Whether you come early or stay late (better yet do both), there are lots of fun, sporty, educational and downright magical events planned around the same time as the Winter Cycling Congress. Check out the short list below.
Photo courtesy of King Boreas Winter Triathalon.
1) King Boreas Triathalon on Sunday, 31 January
King Boreas Winter Triathlon will take place on Sunday, January 31st starting at 10am at Phalen Golf Course in St. Paul. The Winter triathlon is run/bike/ski. Distances for King Boreas Winter Tri are 5km run, 17km bike, 7.5km ski. Nestled in St. Paul’s East side, the venue is 20 minutes from our International Airport, 5 minutes from the heart of downtown, 15 minutes from premier Nordic ski shop Finn Sisu, both NOW Bikes and Fitness locations and Run’n Fun run store. The address is 1615 Phalen Drive East, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55106. Check out the website for course information for details.
Photo courtesy of Mobycon.
2) Cycling Instructor Class on Monday, 1 February
Do you want to help teach someone else how to ride a bike, rain, snow or shine? Are you a certified instructor looking to refresh your training skills? An interactive afternoon class is being offered the day before the Winter Cycling Congress begins on Monday, 1 February, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the congress venue, The Commons Hotel. The cost to participate is 35 USD and delegates get a 20 percent discount, just enter discount code: WCC20. Sign-up here.
Photo courtesy of Salsa Cycles.
3) Fat Bike Demos, Monday, 1 February
Join Salsa Cycles, the premier brand in fat bikes for an afternoon riding groomed single track. Try a fat bike out for a few minutes or go on a several mile loop. Ride the trails that these bikes were engineered to be ridden on. Read more here.
Photo by The Loppet Foundation.
4) The Comcast Luminary Loppet on Saturday, 6 February
Have you ever skied around a frozen lake lighted by luminaries? If not, don’t miss one of the most magical moments of the year in Minneapolis. This is a fun – read non-competitive – ski event where skiers of all abilities get to enjoy nature, the Minneapolis skyline and the fellowship of other winter people one of our urban lakes, Lake of Isles. Sign-up here.
Yawkey Day Pass at Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area. Photo ©Aaron W. Hautala
5) Winter Whiteout Fat Bike Races in Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area
Head up north and experience fat biking in a reclaimed mine that has been converted into a premiere mountain and fat biking destination. On Saturday, 6 February, the race will occupy the single track trails. Those who do not want to race on Saturday can try out the Sagamore Unit trails This event is the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew’s winter fundraiser. As a 100 percent volunteer-run organization, all proceeds from the event are directly invested back into the maintenance and expansion of the trail system.
On Friday night, there will be a free “ride” event, “Lights over Sagamore.” Participants need a light (as the ride is at night) a helmet, and a fat bike.
Places to rent a fat bike near Cuyuna include:
- http://cyclepathpaddle.com/
- http://easyridersbikes.com/
- http://trailblazerbikesmn.com/
Or, bring up a bike from Minneapolis.
For overnight lodging, options include “ride-in, ride out” yurts and camper cabins, to a hostel, to a bike house, to a traditional hotel, check out the options below.
- The Minnesota DNR’s Yurts at Yawkey
- True North Basecamp Resort
- Spalding House Hostel – (218)
- Cuyuna Bike House – (612)
- Deerwood Country Inn
