Category Archives: News

Reasons A Bicycle Can Make You Happy

by Matthew Ryan, BikeandBrain.com 

  1. With My Bicycle I Am In Control

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Once you have regained control, taking your hands of the handlebars is second nature.

Our lives can frequently feel out of control without a bicycle in the mix. Whether it’s deadlines at work, issues at home or financial burdens, it can seem as if we are a puppet on a string. However, on the bicycle you are in control. You determine the speed, distance, and destination, for the time you are in the saddle. Establishing this sense of control on a bicycle can be beneficial in building confidence. It will have a positive impact on every aspect of your life.

  1. My Bicycle Is Darn Reliable

Whether you need to get work, run errands, or just go for a joy ride, your bike is ready. I have seen people ride their bikes after years of neglect. Although this is not optimal it is possible. The bike is extremely durable and can function with minimal maintenance. Learn to change a flat and you will be all set. Nothing is better than a reliable lifestyle tool.

  1. Riding My Bicycle Gives Me Time To Figure It All Out.

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Learning how to fix a flat tire is a positive step in taking charge of your life.

People are curious creatures. We are constantly asking questions, like: What’s for dinner or What’s my purpose here on earth?

These questions and others often take some thought, especially if we are looking for the right answers. However, a lot of questions go unanswered with our busy schedules. We may end up ordering our dinner last-minute. We may also forget to ponder the meaning of life, which is definitely important. But, getting on the bike gives you this time. It can remove you from the outside world, allowing you to spend time pondering what is most important. Sometimes I plan my week while I ride. Other times, I try to determine who I am and how I am developing. No matter the question, a ride gives you some time to figure it all out.

* Warning: Depending on the difficulty of the question, you may need several rides to find an answer

  1. Allows Me to Multitask

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Having your bike ready to ride with a friend or alone is another step in regaining control of your life.

In one ride you can run errands, exercise, and travel. The bike is comparable to a Swiss army knife. It has many functions and can accomplish many tasks. There are many add-on’s, such as panniers and a rack that can make the bike more versatile. The more versatile the machine, the more I like it.

  1. There Is Just Something about It………….

Every person who rides can understand that there is this unexplainable feeling you get from riding. We can’t quite put our finger on what it is, but it’s certainly there. It may be a single thing or a combination of many. It may also be a bit different for everyone, but every person reading this post will understand. This something is what keeps us going. It’s what keeps us coming back. It’s what makes each cyclist seem a bit creepy and obsessed with some metal and two wheels.

Source: from New York BikeandBrain.com,

 

 

Bike Pic May 22, miles of smiles Sunday!

A sunny spring afternoon, this mother-daughter mountain bike outing is creating some fun memories while riding in the Pillsbury State Forest, near Brainerd, MN.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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!

More bike handlebar real estate for all of your accessories

Kaddy Rack Expands Bikes Dashboard For More Accessories

This new bicycle holder easily clamps onto the handlebars of your bike and has an adjustable width to fit different handlebar types and styles. Introduced last year to make the annual 400-plus-mile RAGBRAI trip a bit more bearable. This new handlebar rack makes it easier to expand the amount of fun accessories a person can fit on their bike when commuting or touring.

Bicycle handle bars with front bag mounted.

Bike handle bars with front mounted bags does not leave much surface for other gadgets

For the staff at HaveFunBiking.com, we found this extended bar surface the perfect way to Add accessories. This could include a handle bar bag, room to mount camera gear and still have room for the latest gadget (headlights, bike computers, GPS units, mp3 player, phone, mini speakers, bell/horn, etc.) that we are checking out. There is even room to add a couple water bottle cages so your main hydration supply is right in front of you.

The “Kaddy Rack” is made of 6061 extruded aluminum. When fully assembled it weighs approximately 20 ounces (1.25 lbs) and is anodized in various colors. Retail price is $80 and can be order through your local bike shop or online at: http://www.kaddyrack.com/

Bike Pic May 21, having fun at the MN Ironman

This Minnesota Ironman supper hero bike rider, a participant in the 50th Anniversary Ride in April, is having a good time near Stillwater, MN!

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 May 20, Ice Cream Smiles Friday!

Here in this Bike Pic of the Day a lady stops for an ice cream treat while riding with her friends in Minneapolis Northwest.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 May 19, make a little dust while fat biking

It’s time to make a little dust while riding a fat bike. Here are a couple riders enjoying a meadow in Lebanon Park, near Lakeville, MN.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 May 18, Tasty Treats Along the Root River Trail

While riding her bike in Bluff Country a cyclist stops to enjoy some tasty treats and good music along the Root River Trail, in Peterson, MN.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 May 16, more MN Ironman Superhereos

More superheroes, with bragging rights, riding the 2016 MN Ironman Bike Ride at the 50th anniversary event near Stillwater, MN.

More Ironman Pictures

A few more MN Ironman Bike Ride super heroes riding the 50th anniversary event near Stillwater MN.

A few more MN Ironman Bike Ride super heroes riding the 50th anniversary event near Stillwater MN.

Another MN Ironman bike rider riding in the rain at the 50th anniversary event.

Another MN Ironman bike rider riding in the rain.

Another MN Ironman Bike Rider showing true grit at the 50th anniversary event.

Another MN Ironman Bike Rider showing true grit at the 50th anniversary event.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 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 camera’s 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 May 15, miles of smiles Sunday!

A sunny but cool spring afternoon, these two bike riders wearing Erik’s jerseys are enjoy the 2015 MN Ironman Bike Ride on the Gateway Trail near Stillwater, MN.

See many more bike friendly places to ride and 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 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 camera’s 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 Sale Benefits Youth Program in Dakota County

In the first seven years over $50,000 has been donated and cycling enthusiast Rick Anderson, of Apple Valley, Minn. is ready for his 8th annual Bike sale this Saturday. Benefiting the Dakota County Kids ‘n Kinship mentoring program, this year’s sale is scheduled for May 14th, from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m. at Rick’s home at, 12738 Ethelton Way, in Apple Valley.

Rick Anderson with a wide assortment of bikes ready for the sale.

Rick Anderson with a wide assortment of bikes ready for the sale.

Throughout the year, Rick gathers donated bikes, tunes them up, and sells them at his annual sale with all proceeds going directly to Kids ‘n Kinship. This year there will be bikes for sale ranging in price from $50 to $450, with models available for all ages and skill levels, including a few top end bikes.  Cash donations are also accepted on site for Kids n’ Kinship.

Rick’s passion for biking, mentoring children, and finding great deals gave him the idea to locate inexpensive or donated bikes, fix them up, and sell them with all the proceeds going to Kids’ n Kinship.  In his previous five sales, Rick has fixed, sold, and donated more than 500 bikes and generously donated the proceeds to this wonderful Dakota County community program.

“Everybody Wins,” states Rick.  Garages are cleared of old bikes, a great local organization receives a generous donation, and riders can pick up a well tuned bike for a fraction of what it would cost new. So get there early, the bikes go fast!

Please feel free to contact Rick with any additional questions at:   [email protected]  or 952-240-3820

Kids ‘n Kinship is a private non-profit organization that matches children who have a need for an additional supportive relationship with carefully screened adult volunteers.  Once a match has been made, volunteers spend 1-4 hours per week with the child.  Typical activities might include picnicking, attending sporting events, sharing interests or going to the movies.