Tag Archives: Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide

Bike Pic Apr, 9, mountain biking and ’30 Days of Biking’ can be fun

We’re on to Day-9 of 30 Days of Biking this Bike Pic Tuesday. Hope you have been keeping up with your personal commitment and are finding ways to make your spring riding fun. Let us know by sharing your April adventures at #nextbikeadventure.

View the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour and all the other fun rides coming up.

Thanks for viewing Bike Pic 9 of ’30 Days of Biking’

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), or 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 continue 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.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Apr 8, riding into the Monday morning sun on 30 Days Of Biking

This 30 Days of Biking bike pic, the second Monday in April, we hope you are enjoying some nice weather on your ride today. Biking every day can be a challenge, especially with the forecast ahead, but even if it’s only for a quick ride around the block you still fulfilled your personal commitment!

Thanks for viewing Today’s Bike pic, Day 8 of 30 Days of Biking

Now rolling into our 12th 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 late April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available soon in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your #NextBikeAdventure.

Please share all our pic’s 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 our next ‘Pic of the Day’ posts.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Apr 7, hope you missed the rain on 30 Days Of Biking

This 30 Days of Biking bike pic, the first Sunday in April, we hope you got your ride in early today before the rains set in. Biking every day can be a challenge but even if it’s only for a quick ride you still fulfilled your personal commitment!

Thanks for viewing Today’s Bike pic, Day 7 of 30 Days of Biking

Watch for our spring print guides in late April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available soon in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your #NextBikeAdventure.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Apr 4, riding into the first Thursday morning on 30 Days of Biking

This Bike Pic Thursday, as spring temps warm, celebrate day four of 30-days of biking. So pull your bike out and ride each day in April – we know you can do it!

What better way to continue your fun than finding your #NextBikeAdventure. See all the great ideas and bike destinations in the 2019 Bike/Hike Planning Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ’30 days of biking’ Bike Pic

Watch for our spring print guides in April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available soon in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your #NextBikeAdventure.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Apr 1, riding into the Monday morning sun this 30 Days of Biking

This Bike Pic Monday, as the spring temps warm, celebrates day one of 30-days of biking. So pull your bike and ride each day in April – we know you can do it!

Thanks for Viewing Our ’30 days of biking’ Bike Pic

Watch for our spring print guides in April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your #NextBikeAdventure.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Mar 30, join these biker chicks and dudes for 30 Days of Biking

This Bike Pic Saturday, make sure your bike is ready to roll and you have made a commitment to better health by registering for 30-days of biking, it’s free. So pull your bike out of storage and give it the old ABC (Air, Brake, and Crank) check, or get it into your favorite bike shop so you are ready to ride each day in April – we know you can do it!

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Saturday’ Bike Pic

Watch for our spring print guides in April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your #NextBikeAdventure.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Mar 29, yeah its Friday with more dry spring weather ahead

This Bike Pic Friday, with more sunny days ahead give your bicycle the old ABC (Air, Brake, and Crank) check, then go for a ride. Another nice day to go out for a shakedown ride so you are ready for 30-days of biking.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Friday’ Bike Pic

Watch for our spring print guides in April.

As 30-Days of Biking progresses in April, the spring 2019 Bike/Hike Guides will be available in both print and digital format. So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure.

Have a great day!

Using the west or north bike corral can relieve the hassle-factor biking to the fair

It’s that time of the year again and what better way to go to the “Great Minnesota Get Together” then by bike and parking in one ot the three, free bicycle corrals there. Riding from home or drive/park a few miles away and multi-modal commuting with your bike can take a lot of the hassle factor out of visiting the fair. It is also a great way to burn-off those extra calories from all of the fun things you may want to indulge in, on a stick.

Your bike can be a hassle -free way to get to the Minnesota State Fair

It is probably the fastest and most inexpensive way to get to the fair, riding your bike. If you don’t live near the fair, a multi modal commute is another fun option. Drive your car, with your bike(s) along and park it in one of the St Paul neighborhoods, close by. Then bike in on one of the city’s designated bike routes. Use this St Paul map along with Google Maps, to plan your route to get to the fair.

Riding your bike is probably the fastest way to get to the fair.

Planning on riding your bike to the fair? From On August 23rd, through Labor Day, August 3rd, cyclists who commute by a pedal bike to the fair, from 6 a.m. to midnight, each day will find three secure bike locations. They are located at:

West Bike Lot: Randall Ave-Buford Gate (#16). For cyclist coming from Minneapolis and the western suburbs, this is a handy location and in the past has the most options for parking and convenience.

North Bike Lot: Hoyt-Snelling Gate (#2) For cyclist coming from north Metro, this is a handy location and in the past has had more options for parking and convenience than the South Bike lot.

South Bike Lot: Como-Snelling Gate (#6) the most popular location, this bike corral fille fast especially on weekends.

See more info here.

Another option are the free shuttle buses to et to the fair.

Another option is to take one of the free shuttle buses from a satellite parking lot. Allow one to two hours each way for this option.

Bike related things to do and see at the Minnesota State Fair

The lighted spurs clip to your shoes so you are more visible when riding your bike.

Now that you are in the fair grounds and walking around here are some bike related ideas you might like to see. Need some lights to lite up your bike shoes for more visibility at night; Maybe a new Minnesota Bike Map from MnDOT; or the latest on e-Fat Bikes? It all at the Minnesota State Fair.

Pick up one of the last few 2017 guides at the DNR Info Center.

Pick up one of the last few remaining 2018 MN Bike/Hike Guides at the DNR Info Center.

For the newest gizmo in bike safety and awareness, check out the clip on safety lights for your shoes while biking, See them in a booth under the Grand Stand. Need the newest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, in hard copy paper format? Head on over to the DNR Info Center. For the Minnesota Bike Map? You will find a paper copy, free of charge, right below the big bike hanging from the ceiling in the Eco Building.

In the Creative Activities Building we found this clock. Congratulation Brad Kacter, from Shoreview, MN.

In the Ag-Horticulture Building we found this grain art piece. Congratulation Darlene Thorud, of Bloomington, MN.

In the Ag-Horticulture Building last year we found this grain art piece. Congratulation Darlene Thorud, of Bloomington, MN. I wonder what bike art will be present this year?

Like parades?

Each day at 2 p.m. on Cosgrove Street you can watch the Minnesota State Fair Parade. If you are lucky you might see the Twin Cities Unicyclists Club preforming. These single wheeled bicyclists always do some fun tricks as they pedal along the parade route. Besides the cyclists, you will see many different floats and marching bands. As the parade ends near the Eco Progress Center you can check out the “Life on a Bike Simulator” that’s right inside.

World’s biggest bike and activities within the Eco Progress Center

CHECK THE LATEST IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EXHIBITS IN THE ECO PROGRESS CENTER.

Also, within the Eco Building check out the coalition of state agencies and private organizations whose goal is to get more people on bikes more often in Minnesota. Also check out the new Kick Gas exhibit with the “World’s Biggest Bike” hanging from the ceiling. You can hop onto a regular bike on the ground below, pedal and watch the gigantic 8-foot bike wheels turn above you. Also learn what you can do with all the extra t-shirts you have been accumulating and make grocery bags out of them. See more on the Eco buildings schedule and opportunities here. While there enjoy a sample of the latest coffee or tea at the Peace Coffee station.

Like fun action biking stunts?

Up in the X-Zone, on Machinery Hill in their new location (Murphy Ave and CosGrove St); watch some The Ride Factory preform some high-rising stunts, right in front of you, on the amazing exhibition course there.

Watch the Ride Factory preform some high-rising stunts right in front of you.

Fun foods at the Minnesota State Fair to try

A favorite MN Fair food, the Tipsy Pie made with caramelized onions, gouda cheese and infused with brown ale was a hit last year.

Every year there are many fun and wacky foods entrees to try at the fair. This year is no exception looking at this list. Item that caught my attention that I might have to taste included:

the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Firecracker Shrimp Stuffed Avocado, Irish Tater Kegs just to name a few. Hope I can still get a cup of the maple cream nitro cold press coffee, leike last year?

The Minnesota State Fair App

Download the Minnesota State Fair App. It’s absolutely free and features their famous Food Finder, Fun Finder and Merch Search tools to help you find your favorites at The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Available now absolutely free at the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Hope this helps you for your 2018 visit to the Minnesota State Fair. Please let us know, if we missed something you think we should add it to this preview article. Please leave a comment below.

Thanks and Have Fun!

The Marin B-17 MTB review – out of the box and ready for the trail

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Based on our quick MTB review at Interbike’s Dirt Demo, we have been extended a Marin mountain bike demo for a long term review. This week, a big brown box showed up at our office. What was inside was a Marin B-17, a full suspension trail bike just waiting for me to put together and ride. However, before I ride it and give you a full MTB review let me share with you what is actually coming out of that box.

The Marin B-17 MTB review out of the box

The first thing I have to note about this bike, is that it isn’t a brand new bike. While it’s new to me, It has been to a few demos before. That being said, I have to note the immaculate condition this bike it arrived in. Whereas the tires show signs of wear the frame and components were cleaned to a level I have never seen before. Overall, the bike built up quickly and easily for a quick spin around the block.

The Marin B-17 2 in all its glory. It won’t be so clean soon.

The Frame

The B-17 is an aluminum trail bike that uses Marin’s MultiTrac suspension system for 120mm of travel. The MultiTrac system is tuned to absorb large and small hits equally, while still maintaining pedaling efficiency. It accepts both 27.5” x 2.8” wheels as well as standard 29” wheels. On first inspection, the frame design is clean, with the cables running internally within the frame. The rear shock is tucked neatly in line with the seat tube allowing for the use of a normal water bottle cage. For additional stand over clearance, the Top tube is welded low on the seat tube and uses a jack brace for strength. Overall, the B-17 frame looks like someone sweat all the details.

Here you can clearly see the cables enter the frame. Also, take a look at how each tube is shaped specifically shaped to its intended purpose.

The Parts

The version of the B-17 I am riding is an early production demo unit. For that reason, the parts are slightly different from the final retail bike. Most notably, my demo unit uses a Rockshox Pike rather than the Rockshox Revalation suspension fork. For the most part the two forks will ride similarly, with the Pike being a bit smoother in operation. The rest of the bike uses Shimano parts for shifting (SLX) and brakes, which ensures great shifting and stopping. This model B-17 also uses a dropper seatpost, to let me get my weight back and low on the trail.

Throughout the rest of the bike, Marin uses house brand components for the rims, bar and stem. While this may have been an area of concern in the past, most brands are sourcing some exceptional parts. Any remarks of the house brand components would be incomplete if I didn’t remark on how well Marin has tied these products into the rest of the bike. The same graphic touches that make the frame look classy are carried through to the parts. The graphic are clean and understated, without overstating the bicycles brand name.

Some Classy details as seen on the Marin B-17

What I am looking forward to

I really want to see if this bike handles as well on my home trails as it did in Las Vegas. Our parks have limited climbing and smooth features, so it will be interesting to see if the plus sized tires have the same dominance on these trails as they did in the steep, rocky terrain of Nevada. Finally, I can’t wait to really tune the suspension and see what it is capable of. Stay tuned for the long term review in the next few weeks.

Bic Pic Oct 19, fun preparing for the MN HS Mountain Bike Championship

Having fun preparing for the Minnesota High School Cycling Leagues, State Championship, that will be held on Mt. Kato, in Mankato, MN, October 28-29. Volunteer with the Minnesota chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association or find out more how your school can participate in 2018.

What better way to continue your fall fun and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the fun ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of our HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Fun Mountain Bike’ Pic of the Day

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.

Have a great day!