Tag Archives: Root River Trail

Explore Minnesota’s paved and surface bike trails

With more than 4,000 miles of paved Minnesota bike trails, the state has become a world-renowned bicycle touring destination for all to enjoy. Making considerable strides in connectivity, so in some areas of the state, you can pedal your bike fifty to a hundred and fifty miles without leaving the trail. For example, in southeastern Minnesota, the Root River Trail connects to the Harmony-Preston trail for 60 miles of scenic enjoyment. As you plan your next adventure, look through the following list of Minnesota bike trails for miles of fun memories. More maps are available in the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide for your riding pleasure.

It’s fun riding with friends on all the Minnesota Bike Trails

With Minnesota’s bike trails listed here, find your next adventure

Blazing Star shooting State Trail  –  6 paved miles

The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from Albert Lea Lake in Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park, approximately six miles. The trail currently connects to Albert Lea’s city trail system.

Brown’s Creek State Trail  – 8 and 6 paved miles

This beautiful railroad-grade trail connects the Gateway State Trail, in the city of Grant to Stillwater and the city’s round-the-river loop there.

Cannon Valley Trail – 20 paved miles (Rail Pass Required)

The Cannon Valley Trail follows the Cannon River, in southeast Minnesota, to the Mississippi River, using the abandoned Chicago Great Western Railway corridor from Cannon Falls to Red Wing.

Casey Jones State Trail  – an eight and six-mile stretch are paved

The Casey Jones State Trail consists of three segments, with the most extended section of former railroad grade between the city of Pipestone and the Pipestone/Murray county line. The segment from Pipestone to County Road 67 is paved, and the third portion of the trail offers a paved loop between Lake Shetek State Park and the city of Currie.

Fun along the Central Lakes Trail

Central Lakes State Trail – 55 paved miles

This trail begins in the city of Fergus Falls. It ends in the city of Osakis, where users will enjoy the many different landscape views, ranging from open grassland/prairie, lakes, wetlands, farmland, and forested rolling hills. Towns to visit along the trail include Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, and Alexandria. The Central Lakes Trail at Osakis connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail for another 65-mile stretch to St. Cloud.

C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail – 146-mile long multi-purpose unpaved trail

This Minnesota bike trail is a natural surface trail from Duluth to Grand Marais that runs through St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties in the Arrowhead region. This trail meanders through the forested ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. The un-maintained trail provides access to some of Minnesota’s most rugged and beautiful scenery.

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail – 8 paved miles

This trail, abandoned by mining companies over 35 years ago, runs from Crosby to Riverton, inside the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Many of the lakes along this trail system were former mine pits and now offer a world-class single-track mountain bike trail system around them.

David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail – 69-mile long multi-purpose unpaved trail

This long-distance, natural surface trail near Tower, MN, is suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking in the summer.

David Dill/Taconite State Trail – 6 paved miles

This trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely and intersects with the David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake Vermillion. The first six miles from Grand Rapids are paved for biking and in-line skating, and connects to the Mesabi trail.

Gateway State Trail – 18 paved miles

The popular east metro trail begins in the city of St. Paul, travels northeast through Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale, through Washington County, and ends at Pine Point Regional Park. Here the Browns Valley Trail connects and runs to the city of Stillwater. Located on a former Soo Line Railroad bed, the trail is generally level and wheelchair accessible.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail – 86 miles, with on 33-miles, not continuous, paved.

This trail is considered a moderately challenging route and features one scenic view of Lake Superior after another. The trail parallels Highway 61, using the road’s wide 10-foot shoulder along undeveloped segments. The opportunity to spot wildlife is also a common occurrence here.

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail – Two paved segments, four and 5.5-mile

This trail is popular with hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers. Currently, there are two sections of the trail. The northern portion is a paved trail between Red Wing and the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest and connects with Red Wing city trails and the Cannon Valley Trai. The southern segment of the trail features 4.5 miles of paved trail and is used by hikers and bikers. This segment starts in the city of Zumbrota and connects to the city’s trail system.

Great River Ridge State Trail – 13 paved miles

Located in the beautiful southeastern Minnesota river valley, this trail system follows a former railroad grade with picturesque views of river bluffs. The trail is generally level and accessible and is famous for bicycling, hiking, and in-line skating. Currently, the trail begins in Plainview, traveling south through the town of Elgin, and ends at County Road 9.

Heartland State Trail  – 49 paved miles in two connecting segments

This was one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the country. The trail is located entirely on a level abandoned railroad grade, with the 27-mile segment connecting Park Rapids and Walker and the 22-mile segment connecting Walker and Cass Lake. The Park Rapids to Walker segment also has a parallel natural surface trail for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The Heartland State Trail also connects with the Paul Bunyan State Trail and other regional trail systems.

The Lake Wobegon covered bridge near Holdingford.

Lake Wobegon State Trail – 65 paved miles

The trail runs west from St. Cloud, through Waite Park, Avon, Albany, Freeport, Melrose, Sauk Centre, and up to Osakis, where it joins the Central Lakes Trail and continues to Fergus Falls. At Albany, a paved spur heads north to Holdingford, then to the Mississippi River Trail below Little Falls.

Luce Line State Trail – 63 miles, mostly packed limestone

This former railroad-grade trail stretches across the varied landscapes of metropolitan and rural Minnesota. Primarily crushed limestone surface with a parallel Treadway.

Matthew Lourey State Trail – 80-mile long multi-purpose unpaved trail

The gravel-surfaced trail passes through forests linking St. Croix State Park with ChengwatanaSt. Croix, and Nemadji state forests. The entire trail is open to hiking in the summer. Mountain biking is allowed in some sections of St. Croix State Park.

You will find many trail towns along the Mesabi Trail

Mesabi Trail – 150 paved miles  (Rail Pass Required)

Stretching from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters near Ely, the Mesabi Trail is like no other in the country. Cutting through the forests of northeast Minnesota, your adventure will take you past lakes, creeks, and ponds, by vast red pits of old iron ore mines now filled with emerald green water.

Mill Towns State Trail – 3 paved miles

This trail currently connects with the city of Northfield trails system near Babcock and Riverside Park on the north end and follows the Cannon River to the city of Dundas, where the trailhead connects to other local trails.

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area – 6 paved miles, 36 unpaved miles

Not far from the Twin Cities. Watch for wildlife as you travel the multi-use trail, which is paved for six miles from Shakopee to Chaska and unpaved from Chaska to Belle Plaine.

 

The scenery along the Paul Bunyan Trail can add to the experience.

Paul Bunyan State Trail – 115 paved miles

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is 115 miles long, not including a couple of short on-road connections through the cities of Baxter and Bemidji. Extending from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park, it is the longest of Minnesota’s state trails and the longest continuously paved rail-to-trail in the country. It connects with the 8-mile Heartland State Trail. At Lake Bemidji State Park, it connects to the Blue Ox Trail, an unpaved motorized trail for snowmobiling and off-highway vehicle riding that extends northeast to International Falls.

Root River State Trail – 42 paved miles

Discover the dramatic bluff lands of southeastern Minnesota on this popular trail. Very accessible, except for some hills near Houston on the east end. Along the trail west, visit the towns of Rusgford, Peterson, Whalon, and Lanesboro before reaching the western trailhead at Fountain. Before Fountain, the Root River Trail connects to the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail.

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail – 18 paved miles

Come and enjoy Minnesota hospitality, southeastern style. The paved Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is a beautiful 18-mile-long multiple-use trail connecting Harmony and Preston communities with the existing Root River State Trail. Main summer uses are hiking, biking, and in-line skating. The trail is groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail – 39 paved miles

The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a paved, 39-mile multiple-use trail developed on an abandoned railroad grade. The trail begins at Lime Valley Road near State Highway 14, joins the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato, follows a signed route on city streets through Waterville, passes through three miles of Sakatah Lake State Park, and ends east of Interstate 35 in Faribault. It is generally level and wheelchair accessible. Horses can use a parallel treadway, from Lime Valley Road to the County Road 12 bridge.

Shooting Star State Trail –  29 paved miles

The Shooting Star State Trail is currently paved for about 29 miles between LeRoy and Austin. It begins in the city of LeRoy, travels north through Lake Louise State Park, then west toward the communities of Taopi, Adams, and Rose Creek. There is a short break in the trail in Rose Creek between City Hall and Rose Creek Wayside Park. It picks up again in Rose Creek Wayside Park and travels west and north, primarily in state and county highway right-of-way, until it reaches the intersection of 28th Street NE and I-90. Just across the 28th Street bridge over I-90 is a paved path connecting to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin. When complete, the trail will also connect with the community of Lyle (south of Austin) and the Wapsi-Great Western Trail in Iowa (south of Taopi).

You will want to stop often along the Willard Munger Trail for the spectacular scenery.

Willard Munger State Trail –  70 paved miles

This 70-mile Willard Munger State Trail segment is a completely paved trail. Beginning south of Hinkley, the trail first passes through the towns of Finlayson, near Banning State Park, then Rutledge, Willow River, near General C.C. Andrews State Forest, Sturgeon Lake, Moose Lake, and Moose Lake State Park, and Barnum. At  Carlton, the northeast portion of the trail transforms, offering some spectacular scenery at Jay Cooke State Park and along the St. Louis River, to the twin ports of Duluth and Superior. 

See more trails in Minnesota, if off-road riding is of interest

Get your picture taken on the Root River "Taste of the Trail." Today the event is in Houston and Rushford, on the east side of the 67 mile trail system.

Bike Pic Sept 23, take your selfie along the Root River Trail

Take your picture along the Root River Trail for your own bike pic. This photo was shot in Rushford, on the east side of this 67-mile trail system, in Southeast Minnesota. Located downtown at Norsland Lefse, it’s just one of the fun things to do here. What better way to continue your summer fun and your #NextBikeAdventure, see our latest article on destinations and peak color links.

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!

Bike Pic July 19, a selfie on the Root River Trail

This bike pic is Tuesday, another hot steamy day we found these trail riders having fun taking a selfie of themselves while crossing one of the many bridges on the Root River Trail, in Southeast Minnesota’s Bluff Country.

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!

Who said it's too cold to have some ice cream?

Bike Pic Feb 13, its never too cold for Ice Cream Smiles Sunday

Who said it’s too cold to have some ice cream? Get out there today and enjoy a nice big scoop with your family, you deserve it!

Photo from our archives was taken at a bike event in Peterson, MN along the Root River Trail.

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 ice cream 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 Dec 16, fond memories from the Bluff Country

This bike pic Thursday, looking through the archives, this photo shows the fun you can have pedaling the Bluff Country in southeast Minnesota.

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. An now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic  

Now rolling through our 16th 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 holiday season as we prepare for 2022!

Bike Pic Aug 29, Ice Cream Smiles Sunday on a perfect weather weekend

It’s an Ice Cream Smiles Sunday bike pic on this perfect weather weekend, so pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure. Then stop at your favorite ice cream shop like this little biker dude, on our next ride.

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. An now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic  

Now rolling through our 16th 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, memorable 2021!

Its Ice Cream Smiles Sunday! So pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure with a stop at your favorite ice cream shop.

Bike Pic Aug 01, Ice Cream Smiles Sunday adds fun to the weekend

It’s Ice Cream Smiles Sunday! So pump up the tires and plan your #NextBikeAdventure with a stop at your favorite ice cream shop.

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. An now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.

Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic  

Now rolling through our 16th 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 it 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, memorable 2021!

Bike Pic Oct 24, summer memories this snowy Saturday

Here in this bike pic Saturday, we found this fond memory in the archives of this biker chick pedaling the hills and bluffs near the Root River Trail in southeastern Minnesota.

What better way to continue 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.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Daily’ bike pic

We are now rolling into our 11th 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 appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.

Have a great day!

Here these cyclists are enjoying Minnesota's peak riding time on the Red Jacket Trail, near Mankato.

Fall colors are still prime in southern Minnesota this weekend

As the Fall colors continue to lose their brilliance or drop, throughout the northern half of the state, many southern sections of Minnesota are just peaking or still in their prime. To find a perfect fall colored adventure this weekend check the Minnesota Fall Color Website, brought to you by Explore Minnesota and Minnesota State Parks and Trails.

Trail options with fall colors in their Prime

From the site, it looks like southern and parts of western Minnesota are still offering a kaleidoscope of prime fall colors for your bike touring pleasure this weekend.  Here are a few areas to check out.

Cannon Valley: This 19.7-mile trail between Cannon Falls and Red Wing is a popular Rail-to-Trails attraction here in Minnesota. It’s a beautiful, shady ride above the Cannon River with a picnic area in Welch, its midpoint. It is maintained by a trail association and there is a daily fee of $3. See more at Cannon Falls Tourism at the west trailhead and Red Wing Tourism at the east trailhead, near the Mississippi River.

Douglas: This is a 12.5-mile rolling trail ride through rolling farmland between Pine Island’s city park and the northern outskirts of Rochester. For more information see Rochester Tourism.

Great River Ridge: This 13-mile paved trail connects the southeast Minnesota towns of Plainview, Elgin, and Eyota and is near Whitewater and Carley state parks. The first half follows a winding creek. Also, the five miles from Elgin to Plainview are slightly uphill and follow the highway. See more at Plainview/Elgin/Milleville Tourism.

And still more Southern Minnesota Trails

Shooting Star: This 22-mile trail follows the Shooting Star Scenic Byway from Austin to LeRoy. LeRoy is on the Upper Iowa River near the Iowa border and continues towards Austin, just south of I-90. Then, in the eastern half, the trail goes through Lake Louise State Park. After passing through Adams and Rose Creek, the trail rolls into Austin’s bike-friendly atmosphere. See more at Austin Tourism.

Winona’s Trails: The terrain around Winona is looped by spectacularly beautiful bicycle trails and routes aimed at a variety of riders. Whether you are out for a scenic ride with the family on the 5-mile paved trail around the lake or the bike-friendly street routes in town, there are great backgrounds. The Mississippi River Trail leading in and out of Winona will have colors that can add excitement to your adventures and memories, and this is even true if you decide to sample the mountain bike trails here. For more, see Winona Tourism.

South and Southwest Minnesota trails

Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley: Between Fountain and Houston, the 42-mile Root River Trail, in the lovely bluff country, is one of Minnesota’s pride and joys. Then add the 18-mile, Preston to Harmony trail section and you will find more spectacular colors on this rolling terrain. For more, see Root River Trail Towns Tourism.

Blazing Star: This paved trail currently runs from the lake with the same names as Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park. The total trail distance of paved is approximately 20-miles. Along the route, you can enjoy the natural environment that includes wetlands, oak savanna, big woods, and prairie. Also, the park is a great birding spot, especially during fall migration. See more at Albert Lea Tourism.

And one Western Minnesota trail option

Luce Line State Trail is a 63-mile long rails-to-trail route that starts in the Plymouth and stretches out west 30-miles west, on a limestone surface trail, to Winsted. From Winsted to Hutchinson the trail is paved, See more at Hutchinson Tourism.

Ride safe and enjoy the colors!

We are now a little over a week away from candies, flowers, and Valentines cards. We are also just a few more weeks away from some prime riding weather. Therefore, we need to turn our collective eyes toward the future and continue our plans for making this year the best riding year ever!

Getting ready for your best riding year ever! Part 2

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

We are now a little over a week away from candies, flowers, and Valentines cards. We are also just a few more weeks away from some prime riding weather. Therefore, we need to turn our collective eyes toward the future and continue our plans for making this year the best riding year ever!

Get your mind ready for your best riding year ever!

It’s been proven countless times – the mind drives the body! Get your body moving by committing your mind to an event. One of the easiest ones you can do anywhere is the 30 Days of Biking Pledge. Simply put, the pledge commits you to ride 30 days in the month of April. Any event that you will commit to will do.

Get your fitness ready for your best riding year ever

Make a training plan now. Your plan can be as simple as committing to ride two times a week or as detailed as planning the mileage, date, and time. Just be sure that plan matches with your goal (example: riding for only one hour a week wouldn’t give you the fitness you need to ride two hours a day through April).

Most of us are currently locked in a winter freeze, so conditions may not coincide with your availability to ride outdoors. But keeping yourself physically active is paramount for this time of year and it’s especially crucial for your training. Any strenuous activity will help your overall fitness for summer cycling.

To help with on-bike fitness there is no better indoor exercise than riding a bike trainer. A trainer turns your bicycle into an indoor stationary bicycle. There are also spin gyms, training centers and bike shops that run classes a few times a week. If you want to kick off your trainers sessions in style, check out my favorite trainer workout.

Fitting riding into your daily routine

How do you fit in time to train? To start, try not to add too much separate riding time to your schedule. Instead, commute to work by bike. If it is too far, drive part of the way and ride the rest. A normal 30 minute drive could turn into a 15 minute drive and the rest on your bike with a little planning. That way, you only add 15 to 20 minutes to your schedule and still get a ride in. Bicycle commuting in the morning and the evening can buy you an hour of riding while only adding around minutes to your daily schedule.

Find trips to the grocery store a handful of times a week. Trying to ride your bike to the grocery store, rather than drive once a week, can be a quick rode to fitness.

Finally, add a ride to your normal downtime. If you have an indoor trainer, ride for one hour a night while watching TV rather than sitting on the couch. It may seem counter-intuitive, but being active is a great way to wind down from a busy day. You will find you sleep better and generally feel more relaxed.

Get your bike equipment ready for your best riding year ever

Bring your bike out of hibernation and put air in the tires. Take it for a spin around the block and check to see if it’s functioning properly. April 1st is smack dab in the middle of when many people begin to think about riding their bike. If you wait until the last minute to drop your bike off for service, chances are, you will be waiting longer than you like for you bicycle. Click the (link) here to read about some of the benefits of servicing your bike in the winter.

Additionally, if you bring your bike in for service, think about making sure your bike fits you properly. A professional bike fit will lower the chance of repetitive motion injuries and make you more comfortable and efficient. While you’re having your bike serviced and fit you can also find the right clothing and accessories for the year ahead. The weather in April can be a mixed bag, so make sure your clothing options include something to keep you comfortable in the sun,rain, snow, wind, or cold.

The First opportunities

We can begin to expect some nice days over the next few weeks. Take every opportunity to ride on these few late winter gifts. Ride with your kids, ride to the store, or ride once it’s dark if needed, but ride.

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