Welcome. We're your premier source for fun places to explore by bicycle or on foot. Offering guides, maps and articles on road and trail riding for the novice to seasoned cyclist - helping you find your #NextBikeAdventure
Day 6 of 30 days of biking and the weather keeps getting warmer. Each day its looking more like summer is around the corner with the trees budding and many of the song birds returning. Here at HaveFunBiking, we hope your bike is ready to roll so you can plan your #nestbikeadventure.
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
The summer travel season is right around the corner and planning for your next adventure can be easy with this detailed bike travel checklist. In the photo above, a touring cyclist on the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour is looking over the items she packed for the three-day bike ride. Whether its an overnight trip, a weekend getaway or a full multi-day bicycle tour, here is a handy checklist of items you may want to consider for your #nextbikeadventure:
(Please note – some of the items have links to interesting articles to help you further)
THE PRE-DEPARTURE BIKE TRAVEL CHECKLIST:
___ Newspaper Stop ___ Mail Stop ___ Kennel Pets Reservation
___ Tune-up Bike/ ___Clean ___ Yard Work
___ Check Weather Forecast ___Pack/Ship Bicycle
___ Set Cylcometer to zero ___ Large blanket to cover bike in truck
___ Remove both bike pedals by turning wrench toward back of bike.
___ Put pedals in bike shoe(s) in duffle bag!!!
CASUAL TIME CHECKLIST:
___ Bags (50 lbs max per bag) ___ Wallet ___ Insurance Cards
___ Cash ($50/day est.) ___ Route Map ___ Cap/Hat
___ I.D.’s/Road ID Bracelet ___ Cell Phone &Charger ___ Umbrella
With above normal temps in the forecast for this weekend, its time to take your bike out and prepare for your #nextBikeAdventure. If your favorite bike is or has been in storage, take it out for a ABC Tips check to make sure its ready. Once Bike ready, get out on the road or trail with your family or friends and have some fun.
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
Join the fun at the 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo, an event of bikes, bands, and beer. Both the long and medium routes depart in the morning of May 6th from the Fulton Production Brewery, in northeast Minneapolis. This year, both the 100 mile “Gran” and the shorter 45-50 mile “Medio” Fondo will be offered. The Gran Fondo starts at 9:00 am and the Medio starts at 11:00 am. A free block party begins from 1:00 pm until 9:00pm and is open to all. One highlight of the days activities includes the unveiling of a Session IPA, called Hopstar. Plus, Fulton’s favorite brews and the “Highplains Grifter” beer cocktail will be returning.
While still working on building in 2014, what is now our Northeast Minneapolis production brewery (as if we didn’t have enough to do already), we came up with the idea of putting together a bike ride. More specifically, a century ride with a celebration at the finish line. Many of us were and continue to be avid cyclists. Our taproom in downtown Minneapolis was a frequent stopover for many of those commuting to/from work and has continued to be a weekend destination for those on a bike. Partnering with our friends at All-City Cycles, we also created the All-City X Fulton cyclo-cross team. Now fancying ourselves not only a bike friendly brand, but also a bike forward part of the community.
In Its First Year Fulton’s Gran Fondo Was a Surprising Success
The first year of the Fulton Grand Fondo, we had hoped (between staff, friends and family) to get a couple hundred riders. Much to our surprise, we ended up with 600 cyclists who registered. We quickly learned how passionate, dedicated and fun our new cycling (and drinking) buddies were. We called the day a success and promised to do it again.
Fast forward three years and we’re proudly hosting our 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo. In the past few years, we’ve added a Medio (45-50 mile) route. We have also built up an incredibly dynamic and entertaining block party to welcome everyone back at the end of the Fondo. We’ve donated thousands of dollars to local charitable partners, while never going thirsty making it happen. At the block party this year, we’re excited to announce the launch of a brand new beer, Hopstar, which will be served alongside Fulton’s other favorites like Lonely Blonde, Sweet Child of Vine, 300 Mosaic IPA, and our Standard Lager.
Registration for this year’s ride is open through the end of April and you can sign up for either the 50 or 100 mile route by following this link. For those who are out to cheer on the riders, are on the injured list, or simply just want to relax that day, we’ve got you covered too.
Shortly After the Medio Fondo Takes Off the Free Block Party Begins
The Fulton Gran Fondo block party is free to attend and begins a few short hours after the first mass start. This year’s musical lineup is the finest we’ve created yet featuring: Catbath, RLGDPPL, Posh Lost, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Monica LaPlante and Dem Atlas. Plus, “Camp Fondo,” a Minnesota Chef Camp, will provide a curated space for food, activities, and a selection of Fulton’s community partners for all to enjoy.
We hope you’ll join us Saturday, May 6th to celebrate cycling, good food, and great beer at the Fulton Gran Fondo.
Join the fun as the nine Root River Trail Towns in Southeast Minnesota host the 2nd Annual Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour over the weekend of July 7-9, 2017. A repeat from the 2016 inaugural tour, this year’s three-day weekend ride offers a whole new set of routes and scenery. Starting in the Norwegian community of Peterson, participants will pedal on some of the most scenic back county roads and trails, rolling through the picturesque Bluff Country.
The Ride showcases many of the bike friendly attributes in the area, allowing ride participants many fun challenges
The Root River Bike Ride Starts in Peterson
On this year’s tour the ride leaves from Peterson, Friday morning to explore the many scenic roads that take you along the bluffs. Many of these roads parallel and overlook the Root River Valley and its popular trail system.
First on the tour is stopping at the historic Fremont General Store and meeting Martha, always a treat!
In Fremont, this historic store location was built in 1856 and is still in operation by owner Martha Johnson. Leaving the store, the tour starts a meandering downhill run to Rushford for a taste of some Scandinavian delights.
Now heading east for lunch, riders will discover Vinegar Hill Pass on the way down to Money Creek. Then heading south, passing an elk farm, it’s a slight downhill cruise to Houston. The far east trail head of the Root River system, visit the National Owl Center and bike sculptures at the Houston Nature Center at the Root River Trail head.
Everyone seems to have fun on the Root River Bike Ride with all the good food and tasty treats along the way,
After lunch the tour heads back west towards Rushford for an overnight visit and a chance to experience the town’s milling culture before a fun-filled evening.
Friday Night, the Tour Enjoys Rushford
After settling in ride participants will have a chance to visit the historic Rushford Depot & Village Museum. Then wander downtown to sample some locally produced lefse and other delicious treats.
While enjoying some Norseland Leftse take a selfie with a biking friend, as Ole and Lena.
As evening approaches, riders will find several restaurants to replenish their energy for Saturday’s adventure. Then enjoy some of the local entertainment or check out the historic walking tour of the architecture of this once vibrant milling community.
The 3-day weekend Root River Bike Ride guarantees all riders will have fun and take home many fond memories.
On Saturday, after a hearty Bluff Country breakfast the tour pedals through the rolling Amish countryside finally cruising the “Buggy Lane” on Minnesota’s Amish Byway. Along this section of the route you will see draft horses still used to work the fields while many farmsteads along the way offer fresh baked goods, honey, and crafts. *Please note, if you stop and purchase any of the Amish item offered, our sweep support staff will stop and haul them for you.
For lunch today the tour visits Harmony, on the south end of the Root River Trail System. Here learn more about Amish culture while watching this busy farm community in action. While checking out the town you will find several statues throughout the community to take a selfie with. Departing, the afternoon route circles to the northwest passing a couple ghost towns before rolling into Preston.
An Evening of Fun and Games In Preston
Saturday night’s dinner and overnight stay will be in Preston. Located along the southern branch of the Root River it is also known as Minnesota’s Trout Capitol and home to the National Trout Center. In the evening enjoy the music and some fun games that are planned. If you’re interested in a self-guided walking tour, Preston has a very interesting itinerary and map.
Stopping at the Fillmore County Museum in Fountain, on the Root River Bike Ride, is always interesting.
On Sunday, the tour heads north and rides the Root River Trail to Fountain, the “Sinkhole Capitol of the World.” In Fountain the tour stops at the Fillmore County History Center Museum and Genealogy Library. Here you will get a sampling of the area’s past. With several buildings full of captivating historical exhibits, you’ll want to plan another trip here to take it all in. This is also a great place to learn more about the area’s ghost towns that you past through on Saturday. Plus, learn more on the facts of these sink holes that supply clean water to the areas springs and eventually flow into the Root River, its amazing!
Take in the Charm of Lanesboro, then on to Whalan for Pie
On the road again, the tour circles out through Bucksnort Pass before coasting down into Lanesboro. Surrounded by bluffs, this Bed & Breakfast community here is rich in the arts and has some fabulous local diners and restaurants for lunch. Also, be sure to save room for pie. After visiting some of the shops in Lanesboro, the tour heads west to Whalan.
On the Root River Bluff & Bluff Bike Tour you will have a chance to ride with old and new friends .
Nationally known for their “Stand Still Parade,” the first thing you’ll notice in Whalan is its miniature golf course and a beautiful park area in the center of this small Irish community. You will also find Whalan’s famous Aroma Pie Shoppe, which offers some sinfully delicious desserts to select from. Before leaving town take a quick spin around the neighborhood to see Ernie’s 1917 filling station.
Ernie’s Service Station is a prime feature of Whalan’s, past, tucked under the bluffs on the bank of the Root River.
Now back on the Root River Trail, it’s roughly nine miles back to Peterson to check out the fun possibilities visiting this Norwegian community before loading up and heading home. If you missed out on the pie earlier, or you want to do a taste test and compare, check out Burdey’s Cafe. Another well-known stop for their desserts and Sunday dinners on the Root River Trail.
More About the Bluff & Valley Bike Tour
Camping and other lodging options are available on this supported ride hosted by the Root River Trail Townsand run by Have Fun Tours. Get more information and registration here to guarantee your spot on the Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour.
The following miles each day are an estimate at this time as all routes are being reviewed by both county and state departments for any upcoming road construction that may change the route and mileage. Currently we are looking at:
58 miles for Day 1 [48 miles using RR Trail short cut]
62 miles for Day 2 [48 miles using RR Trail short cut]
56 miles for Day 3 [40 miles using RR Trail short cut]
Peterson, the start of the ride, is located about 2-hours south of the Twin Cities and about 45-minute west of LaCrosse Wi. [Google Maps Location]
The ride benefits the Friends of the Root River Trail. And all the the Trail Towns and HaveFunBiking.com look forward to you riding the tour. For a printed version of the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour Package , click here.
Now that the weather is starting to warm up, we can start getting our summer riding gear out! You don’t have summer riding gear you say? Well our staff here has put together an awesome article explaining how to pick out the perfect pair of bike shorts and more. Check it out!
Thanks for viewing Today’s Get Your Summer Riding Gear Ready Pic
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
Kids say some of the funniest things. This Tuesday, we want to have a little fun. So in honor of the Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride approaching, let’s do a “Caption This” contest. Head on over to the Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride Facebook Page find the post and leave your response. The comment with the most likes will win a FREE registration for this years ride!
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
New week, new beginnings, new you! We’re headed into the last week of March and spring is starting to show it’s true colors with some buds popping out on the trees. Don’t know about you, but with a few warm days ahead and sun in the forecast we are ready for spring to finally break loose!
Thanks for viewing Today’s New Week, New Beginnings, New You Pic
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
Ice Cream Sunday is back and always makes life better. So jump on your bike and head on down to your local ice cream parlor and order a scoop or two of something you’d never thought you would try! Life is full of surprises, you might just end up loving it!
Thanks for viewing Today’s Ice Cream Sunday Life is Better Pic
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
Happy Friday everyone! The end of the work week is here and the weekend officially begins! We hope that you can slip a ride in with the rain? While you wait for the rain to stop sit down with your favorite beverage and look though the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guideand start planning your #nextbikeadventure!
Thanks for viewing Today’s The Weekend Is Here Start Planning Your Next Bike Adventure Pic
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
