Back Road Bliss: Four Days of BAM
Story by Lisa Rippe,
BAM Rider and Volunteer
All photos by BikeMN
Each August, a small army of cyclists sets out to experience Minnesota the best way they know how, from the seat of a bicycle. Bicycling Around Minnesota, better known as BAM, is not a race and not a test of endurance. It’s a rolling tour of the state’s back roads and small towns, where the miles are measured on bike computers but, more importantly, in conversations and discoveries.
The 2025 edition carried riders through the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area for four days and 230 memorable miles, linking together welcoming communities, scenic stretches of trail, and the easy camaraderie that develops when hundreds of people share the same road. For riders already dreaming about next summer’s adventure, the journey through Pequot Lakes, Pine River, Emily, and Aitkin offers a glimpse of what makes BAM special.
Day 0: Arriving in Pequot Lakes
The tour began on Wednesday, August 20, as participants trickled into Bobber Park in Pequot Lakes for check-in. Cyclists arrived throughout the afternoon, pitched tents beneath the trees, and were reacquainted with friends from previous tours while meeting plenty of new faces.
Bobber Park offered an appropriately playful starting point. Riders snapped photos with the statue of Paul Bunyan’s blue ox before wandering into town for dinner and drinks. As the sun dipped lower, the campground filled with the sounds of bluegrass music and easy conversation.
The Snarky Loon Brewing Company opened a cash bar, and riders gathered to relax after their travels. Tour Director Mary Derks welcomed the group and shared an overview of the route, highlighting the communities and scenic stretches that would define the next four days.
Day 1: Pequot Lakes to Pine River (64 miles)
Thursday morning brought clear skies and the excited energy that always accompanies the first miles of a multi-day ride. Riders rolled out of Pequot Lakes to cheers and camera flashes, including coverage by local reporter Daniel Pursell, who documented the lively send-off. The route quickly revealed the character of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Quiet roads curved past shimmering lakes and through long corridors of pine and hardwood forest. Riders also enjoyed extended stretches on the Paul Bunyan Trail, one of Minnesota’s most celebrated rail trails.
A highlight stop came in Nisswa, widely regarded as one of Minnesota’s most charming small towns. Many riders visited the Nisswa History Center and Museum, where exhibits connect the town’s past with remarkable personal stories. Among the displays are the boyhood bicycle of Billie Brown, who survived the Bataan Death March during World War II and a bicycle later used by Harold Kletschka, inventor of the first fully implantable artificial heart.
Lunch awaited in Breezy Point, where riders gathered for a picnic before continuing north toward Pine River. The day concluded at the Cass County Fairgrounds, where the campground quickly came to life with tents, bikes, and riders swapping stories from the road.
A welcome luxury arrived in the form of hot showers from the Pork Belly Ventures mobile shower truck. Evening activities included yoga, a lively round of BAM bingo, and live bluegrass music. Many riders also wandered over to the nearby Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival for refreshments and entertainment before turning in for the night.
Day 2: Pine River to Emily (63 miles)
Friday began with the comforting smell of breakfast drifting through the campground. Riders fueled up on egg bake and French toast before setting out for another day of riding. For many, the morning also included a quick stop at Pine River Bakery, which has earned a reputation as the number-one bakery in the region. Who doesn’t love a post-breakfast donut (and one to go for later)?
The route circled sparkling lakes, wound through the Crow Wing State Forest, and followed the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway toward Crosslake. There, volunteers welcomed cyclists to the Crosslake Historic Log Village, where the collection of preserved buildings and exhibits tells the story of life in the region from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.
One exhibit that drew particular attention was Ben Knebel’s 1949 Chris-Craft Mail Boat, which once delivered mail across the lakes of the Whitefish Chain.
A short ride later brought the group to another popular stop. The Yellow House, known as the top-selling ice cream shop in Minnesota, proved difficult to pass without stopping. Cones and conversation filled the patio before riders returned to the road.
At the end of the day, the hamlet of Emily welcomed everyone into a pine shaded park that served as the overnight camp. It was time to slow down and enjoy the evening with outdoor massages, pickleball, and pontoon rides. What a way to unwind after the day’s miles.
Dinner featured pork loin, potatoes, green beans, spinach salad, and a large brownie that quickly disappeared from plates. The Pickled Loon Saloon poured cold drinks while live music filled the park. Local historian Anna shared stories about her pioneer ancestors, adding a sense of place to the gathering. The evening wrapped up with a birthday celebration for one of the riders.
Day 3: Emily to Aitkin (65 miles)
Saturday’s ride carried cyclists deeper into the region’s lakes and forests before turning toward Aitkin, the final overnight host city of the tour.
By the time the pack leaders rolled into the Aitkin County Fairgrounds, the place was already buzzing with activity. Some set up camp near the horse corral and watched preparations for an upcoming rodeo. Others joined local anglers for a relaxed fishing outing, while many took part in outdoor yoga or settled in with live music and craft beer from Block North Brew Pub. There was something for everyone.
The fairgrounds provided a lively yet comfortable setting for the final evening together. Following dinner, Michael Wojcik, executive director of BikeMN, spoke about his path into bicycle advocacy and the organization’s ongoing efforts to make biking and walking safer and more accessible across Minnesota.
Later, Mary Derks took a moment to recognize the twenty volunteers who helped make the four-day tour possible. Their behind-the-scenes work, she said, ensured that riders could simply focus on the miles ahead and the communities welcoming them along the way.
Day 4: Aitkin to Pequot Lakes (55 miles)
Sunday morning arrived with a crisp northern Minnesota breeze and the familiar mix of fatigue and satisfaction that marks the final day of a long ride. Egg sandwiches and oatmeal powered the crowd before everyone hit the road for the last leg of the journey.
The route followed portions of the Great River Road and offered views tied to the history of the Cuyuna Iron Range before reconnecting with the Paul Bunyan Trail. A steady headwind added a bit of extra effort to the day, but spirits remained high.
An early lunch stop in the sunshine gave riders a chance to recharge before the final push back to Pequot Lakes. One by one, they rolled back into town tired, proud, and smiling after completing four memorable days on the road.
About BAM
BAM is a program of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. The nonprofit works to engage communities, educate riders, and advocate for safe biking and walking across the state. Each year the tour visits a different corner of Minnesota, blending scenic riding with the warmth of small-town hospitality. Riders share meals, miles, and stories along the way, and by the time the final miles are finished, many have formed friendships that last long after the tents are packed and the bikes are loaded for the trip home.
About BAM
BAM is a program of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. The nonprofit works to engage communities, educate riders, and advocate for safe biking and walking across the state. Each year the tour visits a different corner of Minnesota, blending scenic riding with the warmth of small-town hospitality. Riders share meals, miles, and stories along the way, and by the time the final miles are finished, many have formed friendships that last long after the tents are packed and the bikes are loaded for the trip home.
What’s on tap for 2026?
The 2026 ride kicks off in Detroit Lakes on August 13, and is already circled on many calendars. This trip will explore the lakes region of west-central Minnesota with visits to Perham and Fergus Falls.
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About me
I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons to never sit still in Minnesota.