12/31/2015

Fat Bike Gravity Fest Returns To Mount Kato-CANCELLED


Fat Bike Gravity Fest is coming to Mount Kato in Mankato on Sunday, March 6th.  This will be the second year of this event hosted by Nicollet Bike Shop and the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB).  I had a chance to make it to last year's event and had the time of my life.  What could be better than riding fatbikes down ski slopes?


This year promises to be even bigger and better than last year with an exclusive chair lift for bikers only, more distance and different trails.


Come early for the open practice/ride time on the fatbike specific trails and hills from 12pm to 3:30pm and race against the clock in the downhill time trial (Super D format) that starts at 3:30pm.  After your done, watch your friends try to beat your time during their runs and either cheer them on or throw a few heckles their way.


$30 gets you an unlimited lift ticket for the open practice/ride time and downhill time trial race.  A portion of the proceeds go back to the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers for their trail building efforts.  Fatbikes with tires 3.8" or wider are required to attend.


This is definitely one fatbike event you're not going to want to miss.  It's a rare opportunity to ride on some great downhill runs and put your skills to the test.  Last year over 100 riders showed up and this year will bring even more out.  Hopefully the success of Fat Bike Gravity Fest will get other ski resorts thinking about hosting events like this one.


If you would like to see all of my pictures and video from the 2015 Nicollet Bike Fat Bike Gravity Fest visit my Flickr album.

12/23/2015

Postcard Registration for Several Gravel Events Opens January 1st


The new year is just around the corner and that sparks the start of planning for the upcoming gravel season.  Several gravel racing events in Minnesota open postcard and online registration on January 1, 2016.  The "Granddaddy of all gravel races" the Almanzo 100 with its extended mileage races, the Royal 162 and Alexander 380 will be accepting postcards as well as some other favorites.  I have also listed several others where registration is already open or will be opening between now and Spring.

Registration opens January 1, 2016

May 1, 2016
Jack Ruhr Stadium
Miesville, MN
56 miles
400 rider cap
Online Registration opens January 1, 2016
Almanzo Races

May 13, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
380 miles
Postcard Registration opens January 1, 2016
  
May 14, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
100 miles
 Postcard Registration opens January 1, 2016

May 14, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
162 miles
Postcard Registration opens January 1, 2016
 
Image Credit: Vengo Velo
September 25, 2016
Miesville, MN
100 miles
100 rider cap 
Postcard Registration opens January 1, 2016

Open Now

Image Credit: Larry Sauber
Harry's Cafe
Lakeville, MN
Approx. 80 miles 
100 rider cap

Ragnarök 105
April 9, 2016
Red Wing, MN
105 miles
105 rider cap
Postcard registration November 27-December 31, 2015

Image Credit: Gal Alon
Dickie Scramble
April 23, 2016
JJ Tailgaiters
Elgin, MN
Approximately 75 miles 

Opening Soon

May 28, 2016
Grand Marais, MN
100, 50 miles
Online Registration opens January 15, 2016

October 9, 2016
Stewartville, MN
52 miles
Online Registration opens the First Day of Spring

On the first day of Spring, The Filthy 50 details will be announced here and on the Filthy 50 website, stay tuned, you're not going to want miss this one.

12/13/2015

Singletrack Alternatives to Continue Riding During Freeze/Thaw Periods


The unusually warm December weather we are experiencing has put us in a freeze/thaw cycle closing many of the singletrack trails around the state.  To keep the legs fresh and still get some miles in the saddle on a regular basis I have put together some places to ride until the snow comes offering us some groomed singletrack.

Gravel

If it's one thing Minnesota has plenty of it's gravel.  With an ever growing list of gravel rides and races throughout the year, you're sure to have plenty of route options following one of these courses. If you're new to gravel, Gravelmap.com will help you find roads to ride.  I have also posted some of my favorite gravel rides on MN Bike Trail Navigator complete with maps, cue sheets, gpx file download links and Strava route links.  Gravel never closes and is a great way to get in some miles with varied terrain and climbing.

Aggregate Trails

Minnesota has several aggregate trails that are similar to riding gravel.  Most are built on former railway beds so there won't be much elevation change but they will allow you to get in some miles, none the less.  Some of these include the Luce Line State Trail, Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.

State Trails

Several of Minnesota's State Trails have a natural surface treadway suitable for horseback riding or mtb/fatbike use.  If sharing the trail with horseback riders please use proper trail etiquette.  These trails include:

 
River Bottoms Bushwacking

River bottoms floodplains have some great riding opportunities.  Two of the areas I have done some "bushwacking" are the Vermillion River Bottoms and the Minnesota River Bottoms.  Bushwacking is riding through areas where there is no trail and river bottoms floodplains are a great place to do this.  Fall and early Winter are great times to ride these areas of flat wooded expanses.


The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area near Ravenna TWP southeast of Hastings along the Vermillion River is definitely worth exploring.  The Minnesota River Bottoms is also a good place to roll through floodplain forests and fields.  Respect the area you ride and remember to leave no trace.

Forest Service/Logging Roads
Image Credit: Joe Sacco

The Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest have plenty of Forest Service roads, logging roads and unpaved trails with some beautiful scenery to be explored.  Some of these areas are remote so make sure you have everything you need to get you out of a jam and back to where you started.


State Forests
Image Credit: Joe Sacco

Minnesota State Forests are also full of riding opportunities.  These opportunities include non-motorized trails, multi-use trails, State Forest roads, Minimum Maintenance Forest Roads and OHV/ATV trails.  Below are links to maps and more information on these State Forests.

Southern MN State Forests


Central MN State Forests

Northern MN State Forests
Pillsbury State Forest     Map       

The Minnesota DNR reminds you, when biking in State Forests:
  • Mountain biking is permitted on all state forest roads and trails unless posted closed with the exception of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State forest, where mountain bikes are permitted only on designated trails.
  • State forest roads can range from asphalt to gravel, maintained to minimal maintenance road surfaces.
  • Forest roads are used by cars, logging trucks, and other forest users (hikers, hunters, horseback riders, ATVs, and off-highway motorcycles).
  • All laws for public road use must be followed on state forest roads.
  • Watch out for logging trucks and heavy equipment in a state forest.
  • Check the state forest maps and Web site for road and trail closures.
  • Share the trail with others.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Keep right so others can pass.
  • Keep all pets on leash.
  • Obey traffic signs and rules.
  • Pack out all garbage and litter.
  • Respect adjoining landowners’ rights and privacy.
  • Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal.
  • Let horses know you are passing. Some may be spooked by quiet bikers or inline skaters.
  • Overnight camping and campfires are permitted only on designated campsites.
  • Do not leave campfires unattended.
  • Enjoy the beauty of wild plants and animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
For more information on mountain biking in Minnesota State Forests, see my post, Explore Minnesota's State Forests by Mountain Bike With Resources From the MN DNR.

To order a State Forest map, contact the Minnesota DNR Information Center.

Phone:  651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367
Email:   info.dnr@state.mn.us
Address:  500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040

Paved Trails

Paved trails are always open and many of them in Minnesota have some great scenery.  For a list of trails throughout the state of Minnesota with links to more information and maps visit the appropriate MN Bike Trail Navigator trail links page for your area.


MN Fatbike Enthusiast Recommendations 

I received several recommendations from MN Fatbike Enthusiasts Facebook Group members when posed with this question "...places to ride for mountain bikers/fat bikers during this freeze/thaw period that we are in. With the trails closed, where are you guys riding to get miles in?

"7 mile creek park in Nicollet county...located off Hwy 169 between Mankato and St. Peter. Their multi-use trails have gravel and are always open." - Clay Haglund

"Road bike on the trackstand, and fat-bike at Wayside Prairie and Dalbo Memorial Forest County Parks. Both dry off quickly after rain do to heavy pine cover." - Hans Erdman

"The MRT trails in St. Paul along the river. I've been doing lots of 'urban exploring'. I've also ridden some gravel out towards Rosemount." - Tony Lema

"All early morning rides...... Forest road/woods/mining areas, frozen gravel. Paved trails..... anywhere but established sweat earned single track goodness.... that will come next week!!" - Joe Sacco

"Gateway Trail heading towards Pine Point park (don't ride in Pine Point). Lots of horse trail and singletrack there . All sand and good water wicking dirt and back." - Papito Gregorio

"Soo Line Recreation Trails in Central MN. (Approxiately 50 miles one way of trail). Lots of minimum maintenence roads that connect to these trails. Several county parks, forests, and some state trails. Check out Stearns County Recreational Trails for a list of fat bike friendly locations. I would suggest get a hold of your local bike shops, trail advocates, and bike clubs for a complete list of fat bike friendly routes. Then there is lots and lots of gravel roads winding through the country side. Several turn into minimum maintenance roads. Get up to Central MN and "get your fat on"." - Theresa Gregory

Hopefully this post will give you some ideas of where to ride so you can keep getting miles of riding enjoyment in until the singletrack trails open once we get some snow and below freezing temperatures.

12/07/2015

Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists-Part 2

Now that the holidays are almost here, I have put together a list of some more cycling products that are sure to please the cyclist on your list.  Some of these items are new while others have been around for a while.

45NRTH Wölvhammer Boots
$325

45NRTH's Wölvhammer Winter Cycling Boot is standard equipment for many fatbikers and winter cyclists.  Their latest offering is completely redesigned and can be used with platform pedals or two-bolt clipless pedals.  Made of a full grain leather and ballistic nylon shell with 200g Primaloft ECO Gold insulation and aerogel in the footbed, this boot will keep your feet warm and dry on those chilly winter rides.  Available in full sizes 38-50 (no size 49) at Penn Cycle and other 45NRTH Dealers.

True North Basecamp Gift Certificate
$99

True North Basecamp is now offering Gift Certificates for two nights camping at their brand new lodging facility in the heart of Cuyuna.  Bike right from your campsite to the world class mountain bike trails of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.  Campsite amenities include fire ring, picnic table, wi-fi, bike rack and bike wash.  There is a locker room available nearby with showers, changing areas and bathrooms too.  Gift certificates are personalized and shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Bontrager Flare R Tail Light
$60

The Bontrager Flare R Tail Light was designed for cyclists to be more visible during daylight hours.  It's a powerful CREE LED 65 lumen light with balanced optics and 270 degrees of visibility that can be seen up to 2 Km away.  The two day-time (day steady-4.25hrs./day flash-5.75hrs.) and night-time modes (night steady-21hrs./night flash-23hrs.) are sure to get you seen by motorists no matter what time of the day you ride.  Comes with the Sync bracket, seat stay bracket and USB cable.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Park Tool PCS-10 Repair Stand
$206

Park Tool's PCS-10 Home Mechanic Repair Stand is a great gift for any cyclist that likes to work on their bikes.  It features a cam-type clamp that allows single action clamping of tubes 7/8" to 3" and has 360-degree rotation.  Height of the repair stand can be quick-release adjusted from 39" to 57" and when your done working it can be folded down to 41" and stored away.   Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.



Oliver Flask Cage/Stanley Flask 
$44
Image Credit: Swift Industries

Winter cycling and a little whiskey warmer go hand in hand.  You've seen other flask/cage combos before, but why not get the cyclist on your list the best one.  Swift Industries has the Oliver Flask Cage that fits the 8 oz. Stanley Flask perfectly.  Available as cage only or combination cage and flask.  Great for taking a little nip out on the winter singletrack.

IMBA Membership
$30-$1000

Still don't know what to get the mountain biker on your shopping list?   Why not purchase them a new or renewal IMBA Local Chapter membership?  Membership dues support their local chapter and nationwide IMBA efforts.  Individual and Family memberships are available in a variety of different support levels for Minnesota's eleven area chapters.  "Joining your local IMBA chapter is the most effective way for you to build and maintain the amazing trails you love to ride."

12/05/2015

2016 Minnesota Gravel Events


Rural Minnesota is home to quite a few long standing gravel road races and with the growing popularity of the sport, rides to introduce those new to gravel are beginning to pop up, too.  With varying terrain, minimum maintenance roads, elevation changes, great rural scenery and unpredictable weather in the Spring and Fall, these events are sure to be fun and challenging.  Almost all of them are free, but unsupported requiring the participants to be their own repair and support crew.


This season's calendar will include all types of  gravel races and rides from around the state.  Some of these have registration cutoff dates, have a rider cap, or more information and registration details that are yet to be announced.  Below is a list of all of the gravel events in Minnesota that I'm aware of in chronological order.  I will continue to update and add events to this post as they become available.  If you are a race or event organizer and would like your event listed here and on my 2016 Minnesota Bike Tours, Rides, Races & Events Schedule, please send me an e-mail

The Fort 50 Ride-April 3, 2016
The Fort Steakhouse
Fort Ripley, MN 

Ragnarök 105-April 9, 2016
Red Wing, MN
105 miles
105 rider cap
Postcard registration November 27-December 31, 2015
Facebook Page   

Lakeville-Milltown-Lakeville-April 16, 2016
Harry's Cafe
Lakeville, MN
Approx. 80 miles 
100 rider cap 

Lupine Spring Classic-April 16-17, 2016
Two Harbors, MN
Approximately 120 miles
Online Registration
Facebook Event Page 

Mammoth Gravel Classic-April 16, 2016
Cyclova CX
St. Croix Falls, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Dirty Girl Skittles and M&M's Gravel Ride-April 17, 2016
House of Coates
Coates, MN 

Dickie Scramble-April 23, 2016
JJ Tailgaiters
Elgin, MN
Approximately 75 miles 
Facebook Event Page 

Riotgrrravel Women's gravel gravel riding clinic-April 24, 2016
Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar
Minneapolis, MN 

HillBilly Gravel Grinder 2016-April 30, 2016
Houston, MN
100 miles 

Miesville FiftySix-May 1, 2016
Jack Ruhr Stadium
Miesville, MN
56 miles
Registration opens January 1, 2016
Facebook Page  

Alexander 380-May 13, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
380 miles
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016

Almanzo 100/Royal 162-May 14, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
162, 100 miles
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016

RiotGRRRavel-May 21, 2016
Hastings, MN
33, 20, 10 miles
Facebook Page
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Le Grand Du Nord-May 28, 2016
Grand Marais, MN
100, 50 miles
Online Registration
Facebook Page 

Westside Dirty Benjamin-June 11, 2016
Michael's Cycles
Chaska, MN
101 miles
Facebook Page
Registration opens February 1, 2016

SKÅŒGS-June 16, 2016
Granger, MN
Granger to International Falls-mileage varies 

Freedhem 76 Gravel Grinder-July 2, 2016
Freedham Store
Little Falls, MN
76 miles 

Dirty Lemming-July 30, 2016
Watertown, MN
100 miles, 100 km 

Tour De Save-July 30, 2016
Riverside Park
Northfield, MN
62, 25, 10 miles, 46 mile gravel
Online Registration 

Gritty Goose-August 20, 2016
Monticello, MN
70, 50 miles
Online Registration
The Heck Epic-August 20-21, 2016
Two Harbors, MN
Approx. 110 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link 
Registration (Opens March 15, 2016)

Fiddlin' Fifty Gravel Grinder-August 27, 2016
Balkan Township, MN
Approx. 50 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link  

River Valley 100-August 28, 2016
Mankato Brewery
Mankato, MN
100 mile, 100k Paved ride
100k Gravel ride
Facebook Page
Registration
200 rider cap  

Gravel Conspiracy-September 9-11, 2016
Silver Bay, MN
Registration  

Back Forty-September 10, 2016
Denmark TWP, MN
Approx. 80 miles
Facebook Page 

Inspiration 100-September 10, 2016
Garfield Elementary School
Garfield, MN
Facebook Page 

Tour of Fillmore-September 18, 2016
Lanesboro, MN
77 miles 

3rd Annual Autumn Gravel Grovel-September 25, 2016
Miesville, MN
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016
100 rider cap 
Facebook Event Page 

Farewellzo-October 1, 2016
Rochester, MN
50+ miles 

Heck of the North-October 1, 2016
Two Harbors, MN
105, 51 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link  
Registration (Opens April 15, 2016) 

F-Octoberfest Gravel Grinder-October 8, 2016
F-Town Brewing Company
Faribault, MN
50, 25 miles 

The Filthy 50-October 9, 2016
Stewartville, MN
52 miles
Online Registration opens March 20, 2016
Facebook Page 

Fallexander-October 14-16, 2016
Scenic Valley Motel
Lansing, IA
382 miles

Dirt Bag-October 16, 2016
Clearwater, MN
80, 60, 30 miles
Facebook Page
Facebook Event Page

Full Moon Madness...Fat Bike Gravel Grinder-November 14, 2016
Twin Bluff Middle School
Red Wing, MN
30-35 miles 

Cannon Gravel: Hill Torture-November 19, 2016
Cannon Falls, MN
80+ miles
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