Fourth Annual Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails

August 29, 2008 7:00pm - September 1, 2008 4:00pm

Based out of Lake Louise State Park
12385 766th Avenue, LeRoy, MN 55951

Join former Congressman and current Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge David Minge as he leads the Fourth Annual Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails Labor Day weekend expedition, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. This unique adventure organized by Prairie Visions will immerse you in Southeastern Minnesota landscapes while you explore significant natural, historic and cultural sites in the region. Local experts will narrate your journey as you tour the communities and landmarks along the way. This year’s ride will be based at Lake Louise State Park (just north of Le Roy, MN) and will consist of three daily loop trips from the park. Riders will see parts of the Shooting Star Wildflower and Historic Route, country roads though the rich farmlands in Minnesota’s South Oak Barrens, remnants of the tall grass prairie, and a scenic, bluff-land river valley. In addition to stops and tours, there will be presentations by wildflower and birding experts and folks familiar with the history of the area and the farm economy.
Download and return a flyer to register today!

Event Overview

Friday, Aug. 29
7 p.m.– Welcome, campfire talk and hearty stew at Lake Louise State Park. Camp overnight in the park.

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Round trip ride of about 60 miles
Highlights include stops at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Historic Site, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Spring Valley and the Town of Ostrander.

Sunday, Aug. 31 – Round trip ride of about 60 miles
Highlights include a ride along the Shooting Star State Trail, a presentation at the historic Hoflanda Swedish Lutheran Church, a visit to the Rose Pedaler wildflower preserve in Rose Creek, a visit to a local dairy farm, a look inside a wind turbine and stops in the towns of Adams and Taopia.

Monday, Sept. 1 – Round trip ride of about 35 miles
Highlights include a journey across the border to the town of Riceville, Iowa, a stop at at an Amish farm near McIntire, Iowa, a trip back across the border to the town of Le Roy and a stop at the site of the infamous Oakdale Amusement Park.

Logistics

Meals and Camping

  • The Bike Minnesota event will return each evening to Lake Louise State Park. Tent camp spaces (using your own tent and sleeping gear) at Lake Louise’s group camp are included in the registration fee. To arrange your own RV site, contact the state park reservation system at www.stayatmnparks.com or 1-866-857-2757. If you prefer not to camp, you are welcome to make your own reservations at nearby motels or B & B’s.
  • Meals are included. Details will be provided in your registration packet. Event organizers will provide all utensils, plates, etc. Please indicate if you have special dietary needs on the registration form.Support
  • Daily route maps will be provided. A support vehicle will travel with the group, stopping at regular intervals so you can fuel up on snacks and drinks. Basic bicycle maintenance will be provided. Limited parts will be available for purchase (ie: tubes, tires, cables, chain lube).

    Program
  • Speakers will be available at key stops throughout the event to share highlights about the region.
  • Non-Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota members receive a free one-year membership as part of your registration. All participants and support drivers will be required to sign a waiver. This will be included in your rider packet.
    Bikers will be required to wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road and ride safely.
  • Rider information packets will be sent to all participants prior to the ride.
  • Registration does not include a Minnesota state park annual sticker or day pass for cars. Annual stickers are $25 and day passes are $5. Passes can be purchased at the Lake Louise State Park office or by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • This event is co-sponsored by Prairie Visions and the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. Prairie Visions is a cooperative of local governments including Mower County and the communities of Le Roy, Taopi, Adams, and Rose Creek.