Tag Archives: A Minnesota Bike Event

Bike Pic Dec 19, a festive approch to multi-modal transportation

It’s a festive Thursday at HaveFunBiking.com, with six days until Christmas. This bike pic shows a multi-modal bus decked out for the holidays. Are you ready

So, adjust to the cold and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing today’s Bike Pic

Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.

Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.

As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, which is now mobile-friendly in our 14th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.

Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our following Pic of the Day.

Have a great day with some memorable fun as we prepare for 2025!

Add a casual doughnut ride to 30 Days of Biking in April

by John Brown

Recently I spent some time in the cradle of liberty, Philadelphia. While there, I enjoyed a few rides, but the most enjoyable one was the Trek of Philadelphia’s Doughnut Ride. I was reminded of the joys of simple rides and good company, rather than difficult efforts and a competitive pace. Now, with 30 days of Biking a few weeks away, here is a fun idea you may want to consider with friends, as warmer weather moves our way soon.

The Doughnut Ride of Philly

We left the shop with a group of eight. Our bikes were a mishmash of road bikes, commuter rigs, single-speed, and an e-bike. When we departed the shop and headed toward the center city, it was immediately clear the pace would be conversational. Our cruise headed out on the river drive bike path, through Fairmount Park, and toward the center city. Rather than stay on the path, we crossed the Falls Bridge onto West River Drive. On the weekends, Philadelphia closes West River Drive so we had our run of the entire roadway. After a bit of riding and a lot of talking, we found ourselves at the end of West River Drive and at the base of the Art Museum.

At the Art Museum, our ride began to slip through the surrounding neighborhoods until we reached our hallowed destination – Federal Doughnuts.

We hopped back on our bikes after stuffing our faces with warm doughnuts. Full of sugar and fat, we returned to the bike shop along the same route. Ultimately, the ride took under two hours, including the time spent eating. Everyone had fun, the conversation was great, and we all got the chance to meet new people.

Why does this ride work?

The ride was great because the pace and route were clearly stated in advance. Therefore, everyone knew what to expect and where to go. The route itself was carefully chosen to promote great conversation and a casual pace. Every rider could enjoy the trip stress-free by including traffic-free paths and streets and a casual destination. Additionally, the pace is controlled by the ride’s start time. For example, a competitive-minded rider has a list of fast-paced rides leaving on Saturday morning, so there would be no need to come to the Doughnut Ride to try and get a killer workout with so many other options. From start to finish, this ride is a winner.

How to plan your ride

If you already lead rides for a local club or shop, setting up a casual ride should be easy. If this is your first attempt at leading an organized ride, then there are a few things to remember. First off, you want people to be at your ride! To ensure you have attendees, start talking about and advertising (if you’re working with a local club or shop) at least two weeks in advance. Also, ensure all your information explains the pace and payoff (in this case, doughnuts) for your ride to build interest. Finally, make sure your route is friendly to a group of riders. For example, I’ve been on a few rides requiring riders to be single-file almost the entire time due to narrow roadways. in contrast, the Doughnut ride promoted conversation with wide paths and clear roads.

According to Paul T. at Perennial Cycle, Minneapolis does a great job with these types of rides and has a lot of them. Watch for the upcoming events there this season.

About John Brown, the author

John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN as a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and the fever still existed. 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, and parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.

Electric bike expo countdown, 6-days until the E-bike Challenge

Its Ice Cream Smiles Sunday and 6-days until the Electric bike expo or E-bike Challenge Minneapolis, Mark your calendar and ride the wide selection of electric-assist bikes, on the mammoth indoor test track.

Thanks for viewing our electric bike expo countdown picture

From a recent article at HaveFunBiking, the E-bike Challenge will again be at the Minneapolis Convention Center, on April 2 & 3. Here consumers can test and compare electric-assist bicycles on the mammoth indoor cycle track. In its inaugural year, 2019, it was deemed a success with attendees of all ages and abilities test riding e-bikes, while having fun.

So, what exactly is a pedal-assist bike or e-bike?

Hint – An e-bike is a bicycle that has a battery and electric motor to allow a cyclist to ride farther and with greater ease. However, the bicycle doesn’t do all the work by itself, it only assists! The bicyclist must be pedaled for the motor to engage, enabling an easier ride.

Start your E-bike Challenge visit with a 2022 Bike Guide and the daily E-bike parade

As you enter the bike expo hall and test track pick up your copy of the HaveFunBiking 2022 Bike/Hike Guide, hot off the press. Then, look at all the latest models of e-bikes you can ride, on the runway. Dozens of bicycle exhibitors, to name a few like Tern Bicycles, Riese & Müller, Yuba, GoCycle, and Serial 1 from Harley Davidson will be there. With more brands signing up each day, you are sure to see the latest and greatest in electric bike innovations.

Find your next adventure in the Hike & Bike Xperience court area

When not test riding all the fun e-bikes, explore the Hike & Bike Camp area in the center of the exhibition hall. Here find information on tourism destinations, trekking, mountain biking, and fun activities.

Plus you will find an interactive Kid’s Area at the bike expo

This family-friendly event will also have an interactive kids’ bike test track for ages 16 and
under, a children’s scavenger hunt daily, a bicycle playground with activities, and more!

Mark your calendar, then go online at E-bike Challenge to register and save!

The MN Ironman Bike Ride returns this summer to Shakopee

Russ Lowthian

The Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, which has connected families, friends, and communities for decades, will again return to Shakopee on August 14th. Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K), the current beneficiary of the ride, is optimistic. With more being vaccinated and cases dropping, everyone will enjoy a bike ride that will be remembered!

Post-pandemic, FB4K has adjusted its plans for another safe experience. A fun tour including great scenery, epic routes, and the Big Taste of Fun party in Shakopee’s Huber Park. Looking forward to welcoming you back again to the MN Ironman Bike Ride this summer. Save, and help FB4K’s put more kids on bikes by registering today!

What happens to your 2020 registration?

For those who registered last year, your entry from 2020 will be applied to the 2021 event. 2020 registered riders have or will receive instructions for applying their 2020 registration fee to the 2021 ride.

Over the years, the MN Ironman Bike Ride is always fun!

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is re-energizing the oldest bike ride in the state.

“This is an opportunity for us to continue to bring families together for a day of fun while supporting our efforts to impact more children positively,” said Tia Martinson, Executive Director for the Minnesota division of Free Bikes 4 Kidz. “We continue to hear stories from passionate people about this event. With the second year in Shakopee, Ironman riders knew can continue making memories together all day.”

This Bike Pic, yeah it's Friday, we captured this biker dude out with his daughter enjoying some spring riding as the grass greens up.

A great ride for family time.

The MN Ironman Bike Ride

Presented again by Apple Autos, the ride starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14th, at Huber Park in Shakopee. Several route options are available. Several ride itineraries are available depending on age and ability, and they include a five, 37, 68.5, and 100-mile course. A Family Fun Ride will also be taking place beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Rider registration

Each registration allows Free Bikes 4 Kidz to provide a bike and helmet for at least one child, and early registration by July 1st costs $60. The ticket price will increase to $70 up to August 12th, when registration closes. Registration can be completed online at https://ironmanbikeride.org/. For local lodging and visitor options, click here.

Riders will return to a “Big Taste of Fun.”

The MN Ironman Bike Ride is fun for all ages!

About Free Bikes 4 Kidz

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier,
healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. The public donates gently used
bikes; Then FB4K’s organizes thousands of volunteers to clean and refurbish the bikes before giving them away to kids in need. www.FB4K.org

Eagle watch bike tour makes it easy to view along the Mississippi River

Keep an eye out for the eagles and their nests on the inaugural Eagle Watch Bike Tour on Saturday, May 8, 2021. It’s a family-friendly bike event exploring the Point Douglas Trail between Hastings, MN, and Prescott, WI. Enjoy biking this 5.5-mile trail (11 miles round trip), spotting eagles, and exploring two historic downtowns.

Here is what you need to know about the Eagle Watch Bike Tour

There are trial options for all skill levels. Check out the bike map posted in the comments to decide what trail you would like to explore. Keep an eye out for the eagle nests!

Register for one of the four-time slots from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Then on the day of the event, check-in at either the Prescott, WI location (The Clocktower – 23 Broad St) or the Hastings, MN (The Confluence Deck – 200 2nd St W) location.

Both starting points will have local organizations that can provide additional information about the area, additional trail riding opportunities, and the natural habitat along the way.

This event is hosted by The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & The Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Carpenter Nature Center, The City of Hastings, and Great River Road Visitors and Learning Center at Freedom Park.

Eagle Watch Bike Tour Shirts can be purchased now through April 22nd on the Nine Eagles promotions website at https://eaglewatch2021.itemorder.com/. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes. Once ordered, select to have your shirt(s) shipped to you or pick them up before the ride. Questions? Contact Nine Eagles Promotions in Hastings at (651) 437-5077

Get outdoors this spring and enjoy two river towns at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix River!

Fun for everyone the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride is this Saturday

With sunny skies forecasted for this Saturday, June 15th, the new Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride is the place to meet up and ride with family, friends, and the Shakopee community!

On hiatus since 2017, the ride will now benefit the efforts of Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K). After providing more than 50,000 free bikes to kids across Minnesota, this will help FB4K expand their program. At the same time continue the legacy of the state’s first organized recreational bike tour as the ride moves to Shakopee, MN.

Over the year’s, the MN Ironman Bike Ride is always fun!

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is rejuvenating the oldest bike ride in the state

“This is an opportunity for us to bring families together for a day of fun while supporting our
efforts to positively impact more children,” said Tia Martinson, Executive Director for the
Minnesota division of Free Bikes 4 Kidz. “We’ve heard so many stories from people who are
passionate about this event. The ride will retain the same look and feel Ironman riders knew
and loved, but there will be many new activities afterward. Families and friends can continue
making memories together all day.”

A great ride for family time.

The MN Ironman Bike Ride

Presented by Apple Autos, starting 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 at Huber Park in Shakopee, several route options are available. Depending on age and ability, several ride itineraries are available and they include a five, 37, 68.5 and 100-mile course. A Family Fun Ride will also be taking place beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Rider registration

Each registration allows Free Bikes 4 Kidz to provide a bike and helmet for at least one child, and early registration for the ride costs $55. The ticket price will increase to $65 on June 1st. Registration can be completed online at https://ironmanbikeride.org/. Riders can also register the day of the event for $80 on-site. For local lodging and visitor options, click here.

Riders will return to a “Big Taste of Fun”

The MN Ironman Bike Ride and Free Bikes 4 Kidz have partnered with The City of Shakopee and
JCI Shakopee for the “Big Taste of Fun” at Huber Park. The free event includes live music,
beverages and food trucks from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will also be a giant slip and slide
and a movie in the park after dark. “We are thankful for the partnerships that have been formed to make this entire day possible,” Martinson added. “We know Ironman riders will appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with each other during the ride and afterward at Big Taste of Fun. And as riders discover the bike-friendly attributes of the Shakopee Area this activity will benefit the need for kids bikes all across the state.”

The MN Ironman Bike Ride is fun for all ages!

About Free Bikes 4 Kidz

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier,
healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. The public donates gently used
bikes; we organize thousands of volunteers to clean and refurbish them, and then we give them
away to kids in need. www.FB4K.org

Bic Pic Oct 5, Open Streets Minneapolis was fun and inviting

This couple found Open Streets Minneapolis fun and inviting. A Twin City community activity in its sixth year, the event covered eight Minneapolis locations through the 2016 summer bringing together community groups and local businesses. Temporarily closing major thoroughfares to car traffic and open them up for people walking, biking, skating, and playing to enjoy the streets.

With the leaves turning and perfect weather today, we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy a fall ride in Minnesota. See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing Open Streets Minneapolis Pic of the Day.

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 showcasing 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. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Aug 28, miles of bike smiles on the Root River Trail

Here in this bike smiles photo on the Root River Trail are a couple cyclists riding last years Taste of the Trail into Peterson, MN. An annual event, this years Trail Event runs three consecutive Saturdays in September to cover all the fun you can have on your bike in Southeastern Minnesota.

Starting on Saturday, September 10th, along the central section of the Root River Trail, Lanesboro, Peterson and Whalan will show you a good time. Then on Saturday September 17th the Root River Trail Towns of Fountain, Harmony and Preston will be hosting the second weekend of fun. Wrapping up this years Taste of the Trail, on Saturday, September 24th. visit the east section of the trail in the towns of Houston and Rushford to celebrate another day of fun on the Root River Trail.

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

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

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike. While showcasing 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.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Aug 26, ice cream smiles Friday

This ice cream smiles Friday photo was taken this summer in Stillwater, MN, at the North Star Bicycle Festival’s pro race or Grand Prix. Here in this picture we found these racing fans enjoying some cool treats while watching the high adrenaline racers maneuver the undulating road course.

See many more bike friendly places to enjoy ice cream and explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

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

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Aug 13, a cyclist’s angel to the rescue at the Tour D’ Amico

Here Steve, from Tonka Cycle & Ski in Hopkins, MN is a cyclist’s angel, here helping a rider on a 4th of July bike ride with a tire problem. This photo was taken this year on the Tour D’ Amico where Tonka Cycle was on hand at each of the rest stops to assist riders.

Find more events, bike friendly places to explore and cyclist’s angel in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

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

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!