Big Changes Are Coming to the Blog!

For years, I've loved sharing my adventures and all things cycling with you on this blog. It's been a true joy to connect with so many of you and see this community grow. But, as life often does, things have gotten a bit busier, and I've found myself with less time to dedicate to the blog.

I was faced with a difficult choice: either shut down the blog completely or find a way to make it work. I'm so glad to say I've decided on the latter! I just couldn't bring myself to walk away from a community I care so much about.

So, here's the plan. From now on, the blog will focus exclusively on two of my favorite cycling disciplines: gravel cycling and winter fatbiking in Minnesota and just across its borders. This new, more focused format will allow me to continue sharing my passion while also freeing up more time for me to get out and ride.

The event calendars you've come to rely on will continue to be updated regularly, but they will now feature only these two types of events. It's my hope that this change will make the blog a better, more useful resource for those of you who share my love for tackling dirt roads and snowy trails.

Thank you all so much for your support and for being a part of this journey. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this blog and for all of us out on the roads and trails.

Happy riding,

Chris Chavie

Twin Cities Area Weekly Group Rides

We are now beginning to see the return of weekly group bike rides of all kinds for the spring and summer months.  These Twin Cities area rides include mountain biking, gravel, road and trail that recur on specific days of the week.  Check website and Facebook links provided for more information and locations as some ride details may change from week to week.  I will continue to update this post as more group rides become available. 

Monday

Michael's Cycles has started their MTB Mondays which visits various trail systems in the South Metro area.  Rides start at 6:00 pm and continue through September 27th.  Check the Facebook event page for weekly updates and ride locations.

Join us for a weekly ride that will rotate to different south metro singletrack trails. We will post the location the week of each ride.

We do ask that riders bring spare tube/CO2 for emergencies. Bring water and snacks if needed. Helmets are required.

Please fill out a waiver online under "events" at www.michaelscycles-mn.com.

The Great Scott Cycling Club holds their Monday Club Ride at at 6:15 PM (6:00 PM starting in late August) from Michael's Cycles in Prior Lake through late September.  Membership is required for club rides.  Dues are $20 for a single membership or $35 for a household.  Visit their ride calendar for information on ride groups, routes and distances.  Weekly updates can also be found on their Facebook page.

Erik's hosts their weekly Eagan Easy Riders from their Eagan shop at 6:00 pm through September 13th.  Visit their Events Calendar and the Erik's Riders Club Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

Interested in taking your cycling routine up a notch? Want to get more comfortable riding with a group without getting left behind? Then this is the ride for you! Join Pat and Nancy for a no-drop, scenic and social ride averaging 12-15 mph (paced by the comfort level of the group). Typically we start at the shop and make our way down to Minnehaha Falls for a quick break and then back. Guaranteed to cure any case of "The Mondays"!

 

Based on group interest, we will be changing the route up from week to week. Most weeks, we will ride the route indicated above, but riders also have the opportunity to choose a route that interests them!

Ride Details:

Approximately 17-22 miles

Road (All - Drop Bar and Flat Bar)

NO Drop Ride

Urban Roads and Paved Trails

12-15mph

Join ERIK'S Rider's Club on Facebook to stay updated on current and new rides:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/eriksridersclub

Head to Maple Grove Cycling for their Monday Night "B+ / A-" Road Ride.  Ride departs the shop at 5:30 pm for about a 2.5 hour ride through mid-late September.  Visit the MGC Group Rides page and the MGC Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

MONDAY NIGHT  " B+ / A- "  ROAD RIDE

Date: Late April (weather dependent) mid - late September. 

Time:  Mondays, 5:30 pm.     

Route: Primarily on public roads. 

Distance: 25-50 miles

Avg. Speed: B+ / A- , 19+ mph average

Terrain: Varied, flat, some hills

Est. Time: 2.5 hours

Ride Leader: Scot Bolland

Rider Experience: Should have prior group ride experience and appropriate fitness.

Freewheel Bike's Woodbury Monday Night Ride is back up and running through August 30th.  Ride departs at 5:30 pm every Monday from the Woodbury store for about a 30 mile ride. 

Join us at Freewheel Woodbury every Monday (weather permitting) at 5:30 PM for our Monday Night Woodbury Group Ride! This ride has a pace of 16-18 mph and will cover around 30 miles. This is a no-drop ride. Bring your helmet, lights, a water bottle, and your favorite mid-ride snack.

Route information can be found at: https://www.strava.com/clubs/470025

**There will not be a ride on Memorial Day.

Head to Lupulin Brewing Company on Monday nights at 6:00 pm for their  Lupulin Brewing Bike Club ride.  Ride is all inclusive.  Return to the brewery after the ride for a free beer or soda.  Going on now through October 25th.

Join us every Monday at 6pm for LBC Bike Club! All ages and fitness levels welcome! Take a lap around the lake, or bike wherever you please. Head out for half an hour, come back, and enjoy a free beer or soda! Helmets are required and you must obey traffic laws.

Tuesday

Michael's Cycles in Prior Lake has started their Tuesday Night Gravel Rides which depart from the shop at 6:00 pm for a 2 hour ride on local gravel.  This weekly ride continues through September 27th.  Check the Facebook event page for weekly updates.

Join us Tuesday evenings as we take to the local gravel roads in the south metro. Route to be announced weekly. Rides leave from the Prior Lake Michael's Cycles. Mileage from 25-35 and pace will be 14-16 MPH. Typically break into 2 groups depending on turnout. Any bike that can handle majority of gravel and some road is suited for these rides. Please dress appropriate for the temps and bring necessary items to handle a flat on your bike.

Please wear a helmet and sign the online waiver before attending. You can find the waiver at www.michaelscycles-mn.com under "events."

Bring a mask and maintain 6 feet from other riders. If we have over 10 riders, we will split into 2 groups.

For peloton riders, Freewheel Bike's Fast and Furious Ride returns on Tuesday Nights at 5:30 pm from their Eden Prairie shop.  This 2.5 hour "A" ride will take riders along scenic roads in the west metro area.  Visit the Facebook event page for updates.

Our Fast and Furious Ride is back!!

We're meeting every Tuesday night at Freewheel Bike Eden Prairie at 5:30 PM for the Fast and Furious Ride! We will be breaking the ride into groups of 10-12 riders to keep the rides safe. We will also plan to have 2 group options to choose from: A “Fast” (22-24 avg mph) and “Not Quite As Fast” (20-22 avg mph). We'll hit the road for 45-55 miles of scenic views and rolling hills in the west metro.

This is a great ride to test your fitness and learn how to ride safely in a fast-paced group. Although this is a no-drop ride, come ready to push yourself!

Bring your road bike, a helmet, and join the Freewheel peloton! 

Ride scenic gravel roads around the Northfield area at the Cannon Valley Velo Club's Tuesday Night Gravel ride.  Rides depart Bridge Square at 6:00 pm.  Visit the Cannon Valley Velo Club Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

Erik's hosts their weekly Endorphin Junkies B Group Ride from their Coon Rapids shop at 5:30 pm through September 28th.  Visit their Events Calendar and the Erik's Riders Club Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

Come join Tim on fun and fast paced early evening ride! If you are looking to start pushing yourself beyond a casual ride, this may be the ride for you!

Our B ride is:

- No drop

- Pace-line ride

- Approx. 30 miles

- Typically have an average speed of 17-20mph

- This will be almost exclusively shoulder riding

We would highly recommend a drop bar road bike, some extra water, and nutrition to make things a bit easier. Should be a blast! Hope to see you there!

Join ERIK'S Rider's Club on Facebook to stay updated on current and new rides:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/eriksridersclub

Maple Grove Cycling hosts their Tuesday Night "C" Fitness Road Ride from their shop.  Ride departs at 6:00 pm for about a 1.5 to 2 hour ride through mid-late September.  Visit the MGC Group Rides page and the MGC Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

TUESDAY NIGHT " C " FITNESS ROAD RIDE

Date: Late April (weather dependent) mid-late September.

Time: Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Route: Primarily on public roads. 

Distance: 25-30 miles

Avg. Speed: " C " level, 16 -18 mph average

Terrain: Flat, few hills

Est. Time: 1.5-2 hours 

Ride Leader: Tod Eckberg or Chad Thomas

Rider Experience: Faster and longer than the recreational ride. Still accommodates newer riders building strength and endurance.

Wednesday

Life Wellness hosts weekly Wednesday night mountain bike group rides at various south metro area singletrack trails starting at 6:00 pm.  Visit the Life Wellness Group Rides Facebook page for more information, locations, weekly updates and cancellations due to weather.

These Fat Bike/Mt. Bike rides will rotate between south metro singletrack trails (Murphy, Lebanon Hills, West Lake Marion and River Bottoms) depending on conditions. We'll break into groups based on skill levels, so everyone enjoys the ride! This group ride is meant to build community. We’ll regroup a couple times on the trail then socialize afterwards. Meet & Greet: 6pm, Ride: 6:05ish.

For fast riders, Maple Grove Cycling hosts their Wednesday Night "A" Aggressive Road Ride.  Ride departs the shop at 5:30 pm for a 2 to 4.5 hour ride through mid-late September.  Visit the MGC Group Rides page and the MGC Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT " A " AGGRESSIVE ROAD RIDE

Date: Late April (weather dependent) mid-late September.

Time: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m

Route: Primarily on public roads.

Distance: 25-65 miles, depends on day light.

Avg. Speed: " A" level, 20 + mph average

Terrain: Flat and hilly, strenuous

Est. Time: 2-4.5 hours. Ride until sunset.

Ride Leader: Scot Bolland

Rider Experience: Prior group ride experience and appropriate fitness level.

Sociable Cider Werks begins their Bikes & Brews: Weekly Group Rides beginning June 2nd and continuing through September 1st.  Visit the Facebook event page for weekly updates.

Join us every Wednesday for a group bike ride! Wheels roll at 6pm (ride briefing at 5:50pm)and we’ll bike around for an hour or so and return to Sociable for some brews, bites and bops.

What to expect:

- 2 different paces, speedy + leisure

- Refreshing beverages

- Rockin’ tunes

- Good times

Ride to local breweries from Driftwood Park in New Brighton on Wednesday nights with Beer & Bikes.  Meet up is at 5:50 pm, roll out at 6:00 and return between 8:30 and 9:00.  Going on now through the end of October.  Visit Beer & Bikes calendar and Facebook page for weekly destinations and routes.

BEER & BIKES is a low-key, recreational cycling club based in the north metro area in Minnesota. From April to the end of October, we ride to different local breweries every Wednesday evening. Cyclists of all abilities and legal drinking age are welcome to ride with us! Our average pace is between 11 and 13 miles per hour, and generally adjust our riding speed for the differing abilities present.

The West Bank location of Freewheel Bike has started up their West Bank Wednesday Night Road Ride for the summer.  This no-drop ride leaves the West Bank shop at 6pm for a 25 mile ride.  Going on now through September 29th.

Every Wednesday night, meet us at Freewheel Bike West Bank for our weekly Wednesday night group ride! We’ll be rolling out at 6:00 PM for a 25-mile ride. This is a 15-17 mph, no-drop ride that will begin and end at our West Bank store.

Pack your helmet, light, and your favorite ride snacks.

Gear West in Long Lake hosts their Wednesday Night Rides at 6:00 pm from the shop.  Choose from two routes and two ride groups.  Going on now through October 27th.

No Drop Ride

Two different routes 20 and 40 miles, pick your distance

We do split into an A (18-20mph) ride group and B (16-18mph) ride group when rider numbers allow to help with social distancing

Meet at the Bike Shop! Come early to get any food or fill up your bottle!

Thursday

Fulton Racing and Behind Bars Bicycle Shop introduce the Fulton Social Series on Thursday nights now through August 26th.  Rides depart Behind Bars Bicycle Shop in Minneapolis at 6:00 pm for a 2 hour ride.  Visit the Facebook event page for more information and weekly updates. 

Fulton Racing cordially invites everyone to join us on our no-drop #FultonSocialSeries rides on Thursday nights from April 15 through August 26.

Each week, we will depart Behind Bars Bicycle Shop (208 13th Ave. NE) at 6:00 p.m. While we hope to end future rides at the Fulton taproom patio, our April rides will end at Behind Bars. Stay safe, get vaccinated, and we'll party later.

If you attend three rides, you’ll earn a free Fulton beer token!

Routes change weekly and will be published here before each ride. Rides will be around 1 ½ hours long, getting shorter as we lose daylight. Pace will be around 12-15 MPH. If you have questions about this, please DM us! All levels of riders and all types of bikes are welcome. Some weeks we may do a special event (skills clinic, etc.) in place of our regular ride.

Please wear a helmet during the ride and bring a lock, lights, and water. Dress appropriately for changing weather conditions. For the time being we also ask that you wear a mask while riding in close quarters with others.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to join for drinks after the ride, please RSVP to that week’s event so we can reserve enough space at the taproom. Be prepared to follow all COVID safety protocols required by the taproom.

Additionally, we ask that all participants be kind and respectful both on and off the bike. Respect the rules of the road, give space to other trail users, and do not ride in a risky manner. Respect participants' identities, pronous, and personal space. Sexist, racist, transphobic, homophobic, xenophobic, and ableist language/behavior won’t be tolerated.

The Great Scott Cycling Club holds their Thursday Club Ride at at 6:15 PM (6:00 PM starting in late August) from Michael's Cycles in Prior Lake through late September.  Membership is required for club rides.  Dues are $20 for a single membership or $35 for a household.  Visit their ride calendar for information on ride groups, routes and distances.  Weekly updates can also be found on their Facebook page.

Maple Grove Cycling hosts their Thursday Night "B/C" Sport Road Ride.  Ride departs the shop at 6:00 pm for a 1.5 to 2.5 hour ride through mid-late September.  Visit the MGC Group Rides page and the MGC Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

THURSDAY NIGHT " B / C " SPORT ROAD RIDE

Date: Late April(weather dependent) mid -late September.

Time: Thursday, 6:00 p.m

Route: Swift, fast paced ride taking more consistent routes on public roads. 

Distance: 25-45 miles, depends on day light.

Avg. Speed: Most nights will be 2 separate groups riding the same routes.

"B" level, 18-19 mph average.

"C" level, 16-18 mph average. 

Est. Time: 1.5-2.5 hours.

Ride Leaders: Laurie McElmeel, Kyle Richert, Nate Wentz

Rider Experience: Prior group experience.

The Luce Line Cycling Club hosts their Luce Line Cycling Club - Weekly Ride from Luce Line Brewing in Plymouth.  Meet at 5:30 pm and roll out around 6:00 for a ride on the the Luce Line Trail and return to the brewery for a beer afterward.  Weekly rides start June 10th and continue through September 30th.

Join the Luce Line Cycling Club for a weekly ride starting at the Luce Line. Riders will meet at 5:30pm and take off around 6:00pm. End your ride at the brewery and grab a beer to cool off.

Saturday

Michael's Cycles in Chaska hosts their Saturday Social Rides at 9:00 am for about a 3 hour ride.  Ride start locations and routes changes weekly so visit the Facebook event page for updates.

Join us every Saturday morning for a fun social ride! The route will change weekly, but we'll update weekly as to where we will meet. Start time will be 9 am unless otherwise specified in an update post.

Please wear a helmet and sign the online waiver before attending. You can find the waiver at www.michaelscycles-mn.com under "events."

Bring a mask and maintain 6 feet from other riders. If we have over 10 riders, we will split into 2 groups.

The Cannon Valley Velo Club holds their Saturday Morning Rides from Bridge Square in downtown Northfield.  Visit the Cannon Valley Velo Club Facebook page for more details, start times and weekly updates.

The Rosemount Cycling Club holds their weekly Saturday Morning Ride at 8:00 am from the Rosemount Starbucks location.  Routes change weekly and updates are posted with route information on their Announcements page and Facebook page.  Become a member of the Rosemount Cycling Club by visiting their Membership page.

Rosemount Cycling Club is a group of riders who get together on Saturday mornings to share our love for road riding. We meet at Starbucks in Rosemount Minnesota for a ride that follows a different route every week to provide a variety of roads, elevation change, and scenery. We strive for a safe ride that everyone can enjoy and have fun doing week after week.

Join the Bloomington Fast Ride on Saturday mornings at 8:00 am for a fast paced road ride from Dred Scott Field in Bloomington.  This 30-40 mile ride changes routes weekly and goes on through the end of September.  Visit their Facebook page for weekly updates.

Attention all members it looks like the pandemic is slowing down thanks to vaccinations so starting June 5th and every Saturday through out the summer new group rides will be starting at Dred Scott field in Bloomington and the location will be starting at the parking lot where the tennis courts are located. Time start will be 8:00AM. So if interested come for a ride with different routes and average mileage 30-40 and a avg: speed of 17-18 miles per hour. Plenty of free parking and safe location.

For gravel riders, Maple Grove Cycling hosts their Saturday Morning Gravel Ride.  Ride departs at 7:30 am for a 2 hour ride on gravel roads west of the shop through mid-late September.  Visit the MGC Group Rides page and the MGC Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

SATURDAY MORNING GRAVEL RIDE

Date:  Late April ( weather dependent) mid-late September.

Time: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. 

Route:  Gravel roads west of MGC. Pavement at the beginning and end of ride.

Distance:  30 miles. Rides will vary in terrain. 

Avg. Speed: 15 mph.

Est. Time:  2 hours.

Ride Leader: Scot Bolland

Rider Experience: Ride a gravel, cross, mountain, or fat bike.

Sunday

Erik's hosts their weekly Weekend Wind Down Group Ride from their Coon Rapids shop at 5:30 pm through September 26th.  Visit their Events Calendar and the Erik's Riders Club Facebook page for more details and weekly updates.

Had a busy week? An even busier weekend? Come join Tim on a Sunday evening for our 6th Year of our ‘Weekend Wind Down’ group ride!

This ride is a relaxed to medium paced road ride meant for anyone who wants a reason to get on there bike. If you’ve been biking for years or just got your new road bike, you're welcome here!

The ride is approximately 22 miles but will sometimes vary

Pace around 14-16 mph

No drop ride so everyone should be flexible to make sure we are stay together and have a great time!

This is primarily a paved trail ride but we will have some brief shoulder riding.

Join ERIK'S Rider's Club on Facebook to stay updated on current and new rides:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/eriksridersclub

For more group rides not listed in this post visit Groupride.com.  Users of the site can search the interactive ride map, view the ride directory or post up a ride.

Become a member of the Twin Cities Bicycling Club and join in on all types of weekly rides held throughout the Twin Cities Area.  Yearly Single ($30) and Household ($45) memberships are available by visiting their Membership page.

At the present time, TCBC rides are open to members only. Ride times listed are departure times. Come to the ride start location at least 15 minutes before the depart time listed on the schedule and find the ride leader (leaders usually have the back of their car open with sign up sheets in the back). All participants need to complete the Ride Report Sheet and non-members must sign a non-member waiver at the start of each TCBC ride. There will be maps for the ride (unless it is specified as a mapless ride on the schedule). The ride leader will also give a briefing on the route to the group, and then you’ll be on your way! TCBC rates its rides to help you pick ones that are suitable for your interests and abilities.

If you are a ride leader that would like your group ride listed on this post contact me by sending an email to Mnbiketrailnavigator@gmail.com with the ride details, Facebook event page or website link to more information.

Tips for Cycling During the Transition to Spring

The months of March and April in Minnesota can present all kinds of weather for those that are itching to get out on the bike after a long winter.  These fluctuations can present some challenges to getting out and riding but can be overcome.  Over the years of riding during the "shoulder seasons" I have learned a few things that make the ride a little better and safer.  Below I will share with you some of my tips for cycling during this transition into spring.

With singletrack closed during the freeze/thaw cycle transition into spring, there are options to still ride. This time of year I like to take to the road whether it be gravel or paved. Road hazards are more plentiful than summer months so keep your eyes always scanning your line of travel. Those not comfortable with riding on the road may choose to stick to bike paths and paved trails. If so, use caution at crosswalks and intersections so motorists that aren't used to seeing cyclists this time of year see you.

This transition time of year can present numerous hazards in the roadway that need to be avoided. These can include snow, ice, sand, branches, leaves and litter. Scanning the roadway ahead of you will help you identify these hazards so an evasive maneuver can be safely executed. Dark and low light times require a headlight to help illuminate the roadway to see potential hazards in time. Adjust the headlight beam according your rate of speed so as not to overdrive the lit portion ahead of you.  Doing this will give more time to react when a hazard is identified. 

Ice can present a problem when riding in the morning or after dark as temperatures can dip below the freezing point.  What may appear like wet pavement may be a very thin layer of ice that can take a cyclist down.  I will usually end up walking my bike across the icy section if it is on an uphill or downhill and slowly roll across in a straight line unclipped from my pedals on flat sections.

Gravel roads are always popular with cyclists this time of year as they are a way to get in some saddle time while waiting for the singletrack to dry out.  They can be a little sloppy with snow melt and the occasional rain shower so you may want to strap on some fenders to keep from slinging limestone mud all over your backside.  These low traffic roads provide great scenery, elevation change and challenges like tackling the wind out in the open.  If you're looking to get your bike legs back after a long winter, gravel roads are a great place to start.

Weather can be all over the board in March and April so I follow the forecasts for the time I will be riding. Knowing the forecast will help you choose the proper apparel and be prepared for weather changes.  I never get caught off guard by a passing shower or other inclement weather changes because I will bring extra apparel just in case. I've had to break out my barrier jacket on numerous occasions to stay dry.

The months of March and April tend to have frequent windy days and having good wind resistant apparel will make your ride more comfortable. Wind can make 30°F feel more like 18°F (windchill index) so in addition to a windproof shell, additional layering may be required. I have windproof apparel pieces that cover core, legs, hands, feet, head and face to choose from for varying conditions. Cut the wind to cut the cold.

Temperatures during the shoulder season will determine the proper footwear and sock choices.  I always wear wool socks for the cold but they also help regulate temperature so if it warms up during a ride my socks will wick moisture and keep my feet comfortable.  I will wear a cyclocross style insulated boot until it is warm enough to break out the road shoes.  For those chilly morning or evening rides and when road conditions are wet I like to wear a pair of waterproof shoe covers to keep my feet warm and dry.  They can easily be removed and stored in a jacket pocket if temperatures rise where they are not needed.

I'm an advocate of daytime running lights and use them year round to be better seen by motorists. They are especially useful this time of year because motorists are not used to sharing the road with cyclists. Increase your odds of being seen by always using daytime running lights. 

Rain and melting snow snow will leave roads and paved trails wet and puddle laden. Fender use will help keep you dry and your cycling apparel clean on those days they are needed. Clip-on fenders are a good choice for those that don't want them on all the time. I carry an Ass-Savers fender in my frame bag so I have it handy in the unexpected event that I may need to use it. It's a minimalist rear fender that needs no tools to clip under my seat but does the job nicely at keeping my ass dry. 

The transition to spring can make your bike a little messy.  Road salt mixed with snow melt can wreak havoc on your bike's drivetrain and components so a good wash down after a ride in these conditions is recommended.  Sand and dirt on roads and trails is more prevalent this time of year so you may find your bike needs a wash more frequently than during the summer months.    

It appears we are going to get an early spring so break that bike out of its long winter slumber and get out there and ride.  Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.

Weekly Summer Group Rides in Minnesota

As restrictions from the COVID-19 outbreak begin to ease we will see the return of weekly group bike rides of all kinds.  These rides will include mountain biking, gravel, road and trail that recur on specific days of the week.  Check the Facebook event pages for more information on specifics and locations as some ride details may change from week to week.  I will continue to update this post as more group rides become available.  

Monday

Michael's Cycles in Chaska has started their Mammoth Mondays mountain bike ride that will continue on through the end of the year.  Meet at the Mammoth MTB Singletrack in Chaska for a 6:00 pm ride.

This ride will primarily be on the Mammoth MTB Singletrack.  If trails are to wet then the ride will take to the surrounding gravel and paved trails.  Meeting point will be the shelter at the park. 

Tuesday

If you're looking for a group mountain bike ride that rotates among south metro singletrack trails, then Micheal's Cycles' Weekly MTB South Metro Trail Ride is for you.  This ride will have two start times, 5:30 pm for more experienced riders and 6:30 pm for newer riders.  Going on now through November 24th.

Weekly rides that will rotate to different south metro single track trails.  If trails are closed on a Tuesday we will most likely ride Wednesday.  We will have two set times.  The first will be 5:30 PM and this will be designated for faster and/or more experienced riders.  The later time of 6:30 PM will be for those newer riders and those that are in no hurry.  This will be a no drop lap and will be focused on helping others.  We do ask that riders bring spare tube/CO2 for emergencies.  Bring water and snacks if needed.  Helmets are required.  

Wednesday

Life Wellness Center will once again be holding their weekly summer mountain bike rides on Wednesday nights at various singletrack trails around the metro area.  Join the Life Wellness Group Rides Facebook page for all updates & ride locations.

Join Mesabi Outdoor Adventures on Wednesday nights for a relaxed roll along the Mesabi Trail out of Virginia.  The Wednesday Evening Ride on the Mesabi Trail meets at Olcott Park for a 5:30 pm roll out on a two hour ride.  Going on now through September 30th.

With the governor's new stay safe Minnesota rules going into affect 5/18/20, we are now able to gather with friends in groups of 10 or fewer for outdoor activities like biking so long as we maintain social distancing standards. Join us on a Wednesday evening for a leisurely bike ride on the Mesabi Trail. We will meet in the upper portion of Olcott Park in Virginia near the fountain and head out for a couple hour ride. If more than 10 people show up, we will split into groups of 10 or fewer and go separate directions. Hope to see you there!

Thursday

Trailhead Cycling in Champlin is now hosting their Thursday night Ladies MTB Ride Group at Elm Creek through October 29th.  This no-drop group ride for riders of all levels takes off from the Elm Creek singletrack trailhead (Hayden Lake Road) at 6:00 pm weekly, as long as the trail is not closed.  

Ladies! Join the Ambassadors of Trailhead for a Fun No-Drop Socially Respectful Ride at the Single Track of Elm Creek! We Meet Every Thursday Evening at 6 pm; as long as the trails are open; we ride! Helmets Required, Lights Strongly Recommended. We will stagger starts, depart in small groups, wait at intersections, be helpful, supportive, encouraging and most importantly: HAVE FUN RIDING OUR Mountain BIKES!!! Bring a Friend and a Smile! 

Saturday

Trailhead Cycling has started up their Back in the Saddle Again Saturday morning road ride.  This no-drop weekly ride will cover 35 to 50 miles at an 18 mph pace.  Ride departs the shop at 7:30 am.  Going on now through October 3rd.

Folks it's time to get back to (socially distant) group riding. We'll be respectful and stay 6' apart; but we miss you - so let's Get Back In the Saddle Again!

Announcing:

Saturday Morning Road Bike Ride; a non-competitive, no-drop ride; sticking to county roads, obeying all traffic signs and waving in a friendly fashion to all passers-by. Routes will vary from 35-50 miles, pace: 18mph, meeting 7:30 am Saturdays at Trailhead. First ride is This Saturday, July 11th. In accordance with Social Distancing Protocol; we are asking for riders to break into smaller groups of 10-14, stagger start times if necessary and maintain a distance of 6'. 

Helmets Required. Lights Strongly Recommended.

Micheal's Cycles has started its Mixed Surface and Destination Rides out of its Prior Lake shop Saturdays at 9:00 am.  Routes, ride surface and starting location will vary from week to week.  Now happening through December 12th.

Saturday morning rides that we will mix up each week.  These rides may be road, gravel, trail, MTB, fat bike, etc.  The routes will vary, the milgage will vary, and the Ambassador will rotate.  Each Ambassador will have their pick for the week they lead the ride.  Please follow event by indicating Interested/Going to insure you see updated posts.  We will try to keep the time the same each week.  This is a co-supported weekly ride by both the Prior Lake and Chaska shop Ambassadors.  Starting location may also vary.  These rides are all about fun and enjoying the ride.  

For more group rides not listed in this post visit Groupride.com.  Users of the site can search the interactive ride map, view the ride directory or post up a ride.

If you are a ride leader that would like your group ride listed on this post contact me by sending an email to Mnbiketrailnavigator@gmail.com with the ride details, Facebook event page or website link to more information.