Ride Details

(* schedule subject to slight changes)

Sunday, July 23 – Ottertail

• 3 p.m. - Tents may be set up
• 3 – 5 p.m.– Check-In & Packet Pick Up at Ottertail Community Center.  Get your event packet, t-shirt and prize jersey (if you raised $1,000+).  Great time to meet and hang out with other riders!
• 3 – 5 p.m. – Bike storage at Ottertail Fire Hall (next to packet pick-up)
• 4:30 p.m. - Free hot dogs, chips and beer vendor at Ottertail Community Park
• 4:30 p.m. - The Williams Company Store (east of community center)
• 5 – 8 p.m. – Live band across the street from Ottertail Community Park
• 6 p.m. – Bike MS announcements at Ottertail Community Park

Overnight at Ottertail Community Park

Monday, July 24 - Ottertail to Fergus Falls

Riders will begin the route in Ottertail and make their way to Fergus Falls. 

• 5:30 – 8 a.m. Pancake breakfast provided by Ottertail Lions Club  (Freewill donation)
• 6 – 8 a.m. – Luggage loading
• 6:30 – 8 a.m. - Route open
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Ruby Tungseth (egg rolls) and Fish Factor (fish tacos) and Long Pine Soup Co. (bistro type food) food trucks
• 2 – 7 p.m. – Massages at Kirkbride parkd for purchase
• 2 - 9 p.m. – Beer tent provided by Fergus Brewing
• 4 p.m. - Route closes
• 5 – 7 p.m. – 90-minute outside guided tour of the unique landmark, Kirkbride, which was a regional treatment center that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Meet at front entrance.  Great photography opportunities!
• 5 – 7 p.m. – Dinner available for purchase at Kirkbride Park from the American Legion
• 6:45 p.m. – Bike MS announcements at Kirkbride Park
• 7:15 – 8 p.m. – Entertainment by Fancy and the Functional
• Overnight at Kirkbride Park in Fergus Falls.

Tuesday, July 25 – Fergus Falls to Wadena

Riders will begin the route in Fergus Falls and make their way to Wadena. 

• 5:30 – 8 a.m.  – Breakfast to go provided by Salvation Amy, coffee provided by Fergus Falls (brown bag to pick up)
• 6 – 8 a.m. – Luggage loading
• 6:30 – 8 a.m. - Route opens
• 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Food available for purchase in Sunnybrook Park from Knights of Columbus and Wadena Lions Club
• 3 – 4 p.m. – Taekwondo student presentation
• 3 – 8 p.m. - Beer Garden provided by Wadena Chamber of Commerce and VFW
• 4 p.m. - Route closes
• 5 – 7 p.m. – Live Music by 57 Chevy
• Evening – Root Beer floats available for purchase
• 7 p.m. – Bike MS announcements at Sunnybrook Park
• Overnight at Sunnybrook Park (north of Sunnybrook Drive)

Wednesday, July 26 – Wadena Loop

This is our late start day.  Enjoy a little extra sleep or visit a coffee shop or restaurant in town and get on the route a little later.  All riders must be on the route no later than 10:00 a.m.

Today’s route will be a loop in the Wadena area, returning to Sunnybrook Park. 

• 6 –10 a.m. – Luggage loading
• 6 – 10 am – Breakfast available for purchase from Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group and Wadena County Humane Society (scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and coffee)
• 6:30 – 10 a.m. - Route open
• 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Food available for purchase from Knights of Columbus ase (brats/corn on the cob)
• 2 – 4 p.m. – Live music from Darren Quam “One-Man-Band”
• 3 – 7 p.m. – Food available for purchase from Joyful Spirit Methodist Church (BBQ,  beans and potato chips)
• 3 – 8 p.m. – Beer Garden provided by the Wadena Chamber of Commerce and VFW
• 4 p.m. - Route closes
• 5 – 7 p.m. – Entertainment from DJ Cody Baine
• 7 p.m. – Bike MS announcements and Team Competitions at Sunnybrook Park. 
  • Team Shirt / Jersey
  • Team Poem / Song
• Overnight at Sunnybrook Park (north of Sunnybrook Drive)

Thursday, July 27 - Wadena to Long Prairie

Riders will begin the route in Wadena and make their way to Long Prairie. 

• 5:30 – 8 a.m. – Breakfast available for purchase from Wadena Humane Society (french toast, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit and coffee) for purchase
• 6 – 8 a.m. – Luggage loading
• 6:30 – 8 a.m. - Route opens
• 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Beer Garden provided by Lion’s Club (purchase)
  • Flavor Shack food truck (classic fair foods and home cooking) for purchase
• 4 p.m. - Route closes
• 6:45 p.m. – Bike MS announcements at Todd Country Fairgrounds.   
• 7 p.m. – Music provided by Ani Rae
• Overnight at Todd Country Fairgrounds

Friday, July 28 – Long Prairie to Ottertail

Riders will cycle from Long Prairie to Ottertail where they can enjoy crossing the finish line, a commemorative finisher’s medal and a festive meal.  

• 5:30 – 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast available for purchase by Annie’s Sizzle and Grill (scrambled eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and coffee)
• 6:30 – 8 a.m. - Route open
• 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Finish Line Meal provided by The Otter Supper Club (pulled chicken sandwich or Penne noodles and red sauce (vegetarian), coleslaw, bag of chips, penne noodles and red sauce dessert and soda) (free for riders and volunteers, $10 cash for friends and family)
• 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Finish line music by DJ Mike of Crystal Entertainment
• Afternoon & Evening - Thumper Pond Resort (one mile from campgrounds) providing pool pass and showers for $5.  Purchase wristband at front desk.  BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL
• 4 p.m. - Route closes

The 2023 route map can be viewed on RideWithGPS here. Map may be subject to slight changes.

Interested in participating in the ride, but not all 5 days, you can do that!  Go to Registration Page for more information.

NOTE:  Route map is subject to slight changes.

View the Host Cities section for more information about the beautiful cities you'll experience during Ride Across Minnesota. 

The 2023 Ride Across Minnesota route is on paved roads, however there are some sections of gravel to access rest stops throughout the week. These are short sections, usually no more than a few blocks.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding on this rural route.

Facebook

To join the rider social media community for the 2023 Ride Across Minnesota, please follow our Facebook event page. 

Kick-Offs, Lunch and Learn, and Other Events

If you're hosting a team-kick off or celebration or would like to host a lunch and learn for your company, let us know! The Bike MS team would love to be present and help support your events where possible. Think you're interested, but not sure what it would involve? Reach out anyway - we're happy to help get you all set to go. Email any Bike MS staff member or contact us here for more information.

Bike Nights & Get-Togethers

Bike Night at Finnegan’s

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Finnegan’s Brewing Company on April 26!  Riders enjoyed buy-one-get-one drinks, community and fun.

Bike MS Celebration & Kick-Off

Thank you to all who joined us on November 3^rd to celebrate 2022 successes and kick-off 2023 events!

Fundraising Weeks

Our fundraising weeks have happened.  Congratulations to the winners!

Fundraising Week 1:  May 15-21

Both teams and individual participants can earn special prizes this week!

• The Top Fundraising Teams in two categories (2-14 members, and 15+) will each win a Pizza Party in one of the host cities during the ride.
• The Top Individual Fundraiser will win a gift certificate from Pedego Twin Cities bike shop entitling winner to free rental of two electric bikes for three-hour time period and Bike MS swag. 

Fundraising Weeks 2:  June 12-18

Both teams and individual participants can earn special prizes this week!

• The Top Fundraising Teams in two categories (2-14 members, and 15+) will each win sweet treats in the morning from a local restaurant during the ride.
• The Top Individual Fundraiser will win a prize pack of professional-grade, premium hand tools from Wiha Tools USA, based in Monticello, Minnesota.   Set Includes: Precision Screwdriver Set, Insulated Screwdriver Set, Pliers, Cutters, Ruler, Impact Bit Set, Wiha Roll Up Pouch, Wiha Cordura Canvas Tool Bag 16” and $100 Wiha Gift Card

Logistics Meeting

Thank you for those of you that were able to join us for our Logistics Call on July 6.  We appreciated your questions and the insights you’ve shared from your experiences doing this ride.  We covered the event schedule, ride support and safety and more. 

You can view the slide deck HERE.

Your Bike MS packet contains important items including your rider bib, event details and sponsor giveaways. To pick up your packet, you must meet the $300 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver online.

• All minors must have a paper waiver on file, signed by their parent or legal guardian
• Packets may be picked up on behalf of other participants as long as you have their permission and they meet the fundraising and waiver requirements
• Packets must be picked up before you start the event. Packet pick-up is available at the following times and locations:

Pick-up Times:

• Sunday, July 23, 3-5 pm

Ottertail Fire Hall
93 Lake Avenue South
Ottertail, MN

• Monday, July 24, 6 – 7:30 am

Corner of 1st Street, South and Maple Ave South
Ottertail, MN 

Hotels

Transportation will be provided to and from the following hotels in each host city. If participants choose to stay elsewhere, they will be responsible for their own transportation.

Ottertail, MN – July 23
Hotels in Ottertail may be found HERE.  Shuttles are not provided in Ottertail for Sunday evening.  Riders are responsible for their own transportation. 

Fergus Falls – July 24

AmericInn by Wyndham
526 Western Ave. N.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-739-3900 / 800-634-3444

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
925 Western Avenue, I-94 & Hwy. 210
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-739-2211/218-531-9992 (reservations)

Wadena – July 25 & 26

Super 8 Perham
106 Jake St
Perham, MN 56573
(218) 297-0524

Grand Stay and Suites
231 Market Dr
Perham, MN 56573
Phone: (218) 346-2033

Long Prairie – July 27

Prairie Ridge Inn (formerly Super 8 -  now renovated)
646 Lake Street South
Long Prairie, MN, 56347
Phone: (320) 357-3230

Budget Inn in Long Prairie
417 Lake St S,
Long Prairie, Minnesota 56347
Phone: (320) 732-6118

AmericInn Sauk Centre
1230 Timberlane Dr,
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: (320) 352-2800

America’s Best Value Inn Sauk Centre
322 12th St S,
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: (320) 351-7256

The Palmer House in Sauk Centre
500 Sinclair Lewis Avenue,
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: (320) 351-9100

Camping

Free camping will be available Sunday-Thursday nights at the overnight host stie. Participants are responsible for bringing and setting up their own gear. Spots are first-come, first-served. Electricity will be provided to charge your phone.

Ottertail, MN – July 23
Ottertail Community Park
93 Lake Ave, Ottertail, MN 56571 

Fergus Falls – July 24
Kirkbride Park
1599 N Union Ave
Fergus Falls, MN  56537

Wadena – July 25 & 26
Sunnybrook Park “north of Sunnybrook Drive”
217 Harry Rich Drive (north of Sunnybrook Drive – follow Bike MS signage)
Fergus Falls, MN  56537

Long Prairie
Todd County Fairgrounds
201 9th St NE
Long Prairie, MN 56347

RVs

RV parking is available Sunday-Thursday nights at or near each overnight host site.  Hookups are not provided. Participants who require hookups will need to locate and reserve them independently.

Parking

Free parking will be available for all participants, volunteers and spectators. Riders may leave their vehicles for the week in Ottertail on Sunday, July 23. Do not leave any valuables in your car and ensure it is locked. Bike MS can not be held responsible for any damage or items stolen.

If you chose to not do the entire ride, you must arrange for your own transportation to get back to parking area.

Transportation

Riders are responsible for getting to start and finish. Local shuttle services will be coordinated by each host city and details forthcoming (with exception of Ottertail).

Bike MS is an extraordinary ride no matter where you are! Whether you have a flat tire or need a snack to help get you across the finish line, we’ve got you covered…  

Each route includes fully-stocked rest stops every 10 to 12 miles with some of the best snacks and volunteers around. Relax, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen and enjoy the volunteers. Bike mechanics and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route to assist you.  

After the ride, we will have plenty of food at the finish line.

Meals

Bike MS is an extraordinary ride no matter where you are! Whether you have a flat tire or need a snack to help you get you across the finish line, we’ve got you covered…

Each route includes fully-stocked rest stops every 10-12 miles with some of the best snacks and volunteers around.  Relax, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen and enjoy the volunteers.  Bike mechanics and support and gear (SAG) vehicles will also be on the route to assist you.

Support

If you need assistance while on the route, please wait for the next SAG (Support and Gear vehicle) or you may call the Rider Support Line. The phone number is on your wristband.

Safety Team

• Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicles give a lift to riders in need and can be identified by signs that state ‘MS Support Vehicle’.
• Ride Marshals will be traveling among riders to ensure that all rules of the road are being obeyed and that cyclists are riding in a safe manner.
• Radio communication & medics are available at all rest stops and will be roaming the route.

E-Bikes & Specialty Bikes

• Recumbent and tandem bikes are allowed; tandem bikes must have separate registrations for each rider.
• Electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles are allowed as long as they meet the requirements under Minnesota Statue 169.011, Subdivision 27

 

Ride photos will be posted on our Bike MS Flickr page 2-3 weeks after the ride. We will share the link here when photos are ready!

In the meantime, check out event photos from 2022 here.