Bridge the Valley — A Bike Rally for Community in Stillwater That I Can't Stop Talking About

Okay, I need to tell you about something I just discovered that has me genuinely excited. Bridge the Valley is an annual bike rally put on by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, and it is exactly the kind of community event that makes me proud to live in this corner of Minnesota. I am already planning to round up a group of friends for it, share it on my Facebook page, and talk it up to every client I meet. Yes, it is that worth checking out.

So What Is Bridge the Valley?

Bridge the Valley is a bike rally that takes riders across the bridges between Minnesota and Wisconsin through some of the most beautiful scenery the St. Croix Valley has to offer. There are route options for every level — a family-friendly 10-mile ride, a moderate 25-miler, and longer routes of 40, 50, and 70 miles for the folks who want to really earn their post-ride meal.

The ride starts and finishes in historic downtown Stillwater, and the whole thing wraps up with what they call a Party in the Park — food, live music, and refreshments along the St. Croix River. You roll in after your ride, grab something to eat, listen to the band, and hang out with a couple hundred people who all just spent the morning doing something active and community-minded. That is my kind of Saturday.

The Best Part — It Stays Local

Here is what really got me. Every dollar raised through Bridge the Valley stays right here in our community. The Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club puts the proceeds toward programs you can actually point to on a map:

• STRIVE mentorship and scholarships at Stillwater Area High School — a program that pairs students with local mentors and awards scholarships to help them pursue their goals after graduation.
• Early childhood literacy programs in Independent School District 834 — putting books and reading resources into the hands of kids before they even reach kindergarten.
• Enhancements to Bridgeview Park and other public spaces that make our communities better places to live.
• International initiatives like providing mobility devices and supporting the global End Polio Now campaign — so even though the focus is local, the impact reaches further.

I love knowing that the registration fee I pay is going straight back into Stillwater Area Schools, local parks, and community programs. That is the kind of transparency and purpose that makes me want to bring my whole network along.

Why I Am Rallying Everyone I Know

I am planning to share this one on my Facebook page and on my Google Business profile because I genuinely want people to know about it. Whether you are a serious cyclist training for something bigger, a casual rider looking for a fun Saturday morning with the family, or someone who just wants to come down to the park for the music and the food — there is a place for you at Bridge the Valley.

Pick Your Route

One of the things I love about this event is that it is genuinely accessible. The 10-mile route is perfect for families with kids or anyone who has not been on a bike in a while and wants a fun, supported ride. The 25-mile route is a nice morning workout with some gorgeous views of the St. Croix Valley. And if you are the type who wants to tackle 40, 50, or 70 miles — more power to you. Rest stops, route support, and plenty of encouragement are all part of the deal.

The routes cross between Minnesota and Wisconsin, which means you get those iconic bridge crossings with the river sprawling out beneath you. On a late summer morning, with the sun coming up over the bluffs, there are not many better ways to spend a Saturday.

Plan Your Day

The rally takes place in August in historic downtown Stillwater. Registration typically opens early and includes a post-ride party with food, drinks, and live music. Bring your bike, a helmet, and a willingness to have a great time. If you do not own a bike but still want to support the cause, the Party in the Park is usually open to the public — check the official website for details.

I encourage you to head over to bridgethevalley.org and explore what they are building. Read about the routes, the mission, and the impact this event has had year after year. And if you see me out there on my bike — wave, say hi, and remind me why I signed up for the 50-miler. I will probably need the encouragement.

Hope to see you on the bridge.