Tag Archives: bike touring

New AAA Roadside Service adds peace of mind for your next bike ride

by, Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com

As more people take to bicycling for recreation and transportation it is nice to know there is someone to come to rescue if a bike breaks down. In a move to support bicyclists, AAA is now offering support. Recently, the company announced that it was extending its popular automotive AAA Roadside Service to include bikes. Here at HaveFunBiking.com, hearing the news is exciting. This is a perfect service that will assure cyclist, someone will be there if they breakdown.

Any bike you are riding is covered by AAA Roadside Service

With wheel bearing going out this cyclist wouldn't be carrying his bike hope if he had a AAA Roadside Service membership?

If this rider had AAA Roadside Service, he wouldn’t be carrying his bike home because of a mechanical issue.

How the program works? For as little as $49 a year you can purchase a AAA membership that offers Roadside Service for both your car and bike. If you are already a member you are now covered when bicycling. Just call your roadside assistance number on the back of your membership card.

Like the automotive Roadside Assistance Program any bike you are riding (road, mountain, recumbent, e-bike, tandem bikes, bike rentals and bicycle trailers) is eligible. Coverage applies to any qualified bike a member is riding at the time the bicycle becomes disabled. A member should be with the bicycle and have their AAA Membership Card in hand at the time of service. Keep in mind, the Roadside Service is provided only for the rider whose bicycle has become disabled or inoperable. However, any accompanying minors of a member is covered.

When a quick fix isn’t an option, AAA Roadside Service is there

The second most common mechanical problem to a flat tire is a broken chain.

If a quick fix isn’t an option, (examples: you blew a tire; some spokes broke; or the chain busted) first call a family member or friend. Then, if no one is available to assist, AAA Roadside Service may be your best option.

It’s like “Having a SAG Wagon in your back pocket,” especially when you are touring away from home, on vacation, etc. This roadside service is something that will give a cyclist peace of mind.

**Three levels of SAG (service and gear) support for you and your bike**

Under the new terms of the roadside pickup service. AAA will transport you and your disabled bike to any point of safety within the limits of your coverage. This is based on three available levels of membership below:

The Classic: Gives you up to four transports of your bike or car, within a 5-mile radius of the breakdown per year
The Plus: Gives you up to four transports of your bike or car, within a 100-mile radius of the bicycle breakdown
The Premier: Gives you one transport of your bike or car, up to a 200-mile radius of the breakdown; remaining transports are 100 miles.

This is exciting news if you are a casual, touring cyclist or a bike commuter! Mary Miller, from South St. Paul was ecstatic to hear the news. She stated, ” now I feel comfortable riding my bike more often knowing that I can call AAA to come and get me if I breakdown.”

What You Don’t Get

The service is strictly a pickup and delivery service and does not offer any repair amenities or supplies. If you are capable of fixing a flat, repairing a broken chain or spoke and continuing your ride, please do so. The service is designed when you have run out of quick repair options. In fact, there is a laundry list of “services not included:

Airing or changing a flat tire
Pickup from anywhere not reachable from a paved, “regularly traveled” road
Parts, including tires
Pickup of bicyclists who are physical unable to continue with the ride
Locksmith services, in case you accidentally lock up your bike and lose the key or combination.

AAA Roadside Service is available in many states across the U.S.

“We are tremendously excited about this great new bike benefit program available to AAA members across most of the upper Midwest, Southeast and much of our country,” stated Gail Weinholzer, Director of Public Affairs, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

The new bicycle service is available throughout the entire territory served by AAA. The Auto Club Group which includes all of: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.

For bicycle coverage outside the above states and for full details on AAA Roadside Membership visit AAA.com/Bicycle.

Pedal Fergus Falls Welcomes Cyclists Riding The Northern Tier Route

by Natalie Gille, Greater Minnesota BikeMN program Manager – photo Pedal Fergus Falls

With bike touring season is in full swing here in Minnesota the local bike advocates in Fergus Falls are always ready! Located on the Adventure Cycling Association Northern Tier route, an overnight stop here should not to be missed on your travels through our bicycle-friendly state.

When I reached out to the Pedal Fergus Falls crew on short notice it was the beginning of the 4th of July holiday weekend. Right away they responded and were busy welcoming a family of four (including two kids ages 10 and 12) who just arrived on their bikes. The Ziemer family was touring across the country from coast to coast by bike. On their arrival, Pedal Fergus Falls response was lightening fast. Within a few short hours the crew had lined up dinner, overnight accommodations and a warm welcome for their first night in Minnesota.

What’s really cool to hear is that two other touring cyclists groups where overnight guests in Fergus Falls as well. They pedaled in just before the Ziemer’s arrived. So a third host site was needed to accommodate them, which was promptly arranged by the local Fergus Falls crew.

Special thanks to Wayne Hurley and his family for providing dinner for the Ziemer’s. The Thorson Family for hosting them overnight. David Jensen and Paul Shol for hosting the other touring cyclists in town at the same time period. Also a wonderful warm thanks by the local bike advocate group in Fergus Falls.

I received the following message of gratitude from Jessica Ziemer as they continued biking across the rest of Minnesota. “What an amazing bike community Fergus Falls has here!” She said. “We were treated so wonderfully by the Fergus Falls community!”

Thank you for biking through Minnesota Ziemer Family. BikeMN wishes you safe travels on the rest of your journey to the east coast. You can learn more about the Ziemer bike tour in the Glendive Ranger Review and follow their story at www.journeybig.com.

To learn more about local bike advocates in Fergus Falls. A group who has sought out and received national recognition as a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community, check out Pedal Fergus Falls on their Facebook page.

Also, keep your eyes peeled the Green Riders pedaling through Minnesota! They’ll be rolling in from the east and heading west from Minneapolis. Anyone who wants to stretch their legs is invited to ride with them on their way through the state, or even just through their town! Check out their website here to connect.

Lots of people are bicycling through and around Minnesota. Keep a lookout in the city and on country roads for bicyclists. Please stay focused on the road at all times and give all riders lots of room (and a wave hello)!

About BikeMN

The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota is working to make Minnesota a place where bicycling is an easy, safe, and fun for everyone. The mission of BikeMN is to unite and strengthen bicycle advocacy, provide education, and work for a more bicycle friendly Minnesota. Visit www.bikemn.org to learn more about local advocacy around Minnesota.

Bike Pic May 6, Pedal Hard No Matter the Road or Trail You Are On

Another picture perfect May day in Minnesota, so pedal hard, no matter the road or trail and what kind of bike you are riding.

This HaveFunBiking Pic was shot at the Minnesota Bicycle Ride, in Washington County, near Stillwater in 2015.

Also, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour. There are always fun, new rides coming up.

Thanks for Viewing the Pedal Hard Pic of the Days

We are now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media. Our goal is 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 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 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 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.

Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure! Please share our pics with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic May 3, Major Taylor Friends Gather To Go On A Spring Ride

As the temperatures rise our Minnesota Major Taylor Friends are gathering to go on a spring ride through the Twin Cities.

Also, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour. There are always fun, new rides coming up.

Thanks for Viewing Our Going On A Spring Ride Bike Pic

Have a great day!

Bike Pic May 2, Temps Rise Throughout the Day For A Late Afternoon Bike Ride

Minnesota Temps starts to rise throughout the day in Minnesota showing a little sun for a late afternoon bike ride to enjoy spring.

Also, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour. There are always fun, new rides coming up.

Thanks for Viewing Our Afternoon Bike Ride Pic of the Day

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Jan 10, Spring Biking Fun in Cedar Falls Iowa.

Here In this Spring Biking Fun photo the Hiawatha Bicycling Club, of Minnesota, visits the Cedar Valley Bicycling Club and tours the cement paved trails and scenic country roads around Cedar Falls, IA.

Back in Minnesota, planning your #NextBikeAdventure, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour.

Thanks for viewing Today’s Spring Biking Fun Bike Ride 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.

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.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Nov 1, A Tough Halloween For These Vikings Fans

With a late afternoon Halloween mist these Minnesota Viking fans, on a pre-game bike ride, had a tough evening ahead with their team losing once again. The silver lining here, warm weather biking in the Twin Cities Gateway is still in the forecast.

With the leaves turning fast and above normal temperatures predicted over the next few days we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy all the fall riding possibilities. If you havn’t put your bike away enjoy this extended riding season. See many more bike-friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Fall Vikings Fan Pic of the Day

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.

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 Oct 25, Touring by Homes With Halloween Decorations

Another colorful day to get on your bike and explore the neighborhood searching for those homes with Halloween Decorations spread out in the yard to spook those who pass by.

With the leaves turning and perfect biking weather, we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy all the fall riding possibilities and Halloween Decorations in Minnesota. See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing the Fun Halloween Decorations 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.

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!

Folding Bike Being Launched with Leading Electric Drivetrain Technology

The folding bike market has been offering a great combination of collapsible bikes for both the commuting and touring cyclist over the past several years. And now, Tern Bicycle Company is launching a new electric bike on Kickstarter that combines best-in-class folding technology with the world’s leading electric drivetrain, the Vektron*. Watch the Vektron launch video here.

The Tern Vektron*, a folding bike on Kickstarter, is great for packing in a car or storage unit.

Two Companies Team Up to Make This New e-Folding Bike

The Vektron* is designed by Tern in collaboration with Bosch. Together these two companies have been pushing the envelope of electric bike design by solving three critical shortcomings of conventional electric bikes: portability, storage, and theft. The Vektron is a Bosch-powered electric bike that you can take anywhere. Additionally, it folds in under 10 seconds and easily rolls aboard buses, subways, and trains. It goes into elevators, so you can easily park it under your desk at work. Plus, a pair of these folding bikes easily are convenient to stash in the trunk of a car for weekend getaways.

“Electric bikes are fundamentally transforming the way people get around in cities,” stated Josh Hon, Founder and Team Captain of Tern. “They flatten hills, make headwinds disappear, and shorten commute times. That is why people love e-bikes. The problem is that most e-bikes are really hard to put in a car or take on public transport. And most e-bikes are difficult to store in downtown apartments leaving them vulnerable to theft. The Vektron solves these issues.”

A Folding Bike with Low-Step Frame

With a low-step frame and a patented adjustable stem, the Vektron is great to share among family and friends. That is, as long as it’s anyone from 4’10″ – 6’5″. Adjusting the bike for a custom fit takes only seconds, so a single bike can serve many people. Thanks to the rear rack and an optional child seat, it’s perfect for smaller passengers.

A Folding Bike That Flaunts Small Wheels and More Distance

While small wheels flaunt conventional bike design, they’re a game-changer with an electric drivetrain. With every Bosch motor calibrated to a bike’s wheel size, the 20″ wheel Vektron cruises at the same 20 mph speed and accelerates even faster. The exceptionally low center of gravity makes the bike extremely stable and easy to ride. And thanks to Bosch’s best-in-class power efficiency, riders can expect a remarkable range of between 40 and 80 miles on a single charge.

“There’s a reason a Vespa motor scooter is designed with small wheels,” says Joakim Uimonen, Design Director of Tern. “With small wheels you get punchy acceleration, a more maneuverable ride in traffic, and plenty of space between the wheels and rider for cargo-carrying. The Vektron brings together all of those benefits, plus it folds, so it fits anywhere. Try putting a Vespa under your desk.”

The Tern Vektron*, a folding bike on Kickstarter is great for multi modal commuting and touring.

The Tern Vektron*, a folding bike, with a Bosch Electric Drivetrain is ideal for multi modal commuting and touring.

The Vektron Folding Bike Kickstarter Campaign

With the help of Kickstarter, the Vektron is available for customers throughout the U.S. at a special backer price from October 19th until mid-November. For many Kickstarter campaigns they usually deliver the bike un-assembled in a box to consumers. Not Tern. Tern will be fulfilling orders through its network of more than 125 dealers across the United States. That means bikes can be picked up from the shop, tuned-up and ready to go. Most importantly, they’re covered by Tern Care. Tern care is a 10-year warranty and rider-support program, so buyers have the assurance of a decade of reliable service. Additionally, service for the drivetrain can be provided by Bosch’s extensive service network. Because this network consists of highly certified electric bike technicians throughout North America, you don’t need to worry.

Side Note To Kickstarter Folding e-Bike Campaign

Looking at the 100% fulfillment rate of last year’s Kickstarter’s Cargo Node bike, there’s no hint of vaporware in Tern’s campaign. Final stage prototypes were tested in the field for more than three months. Tern recently debuted prototypes at Eurobike, the world’s largest bicycle trade-show. More than 500 bike dealers and designers from around the world test-rode this bike.

Information for this Kickstarter Campaign provided by Tern Bicycles.

Bike Pic March 6, find your next adventure

With spring in the air, it’s time to get your bike ready for another season of mountain biking. To find your next adventure, see all the great 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!