2013 Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride Gets a Change of Scenery

The 2013 Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is getting a change of scenery after 13 years in Lakeville, MN.  Ride organizers have decided to move the event to the scenic St. Croix River Valley with a starting point at the Washington County Fairgrounds.  The fairgrounds will be the centralized hub for the four routes this year which will include a 50 mile loop, two 27 mile loops and a 14 mile loop.  Riders will have the opportunity on the morning of the ride to choose a single route or a combination of routes to achieve their desired mileage.  Click here for a map of the 2013 preliminary routes.

Image Credit:  Derrick Williams, Lakeville Patch

The move will give cyclists a more challenging ride than at previous Ironman locations with more hill climbing on the way through the towns of Scandia, Marine on St. Croix, Stillwater, Afton and Lake Elmo.   The routes have been set up to attract all types of cyclists from beginners, middle distance riders and the experienced long distance century riders.  Because of the change of venue and the new routes, the Minnesota Gran Fondo will be put on hold for this year.

The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride has a reputation as the best organized ride with the worst weather because of its Spring rains and gale force winds, so dress appropriately and be prepared to ride rain or shine.  Helmets are required for all participants and SAG wagons will be providing rider support along the routes.  For more detailed rider information, click here. 

Individual and team registration is available online, by downloading the registration form and mailing it in or register the day of the ride between 6:30 & 9:30 am.  Check in and ride start will be between 6:30 & 9:30 am on Sunday, April 28th.

If you are interested in helping to make the ride a success by volunteering, download the 2013 Volunteer Form or send an e-mail to volunteer@ironmanbikeride.org.

Keep up-to-date by following the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride on Twitter @mnironmanride or liking on Facebook.  The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride benefits Hostelling International USA, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization.