Open Streets MPLS Returns with Seven Events for 2017

Open Streets MPLS returns for its seventh year with seven events that cover all quadrants of the city including downtown.  What started as one event in 2011 has grown into something big that gives cyclists, pedestrians, skaters and skateboarders a new way to see the city without automobile traffic.  These events are a great way to explore these neighborhoods, their local businesses and meet new people in a fun, family-friendly way.  And best of all, they are all free.  So grab your bike, walking shoes, skateboard or skates and enjoy these neighborhood streets that are free from traffic for one day.

Thanks to the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and the City of Minneapolis for making these events possible.  These events have brought out thousands of people to see these neighborhoods in a way that is not possible during the rest of the year.

Local community members plan out these events and around 100 volunteers are needed for each one.  If you would like to volunteer for any of the Open Streets MPLS events, visit the Open Streets Volunteer page and fill out the sign up form.

 Open Streets MPLS Dates

Lyndale Avenue South

Sunday, June 4th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

22nd St. W. to 42nd St. W. 

Facebook Event Page

Downtown

Sunday, June 11th, 2017
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Washington Ave. N. from 8th Ave. N to 1st Ave. N.
& 1st Ave. N. from Washington Ave. to 8th Ave. N.

Facebook Event Page 

Lake + Minnehaha

Sunday, July 23rd
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
From Elliot Avenue to Minnehaha Ave.; 
along Minnehaha Ave until 46th St.

Facebook Event Page

Northeast

Sunday, August 6th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

13th from 2nd to 5th/5th from Hennepin to 22nd/
22nd from 5th to Central/Central from 26th Ave. NE to 18 1/2th Ave. NE
Facebook Event Page

Franklin Avenue

Sunday, August 27th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Portland Ave. to 28th Ave. S. 

 Facebook Event Page

West Broadway

Saturday, September 9th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lyndayle to Penn Ave. N.

Facebook Event Page

Nicollet

Sunday, September 24th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake St. W. to 46th St. W. 

 Facebook Event Page 

Penn Cycle's 26th Season of Thursday Night at the Races Starts May 11th

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2017 for the 26th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:30 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Free kids' races start at 7:45 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

2017 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Series 2:  June 29, July 13, 20, 27 and August 4.

Make up race August 11. 

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win in the longstanding rivalry with Charly Tri.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.