Open Streets MPLS Returns With Eight Events For 2016

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

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

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

Open Streets MPLS Dates

Lyndale Avenue South

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

22nd St. W. to 42nd St. W. 

Facebook Event Page

Downtown

Sunday, July 10th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Washington Ave. N. from 8th Ave. N to 1st Ave. N.
& 1st Ave. N. from Washington Ave. N. to 8th St. S.

Facebook Event Page 

East Lake Street

Sunday, July 24th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 Elliot Ave. to 42nd Ave. S.

Facebook Event Page

Northeast

Sunday, August 7th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

13th from 2nd to 5th/5th from 13th to 22nd/
22nd from 5th to Central/Central from Lowry to 18 1/2th 
Facebook Event Page

Franklin Avenue

Sunday, August 21st
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Portland Ave. to 28th Ave. S.

Facebook Event Page 

Broadway

Saturday, September 10th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lyndayle to Penn Ave. N.

Facebook Event Page

Nicollet

Sunday, September 18th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake St. W. to 46th St. W.

Facebook Event Page

University of Minnesota

Saturday, October 1st
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cedar Riverside/West Bank/Dinkytown
Facebook Event Page

 For updates on Open Streets MPLS visit them on Facebook, Twitter or their website.

Resources for Planning a Minnesota Summer Biking Vacation

Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to start planning your Summer biking vacation(s).  With so many biking destinations around our great state you may want to get more information to help you decide where to go and where to stay.  There are so many resources available at your fingertips that planning your trip has become easier than ever.  Cities and regions around Minnesota are competing for your travel dollars this summer and they have made it easy to find more information about their destinations to attract you.

Minnesota has a lot to offer cyclists whether your discipline is road cycling, mountain biking, gravel, trail or bikepacking.  A great place to start is the Explore Minnesota website.  There is a lot of information here to help you plan the kind of rides you would like to take.  It contains an array of brochures that you can download, view online or have mailed to you.  Quite a few free regional brochures are listed for all areas of the state that can also be selected for mailing.  Go to the Explore Minnesota Travel Guides page to access these brochures.  There are also planning tools beyond just the website, Explore Minnesota Tourism staffs a travel information center with travel counselors that will help you with customized information (by phone, mail or e-mail) for planning your trip.

The 2015-16 Pedal MN Minnesota Biking Guide is another great place to start.  This free publication is available to view online, download or have mailed to you.  It is full of information on paved trails, on-road touring and mountain biking around the state.  It also contains links to trail maps, events and biking destination areas.  Another useful source of Minnesota cycling information is the Pedal Minnesota website that is filled with upcoming events, places to ride, trail information and trip planning resources.

If you have a destination in mind for your trip, try heading to the tourism or visitor's bureau website for that area or city.  Sites like Visit Duluth, Iron Range Tourism, Cuyuna Lake Chamber of Commerce and Root River Trail Towns are full of information that will help you find lodging, dining, attractions, events and area trails.  You may also visit my MN Tourism Resources page for a huge listing of online resources throughout the state.

The Minnesota DNR website contains all sorts of information on biking including State Trails, State Parks & Recreation Areas, State Forests, camping/lodging and other biking opportunities.  If you're looking to get off the beaten path, do some bikepacking or ride somewhere with great scenery, the DNR website is a great choice to get you started.

Summer is right around the corner, so use the wealth of information available on the Internet to make planning your next biking trip a breeze.  For easy to find trail maps and trail information for the Twin Cities Area, Southern MN, Central MN and Northern MN, don't forget about MN Bike Trail Navigator.  I have already done the research to find the links so you don't have to.

Penn Cycle Offers Ten Group Rides for the Summer

Penn Cycle & Fitness has put together ten group rides for the Summer of 2015 and they include road, mountain bike, women's only and triathlete/endurance training.  I have listed all of them with a brief description and link to more information.  Rides run Tuesday through Saturday, so there is sure to be one to fit your schedule and ability.

Tuesday

Tuesday Night Tours

Penn Cycle Bloomington

Skill Level Suggested – 15-18 mph for the length of the ride. Everyone is welcome. If you are looking for more of a challenge, may we suggest our Wednesday night rides? A few more miles and a faster pace (18-20).  All riders must be at least 18 years old, or have a parent signature, along with pre-authorization.  All trips are 20-30 miles in length.  Schedules of rides may be changed at leader’s discretion.  Start time is 5:30pm.  Helmets required.  Visit the Tuesday Night Tours schedule for more information.  

Tuesday Night Road Bike Ride

Penn Cycle Woodbury

If you have ridden the Penn ride any of the previous few years you know the details.  Pace is typically 16-18 mph.  This is a no-drop ride, within reason.  No water stops on this loop around Grey Cloud and Cottage Grove.  Ride leaves from Penn Cycle in Woodbury at 5:30pm.  Please arrive early enough to get your bike ready.  Bring any necessary gear and nutrition.  You are expected to be able to support yourself on the road.  Common courtesy/safety to other riders and rules of the road will be enforced.  All rides run May through August excluding holidays.  Visit the Tuesday Night Road Bike Ride page for more information.

Image Credit: Penn Cycle & Fitness

Every Other Tuesday Road Ride

Penn Cycle Blaine

Coach Leah, Overall Winner of the 2014 TNT TT Series will be leading a ride on the alternative Tuesdays that are not Time Trial Race-day nights from Penn Cycle Blaine.
Time:  Meet 5:45pm Penn Cycle Blaine
Ride Departs:  6-8/8:30pm
A Level Ride:  Tri/Road
Pace:  19/20 mph avg
Distance:  20-30 miles
Visit the Every Other Tuesday Road Ride flyer for more information.

Image Credit: Leah Prudhomme

Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride

Penn Cycle Eagan

All rides start and end at Penn Cycle Eagan - 2290 Cliff Road. Eagan, MN. Start time is 5:30 pm sharp.  Ride locations will be determined by ride leaders by Sunday for the following Tuesday and posted on the Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride Facebook Group or call Penn Cycle Eagan at 651-882-1241 for more information.
Ride Dates: May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Ride Locations: Lebanon Hills - Eagan
Minnesota River Bottoms - Bloomington/Eagan
Murphey-Hanrehan - Savage
Visit the Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride flyer for more information.

Image Credit: Justin Williams Photos

Wednesday

Wednesday Night Tours

Penn Cycle Bloomington

SKILL LEVEL SUGGESTED – 18-20 mph for the length of the ride.   Everyone is welcome .   If you feel uncomfortable with this pace, may we suggest our Tuesday Night Rides.   Fewer miles, slower pace, very n ice, fun rides!  All riders must be at least 18 years old.  All trips are 30 - 40 miles. A one time Free or Deluxe Penn group ride membership form must filed out to ride our rides.  The forms will be kept on file. Schedule of rides may be changed at leader’ s discretion. Start times are 5:30 p.m. Sharp!  Helmets required.  Visit the Wednesday Night Tours schedule for more information.

Wednesday Night Worlds Road Ride

Penn Cycle Eagan

The Eastside group ride leaves from Penn Cycle in Eagan at 5:30 p.m. sharp starting early in the year and ending late.   SKILL LEVEL: Advanced-Expert –This is a fast ride averaging over 21mph. All riders must be at least 18 years old, or have a parent signature, along with pre-authorization, (call ride leader). A release form must be signed before the start of each ride.  For more information visit the Penn Cycle Wednesday Night Worlds page, the Flat City Wednesday Night Worlds page or call Penn Cycle in Eagan at (651) 882-1241.

Image Credit: Justin Williams Photos

Women's Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Ride

Penn Cycle Eagan/Bloomington/Woodbury

Women of all riding abilities are welcome!  Riders must be a minimum of 18 years old.  Helmets required.  Rides leave at 6pm.  Rides run from May 27th to September 16th (end of the season party) and meet at various Penn Cycle locations and MTB parks.  Visit the Women's Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Ride Schedule for dates, locations and more information.

Image Credit: Justin Williams Photos

Thursday

Thursday Night Road Ride

Penn Cycle Woodbury

Come ride Woodbury, Afton, Lake Elmo, Washington County area with Ride Leader Dave McGrath.  Fun, no drop, group bike ride. The ride leaves Penn Cycle's Woodbury parking lot at 5:30pm.  Average Speed 16-18 mph.  We will have sprints up the hills, but regroup at the top of them to ride together again.  David is a bike sales consultant at the Woodbury location.  The more riders the better.
Helmets are required.  We stop at all STOP signs and lights. All rides are "No Drop Policy, meaning that no one will be left behind.  No worries about getting lost.  All of our rides are intended to have get more people into the sport, have fun, relax after work/school, and promote a healthy life.  Check our website www.penncycle.com after 4pm to see if any rides are cancelled or with any questions about our rides, please call the Woodbury Penn Cycle 651 731-9458 or the ride leader at 530-617-2317.  Visit the Thursday Night Road Ride page for more information.

Image Credit: Dave McGrath

Friday

Friday Women's Mountain Bike Ride

Elm Creek Park

This is a fun, all women's ride with frequent stops and a relaxed pace.  (Experienced riders are welcome too!)  For more information email blaine@penncycle.com.  Ride Flyer

Saturday

Saturday Morning Road Ride

Penn Cycle Blaine

Calling all Tri-athletes, Cyclists and endurance athletes!  Want a ride that will fit in your training?  Sick of riding alone?  Want to push yourself to the next level?  Come ride with Coach Leah and her team.
Time:  Show up by 8:45am.  Ride 9am to 12noon-ish.
Ride Level:  A-Ride Triathletes, Tri-Bikes and Road Cyclists Welcome!
Avg. Pace:  19-20 mph
Distance:  40+ miles
Visit the Saturday Morning Road Ride flyer for more information.

Open Streets MPLS Returns With Eight Events For 2015

As the Summer biking season approaches Open Streets MPLS returns in its fifth year with eight events around the city. What started as one event in 2011 has grown into something big that gives cyclists, pedestrians, skaters and skateboarders a new way to see the city without automobile traffic.  These events provide a safe place for people to get to know these neighborhoods, do some shopping, have some fun, meet new people and it's all free.

An initiative of the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, Open Streets MPLS has become a huge success bringing out thousands of people for these events.  Come and join the fun family atmosphere that is Open Streets in these great Minneapolis neighborhoods and see the city in a whole new way.

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

Image Credit: Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition

   

Open Streets MPLS Dates

Lyndale Avenue South 

Sunday, June 7
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

22nd St. W. to 42nd St. W. 

Northeast

Sunday, July 12
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

"Join us for a not just one street but a whole route!"

East Lake Street

Sunday, August 2 
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 Elliot Ave. to 42nd Ave. S.

 

Franklin Avenue

Sunday, August 16
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Portland Ave. to 28th Ave. S.

Downtown

Sunday, August 23
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Washington Ave. from 1st Ave. N to 10th Ave. N.
& 1st Ave. N. from Washington Ave. N. to 8th St. N.

University of Minnesota

Saturday, September 12
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Ave. and Oak St.

Nicollet

Sunday, September 20
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake St. W. to 46th St. W.

Lowry

Saturday, September 26
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Emerson Ave. N. to Vincent Ave. N.

For updates on Open Streets MPLS visit them on Facebook, Twitter or their website.

Facebook Groups Help Cyclists Connect

Social media has allowed us to connect with many others that have common interests and you can use this to your advantage to find cycling groups, rides, events and information.  Are you a fatbiker looking for a group ride to join?  Maybe you're a road cyclist that is looking to post or participate in a ride but don't know where to start.  You may even be looking for a place where you can ask questions or find answers for the type of cycling you like to do.  Facebook has helped many cyclists to find new ride groups, meet new friends and discover new opportunities.

In this post I will go through some of the Facebook groups that I use regularly to keep up with the cycling community at large, to join in on a ride or event that fits my schedule and find or sell bike parts and accessories.  I have started several Facebook groups to keep in touch with my bike friends and give them and others a platform to communicate.  For those of you that would like to start your own closed group with your close riding friends, this is a great way to keep up-to-date on your rides and provide a place to talk about all sorts of cycling things that interest you.  To start your own group visit this Facebook Help Center page.

There are many types of Facebook groups out there and I will categorize them and provide links so you may request to join.  For these links to work, you must be logged into Facebook.  Please be courteous and respect each group's rules.  For more information about Public and Closed groups, visit the "What are the privacy options for groups?" page.  To learn more about joining a group, visit the "How do I join a group?" page.

Group Rides

MN Fatbike Group Rides

Public 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 availabilities, 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 this Winter.

MN Group Bike Rides

Public Group

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.

Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride

Public Group

Description: 

2015 Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride Skill level suggested - Intermediate to Advanced Helmets Required! Riders must be a minimum of 18 years old. All rides start and end at Penn Cycle Eagan - 2290 Cliff Road. Eagan, MN. Start time is 5:30 pm sharp. A one-time Free or Deluxe Penn group ride membership form must filed out to ride. The forms will be kept on file. Ride Dates: May 5, 12, 19, 26 June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 14, 21, 28 August 4, 11, 18, 25 September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ride Locations: Lebanon Hills - Eagan Minnesota River Bottoms - Bloomington/Eagan Murphey-Hanrehan - Savage Ride locations will be determined by ride leaders by Sunday for the following Tuesday. Ride locations will be posted on the Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride Facebook Group or call Penn Cycle Eagan at 651-882-1241 for more information. Schedule of rides may be changed at leader’s discretion. Penn Cycle MTB Team Ride Leaders: Josh Peterson Pete Schow Mark Vanderwoude John Sandberg In cases of inclement weather or trail closures due to wet conditions, a decision to cancel the ride will be made by 5:00 pm. For more information please call Penn Cycle Eagan at 651-882-1241.

Penn Cycle Wednesday Women's Mountain Bike Ride

Public Group

Description:
We're in it for fun. These rides are not training rides, no one gets dropped and we want everyone to have fun, enjoy the trail, learn something new and meet some friends. We want to help new riders feel more comfortable on their bike as well as allow more experienced riders the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.

Fatbike

Fat Bikes 
Closed Group

Description: 
This group is dedicated to fatbikes and all their myriad forms. Post pictures, ask questions, join conversations or start your own, but please, keep it civil and friendly! Please do not make any for sale posts here, instead, use the Fatbike Trader group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fatbiketrader/ Everyone is welcome to join our group, but keep in mind, people with no profile pictures or without any biking photos will likely be ignored. Cheers!

Iron Range Fatbike Riders

Closed Group

Description: 
Fat Bike riders young and old, riding northern Minnesota's Iron Range!! Fat is where it's at!!! For most rides a FatBike will not be needed, if a FatBike is the correct tool for a certain ride, it will be noted. ***** If you have something FATBIKE related for sale. I'll allow the add to stand for 7 days, if after 7 days it's still unsold, please remove. I'd like to keep this group ride and adventure related, and to not have it get bogged down in ads. ***** Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

Central MN Fatbikes
Closed Group

Description: 
Central MN Fat Bikes are young and old who love to ride fat bikes. We ride trails, gravel, and minimum maintenance roads all year long. Averaging 5-17 mph. We ride all over Minnesota and jump at any chance to take our fatties out. This page is for those who would like to try fat biking and find out why we smile a lot.

Look at My Fatbike Leaning against stuff.

Closed Group

Description:  
Pictures and stories of fancy fancy Fatbikes. Please join us and share the group page with your fellow bike geeks.

 Events

RACE and event calendar

Public Group

Description: 
Group to publish interesting bike races, marathons, and other interesting events, and to discuss.

Gravel

MN Gravel Enthusiasts
Public Group

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, Strava, Mapmyride, RideWithGPS, Runtastic or Endomondo route links or Gravelmap.com links.

Gravel

Public Group

Description:
Celebrating gravel races, rides and road trips to those experiences.

Discussion

Twin Cities/MN Bicycle Advice & Discussion

Public Group

Description:
This page is for anyone with questions about bikes: mechanical, size, fit, use, equipment, Trail conditions and routes, etc. Ask and we shall try to answer!

Women On Bikes

Ride Like A Girl Cycling

Public Group

Description:
Ride Like a Girl Cycling is designed to be a resource for any woman looking to get into cycling or who already rides for work, pleasure or sport. This group was developed by female cyclists with the assistance of Penn Cycle to create a gathering place to find information, resources and to meet other women to ride or race with in our growing cycling community. Members looking to ride together, share bike routes, post group rides or events (races, rides, etc.), discuss equipment or Q&A are encouraged to do so. This is a female only group, so invite friends accordingly.

Grease Rag Ride & Wrench

Public Group

Description:
Everyone is welcome to be a part of this group, but please RESPECT THIS SPACE as a discussion forum for women, trans*, and femme, gender variant cyclists. Grease Rag is a free and open shop night for WTF (women/ trans/ femme) cyclists of all experience levels. www.greaserag.org/calendar 1st & 3rd Thursdays: Uptown Wrench at Sunrise Cyclery (2901 Blaisdell Ave) 7-9P 2nd & 4th Tuesdays: Northeast Wrench at Recovery Bike Shop (2555 Central Ave NE) 7-9P 2nd and 4th Thursdays: U of M Wrench at U of M Bike Center (401 SE Oak St) 7-9P 2nd and 4th Mondays: Seward Wrench at SPOKES (1915 East 22nd Street) 7-9P Hiatus: Phillips Wrench at Grease Pit (2750 Bloomington Ave.) Hiatus: Near North Wrench at Venture North (1830 Glenwood Ave) Tuesdays: Frogtown, St. Paul Wrench at Cycles for Change (712 University Ave. E.) 5-9P Wondering where that squeak is coming from? Bring it in and we'll check it out together at the listed Grease Rag open shop nights. We also host a variety of social events and rides, which are listed here: www.greaserag.org/calendar *Please do not post "For Sale" type posts in this group. Use the Twin Cities Bicycle WTF FTW Post group. "For Sale" posts will be deleted. "Tell me about your experience with this type of product" posts are always welcome here. *Please post coupons and "sale alerts" in the Twin Cities Bicycle WTF FTW Post group. Thank you! greaseragmpls@gmail.com

Twin Cities

Minneapolis Bike Love

Public Group

Description:
Love Minneapolis. Love Bikes.

Twincities Bicycle Gallery

Public Group

Description:
Show us your rad rides! This page is for those of you who cannot help but post pics of your projects to gloat. It also could serve as a public record of your ownership!

Metro Cycling

Public Group

Description:
Post ride info, races, mountain bike rides, meetings etc.

For Sale/Swap

Twin Cities Bicycle Trading Post

Public Group

Description:
• For individuals to sell, trade, barter, and post free BICYCLE related items in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
• Posts should always include: price, pictures and details.
• Posts should NOT include: just a link to your craigslist ad, spam, offensive language or anything off-topic. It will be immediately deleted and you will risk being banned.
• Posts should be deleted after the item is sold.
This groups is NOT for posting stolen bikes, asking general maintenance questions or posting advertisements. Those pages already exist and they are here:
• Stolen bike page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1382934645280517/
• Bike shop sales page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikeshopsales/
• Bicycle Advice and Answers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/638674832881457/
• If you have a join request and have no mutual friends in this group, and you have your privacy settings locked down, chances are your request will not be approved.

Mid West Velo Swap

Closed Group

Description:
A place to: - Post any cycling gear that you have for sale or trade. (or) -Post what cycling gear that you have interest in buying. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -This is a closed group that assists members in selling and/or bartering of cycling related equipment (at their own risk). - Not adhering to the rules is cause for dismissal from the group: Warnings will be given on a case by case basis.
Rules:
1: No links to eBay, Craigslist, unaffiliated Facebook groups, or any other off-group location. "You would not take a steak to steak house and ask them to cook it and call it theirs? Would you?"
2: Selling or trading on here is at your own risk. Please use your best judgement in your transactions. 3: No Spam.
4: Treat others with respect. (Yes, I had to make it a rule sadly)
5: Delete your posts that have sold.
6: Posts that are over 30 days will be deleted. This is an attempt to keep the site current and items relevant.
7: If you suspect spam or someone acting as an uncivilized connoisseur of cycling equipment, Report it.
-Rule #2 and #6 cannot be reiterated enough.

Twin Cities Bike Shop Deals

Public Group

Description:

This is a group for Bicycle Shops in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to post their deals. If you are a bike shop please consider using this group instead of the Twincities Bicycle Trading Post.

Fat Bike Trader

Closed Group

Description: 

The place to sell/buy all used Fat Bike related products. Shop owners can post great deals or group buys as well. The FSBO for Fatties...what do you have to sell?