Category Archives: News

Bike Pic July 30, a perfect day to be out with the family

A bike perfect day to be out with the family. Photo was shoot and the North Star Bike Festival in Stillwater MN, just before the kids races.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Stopping at Doc's, in Spring Grove, for some ice cream before riding further on the the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour.

Bike Pick July 29, ice cream smiles Friday!

Stopping at Doc’s, in Spring Grove, for some ice cream before riding further on the the annual Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour. Next years ride will take place again on the second week of July. Watch for further details in future posts.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Enjoying the Parks by Bike – Coon Rapids

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

Biking along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), you will find many great communities to explore. One of which is the great Coon Rapids, MN a wonderful town with great parks to keep you entertained. While enjoying the 40 miles of bike trails surrounding the city of Coon Rapids, take some detours through a few of the 40+ parks there.

Lions Coon Creek Park

With large play structure and plenty of bike trails, Lions Park is a fun place to visit.

With large play structure and plenty of bike trails, Lions Park is a fun place to visit.

As the park with the largest play structure in Coon Rapids, everyone will love Lions Coon Creek Park. Bring your lunch with you to enjoy in one of the picnic shelters in between the activities that can be done there. The park totals about 15 acres and has features for park-goers of all ages. Kids will love the playground and parents will love the walking trails. Get some friends together for a great game of bocce, basketball, or volleyball. After a round or two, then unpack that lunch and take a bite to eat before the next game.

Bunker Beach

Feeling like a cool challenge is in order, take a chance in the park walking the “wiggly water walk”

Feeling like a cool challenge is in order, take a chance in the park walking the “wiggly water walk”

On a hot summer day, the perfect place to cool off is at Bunker Beach. Bike there from the MRT or from your hotel. From a playground and sand volleyball court to the lazy river and water slides, Bunker Beach has something for everyone. Afterward, check out the wave pool where three-foot waves run for fifteen minutes intervals every ten minutes. For extra fun try out the waves on a tube. For those feeling a bit adventurous, take a chance walking the “wiggly water walk” in the plunge pool. Here, you can balance your way across lily pads using only the cargo net above as a source of stability.

Dog Parks

Bring your furry friend with you on your next bike ride and stop by the Dog Park in Coon Rapids. A great place for you to enjoy the fresh air and let your dog roam and interact with other dogs. Open from 6 a.m. to half an hour past sunset, this is a wonderful place to let your dog run free. The dog park also has a large off-the-leash area.

So the next time you are biking near Coon Rapids swing by one of the city’s parks for a great time.

Bic Pic July 28, area bicycle festival tours two states

Fun in Minnesota’s Bluff Country. Here Scott Larson, Mary Derks and friend of the Swiss Cheese & Spotted Cow Bike Tour ride through the Root River Valley, east of Houston, MN, at the Annual La Crosse Area Bike Festival held each Labor Day Weekend.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

The Art of Biking- all things Fridley

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) takes cyclists through the remarkable art communities that create the Twin Cities Gateway. One of these nine communities is the city of Fridley, MN just north of downtown Minneapolis. Here the community offers a one of a kind experience for art and bike lovers alike. From live theatre to a stunning gallery, everyone will feel inspired after taking a look at the creative scene in bike-friendly Fridley.

Banfill-Locke Center for Art

Enjoy the beautiful garden as you enter the the Banfill-Locke Center for the Art in Fridley.

Enjoy the beautiful garden as you enter the Banfill-Locke Center for the Art in Fridley.

Just off of the MRT the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts makes a great rest stop on your bike ride. Stop in to cool off and admire the works in the gallery. Maybe pick up a gift for another art lover in their gift shop. If seeing all the collections inspires you, consider making the trip to Banfill-Locke regularly and sign up for a class. Find a class that would best fit your schedule, from a single lesson to an eight week workshop. The Banfill-Locke Center has classes in literary, visual, and self-discovery arts. The center also allows poetry enthusiasts to appreciate the art live by bringing in local poets.

The Banfill-Locke Center for the Art’s newest exhibit opens on July 30 with a reception open to the public. This new exhibition “Art of Darkness” features a variety of pieces all inspired by the paranormal. This exhibit will be open until August 27th.

Fridley Community Theatre

Come by bike or car the 'Lady Pirates of Captain Bree' is a show you are sure, to not want to miss.

Come by bike or car the “Lady Pirates of Captain Bree” is a show you are sure, to not want to miss.

Along with wonderful art, Fridley also has a renowned community theatre. With three productions a year, the community theatre works hard to bring wonderful live theatre to its audience. For this year’s summer production the actors are grabbing their eye patches and are prepared for “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree”. The show opened last weekend, but don’t worry if you missed it. There are three more shows this weekend. Watch the promo clip to get a taste of what to look forward to in the show on their website.

So bike on over to Fridley to get your fill of all things art.

MnDOT makes 125 county level bicycle maps available

County level bicycle maps are now available in Minnesota. As the second most bicycle friendly state in the United States, according to the League of America Bicyclists, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has recently announced the first of a series of bicycle maps. These are county by county level bicycle maps for the state. In the link below, you’ll find 125 maps with some counties split into more than one sheet. All at this one link location, click on any County Bicycle Map and see trails, road conditions, and more.

Selecting One of the County Level Bicycle Maps

Once you have selected a map, you can print out any of the maps by county (on 8.5×11 or 11×17 paper) to take along to help navigate your bike adventure. Please note, there are no printed versions of these county bike maps available, so you will need to print you own.

Additional Minnesota Maps to Cross Reference

For major metro areas in Minnesota you should also consider referencing local bicycle maps. Local bike maps may have more current local roadway data and trails. Click the following links for these Minnesota cities with bike maps: Albert Lea, Anoka County (TwinCities Gateway) Brainerd, Bemidji, Cuyuna Area, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hastings, Hibbing/Virginia, Hutchinson, Lakeville, Little Falls, Mankato, Minneapolis Northwest, Minneapolis (Hennepin Co.) Park Rapids, Prairie Waters Area (Western MN), Rochester, Root River Trail Towns, Stillwater, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Walker, Willmar and Winona.

According to MnDOT, “because this is the first effort to show data at the county scale there are some gaps and we will continue to work with the counties to improve the data and layout of these maps with future versions.” They also welcome your comments on how to improve the maps. Submit feedback or changes by emailing [email protected].

A real summer treat for bicyclists, Tour De Pines Ride

In Northern Minnesota, the Tour De Pines Bike Ride is a real summer treat. Sponsored by Hostelling International (HI) USA, this is the 8th annual Tour. Scheduled for Saturday, August 20th, it originates and ends  in Itasca State Park to provide all levels of bicycling fun and challenges. From a family friendly 25 mile course, to a 50 or 75 mile option, all routes are fully supported.

In Northern Minnesota, the Tour De Pines Bike Ride is a real summer treat, scheduled for Saturday, August 20th.

Ride with old and new friends in Northern Minnesota, on the Tour De Pines Bike Ride Saturday, August 20th.

Tour DE Pines support the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel

The proceeds from this bike ride help to support the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel. The Hostel is located in Itasca State Park, north of Park Rapids MN.  This lovely 31-bed hostel is open year round for guests who seek a north woods adventure, enjoying the full Itasca Park experience.

The first state park in Minnesota, Itasca State Park, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this summer. It is the Mississippi Headwaters that brings in the biggest draw for the park. This attracts about 500,000 visitors annually.

According to Jon Ridge, Hostelling International Regional Director, “Bicycling in the Park on the quiet country roads in and around Itasca is why we started the Tour De Pines eight years ago.  At this time of the year, summer weather seems to be grand and the riders appreciate all the Tour has to offer. So make a weekend out of the ride. There are things to do for the whole family regardless if you bike or not: Explore the park, Climb the viewing tower, Visit Historic Douglas Lodge, or take a family photo at the Headwaters.  Summertime in Itasca State Park is incredible!”

Registration is now open: $40 for Adults, $20 for Youth.  Registration and ride details can be found at www.TourDePines.org.

HI Mississippi Headwaters hostel is a beautifully restored log building. Constructed in 1923 as the park headquarters, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Itasca State Park was recently rated as one of the nation’s top 50 state parks by National Geographic.

Something for the whole family, LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival

Register early and enjoy four days of V.I.P treatment at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival, September 2nd through the 5th. This Labor Day weekend in LaCrosse, events includes mountain biking, architectural tours, coffee and muffin rides, ice cream rides, 30-100 mile road rides, live music, and entertainment. All rides leave from Cameron Park (unless noted).

Win this Wyatt fat bike at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival.

Win a Wyatt’s fat bike at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival by registering before August 1st..

Free to the public, unless you want V.I.P. treatment. Register early to take advantage of all the festival has to offer. Register here for a fun Labor Day Weekend bike adventure.

The Family Friendly LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival Social Rides

Each morning of the LaCrosse  Bicycle Festival starts with a leisurely morning coffee ride with stops to taste the special roasts at several shops. Along the way the tour will explore picturesque neighborhoods and city trails through the wildlife areas. Additionally, you can Pedal/Paddle the back waters of the Mississippi if you prefer.

Register early and pedal your bike out to French Park. There, select a paddle board, kayak, or canoe for a family-friendly exploration of the backwaters of the Mississippi. Limited to the first 20, so register before August 1st .

Pump track fun at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival.

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

Throughout the afternoon, there are several bike tours around town that are family friendly. From ice cream and play ground rides, kid-friendly mountain bike rides, historic neighborhood tours, plus a beer/bike tour to add to the fun while in LaCrosse.

Time To Get Serious At The LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival

This years Festival will also feature several scenic routes in both Wisconsin and across the river into Minnesota. On Saturday, plan to take the 56-mile version of the Coon Valley Coulee Express, east of LaCrosse. On this route enjoy the narrow and twisty ravines and valleys that make for great bicycling in the coulees. The Grandad Bluff Loop is a shorter option with a stop at a much-loved overlook.

Tour both Wisconsin coulee's and Minnesota's Driftless at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival.

Tour both the Wisconsin coulee’s and some of Minnesota’s Driftless Area at the LaCrosse Area Bicycle Festival.

To the west of LaCrosse on Sunday, cross the Mississippi and explore Minnesota’s bluffs and farmland. Yo will be visiting the communities of La Crescent, Houston, Brownsville, and Hokah.  This featured ride is known as the Driftless Region’s Most Scenic Ride (DRMSR). DRMSR features wide-open landscapes and several challenging climbs on this 82-mile loop. The optional Apple Blossom ride leaves LaCrosse by the same route and explores the same region as the DRMSR, but is done in just 35 miles, at your own speed.

Also consider the annual LaCrosse Gravel Classic. This being its seventh year, you can treat this 56-mile course as a road race or a bike tour enjoying the scenery along the way.

Meanwhile, back in LaCrosse, the ever-popular Ice Cream Rides visits different shops that make their own ice cream. Sign up today for a fun weekend!

Bike Pic July 22, ice cream smiles Friday!

Ice Cream Smiles Friday on the Root River Trail. Here in this photo a couple of bike riders on the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour enjoy some cool treats on this hot day in Lanesboro, MN.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic July 20, a cool place to ride

When the weather gets hot a great place to bike is out in the woods on a mountain bike trail. This photo was captured in Lebanon Park, near Lakeville MN.

Find many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB). 

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media source, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As HFB searches and presents more fun cycling related photos, worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted that may help you Find Your Next Adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to the route you regularly commute on, or at an event you plan to attend, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post? If so, please send it our way and we may use it. Send your picture(s) to: [email protected] with a brief caption (of each), including who is in the photo (if you know?) and where it was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 800 pixels wide or larger for us to consider using them. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please reference our blog and the annual print and quarterly digital Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide to Find Your Next Adventure. We are proud of the updated  At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for at the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of information, now available for mobile devices.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos we post.

Have a great day!