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In this Thursday’s bike pic photo, we demonstrate that wearing a helmet and sunglasses can set the stage for a truly fun ride!
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, 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 next Pic of the Day.
From all of us at HaveFunBiking.com (HFB), We are elateded to introduce you to our inaugural issue of the Have Fun Biking Guide. We began with the HFB website in 2006 and have been publishing bicycle guides ever since.
What you will see in the Have Fun Biking National Guide
Like the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and our website, our goal is to help cyclists easily access the latest information on bicycling, including the best places to ride a
bike, plus helpful tips on gear, maintenance and safety for the next bike adventure. That
vision and process still holds true today as you page through the following feature
stories, tips and reviews in this new digital publication.
This new national bicycle guide offers bicyclists of all levels easily access the latest information on places to ride a bike, helpful tips and more.
Many of the articles and tips you see in the guide are also on our blog at HFB. So if you are looking for more updated details, along with additional descriptive photos and links, we have you covered.
A sneak peek at in future bi-monthly issues
Furthermore, if you want a sneak peek at what might be in our next issue of this guide or further details when on the go, please sign up for our weekly eNewsletter on the next page. I promise your email address will not be sold to, or shared with, a third party. Also, if you would like to view our daily photo ‘Pic of the Day’ please like – our Facebook or Instagram page.
Whether you are new to bicycling or a seasoned cyclist, we hope you enjoy and bookmark this handy guide to your favorite electronic device. Our goal is to continue publishing biking information to help you stay active and healthy.
Be an HFB partner, share you stories, pictures and ideas
To make future issues available, please check out all the links our sponsors have provided and let me know what you would like to see in our upcoming bi-monthly issues. This publication is a partnership between HaveFunBiking, our sponsors and you, our readers. We need your input
to be successful, so please feel free to share your opinions, ideas, photos and stories on bicycle related topics with us. Just send an email to: [email protected] and we will get back to you.
Fall is a gorgeous time to get on that bike and pedal to the medal – or maybe just pedal. The crisp autumn air makes breathing easy and without a hot sun, heat stroke isn’t an issue. With the gorgeous hues of oranges, yellows, and browns that color the landscape, fall bike riding is arguably the best.
Rather than putting a bike in storage early due to the fluctuation in weather, here’s the answer you’re lookin for. To conquering this fall problem is by wearing layers. While this might seem obvious, the key lies in correctly layering appropriate clothing. If correctly done, it can optimize comfort for the rider. Not only that, it can also increase the ability of how each layer works to maximize moister and temperature regulation.
Base Layer
Your base layer should have great moisture and wicking ability to keep your body dry. Also opt for something that you’d wear if it were to get on the warmer side compared to the colder side for this layer. For example, put on the short sleeve jersey, undershirt, and arm warmers compared to a long-sleeved jersey or shirt. If it gets too warm, you can only do so much with long sleeves whereas you can always taken off the arm warmers if you become too toasty.
For fall bike riding, at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, knees should always be covered.
For your bottoms, keep up with this same principle. Realize that legs will warm up quickly while pedaling. Whether you keep them bare by wearing shorts or your usual spring/summer attire or go with wearing long knickers, it’s good to layer these items as well. Leg warmers are also a good thing to use if you have them. Also, they can easily come off and be put away when the temperature rises.
Remember, at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, knees should always be covered. Even if they warm up during the ride, with wind, it’s best to keep them protected from the cold.
Top Layers
The top layers are arguably the most important layers you need to choose. This is because these are the layers that you’ll remove to try to reach that ideal temperature. There are many different potential items that you can layer over the base layer, but the rule of layering for fall weather absolutely applies. The Rule: Layer smartly. Keep in mind that the last item you’re putting on should be the one you’d want to take off first.
Arm warmers are a great clothing items to wear for fall bike riding if you have them.
We like the idea of having a long-sleeved jersey or shirt that can help keep the arms warm, whether that ends up over or under arm warmers (if you decide to use them). A windbreaker can be exceptionally helpful. Even if there are no gales going through the area, biking moves you though the air and produces a ‘wind’ that can chill you. Over the long-sleeves, we’d recommend a jacket – heavy or lighter depending on you and the weather. Other layers can be added as well.
Other Important Areas – Head, Fingers, and Feet
Today, there are many different accessories and products that can help keep the other parts of your body warm and therefore keep you happy and riding longer. Scarves, earmuffs, full-fingered biking gloves, cycling caps, shoe covers to reduce cold air into the shoe – these are all things that you can consider adding to your list.
Depending on the out door tempurature full fingered gloves may be more desirable to wear for fall bike riding.
Neck Up
Scarves help ensure cold air doesn’t sneak into your jacket where you don’t want it – plus it keeps your neck and can keep part of your face warm!
Riding is hard when your ears are cold and aching. This is where earmuffs, or a hat with earflaps, are a welcome sight. It’s something you won’t regret once out biking, especially when it gets colder or the wind picks up!
Your head tends to be overlooked when going out to bike. While the helmet can feel warm while biking, when the temperature drops more, sometimes a little more is needed to keep your scalp warm. Today, many helmets allow some leeway in them for biking caps or headbands to help keep the rider’s head warm.
Hands and Fingers
Many bikers have fingerless cycling gloves, but when it comes to colder weather, full-fingered biking gloves are a must. When your fingers are frozen stiff and numb, you can lose your grip and find it difficult – if not near impossible – to shift gear. Since this is so dangerous for the rider, we would highly recommend getting a good pair of full-fingered biking gloves.
Feet and Toes
Shoe covers aren’t generally necessary until the temperature drops further – usually below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Socks made of wool have great breathability and warmth, but even so, your toes can get chilled when the wind picks up. Shoe covers can help keep the wind out from those breathable athletic shoes many wear in the summer.
Again, if you’re not exactly sure how to layer, just remember that the last article of clothing that you put on should be the first item that you’ll want to take off.
No mater what your choice in clothing items to wear for fall bike riding, get out and have fun.
It might take a few tries to get this right. With so many different material types, combinations, and different conditions to factor in, a lot of the time it takes a few trial and error runs to find the order that you should layer on clothing. However, once you figure it out, it’s easy sailing! Then, you can reach your perfect temperature and adjust whenever needed during your bike ride.
It’s that time of the year again to go to the Minnesota State Fair and what better way to get there then on a bike. Biking to the “Great Minnesota Get Together” this last Saturday, we found the bicycle to be a hassle free way to get there. It is also a great way to burn-off extra calories from all of the things consumed on the stick. While spending a full day at the fair we found many interesting things bicycle related to share with you. releives
Ride your bike to the Minnesota State Fair
Planning to ride your bike to the fair? From On August 25th, through Labor Day, cyclists who commute by a non-motorized bike to the Fair, in St. Paul, will find three locations offering secure bike corrals. They are located at:
South Bike Lot: Como-Snelling Gate (#6)
North Bike Lot: Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2)
West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16)
Bike Corral Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight daily – See more info here.
Bike related things to do and see at the Minnesota State Fair
In the Minnesota State fair’s Merchandise Building find a wide variety of headband for underneath the bike helmet.
Now that you are there walking around you can think about what you might need. Need a headband that can open up as a bonnet under your helmet to keep the sweat out of your eyes or the sun from the top of your head? In the Merchandise Market Building we discovered a vendor who is offering all types and styles of these headbands.
In the Education Building we found the new Minnesota Bike Map, free of charge, in the Minnesota Department of Transportation booth. They were also available in one of the bike exhibits up on the Eco Building.
Like parades?
At the Minnesota State Fair parade, its 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. If you are lucky you might see the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club preforming. These single wheeled bicyclists always do some fun tricks as they pedal along the parade route. Besides the cyclists, you will see many different floats and marching bands. As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center you can check out the “Life on a Bike Simulator” that’s right inside.
World’s biggest bike and activities within the Eco Progress Center
At the Minnesota State Fair , see the Kick Gas exhibit, the “World’s Biggest Bike” hanging in the Eco building.
Within the Eco Building, check out a coalition of state agencies and private organizations whose goal is to get more people on bikes more often in Minnesota. And check out the new Kick Gas exhibit with the “World’s Biggest Bike” hanging from the ceiling. You can hop onto a regular bike on the ground below, pedal and watch the gigantic 8-foot bike wheels turn above you. Also, learn what you can do with all the t-shirts you have been accumulating through the years – grocery bags anyone? On Saturday, you can “upcycle” t-shirts into grocery bags to keep green. See more on the Eco buildings schedule and opportunities here.
Like Action, Stunts?
Up in the X-Zone, on Machinery Hill; watch some BMX’ers preform some high-rising stunts right in front of you on the amazing exhibition course there.
Is fat biking your thing?
A couple blocks south of the stunt riders, we found a bike shop promoting the growing sport of fat biking. Out of Little Canada, The House of Outdoor Gear was there with a wide assortment of fat tire and road bikes. They are also offering some great deals on biking accessories one should check out.
More bike related things to see and do
If you ride your bike in the colder months, in the Grand Stand we found an exhibitor with Green Heat brand reusable heat packs. They may be the ticket to keeping your hands and feet a bit warmer this winter. Check them out so that you are ready for the cold that is just a few months away,
In the 4-H building, check out the youths that come from around the state, demonstrate their knowledge in the Minnesota 4-H Bicycle Project. Through presentations and posters they show what they have learned on: how to choose a bike, bike maintenance/repair, and road rules to make riding safe and fun.
Hope this helps you for your next visit to the Minnesota State Fair. Did we miss something you found interesting? Please let us know, we would like to add it to our preview article for next year. Send toeditor@HaveFunBiking .com.
If you plan to go to this year’s “Great Minnesota Get Together” here are some of the highlights, interesting things for bicycle minded individuals, along with all the great food and entertainment that we found on a recent:
Plan to ride your bike to the fair? You will find three secure bike corral locations to park your bicycle while visiting the fair. See our recent article for more informationon commuting by bike to the fair.
Looking for bicycle themed jewelry? In the West End Market we found a wide selection of unique ear rings, necklaces and pendants made by Velo Bling Designs, in their Bicycle Inspired booth.
Bicycle inspired jewelry at the MN State Fair.
Need a headband that can open up as a bonnet under your helmet to keep the sweat out of your eyes and the sun’s rays off the top of your head? In the Merchandise Market Building we discovered a vendor who is offing all types and styles of fun headbands.
A wide selection of headbands were offered here at the MN State Fair.
In the Education Building we found the new Minnesota Bike Map, print version, is free of charge in the Minnesota Department of Transportation booth
Get your free Minnesota Bike and road maps here at MnDOT’s booth at the MN Fair.
At the Minnesota State Fair Parade, running each day at 2 p.m. on Cosgrove St. you can enjoy watching some of the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club. These single wheeled bicyclists will preforming tricks as they pedal and balance their bikes along the parade route. Where you will also many floats and marching bands.
Unicyclists a part of the daily parade doing tricks in between floats and marching bands at the MN Fair.
As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center check out the “Life on a bike simulator” inside. On Thursday, September 3rd. at 9 a.m. and again at 9 p.m.Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles will have demonstrations in the Eco Building as part of ReUse MN. Also in the Eco Building check out how easy it is to take your bike with you when using a bus, at the Metro Transit Exhibit.
Metro Transit demonstrating alternate transportation options and how to put your bike on a bus.
Up in the X-Zone, on Machinery Hill; watch some BMX’ers preform some high-rising stunts on the amazing exhibition course there.
BMX’ers demonstration many high adrenaline stunts at the MN Fair.
A couple blocks south of the stunt riders, we found a bike shop promoting the growing sport of fat biking. Out of Little Canada, The House Outdoor Gear was there with a wide assortment of fat tire and road bikes. They are also offering some great deals on accessories to check out.
The House Outdoor Gear was at the MN Fair showcasing a wide assortment of fat tire and road bikes along with some great deals on accessories.
If you ride your bike in the colder months, here in the Upper Midwest, at one of the Grand Stand exhibits we found had Green Heat brand reusable heatpacks. They just, may be the ticket to keeping your hands and feet a bit warmer this winter. Offering several cold and heat packs, these handy reusable heat-packs can be slipped into a glove or boot. Once activated, the heat packs last for about 30 min. and then need to be rotated. However, after your outing you can place the used packets in boiling water and they rejuvenate and ready to be used again.
These are just a few of the bike highlight we found at this year’s fair. Along with all the unique food and fun entertainment we enjoyed did we miss something? Please let us know! We would like to add it to our preview article for next year. Send to editor@HaveFunBiking .com.
P.S. John Szurek writes:
Don’t forget to check out the 4-H building. Several youth from around the state are demonstrating their knowledge about bicycling through projects and posters with the Minnesota 4-H Bicycle Project.
