Tag Archives: Minneapolis MN

Here in today's bike pic this bold north biker dude commutes to work on his fatty, through the channel from Lake of the Isles to Lake Calhoun, into the Monday morning sun, in Minneapolis.

Bike Pic Feb 19, riding into the Monday morning sun

Today’s Monday morning sun bike pic is a bold north biker dude commuting to work on his fatty in Minneapolis, MN. Enjoy the warmer weather!

So adjust to the warmer temps and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 today’s ice cream smiles Sunday bike pic

Now rolling through our 20th year as a bike tourism 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. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.

As we continue encouraging 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 in our 15th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.

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 into 2024!

Cool temps and sunny skies makes the perfect day to get some riding in. So get out and soak up the spring fun while you can!

Bike Pic May 27, ride with friends this Memorial Day Weekend

As this bike pic shows on this holiday weekend, get out and enjoy the spring weather while you can!

So, get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 latest bike pic

Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism 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. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. 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 out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly, as we enter our 14th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.

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 a great day with a safe and memorable year ahead!

A mothers Day recap of moms on their bikes, along the Mississippi River Trail.

Bike Pic May 14, a Sunday smiles recap on the Mississippi River Trail

A Mother’s Day recap of moms of all ages and fan base on their bikes. This bike pic Sunday photo was captured along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

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 Mississippi River Trail Pic of the Day

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!

An electric bike is perfect for commuting to work.

Helpful tips to considering before purchasing an electric bike

The natural advantages of an electric bike include its climbing efficiency, taking a bite out of wind resistance, and the ability to expand your range of travel. Before purchasing an e-bike, knowing how far you want to go and what type of terrain you will be riding it on is essential.

For those who have experienced a medical issue or sports injury, an e-bike can breathe new life into staying active while having fun. With some assistance, you may again want to reconnect with your cycling buddies or add that #NextBikeAdventure to your list. Plus, if you are planning on commuting to work by bike, you will arrive feeling fresh.

Now that you have a reason to consider an electric bike, it’s time to choose the right one! With thousands of electric bike models on the market, several things must be considered. The last item on our list here at HaveFunBiking is to test-ride the e-bike you want. Consider visiting several bike shops to compare.

First, when buying an electric bike, know your style of riding

With hundreds of e-bikes on the market today, design options will vary to fit people differently and their preferred use. It’s up to you to decide what is most important. With so many to choose from, first, you should figure out where you will be riding your e-bike.

Geared to accommodate different activities (cargo-hauling; relaxed cruising; trail riding; mountain biking; child transportation; road biking; fat bike riding; touring; and urban commuting), compile a list of questions. The first one, ask yourself before entering a store, what will be my preferred bicycling activity with a new electric bike?

 

The electric bike drive

There are two main types of e-bikes. The most common is what has come to be called the “pedal assist.” This system monitors the rider’s pedaling and automatically adds a certain amount of motor assistance, usually depending on the rate, force, and speed.

In most places, the motor’s output is regulated and limited to no more than 750 watts, and the maximum speed is up to 20 mph or 32 km/h. When you reach this speed, the motor automatically disengages. A few models in this category also offer the twist-n-go option. A switch on the handlebar, like a throttle on a motorbike, is used by the rider to trigger assistance from the motor.

The second drive train system is set for high-performance electric bikes that can quickly achieve faster speeds. Riders with these faster drive train systems must have a particular driver’s license, plates, and insurance. The regulations differ in every state and country, so it’s essential to ask your local bike shop for details.

The e-bike motor and its location

There are two main types of motors and where they are located. The most common, the hub motor assist is situated in one of the wheels. Hub motors are the most common, which place the electric motor in the center of a bicycle wheel. This e-bike power source tends to be quieter but often doesn’t handle hills, as well as a crank assist center mount system.

Rear motor system for an electric bike

Rear motor system for an electric bike

Located over the center mount in the crank and pedal area, the crank motor assist is at the bottom of the frame, transferring the motor’s power to the rear wheel via the bicycle’s chain. That means the electronic controls can include a sensor that detects how hard you’re pedaling and can measure the assistance accordingly. Typically, crank-assisted bikes have become much more common over the last couple of years and have a reputation for doing well on steep hills.

Center motor system for an electric bike

Center motor system for an electric bike

Both have unique advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the correct motor depends on your requirements and which benefits seem more practical. Generally, looking for a brand with a good reputation would be best, such as Bosch, Brose, Panasonic, Shimano, and Yamaha.

Battery storage

One of the most expensive components of your new e-bike is the battery. The bike’s lithium-ion battery pack size is most of the price involved in buying a ready-to-go e-bike. These batteries are everywhere, so it’s no surprise to find them powering e-bikes.

More expensive e-bikes have higher-tech batteries that are lighter, charge quickly, and last longer. Batteries degrade over time, holding less charge as they age. The quality of the battery makes a difference, so look for a reputable named battery manufacturer. Then make sure the warranty covers the battery for at least two years.

Conservatively lithium-ion batteries are typically said to last for 1,000 complete charge cycles. That’s about three years of weekday commuting. They survive longer with careful use, so you should get at least 2,000 half-charge bikes. In practice, several years’ battery life is easily achievable depending on how often you charge and store the battery.

The distance an electric bike can travel.

The distance an e-bike will go on one battery charge is called range. It’s probably the most important specification. For example, if your commute involves a big hill, you don’t want to run out of juice halfway up. Without power, an e-bike is just a heavy bike.

The range depends on the battery capacity, the speed, weight, profile of the commuting tour, the assistance level you choose, and the percentage of the given pedaling power. If you’re only going to do six to ten miles of daily commuting, you don’t need a battery and motor set for a 50 to 70-mile range. However, it would be best to buy a bike with a higher range than you necessarily need because the range will drop as the battery ages and loses capacity.

Cost is another factor.

Good e-bikes are not cheap, as I mentioned above. You can pick up a basic model, but how long will you be happy with it? An average bike with a quality frame, functional brakes, suspension, and other components is expensive. Now, when buying an e-bike, you have to add the cost of the motor and battery. With a reputable warranty, the battery’s cost can run from $500 to $1,000, so don’t be surprised by the higher price; a better bike lasts much longer.

Test ride before you make a final commitment.

Perhaps the most important (and fun) part of buying an electric bike is test-riding it. Trying an electric bike allows you to put aside skeptics, reviews, and research and answer the most basic question: Do you love this bike?

If so, here are a few other questions to ask: Does it climb hills easily? Does the bike fit me in the way I would like it too? And does it have the quality and functionality I would like?

So make it fun, ask many questions, and test-ride that new bike!

If you are not out in playing in the snow this New Year's Day, enjoy paging through the 2019 Bike/Hike Winter Planning Guide for fun places to ride.

Bike Pic Feb15, snowy weather ahead improves fat biking

This Bike Pic Wednesday, after a wet Tuesday, enjoy the fresh snow in the forecast today to improve the trails rutted up the last few days.

So, get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism 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. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. 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 out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly, as we enter our 14th year of producing this handy 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 appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day with a safe and memorable year ahead!

Here in today's bike pic, this bold north biker chick is having fun riding into the Monday morning sun, across Lake Isles in Minneapolis, before the next snow front passes through.

Bike Pic Feb 06, riding into the Monday morning sun

Here is today’s bike pic, showing a ‘bold north’ biker chick out having fun riding into the Monday morning sun, across Lake Isles in Minneapolis, MN. With weather temps staying mild through the week, get out and enjoy a bold north adventure.

So, get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism 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. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.

As we continue encouraging 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 our 14th year of producing this handy 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 appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day with a safe and memorable year ahead!

Discover micro-mobility on the massive E-bike Challenge test track

With the Omicron-fueled surge declining, enjoy an eco-friendly experience at the E-bike Challenge, discovering the latest in micro-mobility on April 2 & 3. The event will offer those attending a comfortable place to compare and ride the latest electric bike technology, testing the latest bikes on a mammoth indoor test track in the Minneapolis Convention Center. With several social distancing procedures in place, visitors can discover the advantages of e-bikes bikes for hauling cargo, health, and ecological purposes. Making it easy to compare the latest brands and models to learn how micro-mobility can be incorporated into a person’s daily life.

Enjoy the E-bike Challenge and be a part of micro-mobility

Micro-mobility and the return of the E-bike Challenge

Hicle, Inc., the organizers of hike and cycle fairs in Europe, held the first E-bike Challenge here in 2019, with much interest. At this year’s Challenge, those who visit can discover why the electric bikes and trikes are perfect for family activities. Perfect equipment for running errands, hauling cargo, commuting to work without working up a sweat. Then, enjoy a fun cardio workout on the return trip. Even if you can’t replace a car entirely, the event demonstrates why most trips within a 10-mile range can be less expensive with an e-bike. And, in many cases, taking less time than a carbon-fueled vehicle for the same journey.

Find a huge selection to fit your riding style.

E-bikes to ride on the large test track

Some brands already registered for the Challenge include Giant, Serial 1 by Harley Davidson, Pedego, Riese & Muller, and Skyl Power Bikes. Along with e-bikes from Erik’s Bikes, Now Bikes, and Trailhead Cycle, to name a few of the shops that will be there. The event will also feature several breakout sessions, a kids’ bike test track, fun family activities, and free maps of fun places to explore by bike.

Find micro-mobility options from around the world, returning.

Fun for the whole family

Along with a chance to compare and test ride the latest e-bikes on the mammoth indoor track. Find featured breakout sessions on Easy commuting by e-bike, E-biking back to health, and more. Also, find a kids’ bike test track, an e-bike theater, and other fun family activities. Plus, visitors will receive a complimentary 2022 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, full of bicycling maps of popular Minnesota destinations to explore, at the door.

For more information about the E-bike Challenge in Minneapolis on April 2 & 3, visit www.ebikechallenge.com.

Mike Bike, Where are you when the Minnesota Viking's need you?

Bike Pic Dec 08, Vike Bike, the Minnesota Vikings needs you

Vike Bike, where are you when the Minnesota Vikings need you? The photo was taken in 2019 at an Open Streets celebration in Minneapolis.

Get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #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 in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for viewing Today’s BikePic of a Multi-modal Viking

We are now rolling through our 15th year as a bike tourism media. As we pedal forward, 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 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 13th year of producing this handy 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 appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day!

This Bike Pic Saturday, as temps continue to rise, are you planning on taking in the Fat Tire Loppet this Sunday, in Minneapolis, MN?

Bike Pic Feb 01, warmer weather ahead for the Fat Tire Loppet

This Bike Pic Saturday, as temps continue to rise, are you planning on taking in the Fat Tire Loppet this Sunday, in Minneapolis, MN?

What better way to continue your fun, finding your #NextBikeAdventure. See all the great ideas and bike destinations in the Bike/Hike Winter Planning Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Saturday’ Bike Pic  

Now rolling into our 15th year as a bike media, our goal is to encourage more people to have fun. In this expanded e-guide issue, we have added more free bike maps to review for planning your next adventure.

As we continue to showcase more destinations you can explore, we are all about capturing fun photos to capture those memories. Hopefully, some 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 at HaveFunBiking (HFB)? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please include a brief caption (for each), who is in the photo (if you know?) and where you shot the picture. Your photo submitted should be at a medium resolution or more, for consideration. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit at HaveFunBiking 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 next bike adventure. Here you will find all the information you will need when visiting one of our Community Map Partners, accessible on your mobile-friendly devices.

Watch for our spring print guides in April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring Bike/Hike Guides will be available in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure.

Please share all our pictures with your friends and us on our Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to smile; we may be around the next corner with our HFB camera, ready to capture you for the next ‘Pic of the Day’ posts.

Have a great day and a memorable 2020!

Bike pic Sept 14, with sunny skies summer fun continues

This bike pic Saturday, what a picture-perfect day. With the sun warming the air temps, we caught this biker dudes in riding the Minneapolis Bike Tour today.

Get into your bike ride planning mode to continue your summer fun and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the fun ideas and HaveFunBiking Destinations in both the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and the Iowa Bike Guide.

Thanks for viewing our ‘Saturday’ Bike Pic  

Now, rolling into our 14th 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 for more fun photos worth a grin, share your stories so more can find their next adventure. Then, while out there if you see us along a paved or mountain bike trail, be prepared to smile. You never know where our cameras will be and what we will post next!

Submit your photos

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 900 pixels wide for us to use them. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and an acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

See our blog

As HaveFunBiking continues to encourage more people to ride, please see our media’s 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 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!