Annual Events

Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride

Sunday April 30, 2006

This ride starts and ends at Lakeville High School, with riders traveling through Dakota, Scott and Rice counties. There are 30, 62 and 100 mile rides for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The Ironman is held regardless of weather. For more information, visit www.ironmanbikeride.org or call 651-251-1495.

Allianz Life MS 60/30 Bike Tour

Saturday May 13, 2006

Starts and finishes at the Maplewood Community Center. Riders have the option of a 60 or 30-mile loop featuring the Gateway Trail. Funds raised support multiple sclerosis research. For more information, visit www.mssociety.org or call 612-335-7900.

Erik’s Spring Cup at Buck Mountain Bike Race

Saturday May 20, 2006

Starts and ends at Buck Hill in Burnsville. This is the first and largest cross country mountain bike race in Minnesota, with races for the whole family (including a kid’s race for 3 to 10-year-olds). For more information, visit www.eriksbikeshop.com, www.mnscs.com or call 612-869-BIKE.

Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride

Starts in Crosby. This is a recreational ride for cyclists of all abilities, and not a race. The route (choice of 36 or 69 miles) brings riders through the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. For more information, call 218-833-8122.

Great River Energy Bicycle Festival

June 14-18, 2006

This five-day biking celebration offers a different race each day in the host cities of St. Paul, Mankato, Minneapolis, Red Wing and Stillwater. Professional and elite racing teams from across North America compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix stage race. The festival includes live music, expos, stunt shows and kids races. For more information, visit www.minnbikefestival.com or call 651-855-2825.

Tysabri MS 150 Bike Tour

June 9-11, 2006

Presented by GMAC-RFC, this 150-mile ride begins in Duluth and ends at Century College in Maplewood. The tour features nearly 100 miles of paved trails, including a ride through the scenic Jay Cooke State Park and fun festivities at stops along the way. For more information, visit www.mssociety.org or call the Minnesota MS Society at 612-335-7900.

Tour de Roses Family Bike Ride

Held in Roseville as part of the city’s annual Rosefest celebration. Choose a 10 or 25 mile bike ride through area parks and around lakes. Proceeds benefit the North Suburban Youth Foundation. For more information, visit www.cityofroseville.com/parks or call 651-792-7006.

Watermelon Ride

Tuesday July 4, 2006

This event, held in Shoreview on the Fourth of July, is always a family-focused ride. Rest stops and a picnic lunch at Snail Lake Park are included for everyone. For more information, visit www.biketcbc.org or call 952-924-2443.

Tour of Saints

Sunday July 9, 2006

Starts in St. Joseph at the College of Saint Benedict, 75 miles north of Minneapolis. Riders have an option of 35 or 50 mile rides on quiet country roads. For more information, visit tourofsaints.com or call 320-363-1311 or 1-800-651-8687.

Habitat 500 River Ride

Starts and ends in St. Paul. 500 mile route goes from St. Paul to Wabasha to Lacrosse to Winona to Red Wing to Hastings and back to St. Paul. Raising funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity Minnesota, a non-profit organization dedicated to building homes and creating home ownership opportunities for low-income families. Gym floor and tent space is provided; each rider must supply their own gear. A list of area hotels is also provided. For more information, visit www.hfhmn.org or call 612-331-4439

Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride

Saturday July 15, 2006

Held in LeRoy. Good back-country blacktop roads; a mostly flat ride. Choice of 19, 30 or 59 miles. For more information, visit www.prairievisions.org or call 507-433-9615 or 507-433-7571.

MS Tram

July 23-28, 2006

Starts in Grand Rapids, down the Mesabi Trail to Hibbing, to Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik, along the southern shores of Lake Vermillion, back to Giants Ridge, along the scenic byway through the Superior National Forest, a short tour along Lake Superior to a festive finish in Duluth. A 300 mile ride. Experience Minnesota’s Iron Range and North Shore during a week of riding. For more information, call 612-335-7900, 612-335-7973 or visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

Sakatah Trail Family Bike Ride

18 mile ride held in Elysian. For more information, call 507-267-4040 or 1-800-507-7787.

Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour

From Giants Ridge in Biwabik along the paved Mesabi Trail to a grand finale finish in Chisholm, complete with a concert and bbq. Proceeds are used to support the Mesabi Trail and Independent Public Radio. Options of a 10, 23, 35 or 55 mile ride. For more information, call 218-254-0086 or 1-800-637-2241.

Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride

Saturday August 19, 2006

Held in Silver Bay; 18 or 54 mile ride. For more information, visit www.ggta.org.

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour

This non-competitive, ride-at-your-own pace tour offers two historic rides and mildly traffic-free cycling (over 30 miles of the two routes are closed to cars) along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Take the 30-mile St. Paul Grand Round tour, or the 15-mile Summit Avenue loop. Produced by the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium. For more information, call 952-882-3180.

Headwaters 100 Bike Ride/Race

This ride is sponsored by ItascaTur Ski-Bike-Run. There are options of 100, 75 or 45 mile bike rides starting and ending at Park Rapids New Century School. The ride offers a scenic view, leading to Itasca State Park and Lake George. Riders travel south on County Highway 4 and return on the beautiful Heartland Trail. For more information, visit www.parkrapids.com.