Thứ Ba, 29 tháng 7, 2014

Minnesota Mountain Bike Group Rides


Now that Summer is in full swing and the weather has been cooperative, the mountain bike trails have had a chance to dry out from a very wet Spring.  Conditions are becoming tacky to dry in most areas prompting more mountain bikers to hit the trails.  I was recently asked by a fellow mountain biker who was interested in riding with others, "Where do you find out about group mountain bike rides?"  I pointed him in the right direction to some sources that I knew of.  This got me thinking, I should put together a list so everyone can easily find out about rides in their area.  I did some research and gathered the information I could find for this post.  If I missed your group ride or one that you know of, send me an email with a link to more information and I will get it listed.

Twin Cities Area

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists
(Year round - various locations)

Penn Cycle
(Through September 10th - various locations)

Freewheel Bike
Theodore Wirth Singletrack

Maple Grove Cycling
Elm Creek Park Reserve
(Through September 15th)

Carver Mountain Monday
 Chain Gang Mountain Ride
Burnsville MTB Ride
TNT - Tuesday Night Theo
Battle Creek Run Around
The Dirty Sprocket
Thursday Night Off-Road Ride
MTB @ Elm Creek
(Through August - Various locations and days)

Michael's Cycles
(Wednesday's - Various locations)

Southern MN

Mankato Area Mountain Bikers
More info on the MAMB Facebook page 
(Through November - Kiwanis Recreation Area)

Nicollet Bike
(Summer - Mount Kato)

Northern MN

Ski Hut
(Through September 8th - Duluth Area Trail Network)

Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Bicycling Association
More info on the GRIMBA Facebook page
(Legion Trailhead - Grand Rapids)

Thứ Sáu, 25 tháng 7, 2014

Minnesota's Big Bog State Recreation Area

The boardwalk built in 2005 allows visitors rare access to a bog landscape at Big Bog State Recreational Area.

Fire tower with views of Red Lake.
Finding beauty in one of 
America's biggest bogs

Photos & text by Lisa Meyers McClintick

With the excitement of a birder spotting a rare warbler, my daughter and I quickly sunk to our knees on the edge of the Big Bog boardwalk to study our botanical target: insect-eating pitcher plants.

Black spruce
They carried enough of creepy-crawly “eew” factor to convince my 10-year-old daughter, Kylie, to road trip an hour north of Bemidji to see what Minnesota’s Big Bog was all about. Here, this glimpse of the sprawling 500-square-mile peatland thick with spongy moss and dotted with skinny spires of spruce and tamarack was a natural world we’ve never seen before.

Few Minnesotans have, but a mile-long bog boardwalk built eight years ago made it possible to access what some call Minnesota’s last true wilderness. Technically named the Red Lake Peatlands (and aptly located north of Red Lake), it ranks as the biggest bog in America's lower 48 states.

Pitcher plants trap insects for nutrients.
Ancient patterns, modern bombs

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a bog differs from other wetlands--swamps, fens and marshes--in that it usually forms in the ancient glacial lake beds of northern climates. They’re also dominated by sphagnum peat, usually high in acid, low in oxygen. Peat piles up over thousands of years, forming a spongy island two to 20 feet deep atop the water table.

Sphagnum moss covers the peat and is considered antiseptic and three times more absorbent than cotton. It’s been used to dress wounds and as a component of primitive diapers. Big Bog State Recreational Area Superintendent Doug Easthouse says it also can hold water up to 27 times its dry weight.

Put another way, he says, “If the bog were drained, it could cover the state in water.”

With his quiet, calming voice, Easthouse hunches over an aerial photograph of the Big Bog on the floor of the visitor center to point out bog patterns that have formed over the last 5,000 years across land once covered by Glacial Lake Agassiz. The bog ripples with glacial ridges and depressions (also called strings and flarks) and ovoid islands (elevated stands of black spruce like sandbars in a river).

Bloom of the pitcher plant at the Big Bog.
Globally, the peatland’s unique patterns make this bog stand out, as well as the fact it remains mostly pristine. Early pioneers failed to successfully drain and farm the land, and there hasn’t been extensive peat harvesting that has depleted bogs in other countries such as Ireland.

Easthouse shows just a few human scars left on the bog: one remote lake and a few ponds created by practice bombing in the 1950s and 60s by Navy pilots, but they are hard to spot in this vast wilderness of 1,728 acres.

“It’s almost like it’s frozen in time,” Easthouse says.

Exploring the bog

On the day we visit, a man has journeyed from Pittsburgh to seek a rare Connecticut warbler. He finds it, along with a LeConte’s sparrow, and more, winding up staying three nights in the park, Easthouse says.

More than 110 of Minnesota’s 304 bird species live in the peatland, including the great gray owl. Keen wildlife observers might also catch turtles, frogs and sandhill cranes.

Minnesota's Big Bog boardwalk.
When we arrive at the bog walk parking lot, horseflies swarm the minivan and hurry us past a pond where wild roses sweeten the breeze and clusters of white-striped admiral butterflies flit across the gravel path. Then we duck into a thick arch of foliage where the aluminum boardwalk begins.

It feels cool and dense, reminding us of mangrove walks in Florida before opening into thick stands of bog birch, dogwood and willow before thinning to resilient spruce with snug little cones and tamarack with clusters of bristle-brush needles. The drone of flies quiets the further we walk.

Bog laurel in bloom
Along the way, blueberry shrubs and cranberries intertwine with bog laurel and fuzzy-topped cotton grasses sway and cluster together like white shrink-rayed versions of Dr. Seuss’s truffula trees. We finally reach the interpretive panels and first signs of carnivorous plants, which adapted to eating insects for nutrients other plants get from soil.

A thick-petaled maroon flower nods above the pitcher plants with cupped leaves that discreetly emerge from mounds of moss with vivid greens and streaks of red and yellow. Cupped leaves shimmer with rainwater that traps flies and other bugs drawn to its musty scent and thwarted by tiny hairs on the leaves.


We fail to find the wild orchids or carnivorous sundew plants on our own, but the pretty lavender rose pogonia orchids should be in bloom through International Bog Day July 26 when naturalists will help visitors spot the bog’s hidden treasures. 

Minnesota Big Bog  cotton grasses bob in the wind.
John Devins, a Waconia resident and longtime Red Lake visitor, knows those gifts of the bog continually change. His family has owned a local cabin since the 1950s, and his mom, Patty, in particular is an admirer of the Big Bog and how it changes with seasons, including fall when the tamarack turn to bright gold against sharp blue skies.

“It’s probably one of the best-kept secrets in northern Minnesota,” he says.

Click here to read the full feature in the Star Tribune Outdoors Weekend section and get information on International Bog Day activities.


Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project is Underway


After many years of discussion, debate and extensive studies, the rehabilitation project for the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge over Long Meadow Lake is finally underway.  Since its closure in 2002 to pedestrian and bike traffic, the old steel truss bridge has been deteriorating and considered an undue safety hazard.


Now that the City of Bloomington has secured Federal and State funding for the rehabilitation project, construction will begin in 2015 and open to cyclists and pedestrians in the Spring of 2016.  A team of  bridge engineers and historians has been hired to consult and develop the final project design plan which will wrap up in November.  Bid letting for the project is expected to take place in December and project commencement in January 2015.


This project has been long awaited by cyclists and will be a very important river crossing not only for bike commuters, but recreational riders and pedestrians alike.  A public meeting on the project was held in June and another will be held this Fall.

For more information about the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge visit the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge over Long Meadow Lake - History Frequently Asked Questions page on the City of Bloomington website.  For a background of the bridge, project status and information on public meetings about the project, visit the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Over Long Meadow Lake website.   Subscribe to receive email updates on the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Project.

Chủ Nhật, 20 tháng 7, 2014

The River Valley 100 Takes Riders Through the Scenic Countryside Around Mankato

http://rivervalley100.com/
Are you an experienced century rider or a century virgin that wants a challenge?  The River Valley 100 is your chance to ride with other cyclists through the scenic river valleys around Mankato and St. Peter in South-Central Minnesota.  This is a non-supported century ride with two route options, a 100 mile paved road ride and a 100 km gravel ride.  *A new 100 km gravel race option has been added.

http://rivervalley100.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/rivervalley-poster-2014.pdfThe ride will take place on September 21st starting and finishing at the Mankato Family YMCA.  Registration starts at 7 am and the ride at 7:30 am.  This is a free ride, but you need to register because space is limited.  Registration can be done online or by mailing your Name, Address, Email, Age (on date of ride) and Route Choice (Gravel or Paved) with a signed waiver to:

  River Valley 100
c/o Julie Larsen
316 Woodshire Drive
Mankato, MN 56001

Helmets are required and donations will be accepted to offset costs.  For updates on the River Valley 100, "like" their Facebook page.

Thứ Năm, 17 tháng 7, 2014

Two New Gravel Rides Taking Place in Northern Minnesota Later This Summer

Gravel riding/racing in Minnesota is gaining steam in its popularity and new events keep showing up all over the state.  Here are two more that are happening late this Summer in Northern Minnesota that you can get in on.

Fiddlin' Fifty Gravel Grinder
August 23, 2014
Image Credit: Susan Hoppe & Scott Dahlquist

The Fiddlin' Fifty Gravel Grinder is a 50+ mile unsupported free gravel ride in Balkan TWP that will venture mostly through the Superior National Forest north of the Laurentian Divide.  The ride is organized by Susan Hoppe & Scott Dahlquist and will start and finish from their home on Saturday, August 23rd.  There are no stops along the way for food or water so come prepared.  Cue sheets will be handed out the morning of the ride detailing the route, but not until then.  Afterward there will be a potluck for those cyclists that would like to bring a dish to pass.

Image Credit: Susan Hoppe & Scott Dahlquist

Postcard registration is now open and the organizers will take the first 100 entrants they receive by August 20th.  Send a postcard with your name, address, primary and secondary telephone numbers, e-mail, and age to:

Fiddlin' Fifty 
c/o Scott Dahlquist 
6479 Colombe Rd. 
Chisholm, MN 55719


Check in will be from 7:30-8:00 am the morning of the ride where you will need to sign a waiver.  Ride starts at 9:00 am and helmets are required for all riders.  Visit the Fiddlin' Fifty Facebook page for updates.

Legendary Laurentian
Adventure Bike Ride
September 20, 2014
Image Credit: Giants Ridge

Image Credit: John Filander
The Legendary Laurentian Adventure Bike Ride is a 50 mile gravel ride being hosted by Giants Ridge in Biwabik.  The route will take you on lots of gravel roads, snowmobile & ski trails, fire roads and a portion of the Mesabi Trail.  With this kind of terrain, John Filander (ride organizer), who has ridden the course on his cross bike recommends cross bike tires of 33mm and larger.
This ride will kick off at Giants Ridge on September 20 at 9:20 am.  Registration is required ($20 entry fee) and includes a post ride BBQ with craft beer and door prizes.

To register for the Legendary Laurentian, send an email to John Filander or call 218-865-8021.  Giants ridge also has lodging available, email Giants Ridge Central Reservations or call 866-409-6650.

Thứ Ba, 15 tháng 7, 2014

Best North Shore adventures along Minnesota's Lake Superior

With crystal clear water and a stunning lakeshore, kayaking along Lake Superior can't be topped.

Top 10 things to do in Lutsen and Tofte, Minn. 

Photos & feature by Lisa Meyers McClintick

Looking for one of Minnesota's most scenic spots and best destinations for adventures? Point the car north and buzz up the North Shore along Lake Superior for a guaranteed great getaway.

Crystal clear waters at Bluefin Bay in Tofte 
One of our favorite places to stay is Lutsen and Tofte, only a few miles apart, but with a wide choice of lodging, plenty of outfitters for biking and paddling, the incredible Sawtooth Mountains, beautiful coves on Lake Superior and fantastic dining.

Here are our top picks for things to do and where to go in Lutsen and Tofte.

1. Get out on the water. Even if you've never gone kayaking or consider yourself so-so with a paddle, you can't pass up this opportunity on calm, serene summer days when Lake Superior's so clear, you can see deep down to volcanic ledges and tumbled-smooth boulders that seem to waver and shift with sunlight and shadows.

Temperance River State Park
Tamper down any niggling fears of capsizing and succumbing to hypothermia. There are plenty of guides to make sure you know what you're doing and have all the support you need. If you stay at Bluefin Bay or Lutsen Resort, complimentary kayaking comes with your lodging. You can also arrange paddling trips through Sawtooth Outfitters, which also does trips to the Temperance River, Palisade Head and sea caves, or Split Rock Lighthouse with a chance to paddle across the Madeira shipwreck.

Temperance River State Park
We did a trip starting at Tofte Bay, admiring rugged cliffs, envying those who own private homes tucked into woods and watching for streams spilling into Superior. Here, along this shore where we’ve vacationed for more than four decades, kayaking gave us a new perspective on a familiar and beloved place and a chance to relax with the tick-tock rhythm of paddling. Dip. Pull. Flip. Dip.

If you have young kids with you or the weather looks breezy, guides can take you inland to warmer, easier lakes.

2. Take a hike. Temperance River State Park offers beautiful trails along the mouth of the river and onto the Lake Superior shore, but don’t miss inland hiking along the river’s series of thundering falls that carved dramatic gorges and sculpted giant potholes. Hike back far enough, and you’ll reach its more placid beginnings and a great spot to hop rock to rock across the water.

Bike along the Gitchi-Gami Trail.
The park also connects to the Superior Hiking Trail, which heads north to Carlton Peak. You can also drive up Carlton Peak Road for a short, steep hike that rewards you with a 1,526-foot elevation view of the Sawtooth Mountains. The state park includes more than 50 campsites. 

3. Bike the trail: Tofte offers two paved sections of the Gitchi-Gami State BikeTrail: A three-mile stretch from Tofte that heads south to Schroeder’s Cross River Falls (gorgeous and easy to admire from the Highway). Another section starts on the northern edge of Tofte and runs for 7.3 miles to Ski Hill Road by Lutsen. 

Lake Superior cobblestones
North Shore lupine
4. Massage your muscles: Waves of Superior Spa provides pampering for stressed or achy muscles with massages, gentle acoustic music, a fireplace in the relaxation lounge and light lunches on a patio facing Lake Superior and adjacent Surfside on Superior townhomes. Regional influences include lake-tumbled rocks for hot-stone massage, spruce- or pine-scented massage oils, a ground wild rice body scrub and a blueberry-soy sugar scrub. Spa guests also can use the resort’s pool and whirlpool for the day. 

Surfside on Superior brings a modern look to the shore.
5. Explore history: Just south of Tofte, Schroeder’s Cross River Heritage Center is based in a beautifully rescued 1929 inn and general store. It blends the work of regional artists with historic displays, including a room that recreates the timber-frame style of architect Edwin Lundie. The center hosts an annual tour of Lundie cabins and distinctive vacation homes, as well.

6. Learn about fishing heritage. You can learn about Tofte's nautical roots and how early Scandinavian settlers made a living fishing Lake Superior and its rivers, and then selling or smoking whitefish, trout and salmon. The North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum includes indoor exhibits along with an interpretive boardwalk following the bay.

Surfside on Superior
7. Wake up to Lake Superior views. The lakeside condos at Bluefin Bay in Tofte make it easy to walk to breakfast or dinner, shop or visit the fishing museum. The resort includes the Bluefin Grille restaurant overlooking Superior, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a clear enclosure to protect it from lake winds.

Lutsen hiking on Moose Mountain.
South of Tofte, Surfside on Superior resort offers some of the North Shore’s most luxurious lodging with contemporary townhomes facing the lake. Huge picture windows and lofted master bedrooms make the most of the view, while full kitchens with red birch cabinets make it easy to stay put.

Both resorts are run by Bluefin Bay and include complimentary kayak lessons, the use of bikes and some dog-friendly lodging. 

8. Enjoy North Shore cuisine. Start the day with artisan breads, scones, pastries or granola pancakes at Coho Café. You can sit on the patio on warm days and cool off with creative salads and homemade dressings such as maple Dijon and strawberry rhubarb. Grab smoked fish dip and crackers to go for a lakeside picnic.  Don’t miss their pizzas, which include a Call of the Wild with locally made wild rice sausage.

Lutsen's tram ride is even prettier with fall colors.
9. Ride the Lutsen Mountains gondola. For an eagle-eye view of Lake Superior and surrounding forests, take a ride on the red mountain tram, which picks up visitors near the ski chalet, drifts above the Poplar River and lifts into the Sawtooth Mountains with a final swoop up the rocky ledge of Moose Mountain. Take the loop hike that circles the mountains and threads through shady trees and over craggy rocks. The resort also operates a fun alpine slide during the summer months.


10. Dine in Minnesota's Sawtooth Mountains. If you ride the mountain tram to Summit Chalet, you can grab a meal or just a cold beer (or hot coffee) with one of the best dining views in Minnesota. If you prefer a meal at Papa Charlie’s near the chalet, it hosts live music most weekends. (A bonus for parents: You can find some unique kids' meal items such as potstickers. (1-218-663-7281; www.lutsen.com).
Summit Chalet at Lutsen

Sunburst lichen colors lakeshore rock.
Need more info? Contact the Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder Visitor Information Center, 1-218-663-7804 or Cook County Visitors Bureau.

Visiting in winter? Check out my feature on skiing, dogsledding and a bucket-list sleigh ride along the North Shore.

St. Cloud-based Lisa Meyers McClintick (lisamcclintick.com) wrote Day Trips from the Twin Cities and has been traveling to the North Shore for four decades. 



Product Review: Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk


The Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk is a versatile bag that I have come to love.  I have put it to the test it in all types of weather on the fatbike and my road bike.  One of the things I like most is it gives me that extra carrying capacity without having to install a rack for a trunk bag.  This bag has a big 400 cubic inches (12.5” L x 7” H x 8.5” W) of space to carry what I need for those longer rides or commutes to work.
 

Installation is easy and only takes a few seconds.  With two straps that attach to the seat post and two more that secure to the saddle rails, it stays in place even when fully loaded.  Depending on the load of the bag, the saddle rail straps and the flap closure can be adjusted for a snug fit.


The outer pocket on the back flap of the Saddle Trunk is nice for little things like keys, money or a multi-tool and tire levers.  There is even a spot to attach a tail light.


The "waterproof" part of this bag is made possible by a replaceable welded liner.  I have been caught in the occasional downpour and my stuff didn't get wet, even without fenders.  This proved invaluable when commuting to work and arriving with a dry change of clothes. 

I found this bag especially useful for rides on the fatbike in the fall and winter.  It came in quite handy on those cool morning rides that turn into warm afternoon rides.  The compartment is big enough for me to ditch the jacket and gloves to continue riding without overheating.  Other items like goggles, pogies/gloves, snacks and extra water bottles easily fit into the Saddle Trunk so I was always prepared for changing weather conditions or an all day ride.  The waterproof qualities of the Saddle Trunk made sure my items stayed dry on warmer days where slush and puddles are common.


My overall impressions of the Waterproof Saddle Trunk are it is a quality bag at a reasonable price that keeps my items dry and has the extra storage space I need.  What more could I ask for?  With easy on and off installation it is very convenient to use with multiple bikes making it a flexible bag choice.  Along with the Banjo Brothers Frame Pack, it is standard equipment for all my long distance gravel/road rides and commutes to work.   


The Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk is available from the Banjo Brothers Online Store, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Disclosure:  Banjo Brothers provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Thứ Sáu, 11 tháng 7, 2014

Cyclopath Now Helps Find Bikeable Routes Throughout Greater Minnesota

http://cyclopath.org/

Cyclopath is a geo-wiki bike route planner that is operated by GroupLens Research at the University of Minnesota.  Until recently, this useful route planning tool was limited to the Seven County Metro Area.  Now Cyclopath has added the MnDOT road network to their map making easier to find routes throughout the state based on your own bikeability ratings for roads and trails.  Using Cyclopath is easy and can be done either on the website or on your Android device with the Cyclopath app.

Cyclopath's map is editable where anyone can add information about roads, bike trails, locations and cycle routes.  Your input will help Cyclopath and MnDot improve the data contained in the map.  For more information on the privacy policy and what is done with the data collected, visit the Cyclopath User Agreement page.


Now you can find a bike route anywhere in Minnesota based on your biking preferences.  Do you want to find the fastest route with the shortest distance?  How about traveling a little or a lot further to include highly rated roads?  Would you like to travel a little or a lot further to include trails and bike lanes?  These preferences can be chosen on both the website and the Android app.

Website
Android App

Website

When you are ready to find your route, enter your starting point and desired destination using the website or Android app and select your bikeability preferences.  For demonstration purposes, I chose to search for a route from Cannon Falls to Mankato using a higher bikeability preference.



After the route is found on the website, you can view the overview of the route, route directions, print a cue sheet and download a GPX file to be imported into most GPS devices or for upload to sites like Runtastic, MapMyRide and RideWithGPS.  When logged in, routes can be saved to your library for later use or on the Android app.


In the app, the route will be displayed and (with GPS enabled) it will show your location along the route.  Switch between the route map and route directions by selecting the menu button in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.  The app even has an option to record your GPS track.  Saved routes from the website and the app can be accessed and loaded, too.

These are just a few of the features that are possible with Cyclopath.  For more information including video tutorials, FAQ, guidelines for map editing and the User Manual, visit the Cyclopath Geowiki Help page.  To sign up for a free Cyclopath account to contribute and improve map data or save routes to your library, visit the Log in/ Create Account page.  The Cyclopath app is free on Google Play.

Thứ Tư, 9 tháng 7, 2014

Minneapolis Bike Tour Returns for 8th Year

The Minneapolis Bike Tour has become a yearly tradition for cyclist of all ages and abilities since its inauguration in 2007.  This event allows participants to enjoy a tour of Minneapolis on segments of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and the Midtown Greenway at their own pace with the parkways and roadways free of traffic.  Proceeds from the tour will benefit  bike safety and education events for Minneapolis youth as well as bike trail improvement projects throughout the system.


The Minneapolis Bike Tour takes place on Sunday, September 14th and will start and finish on Boom Island in Minneapolis.  There will be 16, 25 and 32 mile routes to choose from complete with hydration stops, mechanical and medical support.  Don't forget your helmet, wearing it is a requirement of  all participants during the ride.

Image Credit: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Photographers

Stick around for a post-ride party with live music and beer (available for participants 21+ with ID).  Local food vendors will be on hand as well as exhibitor booths and Bike Tour merchandise will be available for sale.  The post-ride party will open from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Image Credit: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Photographers

Registration is available online until September 10th at 9:00 am.  Register early, after September 10th the fee goes up $5.  On-site registration will be available on September 13th from 8:30 am to 12 noon and  September 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 am.  Registration fee for adults (18+) is $40, youth (ages 6-17) is $15 and children under 5 are free.

Image Credit: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Photographers

For more information about the Minneapolis Bike Tour, visit the FAQ page, Bike Tour Details page and the About the Minneapolis Bike Tour page.  If you have additional questions contact the Minneapolis Parks Customer Service at 612-230-6400 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or send an email to specialevents@minneapolisparks.org.  More than 150 Bike Tour Volunteers are needed to make this event a success.  If you would like to volunteer or get more information about volunteering, call 612-313-7779 or send an email to smcgrath@minneapolisparks.org.