Category Archives: News

Cycling event Chainbreaker benefits the Masonic Cancer Center, U of M

Born in the Twin Cities, Chainbreaker is more than just a bike event, it is an experience. Riders take part in activities throughout the year that culminate in a three-day celebration of cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism. Less than two weeks until ride weekend more than 900 riders have already committed to raising money for the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. With 100 percent of each rider-raised dollar directed to life-saving cancer research. Last year, the ride’s inaugural year, Chainbreaker riders raised $1.4 million for research to end cancer.

Riders on Chainbreaker 17 to help end cancer.

Riders on Chainbreaker 17, helping to end cancer. Photo by TMB Images

Research shows results!

Like many Chainbreaker participants, Event Director Jennifer Waldron has a personal connection to cancer. Her son was diagnosed with Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 10 weeks old. After years of ups and downs, her son Sam just graduated from high school and will head to the University of Nebraska this fall. At 17-years-old, he crossed the finish line as the youngest 180-mile rider last year. Will you join the riders this year and help end cancer cause?

How to get involved in Chainbreaker

Registration for riders and volunteers is currently open at ChainbreakerRide.org. Registered riders may choose from four scenic ride distances of 25, 50, 100 or the 180-mile two-day ride. The bike routes have been designed to appeal to cyclists of all experience levels. Every Chainbreaker rider commits to a fundraising minimum that corresponds with his or her chosen ride distance. Two-day, 180-mile riders commit to $2,000, 100 milers to $1,500, 50 milers to $1,250, and 25 milers to $1,000. Riders have up until 60 days after the ride – October 12, 2018 – to meet their fundraising minimum.

A camera opp for this young rider and Chainbreaker 17 – Photo by TMB Images

A fun start to Chainbreaker 2018

On the afternoon of Friday, August 10, Chainbreaker festivities begin with a celebration on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Campus, located at 3400 Yankee Drive, Eagan, MN. Chainbreaker Opening Ceremony will include rider check-in and gift pick-up, a dinner buffet and beverages for riders and their guest, a short program, and live music performed by Ryan Kinder and local artist, Chris Hawkey. Riders also have the option to bring their bike for any last-minute maintenance. They can also leave their bikes in a secure parking area over night at the venue for their launch Saturday morning.

What to expect on Saturday, August 11

On the morning of the ride participants of all four distances will saddle up at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Campus in Eagan and travel southeast toward Northfield, MN. Chainbreaker supports riders along the entire route with nutrition, hydration, and medical and mechanical assistance. Saturday’s rest stops will be located in or around Rosemount, Hampton, Lake Byllesby, Welch Village, Cannon Falls, and Dennison. The rest stops for the 180-mile riders on Sunday are in or around Lonsdale, Montgomery, Belle Plaine, and Cologne.

A cheerful team of riders on Chainbreaker 17 celebrated the success of the events first year

A cheerful team of riders on Chainbreaker 17 celebrates the success of the events first year – Photo by TMB Images

More ride details

Riders who register for the 25-mile ride will end their tour in Hampton, MN with a breakfast buffet and live music performed by The Nadas and Lewis Brice. Those who choose the 50-mile ride will finish in Welch Village with a lunch buffet, beverages, and live music by Levon and GB Leighton. Riders going the 100 mile and two-day 180-mile distances will finish their Saturday on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield. A dinner buffet, beverages, and live performances by Drew Parker, Hailey Whitters, and Jesse Larson conclude Saturday’s events. The two-day 180-mile riders overnight in the St. Olaf dorms, with a breakfast buffet Sunday morning and then finnish the Excelsior Commons on Lake Minnetonka.

At the final celebration of the weekend, the 180-mile riders look back on a job well done with a lunch buffet, beverages, and music by Kalie Schorr and Cale Dodds.

Supporters of Chainbreaker

This year companies across the Twin Cities are joining in to support the cause with bikers, volunteers and sponsorship’s – They include 3M, Be The Match and D’Amico Catering to date.

Chainbreaker isn’t just about the bike, it’s about our shared goal to end cancer.

About Jennifer Waldron, Chainbreaker Director

We’ll never forget the day our lives changed forever. It was February 7, 2000 when my husband, Lee Waldron, and I got the news that is every parent’s worst nightmare. After 10 weeks of enjoying parenthood with our sweet baby boy, we were told, “Your baby has cancer.”

Sam was diagnosed with Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Infant Leukemia is very rare, and Sam was given a very poor prognosis. When I asked to speak to another mom that had gone through what we were going through, I was told that there were no moms that had the outcome I wanted to hear.

As you can imagine, we were devastated. Sam was diagnosed and treated at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis and less than 24 hours after he was diagnosed, he was put on a clinical trial with investigators from the University of Minnesota. Sam spent over 250 nights in the hospital and 2 ½ years being treated. There were numerous ups and downs in the process during and after treatment was completed.

But, we have one of the good stories…Sam graduated from high school this year and is an incredible young man. He is headed to the University of Nebraska to follow in his parent’s footsteps of going to a BIG 10 university campus.

After Sam was treated, my husband and I got involved in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and began riding our bikes to raise money for cancer. I continued working as a speech pathologist and had two more children. Sam was thriving despite some difficulty with school because of the chemotherapy.

Although we were past the crisis time, I wanted to have an impact on the problem of cancer. I decided to quit speech pathology and seek a new career path. That’s when I heard about this new “bike ride” coming to Minnesota where 100 percent of the money riders raised would go to cancer research at the University of Minnesota. It felt like the perfect match and I decided to get involved. I didn’t care what I did I just wanted to be part of the event and experience.

I worked with Chainbreaker founder and cancer survivor, Tom Lennox, to launch our inaugural ride with more than 1000 riders raising $1.4 million dollars for cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. It was an empowering experience for all involved.

For me, the highlight of the weekend was seeing my 17-year-old sweet Sam cross the 180-mile finish line triumphantly with his hands in the air and his dad right behind him! It summarizes his approach to life perfectly. He is not only a survivor, but he is living his best life. Sam motivates me to work every day to find riders who hate this disease and are willing to get on a bike, have a little fun, and raise some money to defeat this terrible disease!

Bike the Long Lake Trail while visiting New Brighton’s Stockyard Days

by Andrew Ellis, HaveFunBiking.com

Riding the Long Lake Trails and taking in Stockyard Days, in New Brighton is a great example of what you will find visiting this area. Located on the north side of the Twin Cities, alongside the 35W Freeway in the Twin Cities Gateway Community, you will find many trails to explore. Along with many bike friendly roads the trail around Long Lake Regional Park and connects to the Rice Creek Trail Circuit. If you have the kids along and want to take a break from exploring, consider Eagles Next Playground. Another opportunity when in the area the middle of August is Stockyard Days, a long standing New Brighton tradition.

Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton

From your hotel it’s easy to hop on a trail with your bike to get to the park and its many amenities. Pedaling deeper into the park one of the first things you’ll come across is the New Brighton History Center. Slightly larger than a one room school house, right outside the building is an old train on the tracks.

The recently refurbished depot was converted into the History Center with many railroad artifacts.

Move past and you will start seeing more places to stop. The beach, by the main parking lot, is a place to stop, relax and enjoy the cool water. Several play areas for kids are also sprinkled throughout the park. There’s also an all grass ball field, with a backstop, picnic tables, and more.

You’ll also notice that the area is full of paths for both riding and walking to take you anywhere in the park. There are even smaller natural surface walking paths that allow you to get a little close to the water. The paved paths are especially fun for bikers with steep climbs that result in exhilarating descend. It’ll quench that need for speed.

Long Lake Regional Park Map in New Brighton offers many trails.

The trail left of the beach ends up near a parking lot with a very popular fishing pier. If you travel to the right of beach you have more options for exploring. There will be an area where you’ll see a bridge. If you go to the left of the bridge you’ll end up following train tracks along a paved path that’s part of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail.

If you decide to cross the bridge you’ll begin the lengthy journey on the Rice Creek North Regional Trail which takes you by trees, wetlands, and more. Also, pay close attention, because at some point you’ll have to turn onto a residential sidewalk and after that the trail isn’t very well marked. There’s also road construction that may be obstructing the next trail section. There’s also a gas station and McDonald’s close by if you need a break.

Eagles Nest Indoor Playground

A fun place for the whole family when not biking the trails.

Across the highway is the New Brighton Community Center which houses the massive Eagles Nest Playground. There are plenty of places to sit as your kids crawl in side the tunnels, use the slides or play in the ball pit. There are also a few vending machines for snacks and refreshments. It’s a great way to cool off and relax.

New Brighton’s Stockyard Days

If you’re visiting the area from August 5^th to the 13^th, come enjoy the city’s annual Stockyard Days celebration. The festivities include a golf tournament, Medallion Hunt, movie night, softball tournament, live music, Grande Parade, and more. Long Lake Park will also feature three days of food and crafts. You’ll also catch the finish of the 120-mile Antique Car Run. These cars were built in 1908 or earlier.

tockyard Days celebrates the communities past when stockyards, railroads, fashionable hotels and meatpacking plants flourished here. Days is full of fun

Stockyard Days celebrates the communities past when stockyards, railroads, fashionable hotels and meatpacking plants flourished here. Days is full of fun

The festival began in 1981 as a way to recall the early days of New Brighton as a center for the cattle industry including the stockyards, railroads, fashionable hotels and meatpacking plants.

Stockyard Days bike sprints will give you a taste of NASCAR Racing on two wheels.

Welcome New Brighton the beginning of your #NextBikeAdventure.

Enjoy a holiday bike Festival pedaling through the scenic Driftless Area

For eight years, the La Crosse Area Labor Day Bike Festival has hosted all kinds of rides, for all kinds of riders. This year, along with the: family-friendly neighborhood tours, ice-cream rides, mountain biking, live music, challenging road rides, are two new event options.

Family fun for everyone at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival.

New on the 2018 schedule are the Gran Fondo and Gravel Enduro Series, both optional fee-based events. These are collections of fun rides exploring gravel and road routes in the Driftless region. “Enduro” and “Gran Fondo” means that riders leave together on a neutral start, with several sections timed along the way. The Gravel Enduro Series includes two rides over Labor Day weekend and a bonus recovery ride on Labor Day. The Gran Fondo will have two different rides on two days, with varying distances from 30-75 miles. Take your pick — join them on all of the rides, or pick just of one.

Sign-up for the La Crosse Area Labor Day Bike Festival

The Festival registration, most in-town rides, the Open Streets fair, and live music are all complimentary. However, premium festival registration will give you many additional benefits including: text-based weather updates; t-shirts and a special bag of goodies. The Gravel Enduro Series and Gran Fondo are also optional fee-based events with timing and added benefits.

In-town Bike Festival rides

Family fun for everyone on the La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival ice cream tour.

Most in town guided rides are free, except money for cool treats, and are suitable for families, kids, and are easy. They leave from Riverside Park at the designated time, make frequent stops,

Pump track fun at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival is easy and will help you improve your mountain bike skills.

and have a leader and volunteers to shepherd the ride through the city.

Bike Festival self-guided bike routes

The Bike festival team have designed these countryside routes to be ridden self-supported. Ride your bike alone or in small groups, without the need of a tour guide or ride leader. All mapped routes are designed loops, leaving from public parks or parking lots. Wherever possible, you’ll travel on low-traffic rural roads, or at least on roads with bike facilities. To help you stay self-sufficient, maps show optional stops every 25-30 miles at convenience stores or public parks.

The Bike Festivals Grand Fondo and Gravel series

Join the Gran Fondo Series

Two days with two different distances in two states to choose from each day. Explore road routes through the Driftless region on the Grand Fondo. This type of event will have riders leave together and have three timed sections for the longer route and two timed sections for the shorter route each day. It’s all for fun! Competition is based on your time to complete the sections; your finish order compared to other riders doesn’t matter. Timed segments start outside of cities and villages on low-traffic roads, and end before reentering them. This allows for a great warm-up and cool-down, while encouraging riders to take a break and visit local businesses as they ride through towns. Riders are required to obey traffic laws at all times.

Join the brand-new Gravel Enduro Series

Starting with the Hoka Hilly Hundreds August 19th, this is a collection of fun gravel rides and events explores several gravel and mixed gravel/road routes in the Driftless region. Enduro-style means that riders leave together on a neutral start, with several sections (either gravel or hill climbs) timed along the way.

It’s all for fun! Competition is based on your time to complete the sections; your finish order compared to other riders doesn’t matter. Timed segments start outside of cities and villages on low-traffic roads, and end before reentering them

The Gravel Enduro Series features five events on three weekends and a bonus recovery ride on Labor Day. Take your pick —join old and new friends on the gravel this summer!

Time to make plans now!

Register today for the La Crosse Area Labor Day Bike Festival. Win a Wyatt’s fat bike at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival by registering before August

For lodging options see: Destination La Crosse

Still time, ride across MN’s tallest bridge on the Mesabi Trail this weekend

Is your calendar open for a bike adventure this weekend? There is still time to experience riding your bike across the tallest bridge in Minnesota. This Saturday, August 4th, consider the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour. They offer four memorable route options to choose from, all crossing this new bridge with breath taking scenery.

Still time to ride across Minnesota’s tallest bridge

The 2018 Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour has a route for riders of any level and every year the tour routes change to highlight over 20 wonderful communities along the trail. This year all four routes will lead to a slam bang finish at Mesabi Station in Eveleth.

Trail Route Options:

Just eight miles from Grand Rapids, take the 71 mile route from Bovey and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the picture Grace.
52 miles from the finish join the tour in Nashwauk, and enjoy the first of 5 rest stops with snacks and entertainment.
Buhl is the 3rd start location, with 25 miles to go to finish line outdoor concert and BBQ lunch. Don’t miss out on some of the Finest Water in America, in Buhl.
The shortest route, great for all the kids in the family, is just 11 miles from Virginia. And just a couple of miles away from the tallest bridge in Minnesota!

Spectacular views await you on the states tallest bridge

The Mesabi Trail now crosses over Minnesota's tallest bridge.

The Mesabi Bike Trail now crosses over Minnesota’s tallest bridge.

The new Highway 53 bridge and bike trail on the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota is worth checking out. After two years of construction you can now ride your bicycle, walk or even snowmobile across the tallest multi modal bridge in Minnesota. Now complete, this year the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour will include this section of the 135 mile trail system on their route.

The scenery is stunning crossing the bridge and exploring the trail towns along the way!

The views are stunning as you cross over the Rouchleau Mine Pit on the new bridge. The contrast between the aqua blue water and the red cliffs below are breathtaking. Something you will want to see along with the unique points of interest each trail town offers along the way.

Still time to register, sign up today!

How to fix a flat tire on a bike is a skill every rider should have

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

One inevitability of riding a bicycle is that you will get a flat tire. With a little practice and planning, you will be able to fix a flat tire and finish your ride, without a problem. To be prepared, you will need a few tools and to practice how to fix a flat on your bicycle a few times to get it down. Read below for a step by step on how to change your first flat.

Learning how to fix a flat tire is a part of bicycling. With a little practice and planning, you too can fix a tire and finish your ride.

Needed items to fix a flat tire

To easily fix a flat tire be sure to carry the following items:

Pump

Pumps come in many shapes and sizes. Most are portable in a jersey pocket or on the bike. Be sure to look for a pump that is capable of meeting your tires pressure.

Tube

Tubes are sized specifically to tires. Find the right size tube for your bike by looking on the sidewall of your tire. Common sizes are 700×23 and 26×2.1″. Tire sizes above are underlined in red. Tires size may also be molded into the sidewall of the tire.

Patch kit

Patches seal small holes in innertubes. There are glueless versions and versions that require glue.

Tire lever

Tire levers come in many shapes and colors, but almost all of them include the same features – A shovel shaped end to scoop the tire bead off the rim, and a hooked end to secure the lever onto the wheel.

FIX A FLAT: Getting Started

The first step to fix a flat is to remove the wheel from your bike. Consult your bicycles owner’s manual for the proper way to remove the wheels.

Begin by removing all the remaining air from the tire. Depress the valve while squeezing the tire until all remaining air is out. Also try to push the bead of the tire into the rim well, doing this will make it easier to remove the tire from the rim.

Taking the Punctured Tube Out

Tire, Rim, and Tire Lever Terminology

With the wheel in one hand and the tire lever in the other, try to position the shovel end of the tire lever under the bead of the tire. (see picture below)

Once the lever is positioned beneath the tires bead, push the hook side of the lever down (using the rim as the fulcrum) and lift the tires bead. Once you have lifted the bead with the tire lever, you should be able to push the lever around the perimeter of the rim, freeing one bead from within the rim. (See Video)

Some tire and rim combinations are too tight to allow this method. If you can’t make headway pushing the tire lever around the rim, use the hook side of the tire lever to capture a spoke. Use a second tire lever a few inches away from the first to remove the bead, the bead should be loose enough to remove easily at this time (see pictures below).

Remove the innertube and either patch it or take out a new one. Before installing a new innertube, run your fingers along the inside of the tire while inspecting an area a few inches in front of your fingers.(See Video)

You are looking for the object that caused the flat. You won’t always find something in the tire, either it fell out, or stayed in the road.

Installing a New Tube

When putting the innertube back in the tire, inflating it a little helps. Add enough air to give the tube shape, but not so much that it doesn’t fit into the tire

Start by putting the valve through the valve hole in the rim, then feed the rest of the tube into the tire.

Once the tube is in the tire, begin moving the tube into the rim well.

Begin at the valve, and feed the tire bead back into the rim well. It will be easy to get the bead moved over the edge of the rim initially, but will get progressively more difficult as you get farther away from the valve. It is normal for the last few inches of bead to be the most difficult to seat, don’t get discouraged and don’t attempt to use a tire lever to put the bead back. Tire levers can pinch and puncture innertubes. Instead of a tire lever, use your thumbs and the heel of your palm to force the bead back onto the rim. (See Video)

Once the tire and new innertub are reinstalled begin airing the tire up. Once there is a small amount of pressure in the tire, check to see if it is seated properly. A quick spin usually tells you visually if everything is even. (See Video)

If you are sure the tire is seated evenly, bring the tire up to pressure completely. Tire pressures are usually marked on the sidewall of the tire if you aren’t sure of how much to put in. Put the wheel back into the bike, reengage the brake, and you are off.

Being a safer driver is easy with a few lessons learned on your bike

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking

Riding a bike is both a fun sport and mode of transportation if done safely. One of the main concerns while riding your bicycle when traffic is around you is, what to do? As a cyclist, you become aware of what drivers of automobiles are doing and how to keep yourself safe. Now, what happens when you get back in your car? Take some of the lessons you learned while riding your bike and use them to become a safer driver of an automobile.

Know where you are as a safer driver

When you are driving in your car, safety concerns change with the surroundings. Traffic signs like deer crossing, children at play, and school zones offer a great indication that you should be paying close attention to what’s off the road as well as what’s on it. In residential areas, be aware of cyclists on sidewalks, in driveway as well as on the road. Pay particular attention to children as their behavior can be a bit more erratic than an adult. In the case of adults, look for hand signals to alert you to their changes in direction.

Passing as a safer driver

To be a safer driver pay close attention when passing a cyclist. Take the time to do it right, and by that I mean, literally take the time! Slow down, allow the rider to know you are approaching, ensure that the road ahead is clear for you as well as the cyclist and pass at a safe distance. Even if you need to wait a few minutes to pass safely, be sure not to act too aggressively when the opportunity does arise to pass. See new law revisions when passing a bicyclist in Minnesota.

A safe driver when passing gives the bike rider plenty of room and you plenty of time to deal with any oncoming traffic.

Too little room can force a rider off the road and into a bad situation.

Look down the road and ensure you have ample room and time to pass safely.

Turning as a safer driver

Most cyclist will ride to the right side of the road and in doing this they put themselves in danger for cars turning right. To be a safer driver, pay close attention to bike riders on the shoulder of the road. As you pass them be sure to offer plenty of room before you begin to turn your car in front of them. Sadly, many drivers will look forward for a clear road while turning, but not off to their right. This leads to cyclists possibly impacting the right side of a car.

Give cyclists ample room to stop or slowdown if needed.

Opening Your Door As A Safer Driver

Just like turning, when opening your car door be sure to look behind you. Riders use the right side of the road, so when you park on the street, you can do serious damage to a rider and your vehicle if you accidentally “door” them. A moment to look in the rear view mirror can save you and those around you a lot of pain and trouble.

Pay close attention to what is behind you before opening your car door when parked on the street.

Distractions On Your Bike Or In A Car

We live in a digital world and it is difficult to unplug with all the distraction. Please make the pledge to yourself to use your digital devices as little as possible in the car or on your bike. Other distractions can be music that is too loud, children that are excitable (I struggle with this one) or GPS devices. Try to plan your route in advance, limit the digital distractions, and remind your children of the dangers of distracted driving.

We should all hope that the same care we take while riding on our bike goes into our driving habits and vise-versa. Being more aware of our surroundings, more aware of others, and less distracted goes a long way to make you a safer driver of both your car and your bicycle.

Lets Share the Road!

Ride across the highest bridge in Minnesota this summer on the Mesabi Trail

by Ardy Nurmi-Wilberg

Did you know you can ride your bike across the tallest bridge in Minnesota on the Mesabi Trail? Did you also know that on August 4th, all four routes for the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour will be going across that bridge?

More on the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour

Whether you are an avid cyclist, a casual rider or you’ve got the kids in tow – don’t miss this fun. The ride is filled with many opportunities to experience the Best Rural Bike Trail in Minnesota (according the 2013 Star Tribune).

With kid’s in tow the Mesabi trail is always fun!

The 2018 Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour has a route for riders of any level and every year the tour route is changed to highlight the wonderful communities along the trail. This year all four routes will lead to a slam bang finish at Mesabi Station in Eveleth.

Trail Route Options

Just eight miles from Grand Rapids, take the 71 mile route from Bovey and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the picture Grace.

52 miles from the finish join the tour in Nashwauk, and enjoy the first of 5 rest stops with snacks and entertainment.

Buhl is the 3rd start location, with 25 miles to go to finish line outdoor concert and BBQ lunch. Don’t miss out on some of the Finest Water in America, in Buhl.

The shortest route, great for all the kids in the family, is just 11 miles from Virginia. And just a couple of miles away from the tallest bridge in Minnesota!

After riding across the tallest bridge have your photo taken at the finish line!

The new Minnesota Bridge

Crossing the bridge, 200 feet above the water’s surface, the $220 million bridge is part of the relocation of Hwy 53. This allowed United Taconite to mine under the old highway. In order to connect Virginia with the reminder of the Mesabi Trail heading towards Ely, a 14 ft wide addition was added to the bridge to accommodate the paved bike trail. In the winter, this also serves as a snowmobile crossing.

The trail stretches over 155 miles

The Mesabi Trail is one of the premier bike trails in Minnesota. Currently over 135 miles of this paved trail is complete, when finished it will stretch over 155 miles and pass through 28 communities in northeast MN.

Stretching from the Mississippi (Grand Rapids) to the Boundary Waters (Ely) you will experience a trail like no other. The trail allows you to pedal past pristine lakes, through woods, over rolling hills, wind through bogs and hey, there’s a taconite mine. It’s a ride you won’t forget, filled with historic sites, not to mention a string of small towns with a TON of charm.

One of the best ways to experience the Mesabi Trail is on the fully supported Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour. At $45 for individuals and $90 for a family (kids 18 & under ride FREE), it’s one of the best deals around. Entry includes transportation for you and your bike, food & entertainment at rest stops, a concert & BBQ at the finish and a commemorative t-shirt.

As a seasoned summer rider will you be ready for ‘Ride the Ridges’?

If you think you will exceed your planned level of endurance riding through the summer and looking for a memorable way to test those glutes, thighs and calf muscles, consider ‘Ride the Ridges’. In its sixth year, on Saturday, September 15, 2018, the Winona Rotary Club is expanding its annual road tour event. This ‘Ride the Ridges‘ (RTR) 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. Are you 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

Early registration is through August 31, and includes a pair of RTR socks , meal voucher ($7.50 value), rest stops, SAG support, and after-ride drink token at Island City Brewing Co.

The RTR benefits the Winona Rotary Clubs – Feed My Starving Children program.

Visiting Winona

Check here for places to stay, eating establishments and attractions when visting.

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.
The ride is beautiful and scenic with long flats and some rolling hills. But what makes this event stand out are the wonderful volunteers along the way. They all had smiles on and each one offered us enthusiastic encouragement. The warm and tasty coffee from Mugby Junction made the event all the more welcoming and memorable.
Great ride support. Will do it again. Hopefully without the rain.
Even in the rain, the camaraderie of participants and volunteers was excellent. I would ride definitely ride again.
Shower after and a vegan option food truck…what could be better.
I have done multiple century rides and the spacing, food quality and staffing of the rest stops is the best I’ve seen. Thank you!
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.
I have participated in many century rides around Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. This was my first time doing the “Ride The Rides” century and it was a treat! It was challenging, beautiful, fun, great volunteers and in the top 3 of all the century’s I have completed. If you want an awesome ride come to Winona!
This was my first organized cycle event. Being from out of town l was a little nervous but i met some awesome volunteers and local folks that made it a great experience well done. See you next year.
Best organized ride that I did this season. Very scenic and somewhat difficult route. Just the kind of ride that I want to usher in the end of an awesome road biking season. Thank You All….
You have to do this if you enjoy biking. Great roads, great event!
This is my third time Riding the Ridges. The route is my favorite among sponsored rides. The signage is always clear and the support along the way is wonderful. Will definitely do it again!
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.

For more places to ride this Fall

See the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and the Iowa Bike/Hike Guide.

Anoka’s Heritage Home and Garden Tour is enjoyable by bike

At the confluence of the Rum entering the Mississippi River, you will find many beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and gardens to tour. This coming Sunday, July 15th, by bike, car or on foot explore 13 historic neighborhoods on the Anoka Heritage Home and Garden Tour.

The Big White House is century old home on the garden to tour.

A part of the Twin Cities Gateway communities, Anoka happens to be a very bike friendly town. Biking is the perfect way to travel from one historic home to the next on this tour. The locations are far enough away from each other that you may not want to walk? On the other hand, they are close enough that driving is cumbersome. Biking is an excellent way to justify stopping at one of the many establishments downtown and grabbing a delicious treat after the tour.

The Heritage Home and Garden Tour

This year there are around 18 stops along the tour, showcasing the community’s past while flower gardens are in bloom. Also featured this year is the Federal Cartridge Clubhouse. Along with a special pop-up tornado exhibit and marketplace at the Anoka Armory, that had been destroyed in the 1939 disaster.

The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea Room, in the Woodbury House, is another home worth seeing.

As you tour this river community admire some of Minnesota’s most beautiful homes and gardens up close. From the historic neighborhood of Slabtown to Christian Hill, discover how they got their names. Hear the stories of the first occupants who lived there.

One of the homes featured on tour is the Ticknor Hill Bed and Breakfast, built in 1867 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. . Another home The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House, located in the Woodbury House with great gardens, is also listed on the National Registry Historic Places. These are just two of the many homes on this tour that you will enjoy seeing.

All participants receive a tour booklet, which contains a map and addresses for you to easily find the charming homes and gardens on the tour. Once you have purchase your tour book, with map, look at these locations on the city’s bike map showing connectors trails.

For more bicycle opportunities in the Twin Cities Gateway check out these maps.

The Fridley Historic Home & Garden Tour coming July 22

Downriver from Anoka, enjoy a new tradition with the Fridley Historic Home & Garden Tour. This tour, on Sunday, July 22^nd will ramble back in time to this community’s most famous era, the 60’s! Enjoy scenic homes and gardens by bike as Fridley is another bike friendly community in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Watch the Fridley Historic Home and Garden tour video on YouTube. (Link opens in new tab)

See the Fridley Historic Home and Garden Tour Event Tickets site for more information and to purchase tickets!

Congratulations Cannon Valley Trail on your national distinction

Recently the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that they were adding 19 new National Recreation Trails (NRT), that included the Cannon Valley Trail, in Minnesota. This will add an additional 370 miles to over a 1,000 trails in the NRT system network throughout the U.S.

Confirmation of these trails, Secretary Zinke stated. “By designating these new national trails, we acknowledge the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone. Our network of national trails provides easily accessible places to exercise and connect with nature. These trails in both urban and rural areas will boost tourism and supporting economic opportunities across the country.”

The National Park Service also acknowledges the added trails

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System, I hope everyone will take advantage of a nearby national trail to hike or bike.” said National Park Service Deputy Director Dan Smith. “The network of national recreation trails offers expansive opportunities for Americans to explore the great outdoors.”

Both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture have the authority to approve designations in response to an application from the trail’s managing agency or organization. The National Recreation Trails Program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the Forest Service. This is done in conjunction with a number of other federal and not-for-profit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trails website.

About the Cannon Valley Trail

The Cannon Valley Trail is a 19.7 mile long trail that runs through diverse and spectacular scenery on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line. The trail connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota.

Paralleling the Cannon River, the Trail offers glimpses and panoramas of the valley. There is a gradually descends 115 feet in elevation from Cannon Falls to Red Wing. Along the trail, pedal past overhanging cliffs and extensive wetland complexes for viewing. Throughout the year nature’s seasonal changes are vividly displayed along the trail.

The Trail is open year round for bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, similar wheeled recreational devices, hiking, walking and cross country skiing. Trail users age 18 or older must have a valid Wheel Pass when using the trail from April 1st – November 1st.

Have Fun!