Picture perfect weather energized the 20th anniversary of Minnesota’s biggest bicycle ride, the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour, on September 7th. With the upper Midwest’s recreational ride season wrapping up here is your chance to ride one more time,  the 4th Annual Mankato River Ramble Ride. Register before the end of the day, Oct. 1, on-line and save.

Enjoying the ride through the quite city streets

The Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) invites you to join them on October 5, 2014, in Mankato, Minn. for some of the best bicycling Minnesota has to offer.

Perfect for all ages

For a city so close – just 77 scenic miles from the Twin Cities, find out why Mankato thinks its Minnesota’s best kept secret, as a bicycle destination. Named a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, visit Mankato and discover all the trails and safe bike routes the Area enjoys.

Plenty of delicious treat and beverages at the rest stops

With peak fall foliage, the River Ramble offers one great ride with four scenic routes, with four fun rest stops that feature great live music, delicious treats, cold beverages, hot coffee and refreshing fruit. In addition to a 12, 26 or 42 miles routes, the 2014 ride will feature “The Hilly Half-Century”, a loop through Garden City adding eight miles to the 42-mile route for a 50-mile ride.

Register for the Mankato River Ramble on-line, or at the event.

If you are looking for a weekend getaway next week, or anytime, besides the great riding there is plenty to do!  Hike in Minneopa State Park, mountain bike at Mount Kato, or float down the beautiful Blue Earth River with Bent River Outfitter, specializing in guided kayak, canoe and stand up paddleboard trips in the river valleys surrounding Mankato. Contact Bent River and ask about their planned activities on Saturday, before the Ramble.

Also on Saturday, October 4th, join Mankato Brewery for a live music event with food and beer. The brewery opens at noon, tours and tastings at 1 p.m., food at 4 p.m. and live music from 5 – 10 p.m.. Ride your bike and the brewery crew will valet park it for you. River Ramble riders will receive a beer discount all day long! Or stop in after the ride on Sunday for a cold one. The tap room will be open from noon – 5 p.m. Find details on the brewery website.

Proceeds from the 20th Annual St. Paul Classic and the upcoming Mankato River Ramble will benefit the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s education programs to make bicycling in the state safer.

See the most recent HaveFunBiking, At-a-Glance article when planning or visiting Bike Friendly Mankato.

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour Recap

Fun for the whole family

Celebrating its 20th year, Sunday, September 7, 2014, over 6,000 cyclists enjoyed the rolling festival of live music and tasty treats that circled the Saint Paul Grand Round parkway system on nearly traffic-free roads.

BikeMN and the Classic’s director would like to thank all of their amazing sponsors, musicians and the 400 volunteers who helped to make the event run smoothly. A special thanks to the City of Saint Paul, Parks and Rec, Public Works and the ST Paul Police Department for their dedication to safety during the event. Riders came from 22 states, ranged in age from 0-90 and gender was an almost perfect 50/50 split.