Mn DOT Releases County Level Bicycle Maps

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!

Fourth of July Bike Rides in the Twin Cities

Fourth of July is right around the corner and if you want to celebrate Independence Day in the saddle there are a few longstanding rides that have become tradition for many cyclists year after year.  Continue an old 4th of July cycling tradition or start a new one riding your bike with friends or fellow Twin Cities cyclists.

Freedom From Pants Ride X

Image credit: Garrick Yoong

Celebrate the Fourth without the constraints of pants on this tenth annual underwear ride through the streets of Minneapolis.  Meet up takes place in the vacant lot near the White Castle in NE Minneapolis at 6:00 pm.  Roll out begins at 7:00 pm.  Visit the Fourth of July Freedom From Pants Ride X event page on Facebook for more details, to join or share with friends.

Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride

The Frank Wicker Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride is a Prior Lake Fourth of July tradition going into its 29th year.  Take a 25 or 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Scott County.  The 25 mile short course is geared more towards recreational riders and has one rest stop along the way.  The 50 mile long course is what the ride is named for and will have three rest stops.  Mechanical support and SAG provided by Michael's Cycles.  The 50 mile ride leaves Lakefront Park in Prior Lake at 8:00 am and the 25 mile ride at 9:00 am.  There will be lunch provided after the ride.  Register online through Active.com, download the ride brochure and register by mail or register on-site the day of the ride beginning at 7:15 am at Lakefront Park.

Tour D'Amico

The Hiawatha Bicycling Club will be hosting the 17th Annual Tour D'Amico with three scenic routes to choose from complete with hydration stations and rest stops at D'Amico & Sons restaurants along the way.  These full SAG supported rides include a 29 mile tour that is suitable for all riders, a 45 mile tour and a new metric century tour (62.2 miles) for intermediate and endurance riders.  Visit the Tour D'Amico About the Rides page for more information on these routes. 

Registration can be done online or by mail with a check.  Day-of registration and packet pick up starts at 8:00 am and goes until 10:00 am July 4th at the D'Amico & Sons in Golden Valley.  After the ride, participants will be treated to an Italian buffet lunch that will be served from 11:30 to 3:30.  Proceeds from the Tour D'Amico benefit Twin City bike education and trail maintenance programs.  This is a rain or shine event.

Watermelon Ride

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club will be hosting the 35th Annual Watermelon Ride with a choice of 15, 25 or 55 mile routes.  The 15 mile route is geared for beginners getting into cycling and families with children.  The 25 mile route is ideal for both the novice and experienced rider.  Full support is provided for both the 15 and 25 mile routes and the routes will be marked.  The 55 mile route is unsupported so bring the necessary items to make repairs and fix flats.  Route maps will be handed out to riders at the registration table the day of the event.  Snacks will be supplied at rest stops and a picnic lunch will be held at Snail Lake Park following the ride until 2:30 pm.

Online pre-registration deadline is June 26th, after that the price goes up $10.  Day-of registration will also be available by printing and filling out the Registration Waiver and bringing a check made payable to the Twin Cities Bicycling Club to the registration table.  Twin Cities Bicycling Club members receive a discount for registration.  Registration for the 15 & 25 mile routes is from 8:30-10:00 am and the 55 mile route is from 7:30-9:00 am.  Registration and ride start is at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview.  This is a rain or shine event.

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.

Filthy 50 Registration Opens March 20th

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.

1.  You are 100% on your own. Take care of yourself. 
2.  We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us. 
3.  This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that you will need. 
4.  Always wear your helmet. 
5.  Respect the course and keep it clean. Please do not litter. 
6.  Obey all TRAFFIC LAWS. 
7.  If nature calls during your ride, please do not please do not answer it in front of others. 
8.  Ride safely and use good judgment. 
9.  You are responsible for you, so be responsible.
10.  Have fun!

"Race it and set a record. Ride it and take in the beauty. Either way, get filthy." - Unknown

Sponsors

The Filthy 50 is a free race made possible by generous support from the follow sponsors.

ADAM TURMAN - A professional illustrator & poster artist from the Twin Cities.

BANJO BROTHERS - Tough. Practical. Affordable. Bike Bags.

BELCH - Softcore Cycling Clothing & Apparel

 BICYCLE SPORTS - A full service bike shop in Rochester, MN.

BUCKNELL CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Meeting your construction needs, located in Stewartville, MN.

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.

Kind Regards, Trenton

2016 Minnesota Gravel Events

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 

Ragnarök 105-April 9, 2016

Red Wing, MN
105 miles
105 rider cap
Postcard registration November 27-December 31, 2015
Facebook Page   

Lakeville-Milltown-Lakeville-April 16, 2016
Harry's Cafe
Lakeville, MN
Approx. 80 miles 
100 rider cap 

Lupine Spring Classic-April 16-17, 2016
Two Harbors, MN
Approximately 120 miles
Online Registration
Facebook Event Page 

Mammoth Gravel Classic-April 16, 2016

Cyclova CX
St. Croix Falls, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Dirty Girl Skittles and M&M's Gravel Ride-April 17, 2016
House of Coates
Coates, MN 

Dickie Scramble-April 23, 2016
JJ Tailgaiters
Elgin, MN
Approximately 75 miles 
Facebook Event Page 

Riotgrrravel Women's gravel gravel riding clinic-April 24, 2016
Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar
Minneapolis, MN 

HillBilly Gravel Grinder 2016-April 30, 2016

Houston, MN
100 miles 

Miesville FiftySix-May 1, 2016
Jack Ruhr Stadium
Miesville, MN
56 miles
Registration opens January 1, 2016
Facebook Page  

Alexander 380-May 13, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
380 miles
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016

Almanzo 100/Royal 162-May 14, 2016
Spring Valley, MN
162, 100 miles
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016

RiotGRRRavel-May 21, 2016
Hastings, MN
33, 20, 10 miles
Facebook Page
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Le Grand Du Nord-May 28, 2016
Grand Marais, MN
100, 50 miles
Online Registration
Facebook Page 

Westside Dirty Benjamin-June 11, 2016
Michael's Cycles
Chaska, MN
101 miles
Facebook Page
Registration opens February 1, 2016

SKŌGS-June 16, 2016
Granger, MN

Granger to International Falls-mileage varies 

Freedhem 76 Gravel Grinder-July 2, 2016
Freedham Store
Little Falls, MN
76 miles 

Dirty Lemming-July 30, 2016

Watertown, MN
100 miles, 100 km 

Tour De Save-July 30, 2016

Riverside Park
Northfield, MN
62, 25, 10 miles, 46 mile gravel
Online Registration 

Gritty Goose-August 20, 2016

Monticello, MN
70, 50 miles
Online Registration 

 

The Heck Epic-August 20-21, 2016Two Harbors, MN
Approx. 110 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link 
Registration (Opens March 15, 2016)

Fiddlin' Fifty Gravel Grinder-August 27, 2016
Balkan Township, MN
Approx. 50 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link  

River Valley 100-August 28, 2016
Mankato Brewery
Mankato, MN
100 mile, 100k Paved ride
100k Gravel ride
Facebook Page
Registration
200 rider cap  

Gravel Conspiracy-September 9-11, 2016
Silver Bay, MN
Registration  

Back Forty-September 10, 2016
Denmark TWP, MN
Approx. 80 miles
Facebook Page 

Inspiration 100-September 10, 2016
Garfield Elementary School
Garfield, MN
Facebook Page 

Tour of Fillmore-September 18, 2016

Lanesboro, MN
77 miles 

3rd Annual Autumn Gravel Grovel-September 25, 2016
Miesville, MN
Postcard registration opens January 1, 2016
100 rider cap 
Facebook Event Page

Heck of the North-October 1, 2016
Two Harbors, MN
105, 51 miles
Gravel Cyclist Link  
Registration (Opens April 15, 2016)

The Filthy 50-October 9, 2016
Stewartville, MN
52 miles
Online Registration opens March 20, 2016
Facebook Page  

Dirt Bag-October 16, 2016
Clearwater, MN
Mileage TBD
Facebook Page

Fourth of July Bike Rides in the Twin Cities

Celebrate Independence Day in the saddle at one of these Twin Cities area events.  All of these are longstanding rides that many cyclists participate in year after year.  Continue an old 4th of July cycling tradition or start a new one riding your bike with fellow Twin Cities cyclists.

Freedom From Pants Ride IX

Image credit: Garrick Yoong

Celebrate the Fourth without the constraints of pants on this ninth annual underwear ride through the streets of Minneapolis.  Meet up takes place in the vacant lot near the White Castle in NE Minneapolis at 6:00 pm.  Roll out begins at 7:00 pm.  Visit the Fourth of July Freedom From Pants Ride IX Facebook Event page to join or share with friends.

Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride

The Frank Wicker Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride is a Prior Lake Fourth of July tradition going into its 28th year.  Take a 25 or 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Scott County.  The 25 mile short course is geared more towards recreational riders and has one rest stop along the way.  The 50 mile long course is what the ride is named for and will have three rest stops.  Mechanical support and SAG provided by Michael's Cycles.  The 50 mile ride leaves Lakefront Park in Prior Lake at 8:00 am and the 25 mile ride at 9:00 am.  There will be lunch provided after the ride.  Register online through Active.com, download the ride brochure and register by mail or register on-site the day of the ride beginning at 7:15 am at Lakefront Park.

Tour D'Amico

The Hiawatha Bicycling Club will be hosting the 16th Annual Tour D'Amico with three scenic routes to choose from complete with hydration stations and rest stops at D'Amico & Sons restaurants along the way.  This year's routes include a 29 mile, a partially new 45 mile and an all new metric century 62 mile.  All three routes have full SAG support.  Visit the Tour D'Amico About the Rides page for more information on these routes.  Registration can be done online or by mail with a check.  Day-of registration and packet pick up starts at 8:00 am and goes until 10:30 am July 4th at the D'Amico & Sons in Golden Valley.  After the ride, participants will be treated to an Italian buffet lunch that will be served from 11:30 to 3:30.  This is a rain or shine event.

Watermelon Ride

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club will be hosting the 34th Annual Watermelon Ride with a choice of 15, 25 or 52 mile routes.  The 15 mile route is geared for beginners getting into cycling and families with children.  The 25 mile route is ideal for both the novice and experienced rider.  Full support is provided for both the 15 and 25 mile routes and the routes will be marked.  The 52 mile route is unsupported so bring the necessary items to make repairs and fix flats.  Route maps will be handed out to riders the day of the event.  Snacks will be supplied at rest stops and a picnic lunch will be held at Snail Lake Park following the ride until 2:30 pm.  Online preregistration deadline is June 26th, after that the price goes up $10.  Day-of registration will also be available by printing and filling out the Registration Waiver and bringing a check made payable to the Twin Cities Bicycling Club to the registration table.  Twin Cities Bicycling Club members receive a discount for registration.  Registration for the 15 & 25 mile routes is from 8:30-10:00 am and the 52 mile route is from 7:30-9:00 am.  Registration and ride start is at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview.  This is a rain or shine event.

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.

Registration for the 2015 Filthy 50 is Now Open

The Filthy 50 is entering its third year and already it has become a tradition amongst 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.  Below are the details and rules direct from race organizer Trenton Raygor.

Image Credit: Adam Morgan

Image Credit: Adam Morgan

The Details

• The Filthy 50 will take place on Sunday, October 11th, 2015.
• 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 Friday, March 20th and can be completed quickly online. Visit http://the-filthy-50.com/registration and complete the form before the 600 rider cap is reached. We trust that you will register and make it a priority to show up and ride on October 11th. 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 11th. 
• 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.

1.  You are 100% on your own. Take care of yourself. 
2.  We would appreciate it if you would REGISTER with us. 
3.  This ride is unsupported. Bring EVERYTHING with you that you will need. 
4.  Always wear your helmet. 
5.  Respect the course and keep it clean. Please do not litter. 
6.  Obey all TRAFFIC LAWS. 
7.  If nature calls during your ride, please do not please do not answer it in front of others. 
8.  Ride safely and use good judgement. 
9.  You are responsible for you, so be responsible.
10.  Have fun! 

A look back at the 2014 Filthy 50

 

"Race it and set a record. Ride it and take in the beauty. Either way, get filthy." - Unknown

Sponsors

The Filthy 50 is a free race made possible by generous support from the follow sponsors.

ADAM TURMAN - A professional illustrator & poster artist from the Twin Cities.

BANJO BROTHERS - Tough. Practical. Affordable. Bike Bags.

 BICYCLE SPORTS - A full service bike shop in Rochester, MN.

BUCKNELL CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Meeting your construction needs, located in Stewartville, MN.

FAREWAY - An economical food store located in Stewartville, MN.

 HED - The best wheels on the planet. Seriously.

KURT KINETIC - Making the BEST indoor trainers from Minneapolis, MN.

 PENN CYCLE - Your Twin Cities bike shop.


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.

2 WHEEL WEATHER - Where cycling and weather come together.

WOLF TOOTH COMPONENTS - Bike components from Minneapolis, MN.

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 or by visiting the 2015 - Filthy 50 Volunteers page and filling out the form.

Trenton congratulates every racer as they cross the finish line

News Release From Trenton

We are very proud to announce that 2015 The Filthy 50 will be returning to Stewartville, Minnesota for a third year. For those of you who have committed to ride with us for the past two years, I cannot thank you enough. Your spirit and enthusiasm has continuously made The Filthy 50 a success and something that many of us hold dear to our hearts. You have made this ride yours. For those who have stepped up and sponsored, participated in our famed "meat raffle" or donated anonymously, thank you for helping us make The Filthy 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 giving a little more.

The Filthy 50 has grown into something that we never expected nor intended, but are overjoyed to embrace the excitement and continue giving the love back to the cycling community. With that, we have been exploring new roads and having new adventures that we plan on sharing with you in a special 2016 edition of The Filthy. Our discoveries will likely bring you a brand new Filthy 50 as well as a Filthy 100 zig-zagging through some the most beautiful country that we have ever laid eyes on. I dare say that we have outdone ourselves. The routes are already set, but we still have some ground work ahead of us. We will share more as milestones are met.

In addition to the aforementioned excitement, our crew will be scouting out something a little more epic that we like to call "The DAMn". [Day Across Minnesota] The DAMn is not for the faint of heart. It is a one day, point-to-point ride across the state of Minnesota to the tune of 240 miles of gravely goodness. It starts you out in the wee morning hours in South Dakota and spits you out before day's end in Wisconsin. We will be finalizing the route and the P2P logistics this summer and plan to officially drop The DAMn on you during the summer of 2016.

That's all we've got for now. After you register, we highly encourage you to go and ride your bike. I need to do a little more of that these days, so I am going to take my own advice and get on that right now.

Kind Regards, Trenton