Greater Mankato is gearing up for a jam-packed weekend of cycling excitement! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore the bike events happening during the weekend of August 23-25.
Sakatah Scramble:
Looking for a fun and family-friendly ride? The first-ever Sakatah Scramble offers something for everyone. With multiple routes to choose from, cyclists of all ages and abilities can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sakatah Trail. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs 39 miles between Mankato and Faribault. This paved, abandoned railroad bed passes through cool, wooded areas as well as open, sun-drenched farm fields and connects the communities of Mankato, Madison Lake, Elysian, Waterville, Morristown, Warsaw and Faribault. The weekend events are being coordinated by the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates (GMBWA). Click here for more information and to register.
Mankato Brewery Kickoff Party:
- Date: Friday, August 23
- Time: 4 pm
- Location: Mankato Brewery, 1119 Center St, North Mankato, MN 56003
Sakatah Scramble:
- Date: Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25: Ride the trail and stop in at participating businesses.
- Time: There is no defined starting location, no set start time, and no set direction. Build your own Sakatah sleepover by camping or finding a hotel in Mankato!
- Location: Sakatah Trail. Choose your own adventure!
Mankato Area Mountain Bikers Group Ride (All Abilities)
Join the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (MAMB) for a casual group ride to warm up your legs ahead of the River Valley 100 taking place on August 25. Meet in the back parking lot of the beautiful Seven Mile Creek Park just off of Highway 169. Don’t forget to pack your bug spray. All are welcome!
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: 5 pm
- Location: Seven Mile Creek Park, 47454 US-169, St Peter, MN 56082
River Valley 100
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. This event is $20 to register. Click here for Registration.
- Date: Sunday, August 25
- Time: 8 am
- Location: The ride starts and ends at LocAle Brewing Company, 228 Poplar St., Mankato, MN 56001
Gray Duck Racing’s Kato Cross
Get ready to get muddy! Gray Duck Racing brings the excitement of cyclocross to Mankato with the Kato Cross. This fast-paced race challenges riders with a mix of obstacles and terrain. Not sure what cyclocross is? No problem! This will be a great first event, and all ages, bikes, and ability levels are welcome. We’ll have a FREE skills clinic and practice session in the morning. Gray Duck Racing is sponsoring a bunny hop contest, with other games and fun stuff in the works! Registration is required and is open on Bikereg. Online Registration Deadline: Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 at 8:00 PM.
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: A free clyocross clinic runs from 8:30-9:30 am, with a practice session and open course from 9:30-10 am. Events begin at 10 am based on category.
- Location: Mount Kato, 20461 State Hwy 66, Mankato, MN 56001
Key City Bike to Yoga in the Park
Combine your love for cycling with relaxation at the Key City Bike to Yoga in the Park event. Join Key City Bike for a casual Saturday morning ride along the first few miles of the Sakatah Singing Hills Bike Trail! Together we’ll ride 8 miles to warm up for an outdoor yoga practice at Tourtellotte Park. Yoga will be led by our friend Sarah Dickhudt on the east side of the park.
Please bring a towel, blanket, or yoga mat + any water or snacks for yourself. The new Tourtellotte Park pool should be open as well, bring a swimsuit if you want to stay and swim for a while after yoga.
This event is free and open to anyone, however, donations to Key City Bike are always appreciated to help us continue to offer fun events and accessible bikes to our community.
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: Meet at 9 am, rollout at 9:15 am
- Location: Meet at Key City Bike, 204 E Vine St, Mankato, MN, 56001
Nicollet Bike & Ski Gravel Shootout Ride
Gravel bike enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Nicollet Bike & Ski Gravel Shootout Ride takes you on a thrilling adventure through the backroads of the Mankato River Valley area. Gravel or Cyclocross bikes required. 2 hours or 25-40 miles. Fast shootout style A paced option only.
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: Leaves at 7 am sharp
- Location: Nicollet Bike & Ski Shop, 607 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001