Tag Archives: Root River Trail

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!

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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Some of the best “Pics of 2017” at HaveFunBiking!

As we wait for the new year, page through some our posts here and in the HaveFunBiking Blog, on Facebook or Instagram. You will find plenty of fun pictures of cyclists enjoying 2017.

Enjoy the pics we captured below

Fun is fat bike riding in the Minnesota River bottoms in Bloomington, MN, through the winter.

Fun Riding the Saint Paul Bicycle Classic.

Considering a bike commute as part of your routine, it might add a bit of brilliance to your next story as you share some of your successes.

Family fun riding across the U.S.

Bike touring season is in full swing here in Minnesota, Fergus Falls bike advocates line up dinner, accommodations and warm welcome to Ziemer Family.

Bike touring season is in full swing here in Minnesota and the Fergus Falls Bike Advocates arrange dinner, accommodations and warm welcome to the Ziemer Family this summer.

Lakeville Minnesota’s new mountain bike trail is a sweet ride!

If life were a mountain bike trail and Wheelie Wednesday helped smooth out your day-to-day ride or aided you in dropping into your sweet spot,

If life were a mountain bike trail and Wheelie Wednesday helped smooth out your day-to-day ride, have fun dropping into your sweet spot.

Ice Cream smiles from AAA Auto Club staff.

Its Ice Cream Smiles Sunday and here a couple AAA staff members tip a cone after spending the day introducing their new Roadside Service program for bikes, in Iowa.

Most agree that home-made country fresh pie is one of the best delicacies on a bike trip.

These lucky biker chicks found some desert samples at this table on a Root River Taste of the Trail ride.

Winter fun is only a bunny hop away!

There are tons of exercises, drills and products to help you keep your fitness through the winter riding months.

There are tons of exercises, drills and products to help you keep you shape through the winter months, but we think some fat bike fun is still the best!

Sharing the road with another mode of transportation!

Fun biking in Southeast Minnesota’s Amish Country on the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour.

Biking opportunities around the world

It is fun to take a European bike vacation to explore the Netherlands and their 100's of bicycle routes that follow the picturesque canals and rivers there.

It is fun to take a European bike vacation to explore the Netherlands and the 100’s of bicycle routes that follow the picturesque canals and rivers there.

Happy New Years, share your fun pics with us at [email protected].

With below normal temps snow is sticking throughout the upper half of Minnesota making it perfect for some fat bike fun as this biker chick demonstrates.

View the new National Bike Guide and view all the fun rides coming up in 2018.

Thanks for viewing some of our 2017 Pics

Now rolling into our 11th 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 destinations you can have fun at 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 latest Bike Guide, mobile friendly as we enter into our 9th year of producing print and digital guides.

So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our pic’s with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with a HFB camera ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. Capturing you in one of our next ‘Pic of the Day’ posts.

Have a great day and a memorable new year!

Bike Pic July 20, Fun Biking in Minnesota’s Amish Country

This fun biking experience, earlier this month, was captured in Southeast Minnesota while riders of the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour enjoyed riding through Amish Country. Mark your calendar for next year’s ride July 13, 14 & 15, 2018 and watch for updates here at HaveFunBiking,com.

What better way to enjoy your Summer and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the fun ideas and bike destinations in the latest Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations.

Thanks for Viewing Our ‘Fun Biking Amish Country’ Pic of the Day

We are now rolling into our 10th 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 apperance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic’s of the Day.

Have a great day!

Room for 20 More Riders On the 3-Day Weekend Root River Bike Tour

Do you and your friends have a desire to explore the Root River Valley in Minnesota’s Bluff Country? We have made room for 20 more cyclists to join the fun on this 3-day Bluff & Valley Bike Tour, July 7, 8 & 9. With warm summer temperatures, it’s a perfect time to pedal your way up and explore. There are weathered ravines on roadways that take you to the top of limestone bluffs. You’ll have a chance to visit a general store from the 1800’s that is still in operation today. There’s also a stop at the National Owl Center. Plus, you can also experience riding on the Amish Buggy Byway. These are just a few of the tour highlights of Bluff Country, as you ride in and out of the picturesque Root River Valley.

Register Today For A Spot On the Root River Bike Tour

Click on the Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Tour and use the code 9ECPL6L1CJ for the $245 extended 3-day tour rate. Please note: this price does not include the tour bike jersey. You can purchase a jersey separately and it will be mailed to you after the tour is complete.

The following are estimates of distance for each day as all routes are being reviewed by both county and state departments. Upcoming road construction may change the route and mileage. Currently, the distances are:

58 miles for Day 1 [48 miles using RR Trail short cut]
62 miles for Day 2 [48 miles using RR Trail short cut]
56 miles for Day 3 [40 miles using RR Trail short cut]

Check out more photos from last year’s tour and highlights planned for this July: https://havefunbiking.com/bluff-weekend-bike-ride/.

Here is your chance to join and experience the scenery along the Root River Trail. Have fun riding with friends and exploring bluff country wonders. To add this bike tour to your schedule, click here: Bluff & Valley Bike Tour. All ride participants can discover the many mysteries of the driftless area on this tour.

Bike Pic 18, Registration Closes For The Root River Bluff & Valley Bike Ride Tomorrow

Join the fun on this 3-day weekend Root River Bluff& Valley Bike Ride, in Southeast Minnesota, July 7, 8 & 9, 2017. Registration closes Friday , May 19, so ride jersey, included in the package, can be ordered. Register at: Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour now!

Also, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide for your #nextbikeadventure.

Thanks for Viewing the Root River Bluff & Valley Ride Pic of the Day

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.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic May 7, Ice Cream Smiles Sunday in Peterson MN, Enjoying a Cool Treat

Its Ice Cream Smiles Sunday and another perfect May day to get on your bike and ride with family and friends. Making your way with a stop at your favorite sweet shop for a cool treat. Please let us know of your latest ice cream biking experience by sharing a your pic at #nextbikeadventure.

This HaveFunBiking Pic was shot in Peterson MN, while this family enjoys a cool treat a block of the Root River Trail, near the history museum full of Norwegian artifacts.

Also, view the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour. There are always fun, new rides coming up.

Thanks for Viewing the Ice Cream Smiles Sunday Pic of the Days

We are now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media. 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 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 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.

Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure! 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 move while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic March 8, Boy Scouts Preparing To Roll Down the Root River Trail

A Twin Cities Boy Scouts bike group preparing to roll down the Root River Trail, out of Fountain, MN, after a troop salute.

View the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour and all the other fun rides coming up.

Thanks for viewing Today’s Boy Scouts on the Root River Trail 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.

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 Feb 10, Today’s A Great Day To Get Registered for the Bluff County Ride

This Friday seems like a great time to get registered for the 2017 Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour. Where else can you enjoy 3-days (July 6-9) of beautiful bluff country scenery, with eagles soaring above as you ride the quite county roads and trails with amazing company?

Starting in Peterson, MN, this years bike tour has overnight stops in the Root River Trail Town’s of Preston and Rushford!

Planning your #NextBikeAdventure take a look at the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.

Thanks for viewing Today’s get Registered for the Root River Bike Ride Pic

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.

Have a great day!

Bike Pic Jan 22, Ice Cream Smiles Sunday Out On Our Root River Trail

It’s Sunday again which means, Ice Cream Smiles Sunday is back at it again this week! We take a look back from our Inaugural Root River Bluff & Valley Bicycle Tour we stopped and enjoyed some Ice Cream at this little shop in Lanesboro. We’re looking forward to stopping again this year, will you be joining us?

Planning your #NextBikeAdventure? View the new Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide and remember to register for the

Thanks for viewing Today’s Ice Cream Smiles Sunday Bike Pic

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.

Have a great day!