Category Archives: News

A very tasty outdoor adventure breakfast option

Throughout the year, Naked Oats has become a tasty outdoor adventure breakfast option for me. As an active outdoor travel writer and editor, after a few hours on the trail, I like to stop and take a break with something nutritious like oatmeal. After trying many brands, Naked Oats is very delicious and gives me a great mid-morning boost. It comes in three flavors and is a perfect mid-morning snack or on-the-go breakfast for just over $3 (based on 12 servings per canister).

A tasty outdoor adventure breakfast option

There are plenty of choices for oatmeal, but Naked Oats is a versatile protein powder that will fuel your day with sustained energy. It’s easy to prepare as a delicious bowl of oatmeal in around 30 seconds. The way I use it is I mix two scoops with 6 fl oz of hot boiling water using a JetBoil, when in the field. Just enough water to make it into a slurry in a cup or bowl. Once stirred, give it a minute or so to firm up, and then add milk or milk substitute when refrigeration is an issue. Then enjoy!

Satisfying and nutritious in three popular flavors

Naked Oats offers Cinnamon Roll Protein Oats, Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Oats, or Green Apple Cinnamon Roll Protein Oats flavors. All three choices combine gluten-free rolled oats, premium grass-fed whey, natural flavors, and sweetness so you can eat healthy and perform at your best.

Energize your body and sustain your adventure at maximum intensity without hitting the wall due to fatigue. Naked Oats combines premium protein with slow-digesting complex carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up and your hunger in check. Packed with 20g of protein, 6g of fiber, and just 240 calories per serving, it offers a delicious and nutritious kickstart to the morning or mid-morning break.

Another beautiful fall day to enjoy a bicycle ride along the Minnesota River trail on the Mankato River Ramble when colors were coming into their peak. — An e-bike is not necessary, with Wild Oat for breakfast and in the pannier.

Russ Lowthian is the editor at HaveFunBiking.com and the annual Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

A bike adds to the fun at the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament

The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament returns to the Twin Cities on August 17-18. Historically held in downtown St. Paul, this 3-on-3 family-focused tournament is now in Brooklyn Park, MN, the perfect place to bring your bike. While visiting, you will find five major paved trail systems that intersect. Plus, there are many bike-friendly streets to get to and from the games and the many attractions in the Minneapolis Northwest while visiting.

About Gus Macker

Gus Macker celebrates its 50th anniversary this year at the Hennepin Community College. The original tournament was started by Scott McNeal (aka Gus Macker), who invited eighteen neighborhood friends to play over the weekend in his parents’ driveway during March Madness. The tournament continued to gain popularity, eventually hit the road in 1987, and has become a staple in recreational sports. Since then, the Macker tour has expanded, holding 1500+ tournaments with more than 2.8 million players—male and female from seven to 50+—and more than 30 million spectators.

Exploring the Minneapolis Northwest by bike

As the Mississippi River and its internationally known Mississippi River Trail (MRT) enter the Twin Cities Metro area, visitors staying in Brooklyn Center or Brooklyn Park (also known as Explore Minneapolis Northwest) can access some of the nation’s best bike trails. You can find several comfortable bike routes from your hotel room that connect you to many other urban paved trails. The links below will give you access to the MRT to visit local parks along the river or ride trails to downtown Minneapolis for more attractions. For those interested in mountain or fat biking, Elm Creek Park Reserve is also easy to connect to by trail, no matter your hotel choice.

See an overview of the Minneapolis Northwest bike infrastructure in the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide on pages 42-43 or the Shingle Creek Regional Trail System map.

Where to stay while visiting

Minneapolis Northwest features 14 hotels to meet the needs of every guest. From all-suite hotels with meeting space to extended-stay properties, you’ll find an option that suits you best.

Tour of Lakeville kicks off their fall art festival with free registration

Before the city’s 16th annual art festival, Saturday, September 21, enjoy the trails and bike lanes on the Tour of Lakeville. Registration is free thanks to the Lakeville Friends of the Environment, who will lead two rides of different lengths. Select between the 6 to 8-mile (kid-friendly) ride route or the 18 to 20-mile scenic bike trip on Lakeville’s trails and bike lanes. While touring Lakeville, gain a new perspective of the town’s beauty and closeness to nature, then enjoy the Art Festival.

Tour of Lakeville details

This year’s Tour of Lakeville starts and ends at Pioneer Plaza Park, a block north of where the Art Festival takes place. Pre-register at Lakeville Parks & Rec so you are ready to ride; it’s free. Remember to pump up your tires and bring a helmet and water bottle. Check-in starts at 9 a.m., and both rides leave at 9:30 a.m.

Your route choices

The 6-8-mile (kid and family-friendly) route is all on Lakeville’s paved trails.

The 18-20 mile route uses many quiet neighborhood streets that connect to trails meandering through new housing developments, parks, and wildlife areas. Enjoy the unique sculptures and art benches in several parks along the way, a highlight of the Lakeville art scene.

The Tour of Lakeville is a fun ride for all

Along the Tour ride, participants will discover many attractive segments of the community and many outdoor spaces that include:

Great views of Lake Marion as the tour passes the new outdoor performance pavilion in Casperson Park and the West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trailhead.
The paved Juno Trail hugs the lake’s shoreline.
Views of the popular Antler’s Park, under construction and re-opening in the spring of 2024, with a swimming beach, picnic areas, volleyball, and horseshoes.
Enjoy listening to birds and seeing butterflies along the paved trail through the Steve Michaud Park-Conservation Area.
And more!

Don’t worry; no rider will be dropped on this family-friendly ride. However, all participants are expected to ride at a moderate pace so everyone can share their favorite ride stories after returning.

The 18-20 mile ride will last approximately two and a half hours. This time frame depends on the number of registered bikers and the route. Remember to pre-register so the ride has plenty of staff support – Thanks!

After the ride, make it a day at the Lakeville Art Festival

Take in the Lakeville Art Festival with over 90 artists exhibiting — Take in the Lakeville Art Festival, with over 90 artists exhibiting

Many consider this one of the finest art festivals in Minnesota. The Lakeville Art Festival is held annually on the third weekend in September. This year, the event will feature over 90 artists in an intimate and accessible setting. The artist booths are staged in a park-like atmosphere, allowing for a unique circular type arrangement to help showcase their work. Plus, many artists have scheduled demonstrations over the two days of the festival, September 21 & 22.

Another family-friendly highlight at the art festival is a stop at the “Young at Art” tent. This workshop area has plenty of art supplies, ideas, and experts to help the creative juices flow.

More on the new mountain bike trail in Lakeville

The Lakeville Cycling Association has constructed a mountain bike trail system on the west side of Lake Marion. Another family-friendly attraction, the new course, is approximately five miles long. The trail segments in the park allow plenty of fun features for beginning, intermediate, and advanced mountain bikers. This single-track, one-way trail system includes multiple switchbacks, berms, rollers, and fun for all to enjoy.

The new Lakeville mountain bike course is fun for the whole family.

See the map for this new, year-round mountain bike trail system. You can access the trailhead in Casperson Park by parking in the gravel lot north of the soccer fields at 19720 Juno Trail. Watch for trail updates and trail conditions on the clubs’ Facebook page.

For those visiting the area who want to learn more about connecting from the area hotels to the trails and fun things to do when not riding, see the At-A-Glance Lakeville and their map.

Bike to the Minnesota State Fair, its less hassle!

It is time to start planning your visit to this year’s Minnesota State Fair and using your bicycle is a comfortable way to get there. If you plan on attending this year’s ‘Great Minnesota Get-together, bicycle parking is still free. Ride your bike from home or do a multi-modal commute to the fair. Consider loading your bike in your car or using the Metro Transit Bus to the fair. Once in the area, consider a spot, maybe a few miles away, for easy parking. Then, commute the rest of the way to one of the fair’s three bike corrals. Commuting by bicycle can take the hassle factor out of your annual visit. Plus, it is a great way to burn off some of those calories from all the fun things you can eat on a stick.

BIKING TO THE FAIR, CHOOSE FROM THREE SECURE BIKE CORRALS: This year, the fair starts on August 22nd and runs through Labor Day, September 2nd. So there is plenty of time to go; plan your mode of transportation to get there and see what you will see.

Three bike corrals at the Minnesota State Fair

Riding your bike to the Fair, cyclists can choose between three secure bike corrals to park their bicycles while visiting. As in the past, riding your bike to the fair can be fun and reduce the hassle of traffic congestion getting there. Each day, those who commute by bicycle to the fairgrounds will find three (3) secure bike locations from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. They are located at:

North Bike Lot: Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2)

West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16)

South Bike Lot: Como-Snelling Gate (#6) is a popular location. (This bike corral fills fast, so be prepared to plan your route to one of the above locations.)

CHECK THE LATEST IN ECO-FRIENDLY E-BIKES IN THE ECO PROGRESS CENTER.: Here is a map from the MN Pollution Control Agency showing the best bicycle routes to ride your bike comfortably to the fair.

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

The Shoe Clip Light is an ideal item for bike commuter safety: Now that you are at the fair walking around, you can think about what you might want to purchase. Maybe a shoe clip light so you are more visible when out riding at night? You will find out more about where to purchase this item and other fun things on the free Minnesota State Fair App at the Google Play store.

Check out the Eco-Building for the latest in sustainability

At the Minnesota State Fair, check the latest in environmentally friendly exhibits, like the e-bikes, in the Eco Progress Center.

IN THE ECO PAVILION, SEE THE LATEST ON ELECTRIC ASSIST BIKES (e-bikes).: Need a new Minnesota Bike Map? In the Education Building, look for the Minnesota Department of Transportation booth, where you will find the latest maps free of charge.

Like parades?

DAILY, SEE UNI-CYCLISTS RIDING IN THE PARADE: At the Minnesota State Fair parade, it’s fun to see the uni-cyclists riding among the floats and marching bands. Each day at 2 p.m. on Cosgrove Street, you can watch the Minnesota State Fair Parade. You might see the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club performing if you are lucky. These single-wheeled bicyclists always do some fun tricks as they pedal along the parade route. As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center, you can check out the latest exhibits in environmentally friendly living.

Fun foods at the Minnesota State Fair to try

YOU WILL FIND PLENTY OF FUN FOODS TO TRY AT THIS YEAR’S “GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER”

You will find plenty of fun foods at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Every year, there are many fun and wacky food entrees to try at the fair. This year is no exception; looking at the latest published list of new foods to try. Items that have caught my attention include the “All Quaked-Up Sandwich,” the vegan “Earthslider,” the” Breakfast Gnocchi,” and the “Gray Duck Sundae,” to name a few.

Hope this helps you plan your visit to this year’s Minnesota State Fair. If we missed something you may have discovered, please let us know or leave a comment below.

Thanks for viewing our latest review, and Have Fun at the fair. Share your experiences below!

Last chance to register for the musical Saint Paul Classic fall bicycle ride

The 30th Annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour is a music-filled fall bicycle ride through the Capital City. It offers fun for all who participate. This year’s ride on Sunday, September 8, will again showcase the beauty of the east Twin Cities Metro Area. Riders will celebrate riding through historic neighborhoods along the 12.5-mile “Lollipop Loop,” the 30-mile Saint Paul Grand Round, or add a lap around Lake Phalen for 33 miles. Registration for the event closes this Thursday, September 5th.

About this fall bicycle ride

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

The Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour is one of the most comfortable, family-friendly bike rides in Minnesota. Known throughout the area for its quality, all proceeds from this fall bicycle ride support the mission-driven work of the Friends of the Parks and Trails.

The Classic is an excellent experience for all ages and skill levels. In this relaxed environment, the tour winds through historic neighborhoods, beautiful parks and parkways, and 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. All you need to do is:

Participate in an event that champions bicycling
Choose a route distance 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 finds the routes scenic and friendly.

About Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County

Friends of the Parks and Trails is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes public support and appreciation of parks and trails in St. Paul and Ramsey County. For 39 years, they have worked tirelessly to Promote park-friendly policies, participate in parks and trail planning, protect the Mississippi River and the land around it, and preserve open spaces within the community. See more here.

Best Dam Pie Thank You Ride celebrates the Mankato River Ramble

Come celebrate with the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates (GMBWA) on Sun, Oct 6th, with the Best Dam Pie Thank You Ride.

With the destruction of the Dam and Pie Shop earlier this year. The GMBWA is grateful to its past sponsors, participants, and volunteers of the Mankato River Ramble over the past 13 years. For a fun fall bike ride in 2024, they are thanking the community by offering a ride and the best dam pie available in southern Minnesota.

The plan is to gather around noon at Mount Kato, 20461 Old State Highway 66, Mankato, MN. A few announcements will be made, and then at 12:50 p.m., participants will enjoy ride-and-walk options together. The ride routes will stop at the new temporary location of the Dam Store in downtown Mankato!

The whole family will like the scenery along the Minnesota River Valley.

On Sun, Oct 6, registration proceeds will be donated to the Dam Store owners, the Hruska family, who are long-time supporters of the River Ramble each fall. As many GMBWA members know, the family suffered tremendous losses with the 2024 Spring flood.

While you are enjoying your yummy Dam Store slice of pie, GMBWA board members will present a check to the Hruska family, owners of the Dam Store. As a group, the ride will then head back to Mount Kato. Those who would like to add to their mileage can join a group that will do some road riding in the beautiful river valley between Mankato and Rapidan.

Best Dam Pie Ride Registration

Get registered today! They only have 200 pie pieces for the first 200 registered riders and walkers. Plus, when you register, you can donate to the Dam Store owners, and we will include your donation in our presentation to the Hruska family.

Recommended donation $20/person. Sales of the Classic Dam Store T-Shirt (front) are also available after you register. Families welcome! Please have one registration for each person. Register here!

12:00 pm – 12:30 Preregistration required. Check-in at Mount Kato. Pie coupons for the first two hundred registrants. Coupons must be used on Sunday, October 6, before 7 pm.
12:45 pm – Group Announcements: Thanking our sponsors, Donation to the Hruska Family Dam Store owners, and description of the GMBWA 2025 Fall ride.
12:50 pm – Ride and walk leaders depart. Choose from a 20-mile ride, six mile-ride, or 4.5-mile walk. Rides will stop at Dam Store Cafe in Downtown Mankato.
1:00-7:00 pm – Enjoy a slice of Dam Store pie. The first 200 registrants will receive a coupon for a slice of pie. Coupon is good on Sunday, October 6, and must be used before 7 pm.

Tasty treats, like the pie stop, makes the ride extra delicious.

A tasty treat, the pie stop can make the ride extra delicious.

Ride Routes Planed

Routes:
4.7 miles – https://strava.app.link/kve7ZgBOYMb
6.15 miles – https://strava.app.link/jUiWFMRUZMb
17.82 miles – https://strava.app.link/uF75nKUUZMb

A fun place to gather and ride with old and new friends!

Current Sponsors for 2024 include the Dam Store Cafe, Mount Kato Ski Area, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN)

More photos from earlier Mankato River Rambles can be found online here.

Come early and ride all that Mankato offers

Nestled along the Minnesota River in Southern Minnesota, Mankato is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore over 50 miles of paved trails by bike, scooter, or by foot, and even more trails to satisfy the need to get off the paved path. If you choose to spend some extra time exploring all that Mankato offers, here is a list of lodging options to consider.

About Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates (GMBWA)

GMBWA encourages individuals and families to walk and bike as part of a healthy lifestyle. Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates work with city, county, and state governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to improve the community’s infrastructure and opportunities for walking and biking. The ride began in 2011; thousands of dollars of profits from the Ramble have gone into signs, outdoor kiosks, mountain bike trail construction, and other improvements in the Mankato area.

For the last 13 years, GMBWA has received funds from the Fall bike ride via our sponsors and registrations. Those funds have been intentionally recirculated back into our community to support cycling and walking activities and infrastructure. For example, last year’s ride funds help support new bikes for kids with Mankato BMX and also bikes for families with the YWCA New Americans program.

Use protection, it could save your skin….

from Barry H. Oberholzer Jr.
We have all heard it before: Use protection…wear sunscreen!

In the late 1990s, Baz Luhrmann released a song called “Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen…” If you have never heard it or can’t recall the song – EnjoyI

We all get caught up in preparing for all those fun summer outings. We check our equipment, focus on nutrition, work out, and stay hydrated. However, after my last couple of triathlons, I realized I had forgotten one of the most important things. You need to apply sunscreen, something I didn’t do at my last couple of outdoor events.

Reapply sunscreen throughout the day for added protection.

Whether you participate in a race or tour the countryside, you will spend most of your day in the sun. Suppose you remembered to start the day off with sunscreen applied. In that case, as you head into the second part of the day’s adventure, the lotion has started to disappear from rubbing, sweating, or maybe from a swim incorporated into your day’s activities. This is where you should take the time to reapply. Believe me, 30- seconds is all it takes to ensure you are covered. And it will protect you from the worst UV rays on the second leg of your day’s activities.

I learned this the hard way. I always knew you should apply sunscreen thoroughly before any outing or race, but I didn’t think about it while participating in my last Triathlon. The time I spent in direct sunlight over the course of the day, added to the change from a wet suit to a tri-suit, took a toll on my skin. Not reapplying lotion—I got burned.

As I mentioned, we focus intensely on our nutrition and how we will fuel, hydrate, and keep our bodies going. Still, we sometimes forget that our biggest organ is exposed to direct sunlight for many hours. That is why one of the newest additions to my transition bag is SPF 50+ water/sweatproof lotion. It is just as important as that banana/GU Gel and a bottle of water.

So if I could give you advice from one newbie to another newbie, wear sunscreen!

Minnesota mountain bike trails to shred

Whatever your riding style, downhill, cross-country, or a leisurely ride after work, you’ll find plenty of mountain biking trails to choose from. Minnesota offers many off-road trails to shred. No matter your skill level, you will find plenty of glaciated ridges: lush forests, and open prairies to explore. Plan your next outdoor adventures with our list of mountain bike trails in Minnesota. You will find many fun opportunities year-round, as many of these trails are open for fat biking throughout winter. Thanks to the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclist (MORC) and several other community organizations who maintain these trails.

Fat bike fun on Minnesota’s Mountain Bike Trails

From lift-served downhill and legendary red dirt trails of the North to the open-air feel of the prairies further south, you’ll find outstanding mountain bike trails across Minnesota.

Minnesota mountain bike trails in the North

You will find many trail options when visiting Northern Minnesota.

In Northern Minnesota’s vast forests, find an extensive network of rugged singletrack and easy-to-moderate mountain bike trails to enjoy. Explore the following list, with many state, regional, and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, Minnesota has no shortage of mountain bike trails to explore. For that next Northern Minnesota adventure you want to plan, click here for over 25 trail systems to shred.

Minnesota’s Central Region

Enjoy the mix of prairie and forested trails regardless of your skill level.

In Minnesota’s heartland, find an extensive network of rugged singletrack and easy-to-moderate mountain bike trails to enjoy. Explore the following list, with many state, regional, and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, Minnesota has no shortage of mountain bike trails to explore. For that next Central Minnesota adventure you want to plan, click here for over 15 trail systems to shred.

Minnesota’s Twin Cities Metro Area

The TC Trails here are perfect for the beginner and the serious rider.

In the Twin Cities, mountain bikers will find trails to enjoy year-round. No matter your skill level, you will find the singletracks trails flowing in the summer. Then in the winter months, they are groomed for fat biking. Explore the following list, with many regional and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, Minneapolis-St has no shortage of mountain bike trails. Paul Area. For the next mountain bike adventure you want to plan in the Twin Cities Metro, click here for over 15 trail systems to shred.

Minnesota’s South

Southern Minnesota awaits your arrival from the driftless area to the open prairies.

In Southern Minnesota’s open prairies, meandering rivers, and stunning bluffs, find an extensive network of rugged singletrack and easy-to-moderate mountain bike trails to enjoy. Explore the following list, with many state, regional, and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, Minnesota has no shortage of mountain bike trails to explore. For the next mountain bike adventure you want to plan in the Twin Cities Metro, click here for over 15 trail systems to shred.

Building the ultimate commuter bike with what’s in your garage

by John Brown

I have used a commuter bike almost exclusively for the past twenty years. In that time, I have seen many people put off commuting by bicycle because they felt they didn’t have the right bike. While the right gear is important, many don’t realize that the right equipment is closer than they think. Take a look at how I would build the perfect bike for commuting. It may surprise you how close it might be to that bike hanging in your garage.

The ultimate commuter bike

For the sake of this article, we will start with a bike similar to what many people already have in storage. Take the Marin Farifax SC1, an aluminum hybrid with V-brakes, 24 speeds, and a flat handlebar. This bike is comfortable and efficient for most riders and durable enough for the rigors of daily riding. Additionally, the tires can use a puncture-resistant layer to fight flats.

The Fairfax SC1 is similar to bikes you will find in garages everywhere.

The bare minimum to be a commuter bike

As with most road bikes, the Fairfax SC1 is pretty much commuter-ready out of the box. If I were to add one thing, it would be lights. Being visible as a commuter is job #1. While commuting, you typically share time and space with cars, so it is important to let them know where you are. I like to use a good tail light and a strong headlamp. The tail light is kept on blink mode while the headlamp shines bright and steady. This way, vehicles approaching from behind can see me easily, and the light from my headlamp allows others to see me and me to see them.

I would also recommend the basic tools necessary to fix a flat tire. That includes a spare tube, pump, tire levers, patches, and a 1-$ bill. If you have never changed a flat before, practice once or twice at home before heading off on your first trip.

Being visible is a must

Next best thing

If I were to make another suggestion, it would be for a rear rack with bags, or a good backpack. While both options are designed to carry your stuff, they do their jobs slightly differently. A rack and bag combo works well to keep the weight of your gear on the bike and off your back. This option is far more comfortable than a backpack but can be more jarring to your gear (a real concern if you lug a laptop). The backpack is not as comfortable, but is better for your gear, and easier to use if you have more than one bike. For either option I look for something waterproof. Eventually, you will get caught in the rain, and keeping your gear dry is essential.

A rack and this bag make carrying your gear easier.

On the subject of Dry

While not a necessity, fenders are a welcome addition to any commuter bike. I prefer the permanent, bolt-on style fender. They keep you dryer and stay in place better than the clip-on variety. The fender does an amazing job of keeping you dry when the road surface is wet.

Fenders round out the commuter bike build.

The ultimate commuter bike

Okay, I know “The Ultimate” gets thrown around a lot, and it’s probably a better headline to grace the cover of Cosmo than HaveFunBiking. So, this is an overview of my ultimate commuter. As a base, I will start with the Marin Fairfax SC6 DLX or a similar-style and model bike that fits better. If you don’t have a bicycle in storage for your optimum build, look around to see what is available in your market. With new or used bicycles, and e-bikes, always test ride to see what you like best.

Marin’s Fairfax SC6 DLX is a fully loaded commuter.

Why I like the Fairfax SC6 DLX it uses a generator front hub, Internally geared rear hub, belt drive, full fender set, hydraulic disc brakes, and a full carbon fork. The things I would change to make it even better is to use lighter rims (light weight wheels make a bike ride easier), and a Carbon handlebar to quiet some of the road noise. Other than that, I would probably lose the rear rack (as I prefer a backpack) and install some egg-beater clipless pedals

Everything else

Beyond the bike, there are lots of other topics that arise when you start commuting by bike. Like, what to wear, how to care for my bike, rain riding, etc. Rather than focusing on those concerns, I encourage you to think about how you will enjoy your increased fitness, what you will feel like when you lose those extra few pounds, and what amazing things you will create after you kickstart your mind aboard two wheels.

About John Brown, the author

As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and that particular fever was still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then as a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.

Fun memories and spectacular views on the Mesabi Trail Tour

Join old and new friends on the Mesabi Trail Tour for the most fun you can have on two wheels. The 2024 Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour returns on August 10th with five fun distances for your next bike adventure. Choose from 5 different routes – 12, 26, 46, 58, or 70 miles. All routes travel out and back on Mesabi Trail from one start/finish location in Buhl Park, Buhl, MN.

All routes travel out and back on the Mesabi Trail from Buhl Park in Buhl, which is located on Highway 169 between Hibbing and Virginia.

Mesabi Trail rolling over an ore train crossing.

While you pedal (fully supported) along one of Minnesota’s premiere paved bicycle trails, you will encounter historic & scenic points of interest, food & music at rest stops, and a finish line celebration complete with a picnic lunch and more music!

Cost of riding the Mesabi Trail Tour in 2022

The cost of riding this year’s event (cost per weekend ride) is $45 for riders 17 years and older. The ride is still free for kids 16 and under, with a parent or guardian riding along.

The scenery is stunning along the Mesabi Trail.

Stretching from the Mississippi to the Boundary Waters, with over 150 miles of paved trail, the Mesabi Trail is like no other in the country. Cutting through the forests of northeast Minnesota, your adventure will take you past lakes, creeks, and ponds, by vast red pits of old iron ore mines now filled with emerald green water. You are sure to be greeted by native wildlife during your travels. Passing through 28 communities, visit local attractions, learn about the local mining and logging legacies, and enjoy the local cuisine, like sarma, a pasty, or some potica.

Mesabi Trail Tour riders enjoy the scenery at O’Brian Reservoir.

Spring, summer or Fall your riding experience on the Mesabi Trail is what great memories are made from.

Your riding experience on the Mesabi Trail in spring, summer, or fall will create great memories.

Camping and lodging along the Mesabi Trail

Camping will be available at Buhl Park, with a $10 charge for a tent/camper site. There are no water or electrical hookups at this park. There will be portable toilets and a hand wash station. Please keep your trash and dispose of it correctly. Please leave your site as you found it. The money collected will go towards the Buhl Youth Recreation Program.

Lodging:

Visit Grand Rapids: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-stay/

The Iron Range Tourism Bureau: https://ironrange.org/motel

To learn more about the trail: http://www.mesabitrail.com/.