Author: bicyclingaroundminnesota

The 2020 Bicycling Around Minnesota-BAM tour will not be held. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, holding the tour is not in the best interests of the riders, staff, volunteers or communities we travel through. Safety is our number one priority and we simply do not see a way to proceed with the tour safely. 

We anticipate a 2021 tour in the same general area as the 2020 tour; however, the multiple unknowns of the pandemic may continue to impact our lives in 2021. No one knows the answers to the limitless questions about the pandemic and its duration, which experts estimate to be a one-to-two year crisis. 

Please contact us with questions.

Hello, 2020 BAM registrants.

We hope this finds you and your families safe and practicing social distancing during these unprecedented times with COVID-19.  

We wanted to provide an update about this year’s ride.  At this point, the ride is still on. 

There are multiple unknowns and much will be learned in the weeks and months ahead.  Some variables are within our control.  Others are dependent on governmental guidelines.  BAM is required to obtain permits from various state and local agencies, so their practices will impact our decision.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide another update on May 15. 

While we certainly hope the ride will happen, we take safety matters very seriously and will only proceed if we feel we’re not putting the riders, volunteers, vendors or communities at risk. 

Please email us if you have any questions.

Update: We have reached our limit of 275 registrants, but you still have a chance to join us on the ride. Click here to get on our wait list and we’ll notify you if a space opens up.

Registration for BAM 2020 is now open.

Please register early as the ride fills up quickly. There is a limit of 275 registrants, with others placed on a waiting list.

This year’s ride is a clockwise loop that starts and ends in Ottertail. Distances are 60 to 70 miles per day. Overnight towns are Alexandria, Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes.

Please see our Route page for information about the towns, daily routes, attractions and more. See our General Info page for important details about the tour.

Most riders choose to camp, but lodging is available for those who prefer to sleep indoors. BAM has reserved room blocks at lodging locations in all of the overnight towns.

Please see our Lodging page for details.

As always, we’ll have a custom jersey in versions for women and men available for purchase. We’re also offering a moisture-wicking T-shirt that sports the BAM logo. Apparel is sold only at the time of registration, and won’t be available during or after the ride.

Please see our Apparel page for more information.

BAM 2020 is headed to Minnesota’s lovely west-central lake region!

Overnight towns and additional details will be announced when registration opens on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at noon CST.

The ride is expected to fill quickly, so be sure to register promptly. There is a 275-rider limit.

BAM 2020 will be held Thursday through Sunday on Aug. 13-16.

Riders can expect:

• About 60-70 miles of bicycling each day on paved, low-traffic roads and trails.
• Scenic landscapes and local charm.
• Fully supported tour with daily maps, SAGs, mechanics and luggage transport. 
• Camping under the stars or lodging in hotels (hotels may be limited; baggage service provided, but bikers will need to get themselves to hotels and meals).
• Pork Belly Ventures will provide an air-conditioned shower truck at the campsite Thursday through Sunday morning with an ample number of private stalls, hot water and free towel service! Tent and porter service available also.
• Plenty of mobile phone chargers at the campsite.
• Fresh Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at the campsite for all riders each morning.

Look for additional details soon. Subscribe to our mailing list.

We hope you can join us on the tour!

We are excitedly looking ahead to this summer’s ride, and are pleased to announce dates.

BAM 2020 will take place on Aug. 13-16.

Registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 11 at noon CST. We will have details about the route, destination cities and more.