Velolet Connects Cyclists with the Rental Bike They Need in the Twin Cities Area

Velolet is a is a centralized, one stop shop for renting bikes and bike gear.  It was founded in 2010 in Minneapolis by avid cyclist Dan Cleary and officially launched in January 2011.  "We help cyclists rent bikes when they travel by connecting them with inventory that is otherwise difficult to find. The cyclist renting the bike gets what they want (to ride) and the bike owners earns some money. Us?  We take a little fee in there ourselves but that's only to keep the bike hub rolling smoothly." states the Velolet website.

Are you flying into town for that ride or race and didn't want to bring your own bike or you're just going to be in Minneapolis for a few days and would like to ride in one of the country's top bicycling cities?  Maybe you only have a road bike and would like to try mountain biking at one of the local mountain bike trails.  Curious about fatbikes or just need one for that upcoming race?  Velolet can put you in the saddle of the bike of your choice without the hassle of calling around town trying to find a bike that is available when you need it. 

Not sure about the size bike you need?  Use the sizing chart below to help you reserve the right size bike.  Upon picking up your rental, any minor adjustments can be made at the bike shop supplying the rental.

If you need a bike in the Twin Cities Area, there are several locations around town that offer everything from road, comfort, mountain, tandem, hybrid, kids and fatbikes for rent.  Velolet participating bike shops offer hourly, daily and weekly rental options.

Penn Cycle Locations

Penn Cycle - Eagan

2290 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN  55122

651-882-1241

Penn Cycle - Bloomington

3916 W. Old Shakopee Road

Bloomington, MN  55437

952-888-1427

Penn Cycle - Lake Street*

710 W. Lake Street

Minneapolis, MN  55408

612-822-2228

*Delivery service available

Penn Cycle - Richfieild

6824 Penn Avenue S.

Richfield, MN  55423

612-866-7540

Penn Cycle - Woodbury

6415 Lake Road Terrace

Woodbury, MN  55125

651-731-9458

Penn Cycle - Blaine

12555 Ulysses St NE
Suite 160
Blaine, MN  55434

763-432-9430

Penn Cycle - Minnetonka*

10750 Cedar Bend
Minnetonka, MN  55305
952-593-5030

*Fatbike rentals

Other Twin Cities Bike Shop Locations

Freewheel Bike - Midtown

2834 10th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN  55407
612-238-4447

 

Bicycle Chain - Roseville
1712 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN  55113
 651-489-4513


Do you want to know more about how Velolet works?  Visit the FAQ page to have some common questions answered.   Click here to see what the press is saying about Velolet or read more about them on the Velolet Blog.  Follow Velolet on Twitter @velolet or like them on Facebook.

Penn Cycle & Fitness

Anniversary Sale!

Weekend Cycling Events: May 17-19

This weekend starts off Friday with National Bike to Work Day as a part of National Bike Month.  Saturday there are rides to raise funds to cure ALS and Diabetes, a family friendly bike event and the Almanzo gravel races.  Sunday is the first race of the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series for all of those mountain bikers looking to get out and race the singletrack.

National Bike to Work Day-May 17, 2013

Join the League of American Bicyclists and millions of other Americans for the National Bike to Work Day Friday by commuting by bike to your job.

Kick it in Gear-May 18, 2013
St. Cloud, MN
10, 5, 2 miles

This family friendly casual bike event takes place at Lake George in St. Cloud on Saturday from 9:00 am to noon.




ALS Bike Trek MN-May 18, 2013
Marine on St. Croix, MN
52, 34, 14 miles
Online registration (Closes at 12:00 pm May 17)

The ALS Bike Trek takes place on Saturday and has three routes to choose from all starting at the Big Marine Park Reserve.  These routes vary by experience level and travel the scenic roads of Washington County.  This ride is fully supported and has rest stop along each of the routes.  After the ride there will be a bbq and live music.  Day-of registration will be available.

Rochester Tour de Cure-May 18, 2013
Rochester, MN
62, 40, 27, 10 mile

This year's Rochester Tour de Cure on Saturday has routes for all levels of cyclists, from the experienced to the occasional rider.  Registration fee with a fundraising minimum are required and funds go to diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association.

St. Croix Woolly-May 19, 2013
Minnesota Mountain Bike Series
St. Croix Falls, WI
Online Registration (Closes at 8 pm on May 16)


The St. Croix Woolly on Sunday kicks off the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series on the Woolly Trail Network in St. Croix Falls, WI.  There are race classes for all levels of mountain biker, from Kids Comp, Citizen, Sport, and Expert & Pro.  There will also be a free Kids Fun Race at 12:45 for children ages 3 - 12. 

For those that registered months ago (registration now closed), there is the grand daddy of gravel races going on this weekend in Spring Valley, MN.  The Almanzo 100 and The Royal 162 will start early Saturday morning on some of the toughest hill climbing gravel roads in the Root River Valley area.  To follow the Instagram photos from the Almanzo 100 check out the RaceVista website.  The Alexander, a nearly 400 mile gravel ride will also take place starting out in Spring Valley on Friday and last through Sunday.  For updates during these races, follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Full Cycle Celebrates New Shop Expansion With Open House

Join Full Cycle in celebrating their new shop expansion at an Open House on Thursday, May 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm.  It will be a chance to tour the newly expanded space, meet with the staff and learn how Full Cycle changes lives.
 

Google Maps Street View

Image Credit:  Pillsbury United Communities

The new space is located directly behind their shop in the old Fire Station 17 building which is also home to Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and the Land Stewardship Project.

Image Credit:  Full Cycle

It will be an evening of appetizers, drinks and bike talk.  Come by to see their new space, learn from the dedicated staff how the shop works and how their internship program helps homeless and street-dependent youth.  This free event is open to the public and you are encouraged to RSVP online.  For Google Maps driving directions to Full Cycle, click here.

To learn more about Full Cycle see my post Full Cycle Bike Shop-Changing Lives One Bike at a Time.

Full Cycle is an integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that helps create choice, change and connection.

Northern Portions of the Willard Munger State Trail to be Closed for Repairs

If you plan on riding the northern section of the Willard Munger State Trail be aware of trail closures for repairs from the June 2012 flooding to be taking place.  The Minnesota DNR recently sent out a Press Release about the closures.  Redecking of the St. Loius River and Forbay bridges will taking place from a start time in late April lasting approximately 6 weeks resulting in a trail closure from Carlton to Thompson.

In early June a section of the trail in West Duluth will be closed for repairs to flood damaged areas.  The trail between these two sections set for closure will be open for use but there may be some unpaved areas in need of repair.

For more up-to-date trail construction information, visit the Willard Munger State Trail page or call the MN DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157, toll-free 888-646-6367, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Repairs Map

Weekend Cycling Events: May 10-12

It's another busy weekend of cycling events as the temperatures warm up and we start to finally have Spring.  Whether you are looking for a ride, duathlon, road/mountain bike race, swap meet or a way to support a worthy cause, there is something for all cyclists this weekend. 
   
This weekend starts off on Friday night with the Duluth Traverse Gala to raise funds for construction of the longest urban multi-use singletrack trail in the nation.

May 10, 2013
COGGS 2nd Annual Duluth Traverse Gala
Duluth, MN








Friday night also has an event for the beer lover.  The 1st Annual Minneapolis Bike 'n' Brew Tour is where you can join local urban and transportation bloggers on an 8 mile route visiting 5 Minneapolis breweries.

May 10, 2013 
1st Annual Minneapolis Bike 'n' Brew Tour
Minneapolis, MN





The 4th Annual Tour de Tonka Kick-Off Ride starts at 6:30 Friday night at the Minnetonka Community Education Center and registration is only $5.

May 10, 2013
Tour de Tonka Kick-Off Ride
Minnetonka, MN
16, 10 miles
Online Registration


Bike Jerks and Peacock Groove will be hosting a Swap Meet and Bike Show outdoors at Peacock Groove on 27th Ave. S. just off the Midtown Greenway.  Buy some parts or show off your rad ride from noon to 4 pm on Saturday.

May 11, 2013
Bike Jerks X Peacock Groove Swap Meet/Bike Show
Minneapolis, MN





Saturday morning is the Bike MS-Sam's Club Twin Cities Ride that starts and finishes at Century College in White Bear Lake.  Choose from a 22 or 52 mile route along the Gateway State Trail.  Day-of registration is available with a $25 registration fee and a $50 minimum donation. 

 May 11, 2013
Bike MS:  Sam's Club Twin Cites Ride
White Bear Lake, MN
52, 22 miles
Online registration closed.

The Central Lakes Cycle 2nd Annual 24/7 Duathlon takes place Saturday morning at Central Lakes Cycle in Fergus Falls.  The course will follow rolling paved county roads and the scenic Central Lakes Trail.

May 11, 2013
Central Lakes Cycle 2nd Annual 24/7 Duathlon
Fergus Falls, MN
20 mile bike, 4 mile run, 7 mile bike
Online Registration (Closes May 10)

If road racing is a little more your style, the series opener of the Farm Dog Time Trial starts on Saturday morning on a T-shaped 8 mile course in Eureka Township.

 May 11, 2013
Farm Dog Time Trial-Race #1
Eureka Township, MN
8.3 mile "T" course

The Oakdale Spring Classic Duathlon will take place Saturday morning at the Lake Elmo Reserve in Lake Elmo.  Online registration is now closed and registration after May 8th is $75 for individuals and $90 for teams.  This event is limited to 500 participants.

May 11, 2013
Oakdale Spring Classic Duathlon
Oakdale, MN
3 mile run, 14 mile bike, 2.5 mile run
Online Registration closed.

Live Well Winona will be holding its first ever Open Steets event on Saturday from 10 am to noon at Veterans Memorial Park in Winona.  This is a free event and no reservations are required.  In the event of rain, Open Streets Winona will be cancelled.

Open Streets Winona-May 11, 2013
Winona, MN






For the mountain bike racing enthusiast there is the Sandwich 50 Enduro on Saturday morning at Eastwood Park in Rochester.  A $10 day-of registration fee is required to race.  Conditions for the course are looking good according to this update.

May 11, 2013
Sandwich 50 Enduro
Rochester, MN
Eastwood Park
50 miles
Registration

Mountain bikers that are looking for a low key, relaxed race to start off the season should head to the  Spring Fling at Hillside Saturday morning. It's a great opportunity to try out that new bike, give mountain bike racing a try for the first time or dust off the cobwebs from a long winter and it's only a $10 entry fee.

Credit: MORC

May 11, 2013
5th Annual Spring Fling at Hillside
Elk River, MN
Hillside Park




The Three Rivers Park District will be holding one of five Handcycle Open Houses on Sunday from 6 to 8 pm on a specially designed 2.2 mile trail at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove.  This is a free event but does require reservation.  Trained staff will provide private lessons upon request on one of their three off-road handcycles.

Credit: Three Rivers Park District

May 12, 2013
Handcycle Open House
Maple Grove, MN
Elm Creek Park Reserve

Runtastic Mountain Bike App is Full of Useful Features

Runtastic Mountain Bike has been available for Apple's iPhone for over a year now and has just recently added the Android platform.  This feature loaded app is available in a Pro version in the iTunes App Store and a Free & Pro version in Google Play.  I recently downloaded the Pro version to give it a try since I was looking for an app that was accurate at tracking my rides and ride statistics, would allow me to follow created routes and could be used offline in areas with no data coverage.  Runtastic Mountain Bike fit these criteria.

 

This app is full of the features that will come in handy to the mountain biker. 

ON THE TRAIL (limited features in LITE version):
* Tracking of critical performance statistics from mtb session – duration, distance, altitude, calories, time
* Ride thousands of mountainbike routes, using Route Search (available in-app and on www.runtastic.com)
* Configurable maps: Google Maps and Open Cycle Map
* Offline maps: For off track treks in areas without GSM coverage
* Colored traces (track biking pace, speed, grade, elevation, heart rate)
* Current rate of climb, ratio of gained or lost altitude (downhill) in meters per minute
* Cadence measurement (with additional hardware)
* Heart rate measurement (with additional hardware)
* Dashboard configuration – displays preferred biking statistics
* Automatic pause detection during your trek using ANT+ sensors
* Weather statistics
* LIVE Tracking – track your trail in real time to share with friends
* Voice feedback of performance statistics, motivational messages available in numerous languages
* Take pictures – they'll be saved with your mtb tour overview and velo statistics
COMPATIBLE HARDWARE:
* Various Runtastic heart rate monitors
* Runtastic Bike Case for Android Smartphones + accessories
* Runtastic Sports Armband + accessories
AFTER YOUR RIDE (limited features in LITE version):
* Detailed overview of your mtb session with navigation start and end points
* Key metric analysis – altitude, grade, cadence, heart rate, distance, pace
* Interval splits: Analysis and table view from each part of your mountainbike trek
* Detailed post-ride data on time rode uphill, downhill, and flat
* Full velo training history – statistics, graphics, training progress overview
* Share your biking activities and accomplishments on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and via e-mail

I put it to the test on some gravel roads in Welch, MN where I knew there was limited data coverage. I created several maps on the Runtastic website and saved my routes.  The map creation was easy to do and was synced to the app under my Created Routes.  By opening a created routes map, it can be downloaded for offline use.  Not only do the offline maps work well when there is no data coverage, but it will save on battery as well.  The route was highlighted in red and showed my location in real time.  I followed two of my created routes and never missed a turn or got off track.  When riding unfamiliar areas it's nice knowing exactly where you are at on your route.  If you prefer, voice feedback is available during your ride which will speak details such as distance, duration, pace, speed, calories and heart rate, just check the ones you want to hear in the settings menu.

After your ride you can view a summary of all your statistics.  View a map of your ride with start and finish points, elevation changes with colored traces and mileage markers.  The main summary will show all of your ride statistics with multitude of details.  A split table shows your fastest and slowest sections as well as duration, speed and elevation change.  The graph contains details about elevation, speed, pace and heart rate (when used with Runtastic Heart Rate Monitor).  Detailed pie charts show  all of your grade statistics including time and distance spent uphill, flat and downhill and also includes a summary of average and max grades for uphill and downhill.  I had read some reviews that this app was heavy on battery use but after using it for four hours with data turned off using my downloaded route maps with the GPS turned on, I still had 53% battery remaining.  I haven't used the app with data turned on and heavy battery use could be the case in this mode as data use tends to decrease battery life anyway.  Extend battery life by downloading an offline map area where you will be riding and avoid using battery eating data coverage.

So far this app has met all of my expectations and  my ride information is synced on my Runtastic account online for later review.  If you ride a lot of gravel, complex trail networks or areas with limited data coverage, Runtastic Mountain Bike will prove invaluable.

National Bike Month Starts First Weekend With Plenty of Events

May is National Bike Month and the first weekend has an event for just about everyone to celebrate the bicycle.  The weekend starts off Friday with a party to toast the end of 30 Days of Biking.  Saturday and Sunday have a wide variety of events that include rides, a duathlon, a couple gravel grinders and a long distance brevet.

This weekend's CycleCast from 2WheelWeather is looking a little wet and chilly with a slight warm up on Sunday.  Cyclists that participated in April's 30 Days of Biking faced challenging weather that included rain, sleet, snow and only a limited number of warm sunny days.  That didn't stop them and don't let a little inclement weather keep you from getting out on your bike and celebrating the first weekend of Bike Month.

May 3, 2013
30 Days of Biking One on One Party
Minneapolis, MN

One on One Bicycle Studio

May 4, 2013

Bike Ride Around Woman

Longville, MN
18+ miles (30 km)


May 4, 2013
Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon
Stillwater, MN
5K run, 20 mile bike, 5K run
2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run

May 4, 2013                                                 
Community Ride to the May Day Festival
Minneapolis, MN

 
 
May 4, 2013
Inspiration 50
Urbank, MN
50, 25 miles

May 4, 2013
200k Northern Pancake Brevet
Brooklyn Center, MN

May 5, 2013
Dickie Scramble
Elgin, MN
Approximately 120 miles
Registration closed.

May 5, 2013
Women's Ride Day
Minneapolis, MN
25 miles

The National Bike Challenge has started and even if you don't make it to one of the events above you can join in, get out on the bike and log some miles this weekend.  For more details see  my post 2013 National Bike Challenge Starts May 1st.