MN bike season 2012: Parties, festivals, rentals, paths, and more
Categories: Cycling
 |
| Photo by Marco Gomes |
Bike season is finally upon us. Sure, some folks ride yearlong, but for those of us who are a bit less hearty, the summertime is when bike riding is the most practical, safe, and fun. This summer there are tons of events around town that invite cyclists to get on their bikes and ride through the city, be it for the great views, for a good cause, or for silly amusement.
We've put together a practical post that features some of the best things to do on our bikes, including festivals, rides, tune-ups, and other resources. Not sure where you want to ride? We've got info on where to go as well. Don't have a bike? No problem. There are plenty of rental places throughout the city as well.
Come take a look at our list.
Now through June 9We've put together a practical post that features some of the best things to do on our bikes, including festivals, rides, tune-ups, and other resources. Not sure where you want to ride? We've got info on where to go as well. Don't have a bike? No problem. There are plenty of rental places throughout the city as well.
Come take a look at our list.
Pedal Minnesota Tune-Up Station
(the corner of Hennepin and Washington, and Knox and Lagoon, Minneapolis)
Head on over to these stations for free self-serve tuneup gear for your bikes. Or stop by on Saturday, June 9 as these locations with be staffed with folks who will check your tire pressure, lube your chains, and check your that your helmet fits from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.pedalmn.com.
Saturday, June 2-10
Bike Walk Week
(bikewalkweek.org)
This week-long celebration promoting cycling in the Twin Cities features mini-rides, tours, art installations, group trips, and more.
Bicycling Counts
(www.mncee.org/Innovation-Exchange/Projects/Current/Bicycling-Counts)
In celebration of the Twin Cities Bike Walk Week, this interactive art installation will be placed at surprise locations along popular routes each day. The counter will then count each cyclist who passes it. In the evening from 9-10 p.m. the results and stats will be projects on various buildings and landmarks in the city.
Thursday, June 7-9
Nature Valley Bicycle Festival: Fixed Gear Classic
(National Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave. NE, Blaine, 763-785-5600, www.nscsports.org)
A high-speed race with no breaks. Visit www.naturevalleybicyclefestival.com for more info. 6:30-10 p.m. June 7-8; 12-4 p.m. June 9.
 |
| "The Bike Comics Show" |
The Bike Comics Show
(Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651-228-9274, www.blackdogstpaul.com)
This coffee-shop exhibition features cartoons and drawings by Ken Avidor, Roger Lootine, and Andy Singer. There will be an opening reception at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8. Through June 30.
Bike-In Movie: Quicksilver
(St. Paul Central Library, 90 W. 4th St., St. Paul, 651-266-7000, www.sppl.org)
This film screening will also have bike-transit info, and giveaways from Nice Ride MN including Nice Ride helmets. 9 p.m. Free.
 |
| Zombies riding at last year's Greenway Glow |
Greenway Glow
(Midtown Greenway Coalition, 2834 10th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-879-0103, www.midtowngreenway.org)
Part of Northern Spark, this illuminated nighttime bike ride benefits the Midtown Greenway Coalition. The ride starts at the 10th Avenue entrance ramp to the Midtown Greenway and ends at Intermedia Arts. Visit midtowngreenway.org for more info. 6 p.m.-midnight. $30; $75 in pledges.
Sunday, June 10
Lyndale Open Street
(Lyndale Avenue, from West 22nd to West 42nd Streets, Minneapolis)
For one-day-only, two miles of Lyndale Avenue South will close for cars. There will be plenty of room for biking, bike workshops, and info on bike safety; as well as performances; treats; and family-friendly happenings. Visit www.openstreetsmpls.com for more info. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
 |
(Peace Coffee, 2801 21st Ave. S. (Ste. 130), Minneapolis, 612-870-3440)
At this fun ride for all skill levels, teams cycle to various checkpoints in the city where they will face obstacle courses and silly games. Visit www.urbanassaultride.com for more info. 9 a.m.,
$30-$60.
Bike to the Saints Ballpark Game
1 p.m. Sign up or find more info here.
Wednesday, June 13 through June 17
Nature Valley Bicycle Festival
(www.naturevalleybicyclefestival.com)
This intense bike competition features pro-racing including the St. Paul Downtown Criterium (Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul) from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 13; the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium (Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) from 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, June 15; the Menomonie Road Race (Menomonie, 3rd St. E. and Main St. E., Menomonie) from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 16; and the Stillwater Criterium (Chilkoot Hill, 2nd St. at Pine St., Stillwater) from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 17. Each event will include a fitness expo, fun races, and other bike-friendly happenings.
Wednesday, July 7
Freedom From Pants Ride
(Parking lot across from the the Soap Factory, 514 Second St. SE, Minneapolis)
This slow-paced ride features a few stops for BYOB drinking and chatting. Meet in the lot next to the Soap Factory. Ride ends with Red, White, and Boom! fireworks. Free. 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 17
RE/MAX Results AttaBoy Ride
(Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008-220th St. W., Farmington)
This ride raises money and awareness for the fight against men's cancers. Visit www.attaboyride.org for more info. 7 a.m.-3 p.m., $35; plus $150 donation minimum.
Thursday, July 19
Third Thursday: Bike Night
(Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-870-3131, www.artsmia.org)
This fun event includes a bike valet, unique and interesting bikes on display, beer, and live music by Enemy Planes. Free. 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, July 21
Minnesota ArtCar + ArtBike Parade
(Lake Harriet Rose Garden, 4124 Roseway Road, Minneapolis)
6 p.m. Free.
Ride for Home
(Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake Road S., St Louis Park, 952-381-3400)
Choose from a 40-mile loop at 7 a.m. or a short family ride at 9 a.m., followed by a picnic. Proceeds benefit Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Click here to sign up. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. $30; $75 per family.
 |
| Tour de Fat |
Tour de Fat
(Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, 612-370-4929)
This all-day bike party includes a costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, live entertainment, local food, and unusual bike contests, more. Are you interested in giving up your car completely in exchange for a sweet bike? One person will be selected to do so. You could be chosen if you sign up. More info at www.facebook.com/TourDeFat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
Saturday, August 4-5
The Hartford & RE/MAX Results Breast Cancer Ride
(Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan)
This two-day ride goes to Treasure Island Resort and Casino and back. For more info, visit
www.BreastCancerRide.org. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 plus raised funds.
Saturday, August 11
Square Lake Film Festival
(Square Lake, 13359 Partridge Road N., Stillwater)
This bike-trip event returns with local film screenings (including a film set to a live original score), and live music from Retribution Gospel Choir, International Novelty Gamelan, Food Pyramid, Father See You Queen. There will be a group bike ride from the Twin Cities beforehand (or take off with friends beforehand). Visit www.squarelakefestival.com for more info.
Sunday, September 16
Minneapolis Bike Tour
(Parade Field, 400 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, 612-370-4846)
This event features a long course spanning the entire scenic Grand Rounds Byway System, and a short course offering a circuit around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet.The ride will be followed by live music, vendor booths, post-ride food, and beer. Visit
www.minneapolisbiketour.com for more info. 7:30 a.m. $30/$40.
 |
| Michelle Lee, Ghostly Reminder |
Bike Art VII
(Altered Esthetics, 1224 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, 612-378-8888, www.alteredesthetics.com)
This ongoing gallery show features bike-inspired art from a group of artists working in various mediums. There will be an artists' discussion panel at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Through June 28.
1 | 2 | Next Page >>
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
