Road Biking Minnesota A Guide to the Greatest Bike Rides in Minnesota

by Lowthian, Russ M.

• ISBN13: 9780762738014
• ISBN10: 0762738014
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-04-01
• Publisher: FalconGuides

Summary

The perfect travel companion for touring Minnesota's countryside, this comprehensive guidebook details 41 unique routes from short easy rambles to multi-day classics. Each chapter explores different parts of the state's diverse topography while offering many options for circuit rides on scenic roads. Designed to help cycling enthusiasts -- or those travelling by automobile or motorcycle -- this guides includes tours on quiet paved roads filled with history and attractions along the way.

Author Biography

An avid biker in the summer, Russ Lowthian has carved his way throughout most of the Midwest and chronicled his adventures for numerous outlets. Starting his writing career with Minnesota Meetings and Events Magazine in the early 90's he had ample opportunity to explore many of the areas for this book. As the past president of the Midwest Sport/Ski Council and an editor of the Minnesota Skier he has followed the year-round activities of many who enjoy outdoor sports activities. His articles have also appeared in Minnesota Cyclist, Slide and Glide Magazine and the e-zine of TravelWisconsin.com. Russ is currently working on books focused on biking, birding and paddling in Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
Road and Traffic Conditions	p. 3
Safety and Comfort on the Road	p. 3
How to Use This Guide	p. 5
How to Use the Maps	p. 6
Rides at a Glance	p. 7
Map Legend	p. 9
Bike Rides
Southeastern Minnesota's Bluff Country	p. 11
Jesse James Ramble (Northfield)	p. 12
Cannon Valley Cruise (Red Wing)	p. 16
Lake Pepin Challenge (Lake City)	p. 20
Saint Rose Cruise (Zumbrota)	p. 25
Mantorville Cruise (Rochester)	p. 30
Apple Blossom Classic (Winona)	p. 34
Root River Challenge (Preston)	p. 39
Wildflower Challenge (Austin)	p. 46
Southwestern Minnesota's Prairies	p. 51
Sakatah Cruise (Faribault)	p. 52
Blue Earth Challenge (Mankato)	p. 57
Lake Chain Ramble (Fairmont)	p. 65
Wild West Ramble (Jackson)	p. 69
Roam'n Buffalo Cruise (Luverne)	p. 73
Hiawatha Cruise (Pipestone)	p. 77
Windy City Cruise (Marshall)	p. 82
Redwood Falls Challenge (Redwood Falls)	p. 86
Quad Park Cruise (New Ulm)	p. 91
Western Minnesota's Lakes and Timber	p. 97
Luce Line Cruise (Hutchinson)	p. 98
Glacial Trail Cruise (Willmar)	p. 102
Lac Qui Parle Classic (Montevideo)	p. 106
Big Stone Classic (Ortonville)	p. 114
Swift Wildlife Cruise (Benson)	p. 120
River Parts Cruise (Little Falls)	p. 124
Lake Wobegon Cruise (St. Joseph)	p. 129
Central Lakes Classic (Alexandria)	p. 134
Otter Tail Challenge (Fergus Falls)	p. 139
Northern Woods and Lakes	p. 145
Mille Lacs Lake Challenge (Onamia)	p. 146
Wood Tick Challenge (Aitkin)	p. 151
Paul Bunyan Classic (Brainerd)	p. 155
Two Trails Challenge (Walker)	p. 160
Headwaters Classic (Park Rapids)	p. 165
Buena Vista Classic (Bemidji)	p. 170
Red Robe Classic (Thief River Falls)	p. 175
Lakes of the Northern Lights	p. 181
Agate Cruise (Moose Lake)	p. 182
Mesabi Challenge (Virginia)	p. 187
Giants Ridge Ramble (Biwabik)	p. 193
Munger Skyline Cruise (West Duluth)	p. 197
Scenic North Shore Cruise (Duluth)	p. 202
Gitchi-Gami Classic (Two Harbors)	p. 207
Voyageurs Ramble (Grand Portage)	p. 212
Around the Twin Cities Metro	p. 217
Minneapolis/St. Paul	p. 218
Selected Bicycling Organizations	p. 219
Bicycle Clubs	p. 221
About the Author	p. 222
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.