Take a ride on a bicycle this summer
May 28—Bicycling is a low-cost way to meet up and exercise at the same time. With trails available throughout west central Minnesota, and several biking events slated for June through August, you can take a ride in your neighborhood, join a group or raise money for a cause.
ALBANY — Caramel Roll Ride, 8 a.m., 400 Railroad Ave, Albany, $25. This "beginning of summer" ride has seven possible destinations: Freeport, 12-mile loop; Avon, 12-mile loop; St. Joseph, 32-mile loop; Holdingford, 20-mile loop; Bowlus, 34-mile loop; Blanchard Dam, 40-mile loop; and Highway 10, 46-mile loop. Caramel rolls will be available at designated rest stops along the way. More information can be found at
www.bikereg.com/lwt-caramel-roll-ride
NEW LONDON — Sibley State Park Trail Dedication & Bike Ride, 10 a.m., Sibley State Park, free. Bikers are invited to meet at the beach parking lot at Sibley State Park for a trail dedication and a six-mile ride on the new trail. Information at
www.facebook.com/events/4940234842720658
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Sota Wheel Race, 8 a.m., $79. The second Sota Wheel Race is a 14-day, 1,200-mile paved bikepacking challenge that circles central Minnesota. The race starts and ends in White Bear Lake, and travels through four regional segments of the state. For more information and a map of the full route, visit
www.mnisotawheelrace.com/the-route
AVON — Lady Slipper Nature Ride, 8 a.m., Lake Wobegon Trailhead, 453637 Co. Rd. 9, Avon, free. This casual ride along the Lake Wobegon Trail is intended for bikers to see the Minnesota State Flower, the Showy Pink and White Lady Slipper Moccasin Flower between mile markers 93 and 94 west of Avon (8-mile loop). To register,
www.bikereg.com/lwt-lady-slipper-nature-ride
GRANITE FALLS — Bluenose Gopher 50, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bluenose Gopher Public House, 681 Prentice St. The second annual Bluenose Gopher 50 is a 50-mile loop from downtown Granite Falls along the Minnesota River valley National Scenic Byway. Registration is available online for free, or opens at 7 a.m. preceding the race. For more information about the race, registration and camping sites, visit
www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50
St. JOSEPH — Tour of Saints, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., College of St. Benedict, 37 South College Ave., St. Joseph, $32. The Tour of Saints begins and ends at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Check-in opens at 6:30 a.m., and bikers may start their rides up until 8:30. There are three loops available: 18-mile, 35-mile or 50-mile courses. More information can be found at
www.bikemn.org/all-events/tour-of-saints
ST. JOSEPH — Rail Trails 100, 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Wobegon Visitor Center, 570 College Ave., St. Joseph, $60. The Central Lakes Trail Association and Lake Wobegon Trails Association have partnered together to offer a 100-mile trail ride experience. The ride is limited to 50 riders, and includes shuttle rides to the starting point in Fergus Falls, rest stops and a rider's gift. To register, visit
www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-rail-trails-100-tickets-299335599837
SAUK CENTRE — Caramel Apple Ride, 8 a.m., 202 10th St So, Sauk Centre, $25. There are three possible destinations for this ride: West Union, 15-mile loop; Osakis, 27-mile loop; and Melrose, 17-mile loop. Treats, including caramel apples, will be available at designated rest stops along each route. To register, visit
www.bikereg.com/lwt-caramel-apple-ride
PIPESTONE — RideMN1, seven days and nights of biking and camping across Minnesota, Lange's Cafe, 110 8th Ave SE, Pipestone, $575. RideMN1 will provide 21 meals and seven nights of tent camping sites with showers for each rider. The route will follow paved trails through Pipestone, Russell, Granite Falls, New London, St. Cloud, Isle and Sandstone to end in Superior, Wisconsin. More information can be found at
WILLMAR — Mayor's Bike Ride, 5 to 8 p.m., Goat Ridge Brewery, 17 Central Ave. W, New London, free. The communities of Willmar, Spicer and New London are coming together for a community bike ride. Each group will meet in New London for a picnic. More information is available online at
www.willmarlakesarea.com/event/mayors-bike-ride/
GARY, S.D. — The Day Across Minnesota, starts in Gary, South Dakota, and ends in Hager City, Wisconsin. The DAMn challenge encourages bikers to travel 240 miles of Minnesota gravel roads by bicycle in a single day. While there is no mass start date for 2022, bikers are encouraged to take on the challenge and report their results. More information and self-reported results can be found at
For more information for biking events across Minnesota, see:
* Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota,
* Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator,
https://mnbiketrailnavigator.blogspot.com/
* Minnesota Trails,
* Lake Wobegon Trail,
