At the request of many cyclists, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has just released the first county level bicycle maps. These 125 PDF maps can be printed on 8.5x11 or 11x17 paper to take with you to navigate during a ride or help you plan for one. While most counties are contained on one map, larger counties have been split into several map sheets.
Information on these maps will help you determine which roads are paved or gravel, which have shoulders greater or less than 4 feet, the amount of traffic volume and also includes Federal, State and Regional bicycle trails.
For those of us that enjoy riding gravel, these maps will help us to better plan out rides throughout the state in areas we may be unfamiliar with. For road cyclists, planning rides on roads with lower traffic and wider shoulders are now possible by using the information contained in the map's legend.
When planning out rides, I would recommend using these county level maps as a base guide while plotting your course with websites like RideWithGPS, MapMyRide, Strava or others that implement Google Maps. Then you can navigate using one of the above mentioned cycling smartphone apps or a gps device and leave the paper map at home. Use the Google Maps satellite mode to verify paved or gravel roads and those with narrow or wide shoulders.
Mn Dot admits that because this is their first effort to show this data on a county scale that there will be some gaps in the information contained in these maps. They welcome your comments to help improve these maps in future versions. Your feedback or recommendations can be emailed to bicyclemap.dot@state.mn.us.
Central Lakes Trail
Get out and enjoy the beautiful gem known as the Central Lakes Trail!
A while ago I put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I've contacted some of my gravel riding friends for their routes to share also. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
Thanks to everyone who contributed their routes for these last four posts. You have opened a whole new world of local and regional gravel opportunities to those that want to try gravel, prepare for that upcoming ride or race and you provided some challenging routes for those training for the Almanzo races.
I recently put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I've contacted some of my gravel riding friends for their routes to share also. I'm sure more will continue to come in. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
I will add more gravel rides to share in future posts as they become available.
I recently put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I've contacted some of my gravel riding friends for their routes to share also. I'm sure more will continue to come in. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
I will add more gravel rides to share in future posts as they become available.
The Filthy 50 returns in 2016 for its fourth year and has become a tradition for many gravel enthusiasts. Cyclists come from all over Minnesota and neighboring states to the small town of Stewartville to race on the rolling gravel roads of Olmstead and Filmore Counties. The scenery along the route is amazing and at the end of the race you will know why it was named The Filthy 50.
The Filthy 50 has introduced many to the joys of riding gravel and for some, it was their first gravel race. This will be my fourth Filthy 50, of which I have done it on a different bike each year and so the tradition will continue in 2016. October gravel is amazing with the Fall colors, scenery and weather this area offers to those that take the challenge. I highly recommend that you register and experience this race that is very special to me and many others that continue to do it year after year. Below are the details and rules direct from race organizer Trenton Raygor.
The Details
The Filthy 50 will take place on Sunday, October 9th, 2016.
The event will start and end on the north end of Stewartville, MN. The start will take place at 10am and the riders will have until 4pm to officially finish.
Registration will open on Sunday, March 20th and can be completed quickly online. Visit http://the-filthy-50.com/registration and complete the form before the 800 rider cap is reached. We trust that you will register and make it a priority to show up and ride on October 9th. If you're not sure that you can make it, we kindly request that you hold off on registering until you are certain.
Thanks to our sponsors, registration for The Filthy 50 continues to be a FREE and first come will be first served.
This event is completely unsupported. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. Individuals should bring EVERYTHING that they need for the ride and expect absolutely NOTHING to be provided to them on the day of the event.
GPX and TCX files, as well as cue sheets, will be made available for download to all riders who end up on our official roster. Navigating the course is critical, so we will do our best to prepare you for that.
Elevation profiles of the course will be provided through Filthy 50 social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) prior to Sunday, October 9th.
Days before the ride, those on the official roster will be sent event day logistics as well as some other crucial information about what to expect.
The Rules
It is of utmost importance to us that everyone stays safe and enjoys The Filthy 50. These are the rules. We think they are reasonable.
You are 100% on your own. Take care of yourself.
We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us.
This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that you will need.
Always wear your helmet.
Respect the course and keep it clean. Please do not litter.
FAREWAY - An economical food store located in Stewartville, MN.
HED - The best wheels on the planet. Seriously.
THE HUB BICYCLE CO-OP - Worker Owned and Operated
KURT KINETIC - Making the BEST indoor trainers from Minneapolis, MN.
PENN CYCLE - Your Twin Cities bike shop.
MICROSTAT LABORATORIES - ESD Specialists
RIDING GRAVEL.COM - The gravel enthusiast’s resource
ROCHESTER CYCLING - A Rochester, MN bike shop for all of your bike needs.
SUNSHINE SANITATION - Sanitation professionals from Stewartville, MN.
SURLY BREWING - Give a damn. Do good. Drink beer.
2 WHEEL WEATHER - Where cycling and weather come together.
Despite this being a free event, it wouldn’t be able to happen as intend without the support of these amazing sponsors and incredible volunteers. If you are interested in sponsoring this year, please send an email to thefilthy50@gmail.com. You can also show your support by donating to The Filthy 50 here. For those not racing that would like to volunteer you can do so by sending an email to the above address.
News Release From Trenton
The Filthy 50 will be returning to Stewartville, Minnesota for our fourth year and we couldn't be happier. For those of you who have committed to ride with us for the past three years, soon there will be a special tribute to you. You and everyone who has committed to ride with us year after year since 2013 has made The Filthy 50 what it is. You have made this ride yours and we are honored to be a part of what you have helped create. For our sponsors and those who have participated in our infamous "meat raffle" or donated anonymously, thank you for helping us make The Filthy 50 extra special for everyone. Lastly, to my family and friends who have volunteered their time and skill sets to helping us pull this thing off, we couldn't do it without you, nor would we want to, so thanks for coming back and making us do it again for one more year.
This year, there will be some added action. Alternative family friendly routes [12 and 24 mile routes] will be available upon request. We would love to see more young people out there. Just email us at thefilthy50@gmail.com after signing up if you are interested. Minneapolis based musician, Ben Weaver, will be performing live musical selections during the post ride party. In addition, Minnesota's Surly Brewing Company has joined the ranks of our sponsors and is looking forward to providing post ride libations to you all. There will also be a few mid ride surprises, so make sure to look around and don't blink.
After you register, as always, we highly encourage you to go ride your bike. The only ride you will regret is the one that you don't go on. Trust us.
I recently put up a post on the MN Gravel Enthusiasts Facebook Group requesting gravel training routes around the state that I could share with those that want to start their training early this year. I received several recommendations and I'm sure more will continue to come in. Below I will have maps and links to these rides sectioned by areas of the state.
Some of these routes have been submitted by users and not tested by me, so ride at your own risk. Bring everything with you that you will need to be self-supportive to get you back to your starting point. Also, bring plenty of food and water as there may not be any places along the way to get these items. Please do not litter. If nature calls during your ride, do not answer it in front of the locals. You may experience aggressive dogs on country roads so be prepared and know how to handle the situation.
I will add more gravel rides to share in future posts as they become available.
The unusually warm December weather we are experiencing has put us in a freeze/thaw cycle closing many of the singletrack trails around the state. To keep the legs fresh and still get some miles in the saddle on a regular basis I have put together some places to ride until the snow comes offering us some groomed singletrack.
Gravel
If it's one thing Minnesota has plenty of it's gravel. With an ever growing list of gravel rides and races throughout the year, you're sure to have plenty of route options following one of these courses. If you're new to gravel, Gravelmap.com will help you find roads to ride. I have also posted some of my favorite gravel rides on MN Bike Trail Navigator complete with maps, cue sheets, gpx file download links and Strava route links. Gravel never closes and is a great way to get in some miles with varied terrain and climbing.
Several of Minnesota's State Trails have a natural surface treadway suitable for horseback riding or mtb/fatbike use. If sharing the trail with horseback riders please use proper trail etiquette. These trails include:
River bottoms floodplains have some great riding opportunities. Two of the areas I have done some "bushwacking" are the Vermillion River Bottoms and the Minnesota River Bottoms. Bushwacking is riding through areas where there is no trail and river bottoms floodplains are a great place to do this. Fall and early Winter are great times to ride these areas of flat wooded expanses.
The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area near Ravenna TWP southeast of Hastings along the Vermillion River is definitely worth exploring. The Minnesota River Bottoms is also a good place to roll through floodplain forests and fields. Respect the area you ride and remember to leave no trace.
The Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest have plenty of Forest Service roads, logging roads and unpaved trails with some beautiful scenery to be explored. Some of these areas are remote so make sure you have everything you need to get you out of a jam and back to where you started.
Minnesota State Forests are also full of riding opportunities. These opportunities include non-motorized trails, multi-use trails, State Forest roads, Minimum Maintenance Forest Roads and OHV/ATV trails. Below are links to maps and more information on these State Forests.
The Minnesota DNR reminds you, when biking in State Forests:
Mountain biking is permitted on all state forest roads and trails unless posted closed with the exception of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State forest, where mountain bikes are permitted only on designated trails.
State forest roads can range from asphalt to gravel, maintained to minimal maintenance road surfaces.
Forest roads are used by cars, logging trucks, and other forest users (hikers, hunters, horseback riders, ATVs, and off-highway motorcycles).
All laws for public road use must be followed on state forest roads.
Watch out for logging trucks and heavy equipment in a state forest.
Check the state forest maps and Web site for road and trail closures.
Share the trail with others.
Stay on designated trails.
Keep right so others can pass.
Keep all pets on leash.
Obey traffic signs and rules.
Pack out all garbage and litter.
Respect adjoining landowners’ rights and privacy.
Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal.
Let horses know you are passing. Some may be spooked by quiet bikers or inline skaters.
Overnight camping and campfires are permitted only on designated campsites.
Do not leave campfires unattended.
Enjoy the beauty of wild plants and animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
To order a State Forest map, contact the Minnesota DNR Information Center.
Phone: 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 Email: info.dnr@state.mn.us Address: 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
Paved Trails
Paved trails are always open and many of them in Minnesota have some great scenery. For a list of trails throughout the state of Minnesota with links to more information and maps visit the appropriate MN Bike Trail Navigator trail links page for your area.
I received several recommendations from MN Fatbike Enthusiasts Facebook Group members when posed with this question "...places to ride for mountain bikers/fat bikers during this freeze/thaw period that we are in. With the trails closed, where are you guys riding to get miles in?
"7 mile creek park in Nicollet county...located off Hwy 169 between Mankato and St. Peter. Their multi-use trails have gravel and are always open." - Clay Haglund "Road bike on the trackstand, and fat-bike at Wayside Prairie and Dalbo Memorial Forest County Parks. Both dry off quickly after rain do to heavy pine cover." - Hans Erdman "The MRT trails in St. Paul along the river. I've been doing lots of 'urban exploring'. I've also ridden some gravel out towards Rosemount." - Tony Lema "All early morning rides...... Forest road/woods/mining areas, frozen gravel. Paved trails..... anywhere but established sweat earned single track goodness.... that will come next week!!" - Joe Sacco "Gateway Trail heading towards Pine Point park (don't ride in Pine Point). Lots of horse trail and singletrack there . All sand and good water wicking dirt and back." - Papito Gregorio
"Soo Line Recreation Trails in Central MN. (Approxiately 50 miles one way of trail). Lots of minimum maintenence roads that connect to these trails. Several county parks, forests, and some state trails. Check out Stearns County Recreational Trails for a list of fat bike friendly locations. I would suggest get a hold of your local bike shops, trail advocates, and bike clubs for a complete list of fat bike friendly routes. Then there is lots and lots of gravel roads winding through the country side. Several turn into minimum maintenance roads. Get up to Central MN and "get your fat on"." - Theresa Gregory
Hopefully this post will give you some ideas of where to ride so you can keep getting miles of riding enjoyment in until the singletrack trails open once we get some snow and below freezing temperatures.
Rural Minnesota is home to quite a few long standing gravel road races and with the growing popularity of the sport, rides to introduce those new to gravel are beginning to pop up, too. With varying terrain, minimum maintenance roads, elevation changes, great rural scenery and unpredictable weather in the Spring and Fall, these events are sure to be fun and challenging. Almost all of them are free, but unsupported requiring the participants to be their own repair and support crew.
This season's calendar will include all types of gravel races and rides from around the state. Some of these have registration cutoff dates, have a rider cap, or more information and registration details that are yet to be announced. Below is a list of all of the gravel events in Minnesota that I'm aware of in chronological order. I will continue to update and add events to this post as they become available. If you are a race or event organizer and would like your event listed here and on my 2016 Minnesota Bike Tours, Rides, Races & Events Schedule, please send me an e-mail.
The Fort 50 Ride-April 3, 2016 The Fort Steakhouse Fort Ripley, MN
