2006: The concept for BAM came from individuals as well as members of the State Bicycling Advisory Committee (SBAC), which is now the Minnesota-Non-motorized Transportation Advisory Committee (SNTC). This inaugural ride had 30 participants, riding from Park Rapids to Walker to Longville before returning to Park Rapids. MnDOT, working through the SBAC, was a partner as was the Hiway Federal Credit Union and local partner, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission. Only three breakfasts and 1 dinner were provided. Dero Bike Racks’ van transported luggage and served as a SAG, so services were limited.
BAM History
August 23-26, 2012
Thank you
to our partners
Bicycling Around Minnesota - BAM is a nonprofit organization whose focus is highlighting Minnesota communities to an ever growing bicycling audience. BAM is a four-day ride covering 60-75 miles/day with overnight stays in 4 host cities and is aimed at moderate to experienced riders. Although camping is encouraged, a limited number of motel/hotel rooms are offered as an option. The goals of the ride are to promote Share the Road, fitness, tourism and bicycling as a transportation mode as well as to promote the Scenic Bikeways System of Minnesota.
BAM tour directors and coordinators work closely with City Administrations, Convention & Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce in the host cities to coordinate camping locations, meals and other logistics for each day. BAM continues to appreciate the support of their partners---Penn Cycle, Hiway Federal Credit Union, Explore Minnesota, and MnDOT---as well as the many volunteer hours put forth by the planning committee.
We hope you can join us in northwestern Minnesota in 2012!
2007: BAM returned to north central Minnesota with 90 riders. The host cities were Park Rapids, Bemidji, Walker and Wadena. SAG vehicles were provided by Dero Bike Racks and Hiway Federal Credit Union with Penn Cycle & Fitness providing mechanical support. Four breakfasts and 2 dinners were included in the registration fee.
2008: BAM adopted articles of incorporation to become a nonprofit corporation: Bicycling Around Minnesota-BAM. West central Minnesota was selected as the location for the ride and the BAM committee partnered with Western Minnesota Prairie Waters in planning details of the ride. The route took 120 riders from Prairie's Edge Casino in Granite Falls to Benson to Ortonville to Montevideo and back to Granite Falls. Registration included breakfasts, lunches and dinners with SAG support coordinated by Russ Lowthian. Penn Cycle & Fitness, Hiway Federal Credit Union and Dero Bike Racks continued as sponsors.
2009: BAM met its target of 200 bicyclists enjoying the southeast corner of the state. The ride started and ended in Rochester, with overnight stays in Lanesboro, Winona and Wabasha. Each night our riders experienced great hospitality from these host cities as well as several other communities along the route. Jerseys were sold to BAM riders.
2010: BAM had 200+ riders join us as we toured northeastern Minnesota. Starting in Cloquet, the ride went to Two Harbors, Virginia, Eveleth and back to Cloquet.
2011: BAM selected southern Minnesota to tour with overnights in Mankato, New Prague, New Ulm and Sleepy Eye, then back to Mankato. Highlights of the tour included local festivals, the Schell's Brewery tour and German entertainment in New Ulm. The goal to increase the number of riders to 275 was met in early April.
2012: BAM will be returning to its roots by touring the northwest area of the state, including Park Rapids, Walker, Pequot Lakes, and Wadena.
