Welcome. We're your premier source for fun places to explore by bicycle or on foot. Offering guides, maps and articles on road and trail riding for the novice to seasoned cyclist - helping you find your #NextBikeAdventure
It’s Ice Cream Smiles Sunday, and here in this bike pic we have a couple of ladies celebrating a mid-summer adventure with Ice cream. So pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure with a stop at your favorite ice cream shop.
So, adjust to the warmer temps, have your rain gear ready, and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors for that #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 our bike pic
As we roll along in our 21st year as an outdoor 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. To be considered, the photo (s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check our 15th annual mobile-friendly MN Bike Guide, a handy booklet full of maps of fun places to bike and hike.
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.
Have fun as we pedal through a summer of fond memories!
Its Ice Cream Smiles Sunday and here a couple AAA staff members tip a cone after spending the day introducing their new Roadside Service bike program, in Iowa. So pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure with a stop at your favorite ice cream shop.
Plan your next outing with family and friends at one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations. View all the fun ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.
Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Ice Cream Smiles Sunday’ Pic
We are now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media. As we pedal forward our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun while we highlight 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 continue to encourage 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, as we enter into our 8th year of producing this hand information booklet full of maps.
Remember, 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. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo apperance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic’s of the Day.
The morning of Sunday, April 30th started early for me. I hit the road heading to Waconia for my first ever Minnesota Ironman. The temperature was in the high thirties and there was an overcast with a high probability of rain during the day. But, it is Minnesota and the Ironman is a 51 year spring time biking tradition here, right?
The Weather was Still Dry for the Minnesota Ironman Upon Arrival
About a half hour drive from Bloomington, I was in Waconia around 6:30 a.m. I unloaded my bike and was greeted by thousands of riders and several bike shops in front of the Waconia High School. After checking in, the weather was still holding dry at 7 a.m., but where was my riding partner?
Starting the ride early, these Minnesota Ironman cyclists made it back in before the rain began.
Once inside the High School, I was met by the Waconia Chamber and several exhibitors including the Waconia Brewing Company. Past the vendors, the registration table was packed with riders excited to embark on the new ride routes in Carver County.
As Andy and I set out on the tan pavement of the route, we were pleasantly surrounded by the pastures and fields of Waconia’s rural area. With excellent road conditions and wide shoulders, the beginning of the ride offered a bike path feel. Our planned route was to head out on the 25 mile course (purple). We would decide after the rest stop if we wanted to tack on the last section of the 100 mile course (orange), to make the whole ride around 40 miles for the day. This flexibility is one of the best parts of riding in Carver County out of Waconia.
Andy has only been riding a bike for a few months, using the Minnesota Ironman as his inspiration. To his credit, he didn’t get an easy ride to conquer this year. Both the amble route and the weather took a left turn. Heading west on County Road 32, we saw its beautiful and quiet charm flanked with tree farms, horses, open fields and the largest goose I have ever seen. The bad news, while on 32, it started to rain.
The largest goose I have ever seen
The Weather Soon Became a Factor
The misty, gentle, northeast wind we started off with became a stinging cold gale once we crossed the Crow River and headed north. The constant headwind and freezing rain combined to make for the most painful type of exfoliation as we approached route 30. Now heading east, riding parallel with the Dakota Rail Trail, the damp wind was cruel. While the Dakota trail was not part of the official Minnesota Ironman course, some took to it due to the stand of trees that would help break the winds that were attacking from the north.
Thank Goodness for the Rest Stop in Mayer
At the end of County Road 30, we hit Mayer and found the Community Center there where the rest stop was located. The volunteers were simply amazing. The food was ample and tasty. Plus, Penn Cycle and Spokes Bike Shop were there to handle any mechanical issues that may arise. Andy and I grabbed a quick snack, warmed up, had the pros at Penn check our bikes and rolled out before the cold set into our bodies. We decided to stick with the standard 25 mile route, concerned that the weather would be getting worse.
Now on route 7, crossing the Crow River again, there seemed to be no end to the beautiful scenery of Carver County. My focus was to get to County Road 10 and enjoy the tailwind as quickly as possible. Any discomfort we felt over the last several miles would soon be rewarded once we turned south on 10. Now the hero, the wind at our backs allowed us to enjoy the gorgeous rolling hills that were breathtaking. Thanks to the tailwind helping us, we flew toward Waconia High School with relative ease. The farms made way for the Wahibo Marsh, home to dozens of beaver dams and countless feathered residents.
Andy Ellis Completing his first Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride in Waconia, MN.
Soon, we spun back into Waconia High School with the wind still at our back. The finish line and Red Bull arch signaled our completion of the 2017 Minnesota Ironman. This also secured our our well deserved bragging rights.
Overall, the only complaints for this ride was the weather, which no one could control. As for the course, support, organization and camaraderie, I give this ride nothing but accolades. I know I will be riding this area throughout the summer. When organizing my 2018 calendar, I will be sure to leave the last week of April open for the next Minnesota Ironman.
Kids say some of the funniest things. This Tuesday, we want to have a little fun. So in honor of the Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride approaching, let’s do a “Caption This” contest. Head on over to the Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride Facebook Page find the post and leave your response. The comment with the most likes will win a FREE registration for this years ride!
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.
With spring officially here, the 51st Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is now just a little over a month away and coincides perfectly with the 30-Days of Biking. If you are not familiar with this international movement to ride your bike each day in April, what better way to crown your achievement. Ride your bike each day through the month. Then on April 30th, gain bragging rights while touring one of several scenic routes (25 to 100-miles) at the Minnesota Ironman Ride, out in Waconia!
Make a Pledge To Do 30-Days of Biking and The Minnesota Ironman
Participating in the 30-Days of Biking is as simple as pledging to ride 30-days in April and sharing your photos and reason for riding with the hashtag #30daysofbiking. What could be a better reason then getting ready for the Minnesota Ironman? Taking the 30 day pledge and then registering for the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride is an amazing motivation to get out there and feel your best!
Your rides all Count
A quick trips to the store, riding in an underground parking lot, or pedaling inside on your stationary bike counts
April is the gateway to summer here in the Minnesota. Average highs are normally in the 50s and 60s that help bring about the emerald landscape that Minnesota summers are known for. Plus, April is the perfect time to integrate biking into your weekly routine. A quick bike trip to the grocery store, a leisurely ramble around the block after dinner, or an adventurous journey into the wilds of Minnesota. They all count towards your 30-Days of Biking pledge. Beyond those rides counting toward your pledge, they also prepare you for the Ironman and the summer ahead.
If you are a bit more ambitious and need some support in your 30-day’s or pre-Ironman training, reach out to Coach Bob McEnaney. He’s at Total Cycling Performance and a Minnesota Ironman partner. Bob is available for individual coaching services and runs bi-weekly indoor trainer rides (Monday & Thursday) at Penn Cycle’s Woodbury location. He also publishes weekly workouts on Wednesdays that are a great way to stay motivated.
Kickoff April the Right Way
There is no better way to get started with your 30-Days of Biking pledge than ridding with others who have made the same commitment. On Saturday, April 1st, meet at the Commons Park, in Minneapolis. Bell Lap Coffee is offering artisan roasted coffee staring at 11 a.m. and a ride leaves at noon. Surly Brewing, knows how to finish up a great ride. They are hosting an after party for the riders at their brewery (every ride is rewarded with one complimentary beer or beverage).
Is your Equipment Ready?
If you haven’t done it yet, pull your bike out of storage and do your A, B, C’ Quick Check (air, brakes and chain/crank). Start by cleaning it, then Lube the chain, put air in the tires, and take it for a ride. Taking a ride will give you a good idea of how far out of adjustment your bike may be. If your bike is not working well or you need a bit more gear to stay comfortable riding in spring weather, stop by your local shop now.
When you bring your bike into a local shop for service, take time to make sure your bike fits you properly. A good bike fit will lower the chance of repetitive motion injuries and make you a more comfortable and efficient rider. You can have a friend help you check the basics or have your shop take a professional look. Both Eric’s and Penn Cycle are Ironman sponsors and certified bike fitters that can help your.
Riding 30 days in April will also expose you to all types of weather. Use the poor weather days to test your riding clothing. Be sure you have the gear you need to be comfortable in poor weather, as you may need it for Ironman Sunday.
With just 30 days separating you and the Minnesota Ironman there is no time to waste. Use daylight savings and the warmer weather to your advantage and ride as frequently as you can. The more time you can put on your bicycle before Minnesota’s first major bike ride will pay off. Especially when planning and participating in your #NextBikeAdventure this spring and throughout the summer.
The Minnesota Iron Man Bike Ride is quickly approaching! With about six weeks left till ride day, we just wanted to remind you to get registered today to save. Pricing will change again on March 31st so make sure you get your spot today! We’re excited to be headed to Waconia, MN for this awesome event and want to see all those smiling faces out there completing their 30 Days of Biking!
Thanks for viewing Today’s Get Registered for the MN Iron Man 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.
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.
