Twin Cities Bike Tour Presents the Loons Loop
Saturday September 13th Brackett Park

NOTE: This ride is NOT for the main event on Sunday September 14th at Wabun Park. Please click back on your browser and register for that event separately.

Due to its popularity we are thrilled to offer the Loons Loop the day before the Twin Cities Bike Tour!

4.5 Mile Route – 99% Trails! Download Route Here.

This FREE ride is capped at 150 riders to keep down route congestion and keep the group together. Check-in begins at 8:30am at Bracket park with activities for kids and adults alike (there are bathrooms and playground in the immediate vicinity).

Guided Ride – We’ll Ride Together

We will roll out together at 9am heading east on the Midtown Greenway until we hit the river and head north on West River Parkway Trail and across the Franklin Bridge with beautiful views of the Mississippi River. From there we’ll head south along East River Parkway trail until we get to the Lake Street Bridge and cross there to Loons Coffee for refreshments and socializing. We’ll leave there to finish up the final mile heading north along the river until we’re back to the Greenway and returning to the start at Bracket Park hopefully before noon.

What does this cost?

Nada, zilch, zero, but donations to cover costs are certainly appreciated. Registration/waiver is required and space is limited!

We thank Joyful Riders club and Loons Coffee for their sponsorship and support!

Dude, where do I park my car? Is there transit?

If at all possible we encourage both riders and volunteers to bike to the Loons Loop. Even parking a mile away and biking to the start will help reduce automobile congestion at the beginning and end of the ride. There is ample parking nearby the park. The Metro Transit 21 stops at 39th avenue and Lake Street with a 3 block walk/ride to the park.

ETIQUETTE – SAFETY – FUN!

Etiquette – A little courtesy goes a long way.

• Faster riders are more than welcome to ride in the road adjacent to the trail routes if they’re comfortable. No roads are closed to automobile traffic. If you pass ride leaders you will be on your own for navigation. The route is not physically marked.
• Faster riders should be patient/courteous with slower and especially younger riders. Please wait until it’s safe to pass and give warning whenever possible via audible “on your left” or ringing bells.
• Remember to follow all bicycle traffic laws and set a good example for other riders.
• Remember that trails are open to the general public and many are designated for two-way travel. Don’t clog intersections and keep your eyes ahead of you to watch for oncoming trail traffic.
• Respect and appreciate volunteers and partners. Everyone is trying to put on a great Twin Cities Bike Tour and as a first year going into both of the Twin Cities we know there will be somethings to improve on.

Safety – In addition to following the aforementioned bicycle laws, practicing good safety habits will keep you and your fellow Twin Cities Bike Tour riders safe.

• Always follow the direction of one-way trails – do NOT ride against traffic.
• Make sure your bicycle is in good working order. An ABC quick check can go a long way to prevent incidents stemming from mechanical issues. Carry a correct sized spare tube with you even if you don’t know how to change a tube so a Ride Marshal or rest stop mechanic can assist you. Don’t know what size to get? Head to your local bike shop with your bike and they’ll assist you.
• Make sure YOU are in good working order. Take a few bike rides leading up to the event. Know your pace and stretch before and after riding.
• Wear a proper fitting helmet. Even when exercising great caution, serious crashes can still occur. Mitigate the risk of serious injury by protecting your brain.
• The forecast always calls for unpredictability when it comes to Minnesota weather. Remember that roads are the most slippery just as it begins to rain and days with exceptional heat will require more hydration and more rest periods, but recall that the Twin Cities Bike Tour rolls day or shine except for the most extreme weather.

Fun – The key to getting many of us on our bikes for the first or 1000th time is Fun!

• Decorate your bike
• Wear a fun costume
• Crank up the tunes
• Bring the family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and start a new fall Twin Cities tradition!

All Routes Lead to a More Bike-Friendly Minnesota

By registering for the Twin Cities Bike Tour, you directly contribute to improving walkability and bikeability in communities across Minnesota. The ride benefits the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – federal tax ID number is 41-1719332). Thank you for your support!

Get Riding Today

Check out some of the areas the tour will cover in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.