Biking & Hiking

The Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates plan a week of biking and walking activities in Greater Mankato to celebrate Bike Month in Minnesota. Each night during bike week different biking and walking events are offered for the public. There are other biking events celebrated during the whole month of May. 

Check out the Full List of Events  

Tuesdays  

(APRIL – SEPTEMBER) 

A Ride: For experienced road riders. Pace is an all-out effort and does not wait for dropped riders. 40-60 miles. 21+ mph. Leaves at 5:30 pm sharp. 

B+ Road Rides:  Advanced to intermediate paced ride. For riders looking to get a solid effort in and work together to rotate smoothly in an echelon. 30-50 miles. 15-18 mph average. Leaves the shop at 5:35 pm. 

B- Road Rides:  Intermediate paced ride. 20-40 miles. 14-16 mph average. Leaves the shop at 5:35 pm. 

C Road Ride: Fitness or road bikes recommended. 15-30 miles. Ride is a mix of paved trails and country roads. 12-15 mph average. Leaves the shop at 5:30 pm. 

(FALL – WINTER) 

Fat Bike/Mountain Bike Ride: Ride will leave the shop at 5:30. Lights required. Ride will be a mix of single track, ATV trail, and pavement. Once we have snow on the ground this ride will switch to Fat Bikes only. 

Gravel Rides: Ride leaves the shop at 5:30 pm. Lights required.  Gravel Rides are usually held in the fall and spring. Stop in or call the shop for more details on dates and times. 

Thursdays   

(MAY – SEPTEMBER) 

Mountain Bike Ride: Leaving LocAle Brewery at 6 pm. Or meet at the trailhead around 6:20. Ride will alternate weekly between Kiwanis Mountain Bike Trails and Mount Kato. End the ride at LocAle Brewery for socializing and drinks. All abilities welcome! 

Fridays 

(APRIL – OCTOBER) 

Casual Friday Slow Roll Ride. (First Friday of the Month): 10 mile social ride around Mankato with a stop for beverages afterwards. Ride leaves Nicollet Bike at 6 pm. Casual attire, casual pace. All abilities and bikes welcome! 

Saturdays 

(APRIL- SEPTEMBER) 

Gravel Road Ride: Join us to explore the beautiful back roads of our River Valley. Gravel or Cyclocross bikes recommended. 25-40 miles. A and B paced options. Leaves the shop at 7 am sharp. 

Nicollet Bike & Ski Shop 
607 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 
507-388-9390 
https://www.nicolletbike.com/ 

Thursdays at 6 pm. (May – August 30): 

A Ride-up to 40 miles. 
Beginner Road Ride. 20-30 miles. No drop ride. 
Leisure/Family Ride. 10-15 miles. 

Thursdays at 5:30 pm. (September): 

A Ride-up to 40 miles. 
Beginner Road Ride. 20-30 miles. No drop ride. 
Leisure/Family Ride. 10-15 miles. 

Mankato Scheels   
River Hills Mall 
1850 Adams ST STE 6, Mankato, MN 56001 
507-386-7767 

www.scheels.com

The Mankato Marathon, presented by Mayo Clinic Health System, is the boldest race in the Midwest showcasing dynamic courses and determined runners. Our courses are the perfect blend of Mankato’s scenic trails and urban landscape, highlighting the beautiful Minnesota River Valley. 

Don’t miss out on the Pork Power Bacon 5K and the 10K sponsored by Monarch Healthcare Management. Known for exceptional course support including Meds on Bikes and Sport Psych Team, you are sure to be motivated from start to finish. 

Looking for a fun challenge? Try a bold challenge. The “bold” challenge includes the 5K and 10K, the “bolder” challenge, includes the 5K and Half marathon and lastly, we have the “boldest” challenge, includes the full marathon and the 5K. 

See you in October! 

mankatomarathon.com  

The Mankato Area Mountain Bikers are a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).  This organized group of individuals are interested in expanding land access to build safe natural surface “singletrack” trails for mountain bike use.  

See MAMB Trail Conditions

See the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB) calendar of events.

Bluff Rider’s Charge has access to 7+ miles of wooded singletrack to tailor-make an ability-based course for each category. Your beloved trails will be prepped and ready to shred, courtesy of the Mount Kato Trail Crew!

The MNMBS, Mount Kato, and the Mankato Interscholastic Cycling Team re-joined forces in 2019 to re-energize the iconic Bluff Rider’s Charge. All proceeds from the 2022 race will benefit More Families on Bikes, a Mankato-based organization that cultivates the family cycling culture as an independent activity provider.

The River Valley 100 is an opportunity for bicyclists of many levels – whether you want to conquer it or survive it – this is the ride for you. Whether you choose to ride gravel or pavement our routes showcase the scenic roads of the Minnesota river valley starting and ending in Mankato.  The ride is free but registration is required. 

This event takes place in August, see website for more details.  

River Valley Running hosts one group fun run a month typically on a Saturday with details provided 2-3 weeks ahead of the event. All ages and ability levels are welcome. Afraid you won’t keep up or you won’t know anybody? No need to worry… there is always someone, or several, who are willing to adjust their pace. And it’s a great way to meet like-minded people. Need some accountability? You are more likely to get your run in if your training buddies are counting on you to show up!! Motivation, inspiration, accountability, new friendships, health and wellness, and increased fitness levels are all waiting for you at River Valley Running’s weekly group runs. Snacks and drinks to follow. 

See River Valley Running Event webpage for more details