 42 and 62-mile routes, from previous years, riders headed towards the Plymouth Station.
TDA rider ready to roll, heading out of D’ Amico’s from the Golden Valley Shopping Center.
We caught these biker chicks heading out with Steve from Tonka Cycle in the background cheering them on.
Lifetime memories were made between this father and son duo.
Families with children of all ages had fun on TDA
Notice the great jersey this TDA rider is wearing? You can still order one, see below!
Happy TDA riders on routes riding towards the Plymouth Station.
The first TDA rest stop
These biker chicks enjoyed the shade and snacks provided by the Plymouth Hyvee while socializing at this rest stop.
Here Papa Wheely (Jeremy) is making some adjustments to keep this rider on the course.
More happy TDA riders enjoying the snacks provided by Hyvee.
Our HBC volunteers at the Wayzata stop were eager to dish up samples of two new D’ Amico salads to try.
TDA riders out in front of D’ Amico’s
More TDA riders out in front at the Wayzata D’ Amico’s.
With that smile, you know the food is delicious.
A group photo before leaving for Hopkins.
Steve from Tonka Cycle, checking over the drive train on an e-bike.
An orange smile that compliments here jersey.
Along Lake Minnetonka to Hopkins
Rolling out on the next leg of their ride.
Leaving D’ Amico’s in Wayzata riders enjoy a cool southwest breeze off the lakes while riding along the shoreline on their way to Hopkins.
TDA riders getting ready to roll out.
One last look as riders arriving, departing and enjoying the delicious samples of foods before returning back to Golden Valley.
On the road again
A thumbs up, from this biker chick, for a beautiful day.
This lakeshore drive (McGinty Road) is popular with all types of activity as out TDA rider, following, observed.
A very happy TDA rider!
One of our HBC Ride Leaders, checking the route markings on the course.
Haooy TDA riders enjoying the route.
Not everyone is as formal as this TDA rider. I hope he isn’t expecting white table linens at the picnic?
Another father/daughter duo enjoying this year’s Tour D’ Amico.
Rolling through the neighborhoods in Hopkins the next rest stops was just ahead in Burns Park.
The Hopkins rest stop
Hydration and energy snacks were the name-of-the-game here.
A new location, due to the construction of the Southwest LRT, the Burns Park offered a relaxing atmosphere for TDA riders who stopped. A special thanks to BreadSmith, Great Harvest, KwikTrip and Brown’s Bicycles for making this rest stop possible.
John, from Brown’s Bicycle Shop, was there to help with any mechanical needs.
This rest stop had a place to cool off as some TDA riders indulged.
Cute, but sunglasses are for your eyes, not your teeth?
Time to head back for a D’ Amico’s 4th of July picnic buffet.
A short distance from the Hopkins Rest Stop, TDA riders turning onto the Cedar Lake Trail.
Heading back to Golden Valley.
All the hydration and energy stops paid off, these TDA riders looked in good form.
Many flower gardens, along the TDA Routes, were also enjoyed throughout the day!
Back to Golden Valley for a delicious picnic
Back at D’ Amico’s, in Golden Valley, TDA riders enjoyed a sinfully delicious picnic spread.
So many choices, oh my!
With a packet of mayo in hand, this TDA rider is ready to indulge.
Enjoy a 4th of July picnic lunch around the water fountain.
Happy TDA riders with a great picnic lunch, well deserved.
These TDA riders enjoying the picnic al fresco style around the water fountain.
More happy TDA riders.
She said and I quote ” If you missed all the fun this year, don’t forget to mark your calendar for TDA next year, you won’t regret it”!
Don’t be a stranger, Hiawatha Bike Club offers rides through the year
For all that have ridden TDA, thank you, the Hiawatha Bike Club enjoys sharing the routes they ide. Check the HBC Calendar and come ride with them throughout the year. Otherwise, “Eat Well, Ride Often” and they will see you on the 4th, in 2020.
If you haven’t finalized plans for your #NextBikeAdventure consider a Minnesota doubleheader with the Rock n’ Roll the Lakes this Saturday and Tour of Saints, on Sunday. Both day-of bike bicycle touring events benefit the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and offer several route options to fit your style of riding.
A Minnesota doubleheader of rides
Fun riding Rock N’ Roll the Lakes, in Albert Lea, MN, coming July 13th.
This Saturday, July 13th, Rock N’ Roll the Lakes in southern Minnesota takes place
A strong hours drive south on Interstate 35W from the Twin Cities, after passing the I-90 crossroad pull into Albert Lea and prepare for a day or weekend of outdoor fun. Known as ‘The Land Between the Lakes’ the city is also the hometown of the rock-n-roll icon, Eddie Cochran and Marian Ross (Remember Mrs. C from Happy Days?).
Two biker chicks enjoying ‘Rock N’ Roll the Lakes’ in Albert Lea last year.
With a fitting name for this annual ride, Albert Lea knows how to rock! Riders can choose from the 10, 30 or 50-miles SAG-supported routes. All three courses hug picturesque lake shores and offer a variety of beautiful southern Minnesota scenery. Click here for more information and to register. Make it a weekend, check out these lodging opportunities in the area.
On Sunday, July 14th is the Tour of Saints in Central Minnesota
Rest stops with sinfully delicious food makes riders smile throughout the tour.
It’s not a race, it’s a heavenly little ride touring the saintly communities on the west side of St. Cloud, MN. At this time each summer more than 1,000 touring cyclists meander along quiet roads with rolling green landscape, from one saintly city to the next. A celebration of bicycling that will benefit BikeMN, the Tour of Saints bicycle ride starts and ends in St. Joseph.
Enjoy 18, 35, or 50-mile options. All three routes begin at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph and are designed to offer the most scenic and pleasant routes. Riders enjoy food and drink at rest stops on each course. Read more about the Tour and routes here. Make it a weekend reserve a room in St Cloud here.
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN)
See how these two rides this weekend, the Saint Paul Bicycle Classic in September and the Mankato River Ramble in October benefit BikeMN.
An exciting and fun sport, this may be the last year for a while to try or watch track cycle racing in Minnesota. Track or velodrome racing at the National Sports Center (NSC) has been called “NASCAR on Two Wheels.” At blazing speeds, gravity-defying turns and spectacular crashes make Velodrome racing one of the most awe-inspiring spectator sports around. One of the few wooden tracks still left in the U.S. the track at NSC has now been repaired for its last season of hair raising fun.
At first glance, track cycle racing is a chaotic, confusing sport. After you have seen a race, the sport leaves a memorable impression that is amplified by its simplicity. With only one gear and no brakes, the track bikes used are the epitome of simplicity.
The track in Blaine is near its end
Built to host the 1990 Olympic Festival track racing events and National Championships, the NSC Velodrome is one of the most unique tracks in the world. It is the only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the Western Hemisphere and is slated for demolition in 2019. So, this may be your last chance to experience the excitement of the track at the National Sports Center. Through the 2018 season (May to September) you can still come out and test out your skills and speed at the velodrome. Like many of the Twin Cities Gateway attractions in the area, each Thursday evening, ladies can come out and have some fun in between several men’s races. Take a look at the schedule here for several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.
Test your Olympian skills in Blaine on Minnesota’s only Velodrome track.
Learn to ride program
Check out their Learn to Ride Program offering riders as young as 12 years of age the opportunity to ride one of the finest velodromes in the country.
The schedule has several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.
Ride or watch, here is the skinny on velodrome racing
Learn all about track cycle racing. Find the specifics about velodromes, the details about track bicycles. This is the place to learn about the fastest sport on two wheels and to the different type of races held on the track.
Track cycle racing will come to an end in 2019
Without the support of the cycling community, the existing velodrome track could come to an end in 2019. The NSC Velodrome in Blaine is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. Plans are now to demolish the NSC track after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. However, the Minnesota cycling community is working on a replacement when the Blaine velodrome is demolished.
The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.
30 years of Minnesota track cycling history
Since the 1990’s the NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less an international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international-caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”
More to see in the Twin Cities Gateway when visiting the track
When in the area you will find many more activities to enjoy. From curling, disc golf, to miles of bike trails and road routes, you will find many opportunities for fun in the Twin Cities Gateway.
If you have three days or more open and looking for a true north biking experience in Minnesota, consider Roseau. A few miles from the Canadian border on a recent visit I found this area full of fun offering many off-road bicycling opportunities.
An outdoor bicycle paradise
Perfect for the whole family, the city of Roseau offers a paved bike trail, along with a number of quite street routes. Making it easily get around, to and from your hotel, by bike.
The quiet city streets make it easy and safe to connect to the trail, to go downtown.
On the eastern edge of the city, I found Mount Roseau. Here, with no forest vegetation on the hill, it made it easy to see the countryside as I rode up, down and around the trails of this mountain bike park. At the top, the view was worth a few moments. But, what was really exciting was learning about the areas remote logging roads and trails in Beltrami Island State Forest. For the fat, gravel, and mountain bike fans this is a haven to check out if you are craving a true north experience.
Roseau a true north biking experience
Minnesota’s North Star City, the community is located in an environmental transition area of the state where the forest gives way to the prairies of the Red River Valley. Located only 13-miles south of the Canadian Border and 27-mile to Lake of the Woods, by auto, Roseau is a six-hour drive from the Twin Cities. In this friendly Scandinavian community, visitors will find many recreational opportunities in the town’s parks and nearby state forests parks.
As a result of this unique location, wildlife enthusiasts traveling by auto, bike or on foot can appreciate the outdoor paradise the area offers. Nearly forty percent of Roseau County is accessible by state or county parks, and wildlife areas. Surrounding Roseau there are tamarack bogs to the north, prairie grasslands to the west and sandy pine forests to the east. All areas provide ample opportunity for a gravel road ride or wilderness fat and mountain biking adventures. Along the way take in several wildlife viewing stations, pick blueberries or just go for a hike and explore. Plus, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, near Roseau, is on Minnesota’s premier bird-watching list.
Parks to explore in the area
Four of the most visited Roseau outdoor recreation areas are the Roseau City Park, Sprague Creek Natural Area, Hayes Lake State Park, and Beltrami State Forest.
Roseau City Park
The mountain bike trail on Mount Roseau.
The City Park here is located on 40 wooded acres, along the Roseau River. The park provides a variety of activities including paved trail and mountain biking on Mount Roseau. The single-track trail system offering over 6.5 miles of fun twists and turns for all skill levels. The park also offers various playground equipment, sand volleyball, a fishing pier, and Frisbee golf activities.
Easy to ride to, the Peatland Scientific and Natural Area, is just north of Roseau. Once you arrive this area offers hiking trails that feature many bird viewing opportunities.
Hayes Lake State Park
Accessible by bike, Hayes Lake State Park is located 18 miles southeast of Roseau, on County Road 4. Located on the edge of Beltrami Island State Forest, this quiet true north park consists of 3,000 acres of pines, the lake, and wildlife to observe. The park also features a day-use area with fishing pier, swimming beach, and campsites. The lake is a non-motorized recreational area where canoeing and kayaking are popular. While here, also enjoy the opportunity to view rare birds such as bald eagles, great grey owls, Sandhill cranes and a variety of warblers. Wildlife sightings found in the area include elk, moose, bear, and wolves.
Beltrami State Forest
From this forest road, many primitive logging roads and trails intersect and are ready to explore by bike.
Further east from the State Park and as I mentioned earlier, what really excites me about this area for a true north biking experience is Beltrami Island State Forest. The second largest of Minnesota’s 60 state forests, there are five rivers that have their headwaters here. Also containing scientific and natural areas, riding the forest here is unique.
A family enjoying a true north bike experience in the forest.
In this huge forest, there are more than 138 miles of logging roads and trail to explore on your bike. Make sure you have a compass or GPS device along when exploring the trails. Pedaling around low flatland’s, peat bogs and ridges covered in pines, it’s easy to get lost. Along the forest roads, you might find evidence of a former homestead foundation or village. As s you explore, you will for sure want to stop and enjoy some blueberries when you hit a patch.
When not biking
From wheels to snow track the Thrill Team helped to promote snowmobiling with this stunt track.
Being the birthplace of snowmobiling and Polaris Industries, in between daily outings take in a plant tour and the museum. At the Experience Center see artifacts from the earliest snowmobiles to Polaris’s movement into All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). History buffs will enjoy the Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village, as well as the Roseau County Museum.
Another Roseau summer tradition is the 100-year old Roseau County Fair. Held in the middle of July, this annual event can add to your biking adventure if you visit at that time. Other activities around town include the community pool, paddling the Roseau River, the local theatre, a bowling alley, and arcade. In the downtown area, you will find many antique shops to browse and reminisce about the past.
Places to stay for a true north biking experience
On my last visit, while exploring this true north destination I headquartered at the AmericInn. Roseau also offers a couple more hotels to fit your needs. Camping (RV and tent sites with water and electric) in the city park is also an option.
Roseau has something for every interest. Check your calendar and plan your next true north biking experience to Roseau, today.
With summer officially here in the next couple days, I hope you have plans to ride with family and friends. As you get your bike ready, before heading out on a group ride it is a good idea to brush up on your local traffic laws. Bicycles are given the same rights and requirements as cars in most municipalities. This becomes even more important as you ride in a group. So drive your bike as if it is a car. Be cognizant of stopping at all traffic lights, stop signs, and crosswalks. Ride with the flow of traffic in a manner that is as safe and predictable as possible.
What to expect on your group ride – Know the rules!
Group rides are typically categorized by speed and distance. If you are joining a ride, investigate the route and ensure that the group will be riding at a speed you can manage. In the case where you are organizing a group ride with friends, it is helpful to share the route and expected speed with all riders beforehand. Additionally, many rides are categorized as “No-Drop” rides. A “No-Drop” ride is one where everyone rides together for the duration of the ride. If a ride is not categorized as “No-Drop” the group is under no expectation to wait for riders who cannot keep up.
As a side note for people putting together their own rides with friends. Try to find riders who are all about the same level of fitness and have similar interests. Similar interests help foster great conversation and similar fitness maintains the group connection.
It’s not a race
The best part of a group ride is the shared experience of rolling through the countryside together. Whereas there are some group rides designed to see who is king of the mountain. But most are designed to use the strengths of a group to add to safety and efficiency. Trying to go at full speed and drop all those around you will only do damage to a great group ride and friendships.
Hold your line
In a group ride, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and those around you. Those around you are also responsible for your safety. Consider the group before You make decisions or change direction. While riding solo, you naturally carve through the apex of a turn to maximize speed and maintain momentum. In a group, you cannot cut the corner like this. You need to offer as much space as the rider to the right or left of you needs to complete the turn.
Ride close
Ride to the right. Two by two.
This is probably the most important tip for riding in a group. Ride two by two, side by side as close to the other riders as you and they feel comfortable with. By riding in this formation, you can be more efficient while still allowing traffic to move seamlessly around you.
Give warning
Unless you are first in line, you can’t see what obstacles may be coming down the road. As the rider up front, it is your responsibility to let the riders behind you know if the group encounters grates, potholes, other riders, pedestrians or automobiles. Usually, a simple hand signal will work, a quick wave of the hand lets riders behind you know what’s happening. As a rider who is following, it is requisite of you to signal to riders behind you the signals you see ahead. You can call out the obstacle but in many cases, the riders behind you may not hear your voice.
Ride confidently and safely
As you ride with a group more and more, natural confidence and comfort will develop. Stay alert, as you become more comfortable in the group it’s possible to lose focus on yourself and those around you. Always remember to pay attention and follow the tips above – drive your bike just like your car.
If you are looking for some biking fun, and food on 4th of July join Hiawatha Bicycle Club (HBC), on the Tour D’Amico (TDA) this next week. It will be the 20th anniversary of Tour D’ Amico, with some new scenic routes, rest stop locations and a buffet lunch provided by D’Amicos and Son at the end. The TDA 4th of July ride begins and ends in Golden Valley, MN.
The family-fun 4th of July Tour D’ Amico bike tour
All four routes are scenic and fun for the whole family
Select your TDA route with options of riding 20, 29, 40, or 60-miles through the scenic western suburbs of the Twin Cities. All four courses mapped are well marked with SAG support, rest stops, and maps provide for you and your friends. See route maps here.
TDA and the 4th of July food
Hydration rest stops along the way offer tasty snacks
The annual ride is a partnership with D’Amico and Sons Restaurant, who provides some delicious samples at the Wayzata rest stop and a mouth-watering picnic buffet at the end. Other stops locations include the HyVee stop in Plymouth and the Hopkins hydration stop.
Celebrate the 4th of July with a D’Amico & Sons picnic after the ride – you deserve it!
Have fun, still time to register and save!
Find old and new friends on the Tour D’Amico Bike Ride
Capped at 450 riders, TDA day of registration cost is $45 (free for kids under 18 accompanied by an adult). However, the fee is only $25 for Hiawatha Bicycle Club members. So, if you are not a member, please consider joining HBC today ($25 single or $35 annual household membership) and your participating TDA price as a member $25. You will be saving $20 or more for TDA while enjoying a calendar full of HBC club benefits throughout the year. Find more info on our website at www.hiawathabike.org.
If you register for TDA online and want to save by becoming an HBC member, if you are not already a member, please use the invitation code ‘HBC Members’ to unlock the $25 (rather than $45) price. Alternatively, show up on the morning of the 4th and take care of everything then. See more details of the TDA event on Meet-up or the HBC club website.
A bike is the top form of transit around the world and for good reason: they’re relatively inexpensive to acquire and maintain; they don’t pollute, and they keep their users healthy. You don’t even need to own one! Bike share programs are on the rise globally, making them accessible to everyone.
World travelers benefit from not needing to worry about renting a vehicle or having an international driver’s license and insurance. Instead, they can focus on a more immersive, full-contact experience of their destination.
This increased exposure does require that riders be careful, taking precautions to remain safe in their surroundings. Below you’ll find recommendations on what to bring with you so you can make the most of your ride, as well as some regional-specific tips to help make your trip easy and fulfilling – no matter where you travel.
Personal Safety Gear and Bike Accessories to Carry With You
Between scenic paths in the countryside and jam-packed urban streets, you’ll likely experience a wide range of environments on your bike. Smart cyclists make sure they can get by, even when seemingly stranded in the middle of nowhere. Here are some items you want to make sure you bring:
ID – Whether you’re making a quick trip to the corner store or riding on a remote mountain trail, you want to make sure you have a way to identify yourself. Even though you don’t need a license to ride a bike, you are still subject to traffic laws and ticketing – including bicycle DWIs in some areas. The safest choice of ID to carry with you internationally is your passport. Be very protective of it, and familiarize yourself with common passport scams. It is good practice to carry a photocopy of your passport in case it gets stolen.
Credit card, traveler’s checks, or other forms of secure payment – Carrying cash is generally considered to be a poor choice since it makes you an easy target for theft with little you can do to protect yourself should something happen. Many tout credit cards as being the safest form of payment to carry, since most have zero-liability policies in case they get lost or stolen. Many cards don’t charge a foreign transaction fee when used abroad. Traveler’s checks – which are now packaged as prepaid credit cards, sometimes even with chip-and-PIN features – can be replaced within 24 hours if they are lost or stolen.
Bike helmet – If you are renting/borrowing a bike, check with your provider to see if you can rent a helmet. Many cities around the world are now requiring bikers to wear a helmet, so you should check the laws in your destination. Even if it’s not the law, you should still wear protection since you will be riding on completely unfamiliar terrain as well as likely distracted by the novel sights. If you cannot borrow a helmet, make sure you either pack one in your luggage or else buy one when you get to your destination.
Cell phone – In case of an emergency, you’ll want to have your cell phone on you. Before you set out, save the number for the local police and emergency services. Make sure your phone is fully charged; consider bringing a back-up battery or even a charger.
Camera – Many phones come with a built-in camera, so make sure it’s functional or else bring one. Not only will you want to take pictures to remember your trip, but in case something happens – such as you encounter a strange plant or animal, or get into some sort of accident – you’ll want to have a way to document it for later reference. Bonus points if you can capture video (hello, GoPro!). That said, always ask before you take a picture of local people.
Translation device – Ask Siri or Cortana for help translating on your iPhone or Android phone, consult with any number of translation apps available online, use Google Translate, or refer to a designated translation device (and make sure it’s fully charged!). Make sure you have a way to speak to the local natives in case something happens.
Water bottle or canteen – This might not be absolutely necessary on a quick city trip, but it’s definitely essential for nature rides of any length. Newer stainless steel models keep your water cold for as long as a day while still being lightweight.
First aid kit – Even a skinned knee can quickly turn nasty if not tended to quickly! Some of the most common bike injuries are minor cuts and scrapes, as well as bug bites or rashes. Always carry bandages, ibuprofen, duct tape, Benadryl (for strings and allergic reactions), and safety pins with you in your first aid kit, just in case. A common injury on mountain bike rides is a broken clavicle, which you can identify when you feel pain upon touching a lump that appeared on your collarbone after a fall; if this happens to you, move your bike to safety, then fasten your shirt over your elbow using a safety pin, bending your elbow at a right angle. Use your phone to get help before you aggravate the injury further. Whatever the injury, make sure the first thing you do is pull off the road to get to safety.
Fat Bike Tours provides safe, fun and unforgettable bicycle experiences through superior customer service that creates memories and smiles that last a lifetime. Learn more about their tours and company here.
If you are in the Twin Cities over the 4th of July and want to ride, consider the Tour D’Amico (TDA) bicycle ride. The Hiawatha Bicycling Club (HBC) and D’Amico & Son’s invites you to start your Independence Day celebration with a scenic bike tour. Upon your return enjoy a delicious Italian picnic lunch. Now in its 20th year, select from one of four scenic routes options for a fun day.
Tour D’Amico bike ride registration
Find old and new friends on the Tour D’Amico Bike Ride
Rider start out on TDA from D’Amico’s in Golden Valley
The Tour D’Amico bike ride routes
All four routes are scenic and fun for the whole family
What a fun way to spend the early part of your 4th of July holiday. Leisurely ride the scenic parkways and trails with family and friends. Choose between the 21, 29, 41 or 62-mile scenic routes. All loops are mapped to give everyone riding a chance to explore some of the Twin Cities newest bike boulevards and trails. Along the way, you will ride through parts of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Wayzata before returning back to Golden Valley.
TDA Routes are on bike lanes, quiet country roads, and paved trails
All four routes, through the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, are signed and supported. Maps and Ride with GPS will be available to further assist you on this fun bike tour. Along the way enjoy stopping at several rest stops for refreshments and treats. Then at the end of your ride savor a D’Amico & Sons American/Italian al fresco picnic lunch.
The Tour D’Amico rest stops and Italian buffet
Hydration rest stops along the way offer tasty snacks
You will not go hungry or thirsty on the Tour D’Amico! Hydration rest stations will be provided along the routes. Menu samplings and snacks will be served along the way. At the end of the ride, back in Golden Valley, D’Amico and Sons will greet you with a post-ride buffet lunch when you return to Golden Valley. With so many choices and the dessert bars are sinfully delicious.
Celebrate the 4th of July with a D’Amico & Sons picnic after the ride – you deserve it!
Everyone always enjoys the fine food and refreshments D’ Amico’s served after the ride – Sign up today!
Share the TDA memories with a Tour D’Amico jersey
Order one of these fun TDA jerseys and share your 4th of July memories throughout the year!
Before leaving the bike ride, order a TDA Jersey, with a full zipper and pockets in back.
About Hiawatha Bicycling Club
Join the club at Hiawathbike.org to learn more about all the fun rides they lead, like the Tour D’ Amico.
Proceeds from the Tour D’Amico benefits the Children’s Lighthouse, trail maintenance projects in the Twin Cities and the bike education program of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.
