Tag Archives: Mississippi River headwaters

In this bike pic, what better way to enjoy the countryside then riding the 10th Anniversary Tour de Pines, out of Itasca State Park. On August 18, select from the 25, 50, 60, 70 and 100 mile scenic tour option.

Bike Pic Aug 04, Tour de Pines still has openings for a scenic ride

In this bike pic, what better way to enjoy the countryside then riding the 10th Anniversary Tour de Pines, out of Itasca State Park. On August 18, select from the 25, 50, 60, 70 and 100 mile scenic tour option. The tour begins in this Minnesota’s northern piney area where the Mississippi begins. The annual ride is put on by Hosteling International to support their Mississippi Headwaters AYH-Hostel, just north of Park Rapids, MN, in the park.

The Tour de Pines, this Saturday is a great place to meet new friends at the Headwaters of the Mississippi.

The Tour de Pines, this Saturday is a great place to meet new friends at the Headwaters of the Mississippi.

What better way to ride through the summer season 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 Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Tour de Pines’ Bike Pic  

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!

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists of all skill levels, starting this year in Waconia and touring Carver County.

The Minnesota Ironman: Sign Up this Wednesday for the Experience of a Lifetime and Save

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking

It’s barely dawn, the weather is cool as he drags his unwilling body out into the world. The headlights of his car shine through the last remaining darkness as he pulls into the lot. His tired bones haven’t yet committed to the 51st Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride, but the energetic atmosphere drives him forward. He unshackles his bike, and after a few quick checks he heads toward the growing swarm of riders. The day may not be perfect, conditions could be troubling, but he knows completing the new course through Carver County holds coveted “bragging rights.”

What is the Minnesota Ironman?

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists of all skill levels, starting this year in Waconia and touring Carver County.

The Mn Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists of all skill levels, starting this year in Waconia and touring Carver Co.

The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is the longest-running century and variable mileage ride in Minnesota. For over 50 years, crowds have gathered to ride the course designed in its varying lengths. It’s also the first spring road bike event of the season, too, so weather conditions can be a mixed bag. Temperatures have fluctuated from the 30s through the 80s over the years with the chance of rain always a threat. So, why sign up for this event?

There’s Nothing Else Like It Drawing Thousands of Riders

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists of all skill levels, drawing thousand of cyclists for the first road bike event of the season.

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists of all skill levels, drawing thousand of cyclists for the first road bike event of the season.

In May of 1967, one month after the inaugural Minnesota Ironman, Ralph Baer played and lost the first two player video game ever. That means that before people challenged themselves with a controller and a screen they were enjoying the challenges of the Minnesota Ironman. The Minnesota Ironman is an event, not a race, where completion is as lofty a goal as most could achieve. Its rolling hills, scenic courses, and friendly atmosphere make this ride a premiere event each year. And this year, starting in Waconia, MN and touring Carver County will be no different.

Bragging Rights Guaranteed

Why not wait a few weeks for warm weather?

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists, rain or shine bragging rights are guaranteed.

The Minnesota Ironman is the kickoff event for cyclists, rain or shine bragging rights are guaranteed.

Well, the answer is in the name. To be an Ironman, you need to prove yourself. Completing this ride means you have done something special. Even though the route is challenging and the weather often adds its own obstacles, you will not be alone. More than 3,000 riders take advantage of this annual bike tour. And the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle team will be on hand for any needed technical, coaching, and safety support.

Plus, It’s for a Great Cause

Hostelling International USA (HI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy recreation, international travel, and cultural exchange. Proceeds from this ride go to HI’s Minnesota location, which is surrounded by the natural beauty of Itasca State Park, at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

The Minnesota Ironman attracts thousand of riders from all over the country, for a day of fun!

The MN Ironman attracts thousand of riders all over the country and offers everyone who participates a great time!

Whatever your reason for entering the Minnesota Ironman, know that you will be greeted on April 30th by thousands of old and new friends with similar interests, hundreds of smiling volunteers, and one amazing event. I am looking forward to seeing you there!

A real summer treat for bicyclists, Tour De Pines Ride

In Northern Minnesota, the Tour De Pines Bike Ride is a real summer treat. Sponsored by Hostelling International (HI) USA, this is the 8th annual Tour. Scheduled for Saturday, August 20th, it originates and ends  in Itasca State Park to provide all levels of bicycling fun and challenges. From a family friendly 25 mile course, to a 50 or 75 mile option, all routes are fully supported.

In Northern Minnesota, the Tour De Pines Bike Ride is a real summer treat, scheduled for Saturday, August 20th.

Ride with old and new friends in Northern Minnesota, on the Tour De Pines Bike Ride Saturday, August 20th.

Tour DE Pines support the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel

The proceeds from this bike ride help to support the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel. The Hostel is located in Itasca State Park, north of Park Rapids MN.  This lovely 31-bed hostel is open year round for guests who seek a north woods adventure, enjoying the full Itasca Park experience.

The first state park in Minnesota, Itasca State Park, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this summer. It is the Mississippi Headwaters that brings in the biggest draw for the park. This attracts about 500,000 visitors annually.

According to Jon Ridge, Hostelling International Regional Director, “Bicycling in the Park on the quiet country roads in and around Itasca is why we started the Tour De Pines eight years ago.  At this time of the year, summer weather seems to be grand and the riders appreciate all the Tour has to offer. So make a weekend out of the ride. There are things to do for the whole family regardless if you bike or not: Explore the park, Climb the viewing tower, Visit Historic Douglas Lodge, or take a family photo at the Headwaters.  Summertime in Itasca State Park is incredible!”

Registration is now open: $40 for Adults, $20 for Youth.  Registration and ride details can be found at www.TourDePines.org.

HI Mississippi Headwaters hostel is a beautifully restored log building. Constructed in 1923 as the park headquarters, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Itasca State Park was recently rated as one of the nation’s top 50 state parks by National Geographic.