Tag Archives: #FindYourNextAdventure

Bike Pic April 22, two days until the 50th Minnesota Ironman

A Minnesota tradition, join the fun Sunday, April 24th, for the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride in Stillwater MN – No swimming or running required. If you have not registered yet, day of registration is available. See  more about this Minnesota tradition on their Information page and take home bragging rights.

See 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 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!

Bike Pic April 19, a fun multi-modal transportation event

The Train & Trail Bike Tour is a multi-modal transprtation event coming in June 25th. Here cyclists from last years event are departing the train in Big Lake, MN prepared to ride back to the Twin Cities.

See more friendly places to ride your 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 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!

Bike Pic April 18, a Minnesota bike tradition 6-days and counting

Here on their tandem bike John Morast, Kathy Johnson and fido are looking forward to the 50th Minnesota Ironman this Sunday. Start your summer bicycle season riding the Ironman with no swimming, no running required.  Just a fun bike ride with bragging rights guaranteed. If you haven’t signed up yet, plan now to be a part of this annual Minnesota bike tradition riding in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, near Stillwater.

See more 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 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!

Bike Pic April 17, the Minneapolis trails of family fun!

Like this family out riding the bike trails here in the Minneapolis Northwest area of the Twin Cities, you will find many safe and scenic routes to explore while having fun.

See more 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 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!

Bike Pic April 14, nine-days and counting for a fun MN tradition

Above riders at the 2015 Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride. Start your summer bicycle riding season riding the 50th Ironman – no swimming, no running required – Just a fun bike ride with bragging rights guaranteed. Plus, sign up here before 5 p.m. today and save.

See more 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 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!

Bike Pic April 13, excited about the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Ride

Standing at the trail head in Preston, MN, everyone is excited about the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Ride, July 8-10. This 3-day weekend ride offers cyclist a chance to tour and discover all the trail towns in ‘Bluff Country’.

See more 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 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!

Steeped in history the Ironman Bike Ride is a Minnesota tradition

With 49 years under its saddle and less then 12-days away from its 50th, April 24th, the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride will celebrate a half century of kicking-off the spring bike season. So we thought it would be fun to look back through the archives to see the progress this popular spring event has made as a Minnesota tradition.

A wave of Minnesota Ironman bike riders in the 60's heading north on the original century route.

A wave of Minnesota Ironman bike riders in the 60’s heading north on the original century route.

The Ironman Bike Ride in Minnesota began in 1967, the last Sunday in April, primarily as a fund raiser for the Minnesota Council of AYH (American Youth Hostels). At that time the AYH was very small. Thanks to the AYH president, at that time and rides founder, Stan Bezanson the ‘Ironman’ name came from: the time of year the event was to be held; the obvious lack of training after a long cold winter; and the possibility of inclement weather – which is sometimes true!

The Early Years

A group of Minnesota Ironman riders from the 60's gathering at a designated reststop.

A group of Minnesota Ironman riders from the 60’s gathering at a designated rest stop.

In the early years the ride started in a parking lot near Lake Calhoun, in Minneapolis. The route was a century loop that: first headed northwest to Maple Plain; then north to Hanover; then to St. Michael; northeast to Elk River;  then to Nowthen and up to St. Francis for a brief rest stop. Now the routes turned south heading back: through Anoka; then Crystal; then Robbinsdale; and back to Calhoun Beach. The cost was $2 per rider and the first year 27 cyclists registered and only seven finished the ride. It should be noted here that the temp that day was only 30 degrees with a strong northwest winds and high humidity. Also reported in the April 1981 Hosteler (AYH newsletter), those who finished were indeed “Ironman.”

Riders checking the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride map out.

Riders checking the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride map out.

In 1968, 142 riders started with 71 finishing. In 1971, 260 cyclist started with 160 finishing in less 10 hours. In 1972 registration numbers grew to 810 riders and over half finishing within 10 hours. In 1975, 120 rode on the original date due to being rained-out. Then the following week it was rerun with a 1,000 people riding that day because of the nice weather.

The move to Buffalo

Here at a Minnesota Ironman registration table, Penn Cycles truck is in the background offering assistance.

Here at a Minnesota Ironman registration table, Penn Cycles truck is in the background offering assistance.

By 1977, there had already been several changes with the growth of the event. Along with the century ride, a lower loop was established, SAG wagons were being provided and the cost of the ride went up to $4, and $5 for day of registration. Also, the route no longer included St. Michael or St. Francis, finishing under 10 hours was no longer required and cyclists left in groups at timed intervals.

A Minnesota Ironman rest stop location in the early years.

A Minnesota Ironman rest stop location in the early years.

As the popularity of the ride grew the new route started and ended in Buffalo, with a major rest stops in including Delano through the late 90’s.

The move to Lakeville

A pelaton of Minnesota Ironman riders from the early 70"s

A peloton of Minnesota Ironman bike riders from the early 70″s

In 1999 the Minnesota Ironman makes a major move to Lakeville. The Lakeville event offered cyclists several route options through the nearby cities of Jordan, LeSueur, Montgomery, Lonsdale, Northfield, Prior Lake and Burnsville.

A Minnesota Ironman volunteer tradition, always serving food and drinks at rest stops with a smile.

A Minnesota Ironman volunteer tradition, always serving food and drinks at rest stops with a smile.

Showing the 2003 Minnesota Ironman Jersey with route displayed.

Showing the 2003 Minnesota Ironman Jersey with route displayed.

The move to Stillwater

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride leaving from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

In 2013 Ironman Bike Ride moved from the south Twin City suburb of Lakeville, east to Stillwater its current location at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Now in 2016, as the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride celebrates its 50th anniversary, register today and be a part of Minnesota’s biking history.

Continuing the Minnesota Biking Tradition

A happy Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride participant from the early years. Where is she now, still riding we hope?

A happy Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride participant from the early years. Where is she now, still riding we hope?

We hope you enjoyed the recap of the first 49-years of the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride. If you have any details and picture we might have missed we would like to hear from you?

‘Just announced’ -Thanks  to Surly Beer, stop in after this years ride and tip a glass in celebration of your memories and what you would like to see happen in 2017.

About AYH, Hostelling International and the Minnesota Ironman

The Minnesota AYH trailer out supporting events around the state.

The Minnesota AYH trailer out supporting events around the state.

The Ironman has been managed by Hostelling International USA, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit charitable organization devoted to promoting healthy recreation, international travel and cultural exchange. The AYH Minnesota Council was established in 1955 by a core of cyclists and travelers. In 2012, all councils incorporated into the national organization, Hostelling International USA to become one single organization. You can find out more at their web site: www.hiusa.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bike Pic April 12, music along the Root River Trail

Here in Peterson, MN. music can be heard while biking along the Root River TrailIn this little Norwegian community, at scheduled times through the summer, the village square stage can be rock’n and next door you can find some of the best pie in Bluff Country.

See more 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 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!

Minnesota’s top ten bike rides to start your summer of fun

With so many bike rides to choose from here are some of Minnesota’s best recreational and touring rides to check out for fun in April, May, June and July, of 2016.

Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride – Sunday, April 24th

Celebrating its 50th year as Minnesota biking tradition this organized recreational  ride tours the scenic St. Croix River Valley, near Stillwater and is a great way to get out and experience riding with others – Plus, bragging rights are guaranteed for the rest of the summer.

See more at: MN Ironman Bike Ride

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride.

Riders on the 49th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride.

Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride – Saturday, May 7th

Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride presented by The Toro Company is a must-do for any Twin Cities cyclist. A charity ride more than 1,000 riders choose their own challenge — biking 12, 22, 40 or 50 miles through St. Paul and Minneapolis for one cause: a world free of MS.

See more at:  Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride

ALS Bike Trek – Saturday, April 21

The ALS Bike Trek Minnesota is a charity ride created by ALS TDI to raise awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig Disease) and funding toward an effective treatment. The seventh annual ALS Trek enjoys the scenery along the St Croix River Valley.

See more at: Als Bike Trek

Twin Cities Tour de Cure – Saturday, June 4th

Each year the Twin Cities Tour de Cure celebrate everyone who lives with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as their heroes on the day of this annual event. If you, a family member or friend have diabetes, join the American Diabetes Association members as they tour the bicycle routes, starting at Minnehaha Falls, in Minneapolis.

See more at: Tour de Cure

These Twin City Tour d' Cure bike participate pause at the end of last years ride for a photo opp. by Coppersmith Photographers

These Twin City Tour d’ Cure bike participate pause at the end of last years ride for a photo opp. by Coppersmith Photographers

Tour of Minnesota – June 17-24th

The Tour of Minnesota, formerly known as the Jaunt with Jim Klobuchar ride, is a multi-day bike tour exploring  communities throughout the state. In its 42nd year, this year’s tour trip will visit Brainerd, Walker, Park Rapids, Itasca State Park, Bemidji and Pine River in Northern Minnesota.

See more at: Tour of Minnesota

HBC Tour D‘Amico – Monday, July 4th

Celebrate the day riding the Tour D’Amico, a ride that tours the west suburbs of the Twin Cities. Choose from three routes, a 29, 45, or 62.2 miles option that includes hydration breaks along the way and a D’Amico & Sons Italian buffet lunch at the end, in Golden Valley.

Enjoying a D' Amico and Son's Italian picnic after the ride.

Enjoying a D’ Amico and Son’s Italian picnic after the bike ride.

See more at: Tour D’ Amico

TCBC Watermelon Ride – July 4th

On the east side of the Twin Cities celebrate the day riding the Watermelon Ride, with a 15, 25, or 52 mile tour option. Starting in Battle Creek Park, snacks will be provided  at rest stops along the way and a picnic lunch will be served at Snail Lake Park, in St. Paul.

See more at: TCBC Watermelon Ride

Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour – July 8-10th

On this three-day tour see why many call this area “God’s Country” the hidden jewel of Minnesota’s Southeast region. Starting in Whalan explore the valleys and bluff of the area while visiting all the Root River Trail Towns: Lanesboro, Fountain, Preston, Harmony, Houston, Rushford and Peterson before returning back to Whalan.

See more at: Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Ride

Here a family of cyclists enjoy exploring the scenic roads, by bike, that circle and cross the Root River Trail, in Southeast Minnesota's Bluff Country.

Here a family of cyclists enjoy exploring the scenic roads, that circle and cross the Root River Trail, in Bluff Country.

Bike MS: TRAM – July 20-24th

Bike MS: TRAM Ride 2016 (The Ride Across Minnesota) is Minnesota’s greatest cycling vacation. Nearly 1,000 riders will travel through the picturesque scenery and rich history of central Minnesota, starting in St. Joseph with overnight stops in Sauk Centre, Fergus Falls, Wadena and Little Falls. There is a 3-day route option also.

See more at: Bike MS: TRAM

Riders enjoy getting together each year on the M.S TRAM

Riders enjoy getting together each year on the M.S TRAM

Red Ribbon Ride – July 21-24th

Red Ribbon Ride is a fully supported 4 day ride, starting at the Mall of America, to raise vital funds for HIV/AIDS services, treatment, prevention and awareness, benefiting service for: African American AIDS Task Force, Clare Housing, Hope House of St. Croix Valley, MN AIDS Project, One Heartland, Park House, Rural AIDS Action Network and The Aliveness Project.

See more at: Red Ribbon Ride

Here a bike rider on a Red Ribbon Bike Ride, in the Twin Cities, is flanked by angels on cycles.

Here a bike rider on a Red Ribbon Bike Ride, in the Twin Cities, is flanked by angels on cycles.

See more events and friendly places to ride in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

The Spring MN Bike/Hike Guide is now available digitally with more maps

With spring in the air, a Minnesota tradition in less than two weeks and the 7th Annual MN Bike/Hike Guide coming in from the printers, carry this handy booklet with you in its digital format today!

As we continue to add more links and helpful information to assist you in finding your next adventure, please page through the Guide’s events, maps and helpful tips pages – and let us know if we missed something. With the summer issue, in its digital format, coming out in late May, we can make change and additions. So, please tell us as you plan your next adventure!

Our HaveFunBiking ‘Pic of the Day’ may help you find your next adventure

Now rolling into our 10th year as a bicycle tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike while showcasing the unforgettable places to ride. As we search for fun bike photos, many worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted – it may help you find your next adventure. Then, while out there exploring, if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, next to a road route you regularly commute on or at an event – be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Plus, we welcome your candid bike shots

Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that you would like to see us post at HaveFunBiking?

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.

Be a part of a Minnesota bike tradition and get the a free copy of the printed guide

Regarding the 2016 printed guides, be one of the first to receive a printed copy by coming out to Stillwater, MN and participating in the MN Ironman Bicycle Ride on April 24th. With no running or swimming required this spring bike opener will be a fun way to celebrate its 50th year and start the summer cycling season – A true Minnesota tradition with bragging rights guaranteed.

So please bookmark the MN Guide and  HaveFunBiking.com to help find your next adventure – we may capture you in one of the next photos online or in the Bike/Hike Guide.

Have Fun and Keep Riding!