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Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride

Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride

The Birchleggings Club Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride offers a scenic journey through Minnesota's lake country.

Race Date

Aug 13, 2026

Location

Lester Praire, MN

Quick facts

Date
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Location
Lester Praire, Minnesota
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceWell Organized

Course

Scenic RouteWell Marked

The Experience

The Third Annual Birchleggings Club Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride invites cyclists to explore a picturesque paved trail in Minnesota. This event, now in its third year, offers multiple distances, allowing riders to choose their adventure from 13 to 57 miles.

The route winds through Hennepin and Carver counties, showcasing the beauty of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia. Cyclists will pass through charming towns like Spring Park, Mound, and Mayer, enjoying a well-maintained, paved rail trail that promises a smooth and scenic ride.

Participants converge in Lester Prairie for a communal lunch at the Central Café, known for its home-cooked meals. This gathering fosters a sense of camaraderie among fellow Birchleggers, making it a delightful day out for cycling enthusiasts.

Race-provided description

Come join your fellow Birchleggers for the Third Annual bicycle ride on one of the nicest bicycle rail trails in Minnesota on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This well-kept paved trail goes for 28.5 miles from Wayzata to Lester Prairie, Minnesota, past Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia. The trail is in Hennepin and Carver counties and goes through the cities of Spring Park, Mound, St. Bonifacius, Mayer, and New Germany. Riders can do the full round trip of 57 miles by parking in Wayzata, or shorter distances of 38 miles by parking in Mound, 29 miles by parking in St. Bonifacius, and even 13 miles by parking in Mayer. See links to parking lots below: The plan would be that the riders doing the shorter distances would join the longer group riders at each location and then ride into Lester Prairie together for lunch at the Central Café, also known as “Mary Kate’s Bitchin Kitchen” for home cooked food! The Central Café only accepts cash, so please bring money. 57 Mike Route - Wayzata Parking GPS: 44.96961, -93.52063 38 Mile Route - Mound Parking GPS: 44.93707, -93.66509 29 Mile Route - St. Bonifacius Parking GPS: 44.90259, -93.74161 13 Mile Route - Mayer Parking GPS: 44.88483, -93.88903

Logistics

Race Day

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Start Time

11:30 AM

Start Location

406 Central Ave, Lester Praire, MN, 55354

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 0°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

Afternoon (High)

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.0"

Precipitation

0 mph

Wind

0%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride?

The Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride is held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, starting at 11:30 AM.

Where does the Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride take place?

It takes place in Lester Praire, Minnesota.

What distances does the Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride course flat and good for a PR?

The Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride is a ultra-flat, point to point course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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