Fourth of July Cycling Events

There are several rides being held on Independence day that will have you celebrating your freedom in the saddle.  All of these have been longstanding yearly events that many cyclists continue to do year after year.  Join in on one of these rides and start a new Fourth of July tradition this year.

 Freedom From Pants Ride VIII

Image Credit:  Garrick Yoong

Celebrate the Fourth without the constraints of pants on this eighth annual underwear ride through the streets of Minneapolis.  Meet up takes place in the vacant lot near the White Castle in NE Minneapolis at 6:00 pm.  Roll out begins at 7:00 pm.  Visit the Freedom From Pants Ride VIII Facebook Event page to join or share with friends.

Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride

The Frank Wicker Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride is a Prior Lake Fourth of July tradition going into its 27th year.  Take a 20 or 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Scott County.  The 20 mile short course is geared more towards recreational riders and has one rest stop along the way.  The 50 mile long course is what the ride is named for and has rest stops at miles 15, 28 and 42.5.  Mechanical support and SAG provided by Michael's Cycles.  A mass-start leaves Lakefront Park in Prior Lake at 8:00 am and there will be a picnic lunch after the ride.  Register online through Active.com, download the ride brochure and register by mail or register on-site the day of the ride beginning at 7:15 am at Lakefront Park.

Tour D'Amico

The Hiawatha Bicycling Club will be hosting the 15th Annual Tour D'Amico with three scenic routes to choose from complete with hydration stations and rest stops at D'Amico & Sons restaurants along the way.  This year's routes include a 29 mile, a partially new 45 mile and an all new metric century 62 mile.  All three routes have full SAG support.  Visit the Tour D'Amico About the Rides page for more information on these routes.  Registration can be done online or by mail with a check.  Online registration is available until 12:00 Midnight on July 2nd.  Day-of registration and packet pick up starts at 8:00 am July 4th at the D'Amico & Sons in Golden Valley.  After the ride, participants will be treated to an Italian buffet lunch that will be served from 11:30 to 3:30.  This is a rain or shine event and proceeds from the Tour D'Amico benefit Twin City bike education and trail maintenance programs.

Watermelon Ride

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club will be hosting the 33rd Annual Watermelon Ride with a choice of 15, 25 or 52 mile routes.  The 15 mile route is geared for beginners getting into cycling and families with children.  The 25 mile route is ideal for both the novice and experienced rider.  Full support is provided for both the 15 and 25 mile routes and the routes will be marked.  The 52 mile route is unsupported so bring the necessary items to make repairs and fix flats.  Route maps will be handed out to riders the day of the event.  Snacks will be supplied at rest stops and a picnic lunch will be held at Snail Lake Park following the ride until 3:00 pm.  Online preregistration deadline is June 30th, after that the price goes up $10.  Day-of registration will also be available by printing and filling out the Registration Waiver and bringing a check made payable to the Twin Cities Bicycling Club to the registration table.  Twin Cities Bicycling Club members receive a discount for registration.  Registration for the 15 & 25 mile routes is from 8:30-10:00 am and the 52 mile route is from 7:30-9:00 am.  Registration and ride start is at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview.  This is a rain or shine event.