Welcome. We're your premier source for fun places to explore by bicycle or on foot. Offering guides, maps and articles on road and trail riding for the novice to seasoned cyclist - helping you find your #NextBikeAdventure
Before the next storm on Sunday, this bike pic demonstrates another option for a fun family outing. Here memories are made as this young couple, with their young son, enjoys the fresh air and surroundings on the ride.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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 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.
Here in the photo above is a young family, on their bikes, discovering new and familiar places to ride together that will create memories lasting a lifetime.
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.
Here Richard Arey, the director of the Saint Paul Classic Bicycle Tour and Mankato River Ramble Ride, prepares to glide out of 2015 in preparation for next years Minnesota bike rides. HaveFunBiking photo shot on the BikeMN Mississippi River Trail & Train Ride.
Thanks for viewing the Bike Pic of the Day here at HaveFunBiking (HFB).
Now, rolling into our 10th 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 and present more fun photos worth a grin, scroll through the information and stories we have posted to 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 with your bike, be prepared to smile. You never know where our camera’s will be and what we will post next!
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 620 pixels wide for us to use them. If we 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 Bike/Hike Guide 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.
From the proceed raised this year at the 16th Annual TDA Ride, a portion of the proceeds were also shared with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) for education, Midtown Greenway and to Three Rivers Parks, for trail maintenance. Sponsored by D’ Amico & Sons Restaurants, the Annual 4th of July Ride for 2016 is again scheduled with three routes and an Italian picnic planned at the end.
About Special Olympics Minnesota
Special Olympics Minnesota is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The Hiawatha Bicycling Club is a recreational riding club. Every month during the season they provide about 60 rides that appeal to a wide variety of rider skills and desires. They offer slow, medium and fast rides, rides ranging from 15 to 100 miles in length, over many types of terrain. The Club is social in nature, with many rides built around casual riding, sight-seeing, meals, charitable activities, etc. You will find their rides throughout the 11-county Twin City metropolitan area, in other states and even in other countries. Check them out, they may have your kind of ride! Hiawatha Bicycling Club.
