Tag Archives: Northeast Minneapolis

Bike pic Aug 06, family fun at Open Streets Minneapolis

Today’s bike pic recaps this family’s fun at an Open Streets event on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. The next Open Streets East Lake is on Saturday, August 13th, then Open Streets West Broadway on September 10th, and Open Streets Minnihaha on October 1st.

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, 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 to the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger 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, as we enter 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!

Last chance to experience track cycle racing in Minnesota, for a while

An exciting and fun sport, this may be the last year for a while to try or watch track cycle racing in Minnesota. Track or velodrome racing at the National Sports Center (NSC) has been called “NASCAR on Two Wheels.” At blazing speeds, gravity-defying turns and spectacular crashes make Velodrome racing one of the most awe-inspiring spectator sports around. One of the few wooden tracks still left in the U.S. the track at NSC has now been repaired for its last season of hair raising fun.

At first glance, track cycle racing is a chaotic, confusing sport. After you have seen a race, the sport leaves a memorable impression that is amplified by its simplicity. With only one gear and no brakes, the track bikes used are the epitome of simplicity.

The track in Blaine is near its end

Built to host the 1990 Olympic Festival track racing events and National Championships, the NSC Velodrome is one of the most unique tracks in the world. It is the only outdoor wood-plank velodrome in the Western Hemisphere and is slated for demolition in 2019. So, this may be your last chance to experience the excitement of the track at the National Sports Center. Through the 2018 season (May to September) you can still come out and test out your skills and speed at the velodrome. Like many of the Twin Cities Gateway attractions in the area, each Thursday evening, ladies can come out and have some fun in between several men’s races. Take a look at the schedule here for several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.

Test your Olympian skills in Blaine on Minnesota’s only Velodrome track.

Learn to ride program

Check out their Learn to Ride Program offering riders as young as 12 years of age the opportunity to ride one of the finest velodromes in the country.

The schedule has several open sessions to try bicycle racing, even for kids.

Ride or watch, here is the skinny on velodrome racing

Learn all about track cycle racing. Find the specifics about velodromes, the details about track bicycles. This is the place to learn about the fastest sport on two wheels and to the different type of races held on the track.

Track cycle racing will come to an end in 2019

Without the support of the cycling community, the existing velodrome track could come to an end in 2019. The NSC Velodrome in Blaine is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. Plans are now to demolish the NSC track after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. However, the Minnesota cycling community is working on a replacement when the Blaine velodrome is demolished.

The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.

30 years of Minnesota track cycling history

Since the 1990’s the NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less an international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international-caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”

More to see in the Twin Cities Gateway when visiting the track

When in the area you will find many more activities to enjoy. From curling, disc golf, to miles of bike trails and road routes, you will find many opportunities for fun in the Twin Cities Gateway.

Plans for a new cycling complex, with the demise of the NSC Velodrome

from Jason Lardy

Track cycling in Minnesota could come to an end in 2019 without the support of the cycling community. The National Sport Center (NSC) Velodrome in Blaine, is one of only 26 cycle tracks in the United States. It will be demolished after the 2019 racing season. That will end one of the most storied eras in Minnesota cycling history. The MN Cycling Center is working to a new indoor cycling complex to replace this important cycling venue. Can you please help by contacting your legislature?

The future track cycling complex in Minnesota

MN Cycling Center proposed site plan in Northeast Minneapolis.

The proposed site plan for a new MN Cycling Center in Northeast Minneapolis. See larger version in link below.

The next generation of Minnesota’s sports leadership has developed a vision for a multi-purpose community bicycle facility. A non-profit organization the MN Cycling Center is working to build this important cycling venue. A place where training and racing can be provided year round. One thing that that all cyclists can help with immediately, is writing their legislators and asking for their support in this upcoming legislative session.

30 years of Minnesota track cycling history

Track cycling in Minnesota could come to an end in 2019 without the support of an new cycling center. The NSC Velodrome in Blaine, will be demolished after the 2019 racing season. The MN Cycling Center is working to build a new indoor facility to replace this important cycling venue.

Track cycling in MN could come to an end without you contacting your legislature.

The NSC Velodrome has hosted hundreds of events. Attracting thousands of racers from around the world and teaching them to ride a track bike. It has produced Olympic medalists and dozens of elite national and world champions. Some like multiple Olympic Silver Medalist Kelly Catlin, of Arden Hills, who learned to ride the track here. She notes, “It is an incredibly rare asset to have a velodrome, much less a international-standard track. It makes Minneapolis one of only a handful of cities in North America that can host international caliber events, it would be a despicable waste to lose such a treasure.”

The Future needs the MN Cycling Center

The new center will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in MN

With several Minnesota sports leaders working together the center shows promise. This cycling complex will be a place that can provide off-season training and racing opportunities for cyclists of all ages and ability levels. It can also host concerts and other community events, along with retail in Northeast Minneapolis. But most importantly the cycling facility will provide a home for cycling-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for youth from around the region.

The MN Cycling Center also creates an education center for youth around the region.

The group is currently providing this STEM programming at individual Minneapolis Public School locations.

City, state and cycling community support is needed

The MN Cycling Center plans to build a $30-40 million facility. The group has secured needed support from the City of Minneapolis and Mayor Frey’s office. They have introduced two bills at the Minnesota State Legislature – HF 2700 and SF 2980 – requesting state funding to continue the state’s long history of track cycling.

BMX will be another feature of the new MN Cycling Center.

BMX facilities could be another feature of the new MN Cycling Center.

Cyclists can help by writing their legislators and asking for their support for the needed legislation. Please use the MN Cycling Center automated form here to contact your legislator(s).

Thanks for your help!

Join the Fun May 6th, the Twin Cities Fulton Gran Fondo

from Tucker Gerrick, Fulton Brewery

Join the fun at the 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo, an event of bikes, bands, and beer. Both the long and medium routes depart in the morning of May 6th from the Fulton Production Brewery, in northeast Minneapolis. This year, both the 100 mile “Gran” and the shorter 45-50 mile “Medio” Fondo will be offered. The Gran Fondo starts at 9:00 am and the Medio starts at 11:00 am. A free block party begins from 1:00 pm until 9:00pm and is open to all. One highlight of the days activities includes the unveiling of a Session IPA, called Hopstar. Plus, Fulton’s favorite brews and the “Highplains Grifter” beer cocktail will be returning.

While still working on building in 2014, what is now our Northeast Minneapolis production brewery (as if we didn’t have enough to do already), we came up with the idea of putting together a bike ride. More specifically, a century ride with a celebration at the finish line. Many of us were and continue to be avid cyclists. Our taproom in downtown Minneapolis was a frequent stopover for many of those commuting to/from work and has continued to be a weekend destination for those on a bike. Partnering with our friends at All-City Cycles, we also created the All-City X Fulton cyclo-cross team. Now fancying ourselves not only a bike friendly brand, but also a bike forward part of the community.

In Its First Year Fulton’s Gran Fondo Was a Surprising Success

The first year of the Fulton Grand Fondo, we had hoped (between staff, friends and family) to get a couple hundred riders. Much to our surprise, we ended up with 600 cyclists who registered. We quickly learned how passionate, dedicated and fun our new cycling (and drinking) buddies were. We called the day a success and promised to do it again.

Fast forward three years and we’re proudly hosting our 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo. In the past few years, we’ve added a Medio (45-50 mile) route. We have also built up an incredibly dynamic and entertaining block party to welcome everyone back at the end of the Fondo. We’ve donated thousands of dollars to local charitable partners, while never going thirsty making it happen. At the block party this year, we’re excited to announce the launch of a brand new beer, Hopstar, which will be served alongside Fulton’s other favorites like Lonely Blonde, Sweet Child of Vine, 300 Mosaic IPA, and our Standard Lager.

Registration for this year’s ride is open through the end of April and you can sign up for either the 50 or 100 mile route by following this link. For those who are out to cheer on the riders, are on the injured list, or simply just want to relax that day, we’ve got you covered too.

Shortly After the Medio Fondo Takes Off the Free Block Party Begins

The Fulton Gran Fondo block party is free to attend and begins a few short hours after the first mass start. This year’s musical lineup is the finest we’ve created yet featuring: Catbath, RLGDPPL, Posh Lost, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Monica LaPlante and Dem Atlas. Plus, “Camp Fondo,” a Minnesota Chef Camp, will provide a curated space for food, activities, and a selection of Fulton’s community partners for all to enjoy.

We hope you’ll join us Saturday, May 6th to celebrate cycling, good food, and great beer at the Fulton Gran Fondo.