Tag Archives: #FindYourNextAdventure

The Time of Your Life biking at Madden’s

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

I remember watching Dirty Dancing when I was young and wondering if resorts similar to the one that Baby and Johnny fell in love at actually existed. Surprise! They do and Madden’s on Gull Lake  took me back to the first time I watched the movie. It’s the perfect place to go for your next family bike adventure.

Biking along the trail in front of Madden's Driving Range, near Brainerd, MN.

A family bike outing along the trail in front of Madden’s Driving Range, near Brainerd, MN. is always fun.

 

Located in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you will find many bike trails, north woods sights, and fun activities around the resort that the whole family will enjoy. So grab your bike and cue “The Time of My Life.”

 

Biking through Beauty

Located a few miles away from the Paul Bunyan Trail, I found Madden’s the perfect place to stay and experience a variety of biking activities and more. Around the Resort, or on the Paul Bunyan Trail, you and your bike will roll along the picturesque pine forests skirting around the pristine lakes along the way. Mountain bikers can ride the nearby Pillsbury State Forest trails or take a short drive over to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for some of Minnesota’s premier riding opportunities. The mountain bike trail in Cuyuna offer miles of fun for all levels of riders.

Riding the red dirt trails of the Cuyuna Trails, just East of Brainerd, MN.

Riding the red dirt trails of the Cuyuna Trails, just East of Brainerd, MN. turned out to be fun for a first-timer.

 

As a beginner, I hopped on a bike to experience the red dirt trail for myself.  While I have to admit mountain biking isn’t my favorite cup of tea, the scenery on the trail made the experience fun.

 

Other Activities at Madden’s

A little shuffle board challenge to end a perfect day of activities at Madden's.

A little shuffleboard, croquet, or horseshoe challenge is the perfect way to end the days activities at Madden’s Resort.

 

Then, back at Madden’s, stop at the spa for a massage after a long day of riding the bike trails. Or play a game of croquet on the only official course in the area. If you would like to take a day off of biking, then Madden’s is sure to keep you entertained. Make a tee time for Madden’s Classic or one of their other two 18 hole golf courses. Perhaps go with the Social Nine with the kids for the day. Also, with sandy beaches all around the resort, enjoy a swim in the lake or head to Marina. Here they will set you up with something sure to keep your adventure going. You can get a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, stand-up paddle board, or even a paddle bike to take on the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, then water skiing lessons are available at Madden’s Ski School.

 

Madden’s Lodging Accommodations

 

There is a multitude of options everywhere you look at Madden’s, especially when it comes to deciding where to sleep. From the Madden Inn to the Golf Villas, each has their own facet of luxury. For early risers, enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the view from the Sunrise Villas. If you are more of a night owl, then have a glass of wine and take in the breathtaking sight in the Sunset Villas. I stayed in the new Voyageur Suites where each suite has a spacious bathroom and beautiful private patio. The patio was great to enjoy the sunset views of the lake. Sleeping on that King Size bed in the room had to have been one of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had. Especially after a long day of exploring the trail and resort activities.

At Madden's you will always find a helpful smile, like when placing an order for a fresh-baked lunch or dinner at Parfecto Pizza at the resort.

At Madden’s you will always find a helpful smile, like when placing an order for a fresh Parfecto Pizza at the resort.

 

While I can’t promise that you’ll find love or get better at dancing, I can assure you that you’ll find something to love on and off the bike trails when staying here at Madden’s. It’s the perfect place for your Next Bike Adventure.

Bike Pic July 13, perfect day to be out on a mountain bike

A perfect day to be out on a mountain bike in Lebanon Hills Regional Park near Lakeville, MN. Here, this cyclist is practicing his trail riding techniques for the upcoming fall competitions scheduled with the Minnesota High School Cycling League.

Find many more bike friendly places to mountain bike 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

Bike Pic July 12, Mississippi River Trail below the Coon Rapids Dam

Another beautiful day to bike the Mississippi River Trail in the Minneapolis Northwest Region of the Twin Cities.  The photo was shot south of the Coon Rapids Dam in the community of Brooklyn Park along the West River Road.

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

A Luxury Bike Vacation at the Leech Lake B & B

Emily Stocker, HaveFunBiking.com

When looking for a luxury bike vacation on your next Minnesota getaway consider giving Gary and Sandra a call, for a little slice of heaven. Tucked in the trees along the shoreline of Leech Lake is a peaceful and beautiful home away from home, at the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast.  This lakefront lodge, located North of Walker, MN is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing vacation, spring, summer or fall, in luxury at fair price.

The Leech Lake B & B Suites

The Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. With Northwoods themed rooms, any of their suites would be a wonderful place to stay.

A relaxing sight from the Harbor View Suite, at Leech Lake B & B.

A relaxing sight on your luxury bike vacation, from the Harbor View Suite at Leech Lake B & B.

I got a sneak peak at the Up North and Harbor View suites. The Harbor View suite has a large window overlooking the lake with a comfy couch to spend hours on, soaking in the view with a good book. Gary says, ” the majority of people that stay in that suite hardly leave the couch and usually take breakfast in their room, just to enjoy the view”.

A luxury bike vacation at a Fair Price

The B&B here is situated on the Paul Bunyan Trail and close to the Heartland Trail to plan some wonderful biking adventures. The Heartland Trail was the first rails-to-trails in the world and connects to the Paul Bunyan. If you don’t have a bike or don’t want to bring yours along, Gary and Sandra have bikes you can borrow, included with the room cost. Gary will even map out where the best sights are on the trail. He also can recommend where to go depending the length and level of a ride (your preference).

Other Activities

Relax on the deck near the Leech Lake B & B fire pit with a lake view.

On your next luxury bike vacation relax on the deck near the Leech Lake B & B fire pit with a lake view.

The B & B ensures that you have fun on your luxury bike vacation. With 24 boats to choose from (seven included with your room) you can spend time on the lake when not biking. So whether it’s by kayak, canoe, or a stand-up paddleboard, you are sure to have a good time exploring the lake. For the golfers out there, get a 25% discount at two of the local golf course by staying at the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast. If you want to stay in and relax for a night, they have a DVD collection for you to choose from. Another option is to enjoy the bonfire on their patio or spend some time in any of the comfy chairs they have on the back lawn overlooking the lake. You could also spend time reading on the “island” at the end of the dock.

The Food

In the words of Gary, “if we don’t have good beds and we don’t have a breakfast they’re gonna make us change the sign out front.” While I did not get to taste the breakfast, the guests raved about it.

Enjoy a special Leech Lake B & B breakfast before your day of fun.

Enjoy one of the special Leech Lake B & B breakfasts before your day of fun.

All of the guests have access to a large shared refrigerator as well as the 24-hour coffee, tea, and treat bar. Besides the expected variety of teas at this bar, they also have homemade spiced chai that Gary and Sandra make themselves. To help you decide where to get lunch or dinner, Sandra has collected menus from all of the local restaurants.

So the next time you are in the Walker area looking for a place to stay, look no further than the Leech Lake Bed & Breakfast for a luxury bike vacation. It’s a little slice of heaven right on Leech Lake.

Blazing Star Trailhead dedication extends trail closer to Austin

In Southern Minnesota, the Blazing Star Trail Head dedication and celebration, in Hayward, MN, will take place this Sunday, July 17, near Albert Lea. After the ceremony the contractors will start construction on the last two miles of the extension. This will be starting in Hayward, MN and going west, near Albert Lea Lake.

The Hayward/Blazing Star Trail Head Celebration

The dedication and fun begins next Sunday, at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Hayward City Park, located about four miles east of Albert Lea. Throughout the afternoon kids from four to ninety will enjoy the events planned. These include games, bike/walk events, lemonade and root beer floats, and prizes.

Blazing Star to the Mississippi

A bridge over Albert Lea Lake is still necessary to connect the trail from Hayward, west to Albert Lea. Also, at this time there is no specific date to extend the trail from Hayward to Austin. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) is scheduling meetings to discuss possible options. Eventually the trail is planned to cross the Albert Lea Lake adjacent to a Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge, then go through Hayward and extend to Austin.

According to DNR reports, the trail will eventually connect Albert Lea to Austin and the Shooting Star. Once the trail reaches Austin, it would be about 20 miles long. With long term goals set, someday bicyclists will have the ability to ride from Albert Lea, east to the Mississippi River.

About Albert Lea

Known as the “Land Between the Lakes,” Albert Lea is nestled between Albert Lea Lake and Fountain Lake. Geographically located at the crossroads of Interstate I-90 and Interstate 35W, in southern Minnesota, this charming community is about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities. Today you will find a relaxing setting to bike with family and friends while enjoying some of southern Minnesota’s hospitality.  For more information contact the Albert Lea Tourism Center.

More Places To Ride

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

Bike Pic July 11, a last minute check before the race in Mankato

A successful bike race in Mankato, MN in June!. Here in the photo is North Star Bicycle Festival & Gran Prix race director, David LaPorte checking out the race course in between races.

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

The Paul Bunyan trail in the Brainard Lakes Area is a fun trail for the family

Bike Pic July 3, miles of smiles Sunday!

Mountain bike fun, these mountain bikers are having a blast putting miles of smiles on while riding the trails in Lebanon park, near Lakeville, MN.

Find more fun places to bike in the MN Guide

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

Bike Pic July 1, ice cream smiles Friday!

After a hot day riding her bike the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s (BikeMN) Train & Trail Bike Ride last week, she had one last smile with an ice cream cone in hand. This annual ride meets along the river in Minneapolis, boards the North Star Commuter Rail to Big Lake, then rides the Mississippi River Trail back.

MN Bike Guide

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

Bike Pic June 30, fat tire adventure and a whole lot more!

 

A bike adventure in the Brainerd Lakes Area gets better, especially when you head to Madden’s Resort afterwards for more fun. Here Emily Stocker from HaveFunBiking.com is on her fatty touring the Area – ready to explore all the amenities at Madden’s on Gull Lake.

MN Bike Guide

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!

Bike Pic June 29, fun in the Pillsbury State Forest

Fun on the mountain bike trail in Pillsbury State Forest near Brainerd, MN. One of many fun activities while in the area, check out the new Visit Brainerd Lakes Mobile App.

MN Bike Guide

Find many more bike friendly 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 source, 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 cameras 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!