Tag Archives: bikes

Bike Pic Oct 26, are you ready for a spooky Halloween?

With five days and counting, bike pic candidates of all ages are planning their costumes for next Thursday “spooky night” by attending the Halloween Parade. In Anoka, MN the Halloween Capitol of the World, many are testing the costumes today at the festivities there.

Thanks for viewing the Halloween Bike Pic of the Day here.

Now, rolling into our 12th year as a bicycle media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike, while showcasing unforgettable places to ride. As we search and present more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there 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 with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera will be and what we will post next!

Do you have a fun photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us publish? 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 at least 620 pixels wide for us to use them. If we 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 Bike/Hike Guide to find your next adventure. We are proud of the updated – At-a-Glance information and maps we are known for in the HFB Destination section on our website and in the guide. Now, as the Bike/Hike Guide goes into its seventh year of production, we are adding a whole new dimension of bicycle tourism information available for mobile devices where you may see some additional bike pics – maybe of yourself.

 Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure – we may capture you in a pic we post!

Free Bikes 4 Kidz moves back to Bloomington for the 2019 season

It has been a few years since Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) set up shop in Bloomington, MN at the Mall of America (MOA). Now they are back, a few miles west of the MOA, ready to start wrenching, cleaning, and polishing slightly used bikes to put smiles on more kids’ faces. For the 2019 season, the old Toys R Us building at 7839 Southtown Center is a fitting location and easy for volunteers to get to.

Volunteer and you can help put these kind of priceless smiles on more children's faces.

Volunteer and you can help put priceless smiles on more children’s faces.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz collection day is the first Saturday in October

Bring your friends, co-workers, etc., and volunteer at the Warehouse on Collection Day, October 5th. As the trucks start coming in from all the Allina collection points, they need your help filling up the warehouse and rolling the bike in. Sign up here today. If you have any questions, contact there Volunteer Coordinator, Laurie Toll, [email protected].

Free Bike 4 Kidz collection points for October 5th

On Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can drop off bikes you no-long need at these participating Allina Health locations (also listed below).

Hospitals

Abbott Northwestern – WestHealth, Plymouth
Buffalo Hospital
Cambridge Medical Center
District One Hospital / Allina Health Faribault Clinic
Mercy Hospital – Mercy Campus, Coon Rapids
Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus, Fridley

New Ulm Medical Center
Owatonna Hospital
Regina Hospital / Allina Health Hastings Nininger Road Clinic
River Falls Area Hospital / Allina Health River Falls Clinic, Wisconsin
St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee
United Hospital, St. Paul

Clinics

Allina Health Annandale Clinic
Allina Health Bandana Square Clinic, St. Paul
Allina Health Blaine Clinic
Allina Health Bloomington Clinic
Allina Health Brooklyn Park Clinic
Allina Health Burnsville Clinic
Allina Health Centennial Lakes Clinic, Edina
Allina Health Champlin Clinic
Allina Health Chaska Clinic
Allina Health Cokato Clinic
Allina Health Coon Rapids Clinic
Allina Health Cottage Grove Clinic
Allina Health Eagan Clinic
Allina Health Elk River Clinic
Allina Health Farmington Clinic
Allina Health Forest Lake Clinic
Allina Health Greenway Clinic, Minneapolis
Allina Health Highland Park Clinic, St. Paul
Allina Health Hopkins Clinic

Allina Health Inver Grove Heights Clinic

Allina Health Lakeville Clinic
Allina Health Maple Grove Clinic
Allina Health Northfield Clinic
Allina Health Oakdale Clinic
Allina Health Ramsey Clinic
Allina Health Richfield Clinic

Allina Health Savage Clinic
Allina Health Shoreview Clinic
Allina Health St. Michael Clinic
Allina Health Vadnais Heights Clinic
Allina Health West St. Paul Clinic
Allina Health Woodbury Clinic
St. Francis Health Services in Jordan

Additional locations

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Golden Valley
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – St. Croix

Help clean and wrench some bicycles for Free Bikes 4 Kidz

Put a smile on many kids’ faces by signing up early and often as a volunteer to help clean and wrench on some bicycles. Head to fb4k.org and register for your shift today!

freeBy volunteering today to help clean some bikes for FB4K's will help create some fond memories for you and future memories for children who receive them. bikes4kids-4

Create some fond memories for yourself and for the children who receive them.

Sign up today as a volunteer and learn more about these added benefits.

Volunteering and putting a wrench to a few bikes will create more smiles.

By volunteering and cleaning or wrenching some bikes will create a smile on your face and the kid’s who get them.

About Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K’s)

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing free bikes to those most in need. When the public donates gently used bikes, FB4K’s organizes thousands of volunteers to clean and refurbish bikes to give away to kids in need. They started in 2008, fixing and giving away 300 bikes, and in 2014 they reached the goal of 5,000 bikes. In the last seven years, over 25,000 bikes have rolled through the FB4B’s giveaways and their sights in the future are set on other locations throughout the U.S. and the world. See more at: http://fb4k.com/about/

 

Summer fun for you and the kids is two wheels away. Here are the best ways to keep your kid's bike working well and operating safely.

Tips and tricks for keeping your kid’s bike running smooth and safe

by John Brown

Summer fun for you and the kids is two wheels away. It is a time to bond and explore a new area of the neighborhood and maybe share some life lessons? Sadly, that fun can come to a premature end if the bike breaks down, or worse, you crash. Here are the best ways to keep your kid’s bike working well and operating safely.

How much air should you put in kid’s bike tires

Nothing will spoil a fun ride faster than a flat tire, and most flats are due to low tire pressure. Take a few minutes before your kids ride to help them check the tire pressure. If your kids don’t know how to use your pump, checking pressure is a great way to teach them. When considering a pump, remember you kid’ bike tires work best around 35psi so make sure your pump can easily hit that pressure.

Adjusting your kid’s bike brakes

The biggest key to control in braking. Adjusting brakes for children is a little different than for adults. Due to children’s small and relatively weak hands, it is important to focus on the brake lever position before adjusting the brake. Ensure the lever is as close to the bar as possible (see image) and the spring tension on the brakes are as low as possible. You have it right if your kids can easily reach and squeeze the brake levers.

Lubing their chain

A dry chain will wear faster than one that is properly lubricated. Additionally, a dry and worn chain can break under stress. To avoid excess wear, be sure to lube the chain periodically in dry conditions and immediately after wet rides.

Inspect your kid’s bike for bent or broken parts

Every year, bike makers change bike designs to make them indestructible for kids. The following year, kids find new and interesting ways to destroy those bikes. Pay close attention to your kid’s bike for bent or broken parts. The most common parts that get bent are rear wheels, seats, handlebars, and rear derailleurs. The parts that most frequently get broken are brake levers, shifters, pedals, and reflectors (reflectors leave sharp sections of plastic behind). If anything is bent or broken, replace it immediately.

Also, inspect tires for wear

Tires are more susceptible to flats when worn. The normal wear indicator for a tire is when the tread goes bald. Beyond tread wear, there are a host of other indicators. Look for cracks in the tread or sidewall, threads coming loose, or bubbles in the tire. Worn tires should be replaced immediately.

Are the handlebar grips tight?

As rubber wears and ages, it becomes harder and less elastic. For grips, the softness and elasticity are what keeps the grips in place. Put your hands around the grip and twist hard. If the grip can rotate or move, get them replaced. Also, when a bike gets dropped on the ground the end of the grip can get torn. Once torn, that grip will leave the sharp end of the bar exposed with the potential to cut small riders in the event of a crash.

Is the seat adjusted and tight?

When riding, a stable seat allows your child to control the bike with their hips. If that saddle is loose, it can be difficult to control the bike. Check the saddle by grabbing it firmly, flexing up and down, and twisting. Be sure to tighten it if there is any movement.

How to bike fit your kid’s bike

Kids grow so quickly that it’s important to constantly check their fit in the bike.  Be sure they can easily pedal without their knees going to high. Also, ensure that they aren’t reaching too low for the bars.

Proper helmet fit

The final bit of safety for riding is probably the most important. A helmet needs to fit properly to work well. If the straps are too tight or the shell is too small, it will be painful to wear and your child will try not to wear it. Additionally, always check for dents or cracks in helmets. It is possible to break a helmet without crashing on it. Most helmets are relatively inexpensive, so making sure they are comfortable enough for your kids to want to wear them is a small investment to keep them safe.

What started as another annual Free Bikes 4 Kidz pilgrimage, to collect, clean and distribute 5,000 plus slightly used bikes to kids in need has come to fruition this Weekend

Bike Pic December 4, Smiles and Magic at the MOA with Free Bikes 4 Kidz

What started as another annual Free Bikes 4 Kidz pilgrimage, to collect, clean and distribute 5,000 plus slightly used bikes to kids in need has come to fruition this Weekend. Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, the Mall of America  and people who donated bikes, Terry Esau and his crew are once again witnessing the joy and magic his program brings to those less fortunate before the holidays.

Here the Free Bikes 4 Kidz crew is putting finishing touches and sizing the bike as they roll out of the Male of America.

Here the Free Bikes 4 Kidz crew is putting finishing touches and sizing the bike as they roll out of the Male of America.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a nonprofit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need.

 

Thanks for viewing the Free Bikes 4 Kidz Sunday Smiles 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 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.

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. 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!

Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) is in the count down phase to their 's Bike Giveaway Weekend, but they still need your help to clean and wrench the remaining bicycles that were donated in October.

Bike Pic Nov 18, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Givaway Needs Your Help

Help a child receive a bike. Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) is in the count down phase to their Bike Giveaway Weekend, but they still need your help to clean and wrench the remaining bicycles that were donated in October.

The Free Bikes 4 Kidz Bike Giveaway Weekend culminates on December 3 – 4, 2016. This program was started in 2008, with 300 bikes donated, giving kids of low-income families a chance to have a bike. This year over 5,000 bikes have been collected and stored in the Mall of America’s warehouse. Help them clean and fix the bikes that still need tender-loving care. Can you help? Please volunteer today!

See all the bike-friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide

Thanks for viewing the Free Bikes 4 Kidz 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 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.

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!

The American Dream, Beer and Bikes! Here are a couple cyclist living the dream. Promoting free beer with a Latte.

Bike Pic Sept 29, Living the American Dream with Bikes and Beer

Here are a couple cyclists living the American dream by promoting free beer as they walk their bikes down the street in Wayzata, MN, with a Latte in hand. Photo was taken during the  annual Tour D’ Amico 4th of July bicycle ride.

Now in its 18th year, the ride is promoted by the Hiawatha Bicycling Club. Proceeds from the ride benefits the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s bike education program and trail maintenance projects around the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Specialize Olympics.

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

Thanks for viewing the American Dream 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 places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. So go ahead and scroll through the information and stories we have posted and enjoy.

So, 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!