MINNESOTA BICYCLE TOURS:  Select one-day events (non pledge-based)

Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 42nd annual Ironman The grand-daddy of Minnesota rides, and the first major ride of the cycling season.  Routes of 30, 68 and 100 miles.

Saturday, June 7, 2008 - Tour of Lakes
The Paul Bunyan Cyclists enforce a strict cutoff:  "May 1 or 1,200 riders, whichever comes first."  This tour's boast:  "You won't need breakfast before the ride." Wear stretchy shorts:  the 34 and 71-mile routes overflow with a variety of food.

Sunday, June 8, 2008 - 11th Annual Bike Ride With Jim FREE!
Join this free ride run by Terry McGaughey to recognize and thank Congressman James Oberstar for his work in support of cycling.  Ride 25 miles on the Paul Bunyan and Heartland State Trails from Hackensack to Walker.  Enjoy a walleye fish-fry on the shore of Leech Lake.  Live music by Paul “The Bike Guy.”  Call Terry McGaughey at Brainerd Community Action, 218-829-5278.

Probable date: Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 28th annual Tour of Saints                                  Not a race.  A heavenly little ride.  This scenic ride on quiet byways winds through the woods and lakes and rolling hills of central Minnesota.  It attracts 1,500 cyclists from 200 cities across the state.  The timing makes it a great training ride for the MS TRAM in late July. Click photo at right to see the 4-minute Tour video!

Saturday, August 11, 2007 - Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour Explore historic and scenic points of interest on the Iron Range's Mesabi Trail in northeastern Minnesota.  Cyclists and bikes catch shuttles to one of  three starting points -- Marble, Hibbing or Buhl -- letting riders customize their routes, from 15 to 51 miles.  All trails lead back to Virginia, with food and music at rest stops along the way.  The event ends with a picnic and concert in Virginia's Olcott Park.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 - Jesse James Bike Tour Here's one to shoot fer.  This ol' saddle-up is part of Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield.  Why, I hear tell near 1,200 riders slink into town to dawdle 'round the 10-mile Townsfolk Loop, hunker down on the 30-mile Posse Ride, head for the hills on the 60-mile Desperado Run or high-tail it on the 100-mile Get Away.  Watch yer back, now! (Left) The 2007 T-shirt design: GET YOUR BIKES THEY'RE ROBBING THE BANK!

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 -  Second annual Lake Wobegon Regional Trail Ride Cyclists start this ride from St. Joseph, Avon or Melrose along the Lake Wobegon Trail.  This event helped support the programs of Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children's Home and local faith communities with generous business contributions in its inaugural year.

Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 - Saint Paul Classic This music-filled ride through St. Paul unveils the beauty of the capital city and celebrates its diverse neighborhoods along the way!  Miles of traffic-free cycling along the 15 or 30-mile course drew nearly 7,000 in 2006.

Volunteer!  Become one of the 300 volunteers who have fun helping to make the Saint Paul Classic...well, a classic!  Click BikeClassic.org , then click the "Volunteer" tab to learn more.
 

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 - 27th annual Mora Bike Tour Size isn't everything:  with fewer than 250 riders, this ride boasts staying power.  The bike event is not a race, but it does qualify as "Event 3" of the Mora Classics Series, which includes the famous Mora Vasaloppet ski race.

Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 - Bike Ride Around Mille Lacs
This annual ride borders Mille Lacs Lake.  Choose the shorter family ride, the 35-mile course or ride all the way around this impressive lake -- 70 miles.  Contact Mille Lacs Area Tourism for more information.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007 - 27th annual Headwaters 100 Bike Ride, Park Rapids:  This venerable ride closes out the north country tour season with routes of 45, 75 and 100 miles.  A century ride that cycling veterans like to make for bragging rites.  Call the Park Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-247-0054.

Bicycle Event Directories