Fourth of July Rides

Fourth of July is coming soon and if you want to celebrate Independence Day in the saddle there are several longstanding rides that have become tradition for many cyclists over the years.  July 4th is your chance to get in a ride with fellow cyclists and maybe even start a new yearly tradition.

Freedom From Pants is a Fourth of July Minneapolis tradition that is entering its 13th year.  This annual  underwear ride through the streets of Minneapolis will meet underneath the Hennepin Avenue Bridge on Nicollet Island at 6:00 pm and roll out at 7:00 sharp.  This safe-space event will make a "couple stops for drinks, beaches, underpants, good times."  Visit the Freedom From Pants XIII Facebook event page for more details, to join or share with friends.

Image credit: Great Scott 50

The Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride is a Prior Lake Fourth of July tradition going into its 32nd year.   Take a 25 or 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Scott County or the newly added 10 mile family fun route on area trails.  The 25 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 will have three rest stops.  Mechanical support and SAG provided by Michael's Cycles.  The 50 mile ride leaves Lakefront Park in Prior Lake at 8:00 am, the 25 mile ride at 8:15 am and the family fun ride at 8:30 am.  Refreshments will be provided at all rest stops and there will be a picnic lunch served after the ride for those doing the 25 and 50 mile rides.  Lunch is not included for the Family Fun Route, but donuts and juice/coffee will be provided.

Register online, download the registration form to register by mail or register on-site the day of the ride beginning at 7:15 am at Lakefront Park.  Proceeds support Bike infrastructure and the local School Mountain Bike Teams.  Visit the Great Scott Classic Bike Ride Facebook Event Page for updates.

The Hiawatha Bicycling Club will be hosting the 20th Annual Tour D'Amico with four scenic routes to choose from complete with hydration stations and rest stops at D'Amico & Sons restaurants along the way.  These full SAG supported rides include a 21 mile family friendly short route, a 29 mile tour that is suitable for all riders, a 41 mile route and a metric century tour (62 miles) for intermediate and endurance riders.  Visit the Tour D'Amico Course Details Page for more information on these routes.

Registration can be done online or by mail with a check.  Packet pick up starts at 8:00 am and goes until 10:30 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 am to 3:30 pm.  Proceeds from the Tour D'Amico benefit Twin City bike education and trail maintenance programs.  This is a rain or shine event.

Join Continental Ski & Bike on the Fourth for a self-supported mountain bike ride on the trails around Duluth.  The ride will meet at Lester Park at 8:00 am and roll out at 8:15, continue on to Spirit Mountain and then to the Duluth Traverse Trail.  After the ride meet up at the Riverside Bar and Grill at Grand Avenue Chalet at Spirit Mountain for an after party.  This is an all ages ride but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  More details can be found at the Traverse the Traverse Facebook event page.

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club will be hosting the 38th 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 minor repairs and fix flats.  Route maps will be handed out to riders at the registration table 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 2:30 pm.

Online registration will closes at the end of the day on June 30th.  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.  Mechanical support provided by County Cycles.  For more information, email the Event Coordinators at: watermelon@biketcbc.org.