Tag Archives: Mountain Biking

Bike Pic April 23, fond summer memories stirs warm weather plans

Fond summer memories, on day twenty-three of 30 Days of Biking, riding the mountain bike trail. Here is today’s bike pic, looking through the archives we found this father/son duo enjoying some time together while testing their riding skills.

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 18th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! 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 pic was shot? 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 with a safe, and memorable year ahead!

Bike Pic April 07, MTB trails may be drying out for 30 Days of Biking

This bike pic Thursday, as we enter the seventh day of 30 Days of Biking, rumor has it that some mountain bike trails are drying out and may be open this weekend. To make sure your favorite trail is ready, check with the local parks or MORC for further details.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Bike around Hutchinson with its hometown charm

by Andrew Ellis

As tourism opportunities open up again, I wanted to revisit Hutchinson, MN, from their map on pages 46-47 in the MN Bike/Hike Guide. A bike-friendly community with a hometown feel and small-town charm this community is worth checking out. A short drive west of the Twin Cities, it’s one of those areas where it’s easy to lose track of time as you enjoy all the fresh air. Arriving in town, enjoy pedaling around rather than driving your car when visiting. Enjoy several biking and hiking options around lakes and parks in the area for your recreational pleasure. You will have no trouble creating some new memories while riding your bike in Hutch.

Riding the Luce Line Trail through Hutchinson on the Jaycee’s Water Carnival Ride.

Aside from riding the mountain bike trails north of town or touring the countryside, you will find many more outdoor adventures here than you can cover in one day. Besides, you can immerse yourself in the local arts. Spend some time learning about the town’s history. Or, if you are looking for a unique place to eat or a gift to take home, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for your visit here.

Minnesota’s hometown feel is in bike-friendly Hutchinson

Located a little over an hour from the Twin Cities, the community here is also known as ‘Minnesota’s Hometown.’ It’s a great place to escape the road-rage-inducing atmosphere of the big city. Here you can ride the Luce Line State Trail to clear your mind and let the calm country scenery work its magic.

When it comes time to take a break from pedaling, there is no shortage of attractions to keep your adventure moving forward. Hutch has its share of one-of-a-kind eateries, and if you’re looking for some more action outside, you can try your hand at some paintball.

Nothing is better than McCormick’s Family Restaurant in Hutchinson to start your day and plan your ride. Voted the number one place for Eggs Benedict in Minnesota, their pancakes and waffles are good too.

Riding opportunities in and around Hutchinson

It’s easy to get out to Stahls Lake Park from Hutchinson.

Like many small towns in Minnesota, pedaling around isn’t difficult. Here in Hutchinson, there is one big trail system, that takes you beyond the town limits. In fact, you can ride the trail all the way to the Twin Cities. And, if you’re up for the challenges, you will find a few mountain biking opportunities.

The Luce Line State Trail

The Luce Line State Trail stretches 63 miles (from Plymouth to Cosmos) and is a popular attraction for bikers, hikers, snowmobilers, and equestrian enthusiasts. The paved trail includes about 21 miles from the west Carver County line, through Hutchinson, to the west McLeod County line. To learn more about the Luce Line, go to www.luceline.com.

Mountain Biking

Tartan Park is located in Hutchinson and is a skills park that is perfect for beginners to advanced mountain bikers.

Tartan Park is located in Hutchinson and is a perfect skill park for beginners to advanced mountain bikers.

Those wishing for some off-road adventures, you are in luck. Thanks to the Hutchinson Area Mountain Bike Association, there are two tracks within reach: Tartan Terrain Park and Stahls Lake Park. Tartan Park is located within the town limits and is a skills park that caters to beginners and advanced. If you want to venture outside the town limits to Stahl’s Lake Park, there’s a nice single-track that caters to all experience levels. Two double-track loops range from .5 miles to 1 mile long. One single-track loop is over 2 miles.

Road Biking Opportunities

Like many of Minnesota’s smaller communities, navigating the area on your bike couldn’t be easier. The roads here allow you to see the beautiful scenery, perfect for your next Instagram post. You can also use the city streets and trails to explore the area’s parks, shops, and more.

Come, enjoy the bike-friendly fun in Minnesota’s ‘hometown feel’ of fun.

For more information on playing or staying in a community with Minnesota’s hometown feel. Check out our HaveFunBiking, At-a-Glance Hutchinson article for your next bike adventure. For places to stay and campgrounds, see Explore Hutchinson.

Tips for a fun bike ride on or off the paved bike trail

With warmer spring temperatures drying out the bike trails, we thought it would be good to repeat a message developed by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). These tips work well for courteous conduct on both shared-use paths and lanes. Keep in mind that procedures for yielding and passing may vary in different locations or with traffic conditions. By following these six ‘Rules of the Trail,’ everyone should have a fun and memorable season.

Bike trail etiquette for a safer ride

Bike riders enjoying the Root River Trail with the majestic bluffs in view and whispering in the breeze, "Come Explore."

Bike riders enjoy the Root River Trail with the majestic bluffs in view.

Ride open trails

Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

Leave no trace

Riding the red dirt of the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, Crosby, MN. photo by Aaron W. Hautala

For off-road riding, be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

Control your bicycle

Here a father and son enjoy some quality time together.

A failure to notice what’s ahead, for even a moment, could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

Yield appropriately

A little bit of traffic congestion near a local Minnesota mountain bike trailhead.

Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

Never scare animals

It’s not uncommon to see a deer or other forest creatures pop out in front of you.

Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

Always plan ahead

Here a mountain biker walks his bike back to the trailhead after missing a technical turn.

Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Search here at: https://www.imba.com for more riding information in your area or see the new bike guides at: HaveFunBiking.com

Bike Pic Feb 25, yeah its Friday, enjoy the fun of a fat bike race

Yeah, it’s Friday and with so many fat bike pic races coming up why not consider entering one. Not to win! Unless you are highly competitive. Rather to get out on a new fat bike course that has been groomed and is ready to explore. See the new Winter/Spring Bike Guide for the latest events.

For more fat bike opportunities in Minnesota check out the MNTrail Navigator.com and in Iowa click BikeIowa.com.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Bike Pic Feb 24, fond summer memories as daylight lasts a bit longer

This Bike Pic Thursday, looking through the archives we found this mountain biking duo having fun in Lebanon Hills Park, in Eagan MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Bike Pic Feb 23, wheelie Wednesday may help you into your sweet spot

A bike pic to remember! This Bike Pic Wheelie Wednesday, take a chance! If life were a fat bike trail and a Wheelie helped smooth out your day-to-day ride or aided you in dropping into your sweet spot, why not review the following tips to make your week an adrenaline high?

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Selecting the right type of electric bike motor for your style if riding

Electric bike motors have technically come a long way in the last few years. Typically these motors are located in three different areas of an e-bike. The first two locations are found in either the front or rear wheel, called hub motors. In recent years the center mount motor, in the crank area has gained in popularity.

Electric bikes wheels with hub motors

Rear motor system for an electric bike

The hub motor is in the center of either bicycle wheel, and for many years was the most common. This e-bike power source was known to be quieter. The biggest negative, if you are off-road, a hub motor doesn’t handle hills like a motor that’s directly connected to the crank.

Front motor system for an electric bike

E-bikes motors in the center crank area

Center motor system for an electric bike

Center crank motor system for an electric bike

Becoming more standard, the motor in the center crank/pedal area is at the bottom of the frame. It transfers the motor’s power to the rear wheel via the bicycle’s chain or belt. That means the electronic controls can include a sensor that detects how hard you’re pedaling. It can also measure the electric assistance needs, accordingly. Generally, a crank/drive motor will take advantage of your gears. Helping you to keep your weight distribution low and near the center of your bike, especially when climbing steep hills.

The voltage output of the electric bike motor you choose

When it comes to voltage output and power of the motor, here again, you need to assess your style of riding to figure out what is best. To meet government regulations, as a legal pedal-assist bike, the top speed is generally capped at 28 mph depending on the system. If you are riding relatively flat areas around town lower power motors may be enough when you only need a boost, from fatigue or headwinds. More power is best if you plan to tow a load or are a larger rider.

On the plus side, a higher voltage motor will allow you to extend your batteries life by drawing less current for the same amount of power, minimizing potential overheating problems. However, if you don’t need to sustain maximum power, a lower voltage system will work just fine and cost you less.

Overall, both motors have some unique advantages and disadvantages. So choosing the right power module for your e-bike will largely depend on your requirements and which advantages seem more useful to your needs. Generally, look for a brand with a good reputation, such as Bosch, Brose, Panasonic, Shimano, or Yamaha.

So first define your riding style to select the right motor for an electric bike. Then test ride several options as you narrow down your selection. Be sure to mark your calendar for the E-bike Challenge Minneapolis here. Or visit a couple of local bike shops in your area to define your choice.

Bike Pic April 12, wheelie Wednesday may help you into your sweet spot

As we plow through some more rain and snow, it’s a bike pic to remember! This wheelie Wednesday or Hump Day, take a chance. If life were a fat bike trail a wheelie could help smooth out your day-to-day ride or aid you in dropping into your sweet spot. Why not review the following tips to make your week an adrenaline high?

This photo was taken in years past, along the Minnesota River Bottoms, in Bloomington, MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Bike Pic Feb 10, mild weather fun this Thursday

This Bike Pic Thursday, we caught this biker dude, with plenty of layers and a mask to protect his face, having fun riding his fatty along the Minnesota River bottoms, near Bloomington, MN last year.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

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

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Minnesota’s hometown feel is in bike-friendly Hutchinson

Riding opportunities in and around Hutchinson

The Luce Line State Trail

Mountain Biking

Road Biking Opportunities

Bike trail etiquette for a safer ride

Ride open trails

Leave no trace

Control your bicycle

Yield appropriately

Never scare animals

Always plan ahead

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Electric bikes wheels with hub motors

E-bikes motors in the center crank area

The voltage output of the electric bike motor you choose

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic