Category Archives: News

The MN HS League headed to Southern MN for Race 3# of the season. Battling high temps and dusty wind gusts, September 16, mountain bike racers from across the state arrived in Gamehaven to test their skills in the third race of a seven-race series.

Minnesota High School Cycling League, Race #3 highlights from Rochester

From the MN High School Cycling League Race Report

The MN HS League headed to Southern MN for Race #3 of the season. Battling high temps and dusty wind gusts, September 16, mountain bike racers from across the state arrived in Gamehaven to test their skills in the third race of a seven-race series. Here in the photo are Freshman Boys in their D2 Race at Gamehaven | Photo Credit: tmbimages.com

The Gamehaven Trail on the Boy Scout Reservation just south of Rochester, MN is normally open to the public. The trail offers a mix of singletrack and rolling hills; with a bit more elevation, increasing the level of trail difficulty as the season progresses.

RACE #3 – RACE RESULTS AND PHOTOS

With the bye week schedule in place, the number of racers on the course drops from 1,500 to 700. In addition, with a different mix of teams at each race, students get to compete against different racers and the league is seeing a variety of racers on the podiums.

With temperatures over 90 degrees at the height of the day, many of the racers were not only challenged by the trail, but by the heat. Each racer gave it everything to cross the line.

In the Middle School competition in Race #3

Here there are two teams which dominated the podium. Stillwater and Prior Lake. 8th Grade Boys D1, Stillwater had the top 6 spots and in 7th Grade Boys D1, Prior Lake took 4 of the top slots. However, with strong finishes in other MS categories, Prior Lake edged out Stillwater to take home the first place team trophy.

In High School competition in Race #3

Division 1: Stillwater took the first place trophy with Duluth East and Prior Lake, not far behind in points. Division 2: Highland Park, St. Paul beat out Crosby-Ironton for first place in the team competition. Alexandria Area took home the 3rd place trophy.

RACE RESULTS
View Full Results

PHOTOS


View Race Photos. Photo Credit: Todd Bauer and David Markman – MN League Official Photographers.

RACE #4 – Scheduled for next weekend

The next race in the fall Minnesota High School Cycling schedule is Detroit Lakes, September 30th. See more here http://minnesotamtb.org/events/2018-race-4-detroitmtn-2!

Learn more

If you would like to participate or volunteer check out the Leagues web site:   www.minnesotamtb.org/

Fun riding through the Edina Promenade connecting the Nine Mile Creek Trail east and west.

Edina makes the perfect beginning on the new Nine Mile Creek Trail

By Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

From the Promenade in Edina, MN, the new paved trail system along the Nine Mile Creek watershed is fun to explore. Pedaling west, you can safely ride over two freeways and connect to another regional trail hub in Hopkins. Along the way, this new corridor utilizes several wooden trail structures to straddle the bed of the creek giving you a birds-eye view of nature. Pedaling east out of Edina the trail takes you to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Either way, it is a fun place to ride for the entire family. You can also connect to the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes trail system for a loop of the south metro.

Riding through Edina on the wide wooden trail structure.

Rider and walkers alike enjoy the wide wooden trail structures that follow Nine Mile Creek through Edina.

This 15 mile, Three Rivers Park District Trail is a 10-foot wide asphalt path with several wooden bridge sections that welcome walkers, bikers and others using non-motorized transports.

The Nine Mile Creek Trail west from Edina

Venturing west out of Edina there are so many places to explore with this new section of the trail over the Nine Mile Creek watershed. With fall and winter soon approaching get your bike, skis or walking shoes and head outside! After leaving the Edina Promenade, the trail wanders through Fred Richards Park.

Riding through Fred Richards Park, in Edina, MN.

Riding through Fred Richards Park, a part of Nine Mile Creek, in Edina, MN.

Once a par 3 golf course this park is now an urban green space welcoming you to the next several miles of your trail adventure. At the trail bridge over Highway 100, the actual Nine Mile Creek comes into view. Now the trail meanders above its namesake creek, on the elevated wood bridges above the wetlands and woodlands, in Edina. Along the way, you may want to stop and enjoy the wildlife that makes their home here along the creek. From Edina to Hopkins, by trail, it’s about eight miles with 1.7 miles of wooden boardwalk structures along the way.

Rolling through Edina on Nine Mile Creek Trail is fun to explore. If it’s an out and back bike adventure, add another mile on the Cedar Lakes Trail (east) for a treat. Stopping at the Hopkins Depot for an ice cream cone or cup of coffee is the perfect treat before heading back.

The Nine Mile Creek Trail east of Edina

Sometimes, the journey is the reward, that is definitely the case here. It is approximately seven miles from the Edina Promenade to the Minnesota River. On this section, the trail passes through the city Richfield and connects to the north/south Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail.

The trail makes it easy to stay off busy streets.

The trail makes it easy to stay off busy streets.

Just north of the Mall of America, both cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross the 494 Freeway and follow the trail south, through Bloomington, to the Minnesota River. To the north, the Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail users can easily reach Lake Nokomis and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis. Other points of interest in this area include the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Fort Snelling State Park.

Map, parking, bike rental and trail access

For your next bike adventure here use the Explore Edina Bike/Hike Map, featuring the new Nine-Mile Creek Trail. On this map, you will notice several trail access points. A favorite gathering point for me is parking near one of the retail centers, north or south of the Edina Promenade. Here you will find ample parking and several restaurant options for that appetite you are sure to acquire on your ride. For a place to stay when visiting Edina check their lodging options here.

Need a rental bike?

Edina residents and visitors now have access to a new, dockless bike service. You simply download the Lime app. All rental bikes are GPS and 3G-enabled, making it simple for riders to find, unlock and pick up a nearby bicycle using the iOS or Android smartphone app.

The NineMile Creek Trail through Edina works well for all ages.

The Nine Mile Creek Trail through Edina works well for all ages.

With many bike-friendly street routes, Edina is recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community.

A music-filled fall bicycle ride through St. Paul, the 24th annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 09, 2018. The ride unveils the beauty of the Capital City and celebrates the historic neighborhoods there.

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour is a music-filled fall bicycle ride

A music-filled fall bicycle ride through the Capital City, the 24th Annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour offers fun for all who participate. This year’s ride on Sunday, September 9, will again showcase the beauty of the east Twin Cities Metro. Riders will celebrate riding through historic neighborhoods along a 15, 33 or 45 miles, mostly traffic-free, fall bicycle routes.

About this fall bicycle ride

Saint Paul Classic riders always find plenty of good treats along the course.

Saint Paul Classic riders always find plenty of good treats along the course.

The largest bike ride in Minnesota, the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour attracts over 5,500 bicyclists. Known throughout the area for its quality all proceeds from this fall bicycle ride go to support the mission-driven work of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.

A music-filled fall bicycle ride through St. Paul, the 24th annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 09, 2018. The ride unveils the beauty of the Capital City and celebrates the historic neighborhoods there.The Classic is a great experience for all ages and skill level. In this relaxed environment, the tour winds through historic neighborhoods, beautiful parks and parkways and along the revitalized downtown riverfront. Join new and old friends for a non-competitive, go-at-your-own-pace- ride , with rest stops full of tasty treats along the way. All you need to do is:

  • Participate in an event that champions bicycling
  • Choose a route distances you are comfortable with
  • Enjoy mostly traffic-free cycling, with much of the tour closed to motorists
  • Rest assured medics, police and SAG wagons are on hand for your safety and convenience
  • Enjoy fresh, local produce and baked goods at each well-stocked rest stop
  • Groove to the live music performed by local artists at each rest stop
  • Have fun!

The Saint Paul Bike Classic registration.

Everyone riding the Saint Paul Classic find the routes scenic and friendly.

Everyone riding the Saint Paul Classic find the routes scenic and friendly.

About The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN)

BikeMN is a statewide nonprofit organization. The Alliances mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice for bicycle education and advocacy. The goal is to make Minnesota more bicycle friendly, so more people will ride bicycles more often. The service of this mission include: education, advocacy, events and promotion and technical assistance. Learn more about BikeMN here.

Enjoying nature riding the Rice Creek Trail out of Mounds View.

Discover the Rice Creek Trails natural settings out of Mounds View

If you missed the annual ‘Festival in the Park‘ celebration, with bike races, last weekend in Mounds View, MN, this Twin Cities Gateway community is still worth checking out. Here, you will find a great mix of busy and calm. Where you can ride your bike along creekside trails to visit attractions amongst mother nature. Many who visit here enjoy following the natural settings along Rice Creek and the trail near it. Another option, are the bike friendly roads to expand your coverage for more adventure – And you can start, right from your Twin Cities Gateway hotel.

Rice Creek North Regional Trail

Riding over one of the wooden bridges crossing the Rice Creek Trail

Riding over one of the wooden bridges crossing the Rice Creek Trail

Mounds View is one of the many places that gives you access to the Rice Creek North Regional Trail with the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor. The Rice Creek North Regional Trail is located in the Southeast quadrant of Anoka County [see map].

In the Meadows along the Rice Creek Trail see song birds amongst the wild flower.

In the meadows along the Rice Creek Trail see song birds amongst the wild flower.

 

The trail provides a connection between Anoka and Ramsey counties and connects the Cities of Blaine, Shoreview and Lino Lakes. A unique feature of the trail the 8-10 foot wide paved trail passing towering trees and the creek (bearing the same name) underneath crossing quaint wooden bridges along the way. Enjoying nature riding the Rice Creek Trail out of Mounds View.

There are also several different landscapes passing through wooded areas where trail users can occasionally see whitetail deer. Then wandering through open meadows the trail greets users with array of natural flower and songbirds. Further along, cyclist will circle several low land marshy areas where it is easy to view many species of waterfall gathering for the fall migration. On the north end of the trail, one can witness prairie restoration.

On the Rice Creek Trail, as fall approaches, view waterfowl as they gather for and prepare for migration.

On the Rice Creek Trail, as fall approaches, view waterfowl as they gather for and prepare for migration.

A part of Minnesota’s Community, located on the northside of the Twin Cities it is easy to find your next bike adventure with a mix of mother nature, near your lodging choice when visiting the area.

A clipless pedal is a quick and easy upgrade to make your next ride better

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

There is a simple equation that always holds true with clipless pedals: control = comfort. By securing your feet in place with a clipless pedal you can use muscles more efficiently, relieve excessive strain on your feet and be connected to your bicycle more directly. Read on to see how easy it is to learn to ride “clipless”.

Before the clipless pedal, riders would install baskets and straps (toe clips) on their pedals.

Before the clipless pedal, bicycle riders would install baskets and straps (toe clips) on their pedals.

Why would you call a pedal that you clip into “clipless”? Before the clipless pedal, riders would install baskets and straps (toe clips) on their pedals. Then, in the 1970s, a company called Look used ski binding technology to create a pedal that would retain a rider’s foot and allowing them to free themselves easily. This invention was called the “clip-less” pedal because it did away with the need for toe clips. Today, there are many clipless pedal designs. Each one is suited for a different riding style, but function similarly.

Float

While your leg cycles through a pedal stroke it is common for your foot to rotate slightly. That foot rotation is because most people’s joints aren’t perfectly aligned. Therefore, to compensate for a foot’s normal rotation, clipless pedals allow your foot to rotate within the pedal without releasing the pedal. That designed rotation is called float, and measured in degrees

Spring Tension

Clipless pedals use a retention mechanism to hold the cleat in place. This retention mechanism needs to have enough spring tension to hold the cleat under effort, while still allowing the rider to easily disengage. Some pedals have adjustable spring tension while others are fixed.

Cleat Material

The cleats is the item attached to your shoe that clips into your pedal. So, the cleat material has a large influence on how easily they clip in, float, and clip out. The most common cleat materials are brass, steel, and plastic. Brass is a great wearing material, that corrodes at a very slow rate and clips in and out incredibly smoothly. Steel on the other hand, has an even greater wear life, but corrodes more quickly. Finally, Plastic cleats wear very quickly, but can be designed to clip in and out smoother than any other material.

Offroad pedals

The requirements of an offroad pedal are that they need to work in all conditions, use a small cleat, and be durable enough for the occasional rock strike. Because of these requirements most offroad pedals and cleats are made of metal to be very durable. They also have bodies that are designed to clear mud and debris easily. Of all the clipless pedals on the market the most popular pedal is the SPD. SPD pedals have an engagement mechanism on both sides, with adjustable tension and use a steel cleat. Another very popular brand is the Crank Brothers Egg Beater series. These pedals engage on 4 sides, use a brass cleat, but have no adjustment for tension.

Another great option for offroad riders is a platform pedal with a clipless mechanism built in (see image). That platform gives the rider foot stability and the ability to pedal while they work to clip in. Many riders who are new to clipless pedals love this option because of the stability it offers if you are clipped in or not.

Path

The benefits of clipless are something all riders can enjoy. Therefore, even if you are riding bike paths or rail trails, clipless could be good for you. With that in mind, the most popular type of clipless for recreational riders is the ½ and ½ pedal. The ½ and ½ have a clipless mechanism on one side, and a flat pedal on the other. This makes them versatile enough to clip in on longer rides, or just pedal around in sneakers for short spins. Like Offroad riders, some recreational riders like a clipless platform pedals for their versatility and stability.

Competitive road

For competitive road cyclists, the requirements of pedals are very specific. They need their pedals to direct all their effort into the bike without compromise. Therefore, road pedals have a larger platform and cleat than other pedals. Because of the very large cleat, road shoes have almost no tread on them. Additionally, most road cleats are made of plastic so they can hold tight under effort, but release easily. For road pedals the most popular brands are Shimano and Look which operate similarly. They both use plastic cleats, and have adjustable tension. The unique Speedplay pedal is another very popular pedal for road bikes. Speedplay is unique because they incorporate the retention mechanism into the cleat rather than the pedal and offer the largest amount of float of any brand.

Shoes

While on the subject of pedals, we should also talk about cycling shoes. Cycling shoes have a stiff sole to disperse pedaling pressures along the entire length of your foot. For competitive riders, the key to a good shoe is the stiffness of that sole. For more recreational riders, it is important to consider comfort over efficiency. Determining comfort on cycling shoes is different than that of normal shoes. First off, in cycling shoes, your feet are trying to pull out of the shoe throughout the pedal stroke. This means that you want the shoes to fit as snug as possible. It is OK for your toe to feather the front of the shoe if you try. Second, most cycling shoes are made of synthetic materials, which stretch over time. This means that they will only get bigger as you use them.

Notice, the cyclist in blue has clipless pedal making each pedal stroke easier.

Notice, the cyclist in blue has clipless pedal making each pedal stroke easier.

Good pedals and shoes can make a big difference in how comfortable your ride is. Be sure to find the right product for you, and practice how to use them.

Tour d' Tush bike ride helps fight colon cancer

The Tour de Tush bike ride helps the fight against colon cancer

The Tour de Tush is an annual bike ride that helps bring awareness and raises funds for research in the fight against colon cancer. By supporting this ride, on Sunday, September 9th, the Colon Cancer Coalition will be able to help more people with early detection and regular screenings. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable with your support and participation.

The Tour de Tush colon cancer bike ride

Tour DE' Tush - Twin Cities, Sept 9th

The family is ready and waiting for the Tour de’ Tush – Twin Cities, Sept 9th

The tour is a 25-mile ride starting and ending at Veterans Park in Richfield, MN. This annual fall ’round the river bike tour’ takes you along the west side of the Mississippi River towards downtown Minneapolis, then crossing and back along the St. Paul side of the river. The ride is planned simultaneously with the ‘Get Your Rear in Gear‘ 5K run/walk. Both events are hosted by the Colon Cancer Coalition and money raised helps assist in making screenings available to more for the nation’s no. 2 cancer killer. Plus, the event helps and support patients affected by the disease.

Tour DE' Tush - Twin Cities, at a water stop

Tour DE’ Tush – Twin Cities, at a water stop

Fundraising for the bike ride is not required, but encouraged and greatly appreciated. For more information or to register visit http://coloncancercoalition.org/twincities

Empower yourself by increasing your understanding of this largely preventable disease with information and resources from the Colon Cancer Coalition.

About colon cancer

Also called colorectal cancer, this is one of the most common forms of cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. But no one likes to talk about it. Understanding the disease is important not only for those who have been diagnosed with the disease, but individuals trying to prevent it as well.

Only lung cancer kills more Americans each year than colon cancer, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With early detection and regular screenings, colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. Empower yourself by increasing your understanding of this largely preventable disease with information and resources from the Colon Cancer Coalition.

Being visible is paramount to staying safe while riding and there are many different types of lights available to help with that pursuit. But, the king of them all is the Dynamo light.

A dynamo light is an upgrade you should consider for this fall!

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Being visible is paramount to staying safe while riding and there are many different types of lights available to help with that pursuit. But, the king of them all is the Dynamo light. Dynamo lights use a bicycle mounted generator for power, staying lit while riding at night and low visibility times of the day. Read on to learn how Dynamo systems work and why they are so dependable.

Dynamo Light: Where Does The Power Come From

With no battery, you generate power with your motion. For a Dynamo light to work you need to attach a generator to your bicycle. Generators are rated for either 3.0 watts to power both a headlight and taillight, or 2.4 watts to power just a headlight.

Generator types

The two main generator types are hub type and bottle type. The hub type is built into a front wheel and generates power as the front wheel spins. Bottle type generators mount onto a bikes frame or fork. Bottle generators have a small wheel that rests against the tire and generates electricity as the tire spins the wheel. Typically, the hub type generators have lower resistance than the bottle type and won’t wear out a tire as quickly. Bottle type generators are typically less expensive and can also be installed on your bike without rebuilding or replacing the front wheel. Another benefit of bottle type generators is that they can be disengaged during daylight hours so you can ride resistance free. That being said, as hub generators become more efficient and less expensive, the bottle generators are becoming less common.

Hub generator from Shimano and wheel generator from Busch + Müller (photo Courtesy of Busch + Müller)

Front Light types

Of all the light types on the market, high output LED headlights rule the roost. These HLED lights use very little power to deliver a ton of light. While we are talking about light, most headlight’s power are measured in LUX. The differences in power can be seen below. In addition to light while riding, most headlights have a capacitor to store power and allow the light to shine for a small period while the bike is stopped.

dynamo light

This is the same section of road under 20, 50, and 100 LUX lights

dynamo light

A few headlight options from Supernova and Busch + Müller

Rear light types

Rear lights use LEDs and blink while you ride. They can be mounted to the bicycle’s chainstay, seat post, or fender. These rear lights are typically wired from the front light, across the bike, and to the rear light. While it’s easy to run wiring through a bike built to accommodate them, it is difficult to cleanly run wiring on bikes not made for them.

Benefits

Lighting in general is one of the most important aspects of safety on the bike. While you don’t need a dynamo lighting system to be safe, they do offer some advantages over battery powered lights. First benefit is you can jump on your bike and go because you never need to charge a dynamo light like you do a battery system. Also, dynamo systems can be upgraded to charge products via a USB port. Finally, Dynamo lighting systems enjoy the feature of being extremely durable.

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It’s that time of the year again and what better way to go to the "Great Minnesota Get Together" then by bicycle and parking in one ot the three, free bike corrals there.

Using the west or north bike corral can relieve the hassle-factor biking to the fair

It’s that time of the year again and what better way to go to the “Great Minnesota Get Together” then by bike and parking in one ot the three, free bicycle corrals there. Riding from home or drive/park a few miles away and multi-modal commuting with your bike can take a lot of the hassle factor out of visiting the fair. It is also a great way to burn-off those extra calories from all of the fun things you may want to indulge in, on a stick.

Your bike can be a hassle -free way to get to the Minnesota State Fair

It is probably the fastest and most inexpensive way to get to the fair, riding your bike. If you don’t live near the fair, a multi modal commute is another fun option. Drive your car, with your bike(s) along and park it in one of the St Paul neighborhoods, close by. Then bike in on one of the city’s designated bike routes. Use this St Paul map along with Google Maps, to plan your route to get to the fair.

Riding your bike is probably the fastest way to get to the fair.

Riding your bike is probably the fastest way to get to the fair.

Planning on riding your bike to the fair? From On August 23rd, through Labor Day, August 3rd, cyclists who commute by a pedal bike to the fair, from 6 a.m. to midnight, each day will find three secure bike locations. They are located at:

West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16). For cyclist coming from Minneapolis and the western suburbs, this is a handy location and in the past has the most options for parking and convenience.

North Bike Lot: Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2) For cyclist coming from north Metro, this is a handy location and in the past has had more options for parking and convenience than the South Bike lot.

South Bike Lot: Como-Snelling Gate (#6) the most popular location, this bike corral fille fast especially on weekends.

See more info here.

Another option are the free shuttle buses to et to the fair.

Another option is to take one of the free shuttle buses from a satellite parking lot. Allow one to two hours each way for this option.

 

Bike related things to do and see at the Minnesota State Fair

The lighted spurs clip to your shoes so you are more visible when riding your bike.

The lighted spurs clip to your shoes so you are more visible when riding your bike.

Now that you are in the fair grounds and walking around here are some bike related ideas you might like to see. Need some lights to lite up your bike shoes for more visibility at night;  Maybe a new Minnesota Bike Map from MnDOT; or the latest on e-Fat Bikes? It all at the Minnesota State Fair.

Pick up one of the last few 2017 guides at the DNR Info Center.

Pick up one of the last few remaining 2018 MN Bike/Hike Guides at the DNR Info Center.

For the newest gizmo in bike safety and awareness, check out the clip on safety lights for your shoes while biking, See them in a booth under the Grand Stand. Need the newest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, in hard copy paper format? Head on over to the DNR Info Center. For the Minnesota Bike Map? You will find a paper copy, free of charge, right below the big bike hanging from the ceiling in the Eco Building.

In the Creative Activities Building we found this clock. Congratulation Brad Kacter, from Shoreview, MN.

In the Creative Activities Building we found this clock. Congratulation Brad Kacter, from Shoreview, MN.

 

In the Ag-Horticulture Building we found this grain art piece. Congratulation Darlene Thorud, of Bloomington, MN.

In the Ag-Horticulture Building last year we found this grain art piece. Congratulation Darlene Thorud, of Bloomington, MN. I wonder what bike art will be present this year?

 

Like parades?

Each day at 2 p.m. on Cosgrove Street you can watch the Minnesota State Fair Parade. If you are lucky you might see the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club preforming.  These single wheeled bicyclists always do some fun tricks as they pedal along the parade route. Besides the cyclists, you will see many different floats and marching bands. As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center you can check out the “Life on a Bike Simulator” that’s right inside.

World’s biggest bike and activities within the Eco Progress Center

CHECK THE LATEST IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EXHIBITS IN THE ECO PROGRESS CENTER.

CHECK THE LATEST IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EXHIBITS IN THE ECO PROGRESS CENTER.

Also, within the Eco Building check out the coalition of state agencies and private organizations whose goal is to get more people on bikes more often in Minnesota. Also check out the new Kick Gas exhibit with the “World’s Biggest Bike” hanging from the ceiling.  You can hop onto a regular bike on the ground below, pedal and watch the gigantic 8-foot bike wheels turn above you.  Also learn what you can do with all the extra t-shirts you have been accumulating and make grocery bags out of them. See more on the Eco buildings schedule and opportunities here. While there enjoy a sample of the latest coffee  or tea at the Peace Coffee station.

Like fun action biking stunts?

Up in the X-Zone, on Machinery Hill in their new location (Murphy Ave and CosGrove St); watch some The Ride Factory preform some high-rising stunts, right in front of you, on the amazing exhibition course there.

Watch the Ride Factory preform some high-rising stunts right in front of you.

Watch the Ride Factory preform some high-rising stunts right in front of you.

Fun foods at the Minnesota State Fair to try

A favorite MN Fair food, the Tipsy Pie made with caramelized onions, gouda cheese and infused with brown ale.

A favorite MN Fair food, the Tipsy Pie made with caramelized onions, gouda cheese and infused with brown ale was a hit last year.

Every year there are many fun and wacky foods entrees to try at the fair. This year is no exception looking at this list. Item that caught my attention that I might have to taste included:

the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Firecracker Shrimp Stuffed Avocado, Irish Tater Kegs just to name a few. Hope I can still get a cup of the maple cream nitro cold press coffee, leike last year?

The Minnesota State Fair App

Download the Minnesota State Fair App. It’s absolutely free and features their famous Food Finder, Fun Finder and Merch Search tools to help you find your favorites at The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Available now absolutely free at the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Hope this helps you for your 2018 visit to the Minnesota State Fair. Please let us know, if we missed something you think we should add it to this preview article. Please leave a comment below.

Thanks and Have Fun!

Here on her mountain bike is a MN High School Cycling League team member practicing in Lebanon Park, in Eagan, MN.

Help the MN High School Cycling League with their fall events as a volunteer

Help our youth grow with cycling a part of their childhood, volunteer at one of the Minnesota High School Cycling League events this fall. The Minnesota League is a volunteer-based organization and can always use more help!

Why volunteer? The MN High School Cycling League is a volunteer-based organization and can always use more help!

Without volunteers the League cannot hold the races for the kids. For each of the following races, they need about 130-160 people for each. They value all those who give of their time and energy to help the participating student-athletes succeed.

2018 Minnesota High School Race schedule needs your help:

Race 1 – Aug 25 Austin Spam Trail
Race 2 – Sep 9 – Lake Rebecca
Race 3 – Sep 16 – Game Haven
Race 4 – Sep 30 – Detroit Mountain
Race 5 – Oct 7 – Welch Village
Race 6 – Oct 14 – Spirit Mountain
Race 7 – Oct 27/28 – Mt Kato (State Championship)

Get Ready for Season 5! | 2015 Mt Kato, MS Boys Photo Credit: Todd Bauer, tmbimages.com

Get Ready for Season 2018! | 2015 Mt Kato, MS Boys Photo Credit: Todd Bauer, tmbimages.com

What you can do as a volunteer to help!

As part of the Race Day Crew, help out with scoring, hand out water, course marshal on the race course, be a crossing guard or choose the popular “sweep” position. All of these positions are important!

Meet the racers parents, members of the H.S League staff, and have fun at the same time.

If you have a family member racing, volunteer to help when they are not racing. Be a part of the excitement and still be able to watch someone you know race!

Tip: As a course marshal or a crossing guard, you are able to get right on the race course where there is exceptional viewing of the course!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Learn about the needed race day volunteer positions and how to register on the Leagues  online registration site called Sign Up!

Eleanor Dolan (7005), Mpls Southside MS G7 | Mt Kato 2015, Photo Credit: Todd Bauer, tmbimages.com

Eleanor Dolan, Mpls Southside MS G7 | Photo Credit: Todd Bauer, tmbimages.com

About the Minnesota High School Cycling League

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

With the second Largest rookery in the state, bike over to Lino Lakes Blue Heron Days. The event starts on August 17th and will keep you and your family entertained for the whole weekend!

Ride your bike to and from Blue Heron Days for a good time

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.

When you’re in Lino Lakes it can feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of northern Minnesota, especially when you bike to Blue Heron Days. One of eight Twin Cities Gateway communities, Lino Lakes has the second largest Blue Heron rookery in the state. While visiting you can pedal along many wide open roads and trails that take you by lakes and scenery that can meet you with the horizon. A place where roads, with no shoulder, offer trails or sidewalks that parallel the street to connect you to the vast Twin Cities Gateway trail system. Along the way enjoy the many options including the Blue Heron Celebration, August 17-19, when visiting Lino Lakes.

Bike to Blue Heron Days

Start the weekend with a free yoga session, perfect for yogis or newbies alike. After a relaxing workout, head over to Sunrise Park and catch some softball. There, the American Legion and Lino Lakes Police Department tournament will be taking place and is sure to be a great game. Afterwards, take the kids over to Lino Park with some blankets to watch Disney’s Inside Out. Finish the Friday by dancing the night away at the street dance featuring the band, A Girl’s Journey.

Saturday’s Event

The Lino Lakes Blue Heron Days Festival parade has many floats and marching bands.

The Lino Lakes Blue Heron Days Festival parade has many floats and marching bands.

Saturday, August 20th is packed full of events, making it one day you don’t want to miss. Bright and early, at 8 a.m., the day begins with Police Officer Shawn Silvera Memorial Run. Bring the kids to the YMCA at 9 a.m. for a Kids’ Fun Run and then head over to the parade at 11a.m. to enjoy music and floats. After catching and eating all that candy at the parade, jump off all of the sugar on the inflatables in Lino Park. Sit for a caricature drawing or a henna tattoo from 1 to 4 p.m. nearby. Also, take in the Business Expo, the Art Fair from noon to 4 p.m., a petting zoo, kiddie carnival, and live music by Authorities, all in Lino Park.  Saturday afternoon will keep you busy. Afterwards, another street dance closes the night with the band 8 Foot 4 jamming out for your entertainment.

Sunday’s Event

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. take a tour of Waldoch Farm’s Garden. Come on an empty stomach because they will also have a corn feed. Close out the weekend by supporting the royalty program. At 4:30 p.m. in Centennial Middle School, watch the crowning of the new Lino Lakes Ambassadors.

Get ready for a great weekend and bike over to Blue Heron Festival that runs from August 17th to the 19th.

More info for planning a trip to the Twin Cities Gateway

For bike friendly maps of the to get around the Lino Lakes and the rest of the Twin Cities Gateway click here. For lodging opportunities when visiting click here.