Facebook Groups To Motivate You To Bike More In 2019

One of my goals for 2019 is to bike more than I have done in previous years.  I've stocked up on the necessary gear and apparel for the upcoming warm weather riding season as well as those chilly shoulder season before and after winter (got the winter thing covered).

Social media has been an inspiration for me to explore different cycling disciplines, ride places I've never been and learn new things.  Over the past few years I've put together several Facebook groups to help cyclists of all levels connect with others that share their interests.  In this article I will introduce them to you so that you may also #bikemorein2019.

MN Fatbike Enthusiasts is a group for anyone that finds joy in riding fatbikes anytime and anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or you've been rolling fat a long time, this group will teach you something and let you share what you know with others.  MN Fatbike Enthusiasts is a public* group with over 750 members.

Group created: October 1, 2015

Description
This public group is a resource for anyone that enjoys riding fat no matter what the season. You don't have to be from Minnesota to be in the group, but keep the discussion related to fatbike riding in Minnesota in regards to events, trails, trail conditions and news. This group is a place to share your ride photos, fatbike leans, bring fatbike events (in MN) to the group's attention, discuss equipment, bikes or fatbike Q&A. Please do not post group rides here, that is what the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNFatbikeGroupRides) is for. Also, please refrain from posting "For Sale" items, there are plenty of groups on Facebook for that.

Gravel is big in Minnesota and we have thousands of miles of it to explore.  MN Gravel Enthusiasts helps bring together cyclists that share a love of taking the road less traveled.  With over 1,700 members ranging from newbies to seasoned veterans, this public* group is the place to talk Minnesota gravel.

Group created: January 9, 2015

Description
This public group is a resource for anyone looking to ride gravel, share gravel routes, post group rides or events (races, rides, etc.), discuss equipment or gravel Q&A. This is a Minnesota specific group, so please keep posts Minnesota gravel related. If sharing gravel road routes, please use the following formats:
GPX files, TCX files, Strava, Mapmyride, RideWithGPS, Runtastic, Garmin Connect, Endomondo or Gravelmap.com links. 

Got a fatbike and you're looking for others to ride with? MN Fatbike Group Rides is the group you want to join.  It's a place where you can find fatbike rides all over the state or post up your own rides and meet some new friends out on the trail.  MN Fatbike Group Rides is a public* group with over 1,500 members.

Group created: October 31, 2014

Description
After some content deviation from the original intent of this group, the admins and I have drawn up the MN Fatbike Group Rides code/conduct policy. The policy is as follows:

- Posts should be about a group ride you are planning or soliciting interest for.
- Be clear about the time, mileage drop/no-drop and pace of the ride. 
- Attending a group ride that is not mentioned in this group? Post it.
- Please include links to more information about the group ride if available (MORC Forum, etc.)
- Please put post-ride photos/video in the comment section of that listed ride, not as a new post.
- Please refer fatbike related questions/comments to Facebook groups dedicated to that kind of discussion.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Original Group Description:

I created this group to make it easy for my fatbike friends and their friends to get together by posting their own group rides. Minnesota has a lot of fatbikers with riding schedules that may not include the weekends. This is a place where they can organize their own rides with friends and new acquaintances any day of the week. My work schedule keeps me from joining in on Saturday group rides but I'm available on Sundays and Mondays. Others of you may have other availability, that's why I created this group. Are you looking for some Tuesday afternoon ride partners at Murphy or Thursday night ride companions at Elm Creek? This group is designed to get fatbikers together for rides that fit their schedules. I miss out on so many fatbike group rides because of my work schedule that I wanted to create a Facebook group that was open to the public and would allow other members, not just those with weekends off to connect and ride together. Invite your friends and let's ride fatbikes together.

MN Group Bike Rides was created to bring Minnesota cyclists of all disciplines together for group rides whether you're a roadie, mountain biker, gravel crusher or trail rider.  Join in on rides, post up your own or share that weekly shop ride you enjoy.  MN Group Bike Rides is a public* group with over 1,000 members.

Group created: March 11, 2015

Description
This group is intended to bring cyclists in Minnesota together for group rides by providing a place to post them.

- Posts should be about a group ride you are planning or soliciting interest for. These can be Road, Off-Road, Gravel or MTB.
- Be clear about the time, mileage drop/no-drop and pace of the ride.
- Attending a group ride that is not mentioned in this group? Post it.
- Please include links to more information about the group ride if available (MORC Forum, etc.)
- Please put post-ride photos/video in the comment section of that listed ride, not as a new post.
- Please refer bike related questions/comments to Facebook groups dedicated to that kind of discussion.

MN Mountain Bike Enthusiasts is for all those that love mountain biking in Minnesota.  Use this group as a place to discuss all things mountain biking whether it be Q&A, recommendations or just showing off pictures of your bike out on the trail.  MN Mountain Bike Enthusiasts is a public* group with over 400 members.

Group created: February 26, 2016

Description
This group is a resource for anyone that enjoys mountain biking no matter what the season.  You don't have to be from Minnesota to be in the group, but keep the discussion related to mountain biking in Minnesota in regards to events, trails, trail conditions and news.  This group is a place to share your ride photos, MTB leans, bring MTB events (in MN) to the group's attention, discuss equipment, bikes or MTB Q&A.  Please do not post group rides here, that is what the MN Group Bike Rides Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNGroupBikeRides/) and MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNFatbikeGroupRides/) are for.  Also, please refrain from posting "For Sale" items, there are plenty of groups on Facebook for that. 

Are you thinking about riding down at the MN River Bottoms in Bloomington and Eagan but aren't sure about the condition of the trails or which areas may be under water?  Check the MN River Bottoms Ride Report Facebook group for the latest ride stories, photos and recommendations from those that have been riding down there.  After your own visit to the river bottoms post up and tell others about your experience.  MN River Bottoms Ride Report is a public* group with over 1,300 members.

Group created: November 15, 2016

Description
This group was designed to allow members to post their ride stories for the Minnesota River Bottoms trail network in a real time, easy to use format. Post up your experiences on the MN River Bottoms Trail in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Snelling State Park and the Bloomington side of the river, as well as areas further west. Posts can include the area you rode, your story with pictures, tips and recommendations for other users of the trails. 

Sport-Utility Fatbikers is a group I created this winter for fatbikers that use their bikes as sport-utility vehicles for a variety of different activities.  I wanted to explore some other adventures with my fatbike other than just riding singletrack in 2019.  Some of these include bikecamping/packing, fishing and hunting.  A fatbike is the perfect human-powered vehicle for these tasks and this is the group to share those ideas and inspire others.  Sport-Utility Fatbikers is a closed** group with over 70 members.

Group created: December 12, 2018

Description
This group is a resource for anyone that uses their fatbike for hunting, fishing, bikepacking, bikecamping, fatbike bikejoring, winter commuting or adventure riding.

Members should use this group as a forum to exchange ideas, ask questions, get answers and encourage other fatbikers to try something new and different. Share your utility fatbike ride photos, leans, discuss equipment, rigs and bike setups.


Please do not post group rides here, that is what the MN Fatbike Group Rides Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNFatbikeGroupRides) is for. Also, please refrain from posting "For Sale" items, there are plenty of groups on Facebook for that.

Last summer I began riding my bike to work a lot more and found bike commuting was way more fun than going by car.  I couldn't wait for work to be over so I could jump on my bike and take the long way home.  The idea to start the Twin Cities Bike Commuters Facebook group came out of these commutes. This group would provide a forum for discussions about safety, gear and Q&A for beginners as well as veteran bike commuters in the Twin Cities metro area.  Twin Cities Bike Commuters is a public* group with over 160 members.

Group created: July 29, 2018

Description
This public group is a resource for Twin Cities bike commuters to share routes, tips, ask and answer questions, provide updates on trail/road conditions and to be a forum for those looking to go by bike to work instead of driving a car. 

One of my favorite styles of mountain biking is to venture off the trail and find my line on various types of terrain, otherwise known as bushwhacking.  When the question was posed by a couple of my friends on the MN River Bottoms Ride Report group asking why there were no fatbike bushwhacking Facebook groups, I sprang into action and created MN Fatbike Bushwhackers.  I thought only myself and a small number of others enjoyed this style of riding but it turns out to be quite popular among more adventurous fatbikers looking to do some exploring.  MN Fatbike Bushwhackers is closed** group with over 85 members.

Group created: January 13, 2019

Description
MN Fatbike Bushwhackers is for any fatbiker that ventures off the beaten path to explore nature where there are no trails.  Whether you like to ride woods, beaches, ice or areas where you probably won't see other people, this group is for you. 

Discussions about setups, gear, techniques and places of interest to ride can be shared in this group.  Post up your leans, ride photos and descriptions about the cool places no one else is riding.


Group rides can be posted in this group as long as they are bushwhacking in nature. All others should be posted in their appropriate groups. 

Are you interested in riding some new gravel or have a great route you want to share with other gravel enthusiasts in Minnesota?  The MN Gravel Route Share Facebook group is looking for members like you.  MN Gravel Route Share is a public* group with nearly 400 members.

Group created: July 29, 2018

Description
This public group is a resource for anyone looking to share or find gravel cycling routes ONLY. This is a Minnesota specific group, so please post routes that include Minnesota gravel roads. Neighboring states are ok as long as part of the route is in Minnesota.

When sharing gravel routes, please use the following formats:


GPX files, TCX files, Strava, Garmin Connect, Mapmyride, RideWithGPS, Runtastic, Endomondo or Gravelmap.com route links. 

Twin Cities Mountain Bike Ride Report is a Facebook group similar to the MN River Bottoms Ride Report.  Members can post up information about their rides with pictures and recommendations for singletrack trails in the Twin Cities area.  Twin Cities Mountain Bike Ride Report is a public* group with over 70 members.

Group created: July 29, 2018

Description
This group was designed to allow members to post their ride stories for singletrack trails in the Twin Cities area in a real time, easy to use format. Post up your experiences from any of the trails in the metro. Posts can include the place you rode, your story with pictures, tips and recommendations for other users of the trails.

If you want to post up your ride report for the MN River Bottoms, there is a specific group for that, the MN River Bottoms Ride Report. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNRiverBottomsRideReport/ 

Social media has really brought together the bike community as a whole and Facebook groups help riders of all abilities join in on the discussion, learn some new things and make new friends.  Explore these groups to see which ones are right for you and join one or several today.

*Anyone can see the group’s name, location, member list, and posts, and the group can show up in anyone’s searches or News Feed.

**A Closed group’s name, description, and member list are not at all “closed,” but are publicly visible. Closed groups may even show up in a search publicly. Overall, they are just as open as Public groups, except for three main differences: (1) new members must ask to join or be invited by a member, rather than just adding themselves; (2) only current members can see the content of group posts; and (3) only current members can see the group in their News Feed. - Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation

Get Phat With Pat Fatbike Races Scheduled for Sixth Year

Penn Cycle & Fitness will hold their annual Get Phat With Pat Fatbike Races for the sixth year at the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington on January 20th and January 27th, 2018.  They are co-sponsored by and are a part of the Bloomington Winter Fete.

Both races will be held at the Russell A Sorenson Landing at the end of Lyndale Ave. S. in Bloomington, MN underneath the 35W bridge.  Registration will start and 9 am the morning of each race and closes 30 minutes prior to race start. Registration will require a $10 entry fee and also a $5 donation to MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) which will help the non-profit volunteer organization pay for trail maintenance, equipment and fund their 2018 season.

Fat bikes (3.8” tires and wider) are recommended.  Spectators are encouraged and welcome!  There will be three race classes for each race day; Beginner, Recreational and Advanced.  The Beginner class race will start at 10:15 am, the Recreational class race starts at 10:00 am and the Advanced class race starts at 12 noon.  Distance and laps for each race class yet to be determined based on the course layout.

Start and Finish will be under the 35W bridge with the course heading west on existing trails and some new sections.  Lap will be a loop with one section of trail heading out and another heading back.  Lap distances and number of laps for each race class to be determined based on trail conditions.  An agreement with the City of Bloomington will allow many temporary sections of trail for the races.  The race course will be groomed and ready to ride one week before the first race.  Riding the temporary course once established is encouraged to pack down the trail.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each category.  There will be plenty of swag given away to race participants at the conclusion of each day's races.

Get Phat with Pat will not only be fun but the weather will also make it challenging as we have seen the past few years.  Thanks to Pat Sorensen and Penn Cycle & Fitness for organizing these races and the City of Bloomington for allowing them to take place at the Minnesota River Bottoms.  I'll see you there.  Check out the video below to see highlights from last year's race.

For more information and updates on the races visit the Get Phat With Pat Race #1 and Get Phat With Pat Race #2 event pages on Facebook.

Get Phat With Pat Winter Fatbike Races Return to the MN River Bottoms for 5th Year

Penn Cycle & Fitness will hold their annual Get Phat With Pat Fatbike Races for the fifth year at the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington on January 21st and January 28th, 2017.  They are co-sponsored by and are a part of the Bloomington Winter Fete.

The Details: 

Both races will be held at the Russell A Sorenson Landing at the end of Lyndale Ave. S. in Bloomington, MN underneath the 35W bridge.  Registration will start and 9 am the morning of each race and closes 30 minutes prior to race start. Registration will require a $10 entry fee and also a $5 donation to MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) which will help the non-profit volunteer organization pay for trail maintenance, equipment and fund their 2017 season.

Fat bikes (3.8” tires and wider) are recommended.  Spectators are encouraged and welcome!  There will be three race classes for each race day; Beginner, Recreational and Advanced.  The Beginner class race will start at 10:15 am, the Recreational class race starts at 10:00 am and the Advanced class race starts at 12 noon.  Distance and laps for each race class yet to be determined based on the course layout.

Start and Finish will be under the 35W bridge with the course heading west on existing trails and some new sections.  Lap will be a loop with one section of trail heading out and another heading back.  Lap distances and number of laps for each race class to be determined based on trail conditions.  An agreement with the City of Bloomington will allow many temporary sections of trail for the races.  The race course will be groomed and ready to ride one week before the first race.  Riding the temporary course once established is encouraged to pack down the trail.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each category.  There will be plenty of swag given away to race participants at the conclusion of each day's races.

Get Phat with Pat will not only be fun but the weather will also make it challenging as we saw at the second race last year.  Thanks to Pat Sorensen and Penn Cycle & Fitness for organizing these races and the City of Bloomington for allowing them to take place at the Minnesota River Bottoms.  I'll see you there.

For more information and updates on the races visit the Get Phat With Pat Race #1 and Get Phat With Pat Race #2 event pages on Facebook.

MN River Bottoms Flooding Update

If you've been down to the Minnesota River Bottoms in the last few weeks you may have come come across some of the flooded out sections of the trail that were impassable.  Since the Old Cedar Ave. Bridge opened up a little while back, I have ridden the East Segment (Cedar Ave. to 35W) several times only to have to turn around when the trail disappeared under water.

I've never seen the water so high in the East Segment where one of the creeks from the marsh runs into the Minnesota River.  There are two small bridges that cross the creek leading the trail to the Lyndale Ave. parking lot near 35W that were completely underwater until recently.

This was the end of the line until the flood waters receded.  With the recent dry weather and warm sunny days the water level of the river and creeks in the floodplain has gone down significantly.

Slowly the two bridges in the East Segment began to emerge from under the water making this section passable once again.

Both bridges are high and dry now opening up passage all the way to Nine Mile Creek on the west side of 35W.

River levels that were once flowing high along the banks have dropped several feet eroding some of the dirt close to the edge of the trail in spots.

The old cottonwood tree bridge at Nine Mile Creek appears to have been cut by someone ruining this crossing many of us have used for the last couple of years.  This was a well traveled crossing point, especially until the creek froze up in the Winter where it was safe to ride across the ice.

The raft ferry installed by the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) is still in place granting access across the creek until it is removed before the water starts to freeze later this Fall.  Once across the creek, bikers and walkers can follow the trails all the way to the Bloomington Ferry Unit parking lot.

If you are looking to get in a ride through the floodplain forest that is the Minnesota River Bottoms, there are several access points where you can start from.  There is a Minnesota River Bottoms Google Maps that will show you your options.  Now that the Old Cedar Ave. Bridge is open, I like to park at the lot on the Bloomington side of the bridge which is accessible on Old Cedar Ave. from Old Shakopee Road.

For current updates throughout the Minnesota River Bottoms visit the MORC MN River Bottoms Trail Conditions page.  The Faturday group ride on Saturday mornings has started up again and will continue through the winter if you would like to experience this area with some other riders who know the trails.  Information for the Faturday rides can be found on the MORC Group Rides Forum and the MN Fatbike Group Rides page on Facebook.

Get down to this wilderness in the heart of the city and enjoy while Fall still graces us. Winter will be here soon, then comes a different kind of fatbike fun.

Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Now Open

The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge officially opened last Friday to bicyclists and pedestrians even though it has been traveled by them for the last week and a half.  This opening creates a vital link across the Minnesota River connecting the South Metro to the communities North of the River without a long roundabout detour East and West of the Eagan/Bloomington area.

I have biked this area for many years and it's really nice having a crossing over the river to the Bloomington area in which I can head anywhere in the Twin Cities via streets, trails and light rail.  Not only are mountain bikers enthused about this new crossing which leads to the Mendota Trail on the Eagan side of the river and the Minnesota River Bottoms Trail, but also road cyclists that wish to ride routes that include roads on both sides of the river.

Cyclists aren't the only ones enjoying this new crossing, I have seen many walkers, runners and bird enthusiasts taking advantage of access to the Wildlife Refuge they didn't have before.  The bridge is slated to remain open until the Spring of 2017 when it will close again for road construction in nearby areas reopening in the fall of  2017.

The parking lot at the base of the bridge on the Bloomington side opened last Friday as well.  Now users of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge can park nearby and experience all that the Refuge has to offer.

Minnesota Global Fat-Bike Day Activities

Global Fat-Bike Day is a worldwide grassroots campaign that started a couple of years ago to bring people from the fatbike community together to ride and make new friends.  In honor of Global Fat-Bike Day there are several rides scheduled here in Minnesota on December 6th that you may want to get in on as well as the Winter Bike expo and Superfat Crit to start or finish off the day.  I have complied a list of them so you can get your "fat on" and ride with others of the "well-endowed tire crowd".

Image Credit: Jack Pine Brewery

Global Fat Bike Day/Brainerd Lakes 2.0 will start and finish at the Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter.  Organizer Mike Spencer states, "We're developing a new route for the Global Fat Bike ride. There will be some PBT, some cross country, some surface streets, a couple stops at local businesses and of course we'll end up where we started at Jack Pine Brewery! More details to follow after a pre ride this weekend!"  Approximately 25 miles, ride starts at 11:00am.

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

Global Fat Bike Day on "Da Range" is organized by my buddy Joe Sacco up in Hibbing.  Him and his family are avid fatbikers, even the kids have 9:Zero:7's!  Probably an 11:00am start with more details to come in the days leading up to the ride.  "Nothing huge, no big bonfire, no drinking of beers, just our young "FatBiking Crew" and I doing a lap somewhere around town. Pedaling our local summertime loop in and out of the the old Whitney Tails pond area sounds like a plan. Very low key, and fun for all.  If anyone has more of an idea.... speak up! Thinking 11:00 am would be a good starting time. I'll post a concrete plan as the time nears."

Image Credit: Jonathan Bistodeau

Jonathan Bistodeau will be hosting his weekly Faturday ride with a special Global Fat-Bike Day edition that will start at the Russell A. Sorenson Landing (Lyndale Ave. lot) in Bloomington and follow the river bottoms trails to the Sibley House in Mendota and back.  Ride starts at 10:00am and is approximately 20 miles.  "This ride is put together for you, the riders. We are not about racing, we are about enjoying the trails, nature, and the company of other riders. As always, stay safe, ride at your own pace and within your own abilities. Dress for the weather, bring plenty of water, and food." - Jonathan Bistodeau.  Post a comment in MN Fatbike Group Rides if you can make it.

Global Fat Bike Day 2014 Twin Cities is being hosted by Nate Moore and starts at the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington at 10:00am.  "Plan to ride your fatbike with us! Starting at The National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington and Ending at the Winter Bike Expo in Minneapolis. This is a public event, invite your fatbike homies! The Wildlife Refuge has parking on site for those who have to travel, it is adjacent to the Blue Line Light Rail for those who want to travel in from elsewhere in Minneapolis, and adjacent to the 494 non-motorized bridge for those coming from St Paul.  Please Plan to bring your own water and food, as access to these items will not exist until late in the ride. From the Expo, it will be up to riders to decide their exit. If parked at the Wildlife visitors center, The Light Rail stations at Franklin or Lake Street are easy access. You might also consider parking near the Expo in the morning and riding the light rail down to start the day. Plan for an Easy Pace, but a long ride. Some considerations are in the route for those who need to dip out."
See the Global Fat Bike Day 2014 Twin Cites Facebook Event Page for more information and details of the route.

Image Credit: Nicollet Bike Shop

Nicollet Bike shop in Mankato will be hosting the Nicollet Bike Global Fat Bike Day Group Ride at 12 Noon.  Ride departs from the shop located at 607 N. Riverfront Dr., helmets and fat bikes are required.  "Join us for a Fat Bike group ride to celebrate Global Fat Bike Day. We'll start from the shop at 12:00pm and ride out towards Mount Kato ski area to check out the trails at Ft. Le hillier and surrounding area and finish back at the shop. We'll be stopping during the ride at some point to warm up at Mt. Kato so bring a few bucks if you want a warm beverage. This will be a casual paced NO drop ride. All are welcome to attend! Contact us for details or with any questions."

COGGS will have two group rides on December 6th for Global Fat Bike Day.  
"To celebrate Global Fat Bike Day, we are planning a group ride followed with food and bonfire with some good cheer!
Saturday, December 6th
-Short ride leaves at 1:00 pm (Mission)
- Long ride leaves at 10:00 am (Brewer, Piedmont and Mission)
The plan is to leave the Mc Fadden’s house at 10:00 am and ride Brewer and Piedmont, then swing by the Mc Fadden’s and pick up those who want to ride Mission.  The trails are all packed and are in fantastic riding condition, plus the forecast is favorable.  We will provide brats on the grill and some adult beverages. Bring something to share…Please respond to: tmcfadden@bernicks.com and let Todd Know if you will make it! Thanks!  Hope to see you all on the 6th."
 

The Winter Bike Expo presented by Freewheel Bike returns for its fourth year December 6th & 7th to the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center.  The expo draws hearty cyclists from all over to see and demo all that manufacturers have to offer for winter commuters & fatbikers.  Admission is free and the fun kicks off at 9 am each day.  Winter biking seminars will be held throughout both days and there will be fatbike demos, raffles and beer!  For a schedule of events, click here.

Image Credit: Freewheel Bike

Stick around after the Winter Bike Expo for the 45NRTH Vinterhammer Superfat Crit, a criterium race for fatbikes set up on a feature laden course along the railroad trench of the Midtown Greenway.  Racers must have fat tires of at least 3.7" or wider and lights since the race will be conducted in the dark.  Racing starts at 6:00pm and entry requires a non-perishable food donation to Second Harvest Heartland.  Freewheel Midtown Bike Center is located at 2834 10th Ave. S. in Minneapolis right on the Midtown Greenway.