BAM 2020 is headed to Minnesota’s lovely west-central lakes region from Thursday, Aug. 13 to Sunday, Aug. 16. 

The ride is a clockwise loop that starts and finishes in the city of Ottertail.

The overnight towns are Alexandria, Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes.

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.

Mileage and terrain: Distances are 60 to 70 miles per day on paved roads and trails. Terrain is primarily gently rolling with some hillier and flatter sections interspersed throughout. The tour is intended for cyclists of intermediate ability and above.

Food and rest stops: BAM includes four breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners. Lunches will be served each day at the route’s halfway point or later. On the last day, only breakfast and lunch are provided. Meals are served by a combination of local community and civic groups, caterers and restaurants. BAM will publish the menus for each meal before the ride begins. If you have dietary restrictions, please review the menus carefully and plan accordingly.

Riders are on their own for dinner on Friday. Part of BAM’s mission is to bring tourism to the host cities on the route, and this year we invite riders to explore the many food options in Fergus Falls for their evening meal in lieu of a group meal.

Supported rest stops aren’t part of this ride. However, there will be opportunities every 15 to 25 miles to stop in small towns for rest and to purchase snacks at convenience stores, ice-cream parlors and cafes.

Camping: This is primarily a tent-camping tour, with limited hotel options (see below). Camping takes place at local parks, schools and other locations. A Pork Belly Ventures shower truck is available onsite or nearby with private stalls, hot water and free towel service.

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of setting up and taking down your own tent, Pork Belly offers an optional tent service. For $250 per individual or group, they provide a tent, air mattress, chair, full setup and takedown, and delivery of bags to and from the luggage truck. A second air mattress is available for an additional $20. Click here to create a Pork Belly account, if you don’t have one, and to register for this year’s tent service.

Pork Belly also provides electronic-device charging at the campsites, and free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in the morning for all riders.

Indoor lodging: For those who prefer indoor lodging, a limited number of rooms are made available at lodging sites in each host city. The sites might be 1 to 4 miles from the camping location. Riders are responsible for getting themselves to and from the lodging locations, meals and activities. Luggage transport is available at these facilities only. Costs aren’t included in the registration fee. Reservations are your responsibility. BAM doesn’t vet the locations.

Luggage transport, SAG and mechanical support: A vehicle will transport your luggage each day to the next overnight town. Campers are allowed two soft-sided bags, limited to 35 pounds each. Those staying in hotels are allowed one soft-sided bag, limited to 35 pounds. Please be sure all items fit inside your bag(s); no tie-ons, please. All bags will be weighed prior to being loaded onto the luggage truck; bags that don’t meet the weight requirements will not be loaded.

SAG support will be provided and is for people who have mechanical issues that cannot be repaired on the road or are injured. SAG support will not be available as a transport mechanism for tired riders. Please be prepared to bike the distances indicated on the Routes page.

Mechanical support is provided by Freewheel Bike Shop, so all you need to do is ride your bike! Service is free, but you pay for parts, etc. Please be sure to have your bike tuned up before the ride.

Non-riders: BAM will allow up to 10 non-rider participants on the tour. A non-rider participant is defined as someone (like a friend or spouse of a rider) who participates in BAM but chooses to drive a vehicle instead of ride. Non-rider participants must pay the full registration price and are subject to the BAM cancellation policy.

Due to safety and state regulations, RVs are not allowed at the campsites or on the route. Support vehicles are also prohibited.

Minors: The ride is limited to persons 16 or older. Riders 16-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent or guardian. This adult must provide a signed medical-release form, and the minor must have it in his or her possession at all times during BAM. Without the release form, there could be delays in any necessary medical treatment.

Pet policy: Pets are not permitted. Participants who bring animals will be excused from the ride, with no refunds.

Cancellations: Riders who cancel by June 24 will be refunded the ride fee minus $50. Riders who cancel after June 24 will forfeit the entire ride fee unless BAM can find a substitute rider from its waiting list; if so, the rider will be refunded the ride fee minus $50. You may wish to purchase trip-cancellation insurance to protect yourself.