Tag Archives: #next adventure

Exploring Northfield has a lot to offer anyone who comes to visit. This guide should provide you a great head start to finding your #NextBikeAdventure.

Ride Your Bicycle Around Northfield to Discover the Town’s History

by Andrew Ellis, HaveFunBiking.com

What started as an agriculture and milling community, along the Cannon River with two colleges, has transformed Northfield into a place for cycling tourist of all skill levels and interests to enjoy. There is even a reenactment and annual bike ride, each fall, centered around the 1876  Jesse James gang bank robbery that put Northfield, Minnesota in the national headlines.  Today, with both Saint Olaf and Carleton colleges based here, their presence has helped create a a bike-friendly atmosphere few other small towns can offer.

And when not biking you can enjoy the arts, history, nature, shopping and other multiple outlets for a memorable visit.

More About Bike-Friendly Northfield

Northfield is located 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities and sits along the Cannon River Valley corridor. As a multiple college town the community offers a relaxed lifestyle with picturesque surroundings that attract tourists from all over.

For cyclists, it’s like pedaling through paradise and that’s not just describing the many trails it offers. The two colleges here also add to the bike-friendly environment, along with a vibrant downtown full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. For the history buff, there’s also plenty about the town’s connection to Jesse James and routes that were used by stagecoaches of that era.

Riding Options When Visiting Northfield

There are many miles of trails in the area of Northfield and Dundas that are accessible for pedestrians, bikers, rollerblading, wheelchairs, and those bringing strollers. These trails wind through many neighborhoods and also offer breathtaking views of the nature within the community.

Mill Towns Trail

The Mill Towns Trail is the central section of the planned recreational trail between Cannon Falls and Fairbault. It will also eventually link the existing Cannon Valley to the Sakatah Sing Hills Trail, in Faribault. The first leg of the trail was built a few years back between Northfield and Dundas. Today, it has a bridge that crosses the Cannon River to connect the trail to downtown Northfield. See all the bike trail options here.

Mountain Biking Options

The Sechler Park MTB Trail is a shared-use trail system that’s open to mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Organized by Cannon Valley Offroad Cycling & Trails (CROCT), it’s a two-way trail approximately 3.5 miles long if all sections are ridden in both directions. A small skills park was added a couple years ago.

There’s also Caron Park MTB Trail, which is south of Northfield. It’s a relatively new trail system and a second trail was added in the summer of 2016. Thanks to CROCT, the trail will be ready for use once the spring thaw and Cannon River flooding is done.

Road Touring Options Around Northfield

There may not be as many farms along the quiet county roads heading out of Northfield, but there are plenty of loop options for your bike. One of the local club’s favorite routes follow the old stage coach route, south out of town. Then it swings to one of the last standing virgin timber stands in Minnesota. You’ll also be able to visit Nerstrand Big Woods State Park for a glimpse of what the terrain looked like back in the days of the Jesse James era. See many of the Northfield Bike Club’s route options here.

An At-A-Glance Look at Northfield

Be sure to check out our At-A-Glance Northfield Article for more details on where to stay, play, and explore for your hand-held devises. As this story and the At-A-Glance Article are mobile-friendly for your convenience, have fun!

 

This Friday Fun Day we're taking a trip down memory lane back to last summer on our inaugural Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour.

Bike Pic Dec 30, Friday Fun Day Riding in the Root River Valley

Riding down memory lane this Friday Fun Day photo was taken last summer on our inaugural Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour.  Riders from Minnesota and neighboring states enjoyed the 3-day trek through the beautiful country side and were so impressed that we’re bringing the tour back again this year! If you’re interested in riding with us in 2017, please click on the link above to find out more.

See all the places to explore while gearing up for the bike ride in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing Today’s Friday Fun Day in Root River Country Bike Pic

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), 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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 Dec 11, Miles of Sunday Smiles as She Takes the Lead

Miles of Sunday Smiles as she takes the lead on her cross bike. Each Wednesday Night throughout the summer, CX Races are hosted by area bike shops at Aquila Park, in St. Louis Park, MN.

As you patiently wait for the weather to turn to winter fun, many upper Midwest bike riders are now changing their gear over to winter activities, including fat biking, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing and other cold weather sports. See all the places to explore, throughout the year, in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing Today’s Miles of Sunday Smile Cross Bike Pic

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), 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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!

With fall colors still prevalent and the continued mild cycling temps for biking in Southeast Minnesota, where the Root River Trail and quite county roads are ready for your #nextbikeadventure.

Bike Pic Nov 10, Fall Colors Still Found Along the Root River Trail

With fall colors still prevalent and the continued mild cycling temps in Southeast Minnesota, the Root River Trail and quite county roads are ready for your #nextbikeadventure.

With the leaves turning and perfect biking weather, we hope you get out on your bike and enjoy all the fall riding possibilities along the way. See many more bike-friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing the Root River Trail Pic of the Day 

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), 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

The American Dream, Beer and Bikes! Here are a couple cyclist living the dream. Promoting free beer with a Latte.

Bike Pic Sept 29, Living the American Dream with Bikes and Beer

Here are a couple cyclists living the American dream by promoting free beer as they walk their bikes down the street in Wayzata, MN, with a Latte in hand. Photo was taken during the  annual Tour D’ Amico 4th of July bicycle ride.

Now in its 18th year, the ride is promoted by the Hiawatha Bicycling Club. Proceeds from the ride benefits the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota’s bike education program and trail maintenance projects around the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Specialize Olympics.

See many more bike events friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing the American Dream Pic of the Day. 

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 showcasing 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. So go ahead and scroll through the information and stories we have posted and enjoy.

So, 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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. And don’t forget to smile while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Sept 17, Tour of Fillmore Offers Hard Gravel Miles

The 77 mile Tour of Fillmore is the hardest and most rewarding miles of gravel in southern Minnesota. Located near the Root River Trail Town of Lanesboro, in Fillmore County, registration is open until the 10 a.m. when the ride starts. A heads up, if you are going it is appreciated to Drew: [email protected].

A final update for the Tour of Fillmore will be posted on their FaceBook page after he rides the course, so check back. To date, Drew reports, “The roads are in great condition with less loose gravel than last year (but still with plenty). Plus the course is hard!”

“Checkpoint will be stocked with water and some snacks by us. We will also take dropbags or potluck style items to the checkpoint if you drop them at the start. Please Bring some meat or whatever you want to grille for the finish, or maybe some chips/snacks. I’ll cart my grille to the finish and hang out in the park for a while, Should be fun if everyone joins in!”

See many more bike friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing the Tour of Fillmore Bike Pic of the Day. 

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 showcasing 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), 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

With the St Paul Bicycle Classic this last Sunday are you ready for some fun at the Minneapolis Bike Tour this coming Sunday?

Bike Pic Sept 16, Minneapolis Bike Tour on the Scenic Grand Round

With the St. Paul Bicycle Classic this last Sunday, are you ready for some fun this Sunday at the Minneapolis Bike Tour on the Scenic Grand Round Byway System?

The 10th annual Minneapolis Bike Tour starts and ends at beautiful Boom Island and features three fully supported routes: 16 miles, 25 miles, and 32 miles. These routes take riders through the spectacular park and byway system of Minneapolis at their own pace, traffic free!

See many more bike events and friendly places to explore in the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. 

Thanks for viewing the Minneapolis Bike Tour Pic of the Day. 

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 showcasing 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), 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 do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.

As we continues 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. And don’t forget to smile, while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next photos that we post daily.

Have a great day!

By bike or car Twin Cities Trout Fishing at Cenaiko Lake is worth checking out.

Twin Cities Trout Fishing Along the MRT

Want to Test Your Skills at a Twin Cities Trout Fishing Hot Spot?

If catching Rainbow Trout is on your list, then Cenaiko Lake in the Twin Cities Gateway is a great place to check out. This small man-made lake is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota and is the perfect place for the whole family to fish and reap the rewards. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) stocks this lake twice a year with nine to sixteen inch trout. In the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park system, the lake is next to the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) for those who prefer to commute there by bike.

By bike or car, Twin Cities trout fishing on Cenaiko Lake is fun.

A Twin Cities trout fishing hot spot Cenaiko Lake is a fun place to fish.

Each fall, after the summer trout season ends, the MNDNR stocks the lake with Rainbows. Then, again in the spring after ice has melted, they restock the lake again. Designated as a trout lake, you can also catch Small-Mouth Bass and Hybrid Sunfish here. However, note that fishing is only allowed during the trout season. Please see the Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet for complete rules and guidelines.

Operated by Anoka County Parks, the Cenaiko Lake basin was formed from an old gravel pit where the deepest spot is 36 feet. A local fishing spot long before trout were introduced, shore fishing is accessible around the lake. There is a fee to enter the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park system, if you arrive by car. For those who choose to use a bicycle or travel into the park by foot, then the fee is waived. Connecting to the MRT you will find a paved trail around the shoreline. Along the trail you will also find  several picnic shelters and a playground to make this fishing destination a family event.

Summer Twin Cities Trout Fishing Opportunities

From the middle of April through the end of September, the entire shoreline around the lake is open for fishing. There is no boat access, but a fishing pier is available for use. The favorite bait for casting is wooly buggers and pheasant tail nymphs. See a Video of some young fishermen catching their limit.

Winter Twin Cities Trout Fishing Opportunities

Winter lake trout fishing season is mid-January (or when the ice is safe), through the end of March. For more information, visit dnr.state.mn.us.

For more information call Anoka County Parks at 763-757-3920.

Other Twin City Metro Trout Fishing Destinations

Looking for more places for fly fishing in the metro area when Cenaiko Lake isn’t producing? Learn more about fly fishing locations in the Twin Cities metro area below.

There are a few trout fishing lakes and a stream that are located in the south and west metro area. These places provide great access to fly fishing. You can also try fishing beach areas on lakes (where permitted) at dusk and dawn when other lakes are heavily vegetated.

Christmas Lake

Near Excelsior, Christmas Lake is just across MN Highway 7 from Lake Minnetonka. Water quality allows for “two-story” fish management. If you venture into the deeper waters here, you will find trout and the Bass-Panfish-Northern Pike fish community spread throughout the rest of the lake. Because Christmas is not a Designated Trout Lake, anglers can fish non-trout species during their legal seasons. Please remember trout fishing during closed seasons is both illegal and poor sportsmanship. The lake lacks shore fishing qualities, however, there is a small public access. Unfortunately, adjacent street parking is unavailable.

Courthouse Lake

In Chaska, the Courthouse Lake fish population has changed significantly in recent years due to flooding. After the flood in 1993, the lake was designated as a trout lake and a total lake reclamation was preformed. Then, in 1995, Rainbow Trout were introduced to the lake along with Brook and Brown Trout being stocked there in following years.

Holland Lake

In Eagan, located in within Lebanon Hills Regional Park Reserve, is Holland Lake were surplus adult Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked. The water quality in the lake is excellent and trout stocked in recent years have been well received by anglers. There is no boat access and winter kill has been an issue. Thanks to the Dakota County Parks an aeration device is being used to bring up the oxygen level in  the winter.

Eagle Creek

And in Savage, Eagle Creek is at the crossroads of busy Highways 13 and 101 in Scott County.  A self-sustaining but small population of Brown Trout in the stream there requires that you obey the Special Regulation — catch-and-release only policy.

Good luck!

When you're out touring the countryside or riding your bike in town here are six bike maintenance items to carry with you to help fix the most common problems you may encounter.

Bike Maintenance – Six Items to Have Along on a Ride

 

When you’re out touring the countryside or riding your bike in town here are six bike maintenance items to carry with you to help fix the most common problems you may encounter. The good news is that these will all fit in the small pack underneath your seat or in your rear jersey pockets. And, if you don’t already have the bike maintenance tools or items, you can mostly likely pick them up for a reasonable price at your favorite bike shop.

1. A Spare Tube is Essential for on the Road Bike Maintenance

If you’re going to be out and about, the most likely problem you’ll have with your bike is a flat tire. So bring along a spare tube. They are fairly compact, easy to change out, and you’ll be back riding in no time. Never changed a flat tire? Here is an easy instruction video on how to change a flat.

Have a tube that fits your tire is the most important bike maintenance items you can carry with you.

Have a tube that fits your tire is the most important bike maintenance items you can carry with you.

In addition to a spare tube, you will want to carry a patch kit. If you get a second flat, or a friend you are riding with has multiple flats, you’re going to gain some extra points for having that kit. Plus, using a patch in a tire adds a tough skin protector to a surface area when you aren’t able to find the sharp object that created the problem in the first place.

2. A Set of Tire Levers

If you’re going to fix a flat tire, you’ll need tire levers. These small tools slide under your tire and help pull it off your rim so that you can remove the tube to patch it or replace it with a spare.

A pair of tire levers makes getting it easier to pry the tire from the rim, without pinching the tube.

A pair of tire levers makes getting it easier to pry the tire from the rim, without pinching the tube.

They fit easily in your pouch or jersey pocket, and you really don’t want to be without them

3. A Pump or CO2 Inflator

Whether you repair your tire with a patch kit or spare tube, you will need to inflate the tire again after the repair. That’s where a small bicycle frame pump comes in handy for bike maintenance on the road. Usually clamped to your frame, these little pumps will put enough air in your tire to get you back on your way.

A small air pump is a must have bike maintenance item to have along unless you prefer a CO2 cartridge.

A small air pump is a must have bike maintenance item to have along unless you prefer a CO2 cartridge.

Some riders prefer to carry CO2 cartridges – these small cylinders deliver a burst of pressurized air to refill a tube in a matter of a few seconds. They are lighter, but require a bit of practice to use or else you can blow out the tube you’ve just replaced. Plus, they cost about a dollar a piece for what is typically a onetime use. For information on how to use these inflators, check out the Youtube Video talking about it.

4. Multitool Gadget

For any number of potential fixes or adjustments you might face on the road, a multi-tool is a handy gadget that you’ll want to take along no matter how short or long your ride.

A multitool is a great bike maintenance item to have along for making adjustments, to opening a bottle of root beer.

A multitool is a great bike maintenance item to have along for making adjustments, to opening a bottle of root beer.

A multi-tool typically comes equipped with a dozen or more individual tools in various sizes including Allen wrenches, hex bolt wrenches, screw drivers, a chain tool, and more. Tucked neatly into one small package, it’s like a portable tool box for fixing your bike – in more ways than you can ever imagine. Plus, many come outfitted with a bottle opener too for when you are back and ready to celebrate another fun ride.

5. Mobile Phone

Every wonder how we got by, in the days before cell phones? It’s nice for calling home to get picked up in case of breakdown or for calling your buddies who may be ahead of you, or behind you, on those longer rides.

When bike maintenance requires calling for help a cell phone is a great tool to have along.

When bike maintenance requires calling for help a cell phone is a great tool to have along.

There is no reason not to carry a cell phone, especially with all the apps for mapping, cadence, and speed.

6. Cash/Identification and Insurance Card

This is one of those just-in-case items that you bring and hopefully will never use. Take along a few dollars for drinks and snacks along the way. And, in case of a split in your tire, a dollar bill can be laid along the split inside your tire to keep your tube from bulging out too badly until you can get it repaired. Also, be sure to bring along copies of your identification and insurance cards. God forbid you get into an accident, but in case you do, you’ll definitely want and need these items.

When bike maintenance requires some buying power cash and/or a credit card is good to have along, with an ID.

When bike maintenance requires some buying power cash and/or a credit card is good to have along, with an ID.

Tip: On the backside of these documents, write down your list of emergency contacts as well as any special medical instructions or allergies to medicine you might have. Also, if you have any pets home alone, this can be noted along with your emergency contacts so one of the contacts can take care of the pet if the need arises.

Now, with these items stowed away on your bike, it’s time to leave your troubles at home and enjoy the trails and roads. Most of all, it’s time to have fun!