Sunday September 27, 2026
Oh Pie Goodness!
The Kato Bike Fall Fest is a weekend-long celebration showcasing the depth of bike culture of the Greater Mankato area. Expect the best routes, treats, and fun to be found in the serenity of a Southern Minnesota autumn. The Kato Bike Fall Fest is presented by the KATOBikeWalk, a Chapter of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. DAM Store Pie at the finish at Mount Kato for all riders!
Check-in details
Check-in begins at 7:30am – riders may begin riding between 8am and 10am. Longer route riders should be on the course by 9am. Register in advance and $ave or register the morning of the ride at Mount Kato.
Routes start and end at Mount Kato 20461 State Hwy 66, Mankato, MN 56001
2026 Route Descriptions
PAVED ROUTES:
12 Mile Minneopa Loop is a short but sweet cruise with visits to Sibley Park Rest Stop at mile 4 and Minneopa State Park Rest Stop at mile 8.5. A perfect ride for those with younger riders or prefer a shorter distance and slower pace.
25 Mile Mankato Loop takes riders up to the Mankato BMX Rest Stop at mile 8 and the popular Javen’s Winery Rest Stop at mile 17. We’ll even bring any Javen’s purchases back to the start for you!
50 Mile Long Loop takes riders south to Good Thunder stopping at Red Iron Mercantile Refuel Rest Stop at mile 20 and Javen’s Winery Rest Stop at mile 42.
GRAVEL ROUTES:
11.5 Mile Gravel Route features a punchy mix of single “double track” around Red jacket Valley Park and a challenging climb up Indian Lake Road gaining nearly 500 feet of climbing over the course. Rest stops are only Mount Kato start and end, but some may even want to crank this one out before or after the Minneopa Loop if they still have time. Gravel bikes (bigger tires) recommended!
44 Mile Gravel Route brings foolhardy riders south to Good Thunder with stops at the Red Iron Mercantile Refuel Rest Stop at mile 16.5 and a visit to Javen’s Winery Rest Stop at mile 38 before a gravel road finish back at Mount Kato. Over 1,500 feet of climbing is a good balance of challenge and fun!
Rest stop hours
Please plan your check-in time, time spent at rest stops, and your speed/pace accordingly.
Sibley: Open until 10:30 am or sweep
Minneopa: Open until 11:30 am or sweep
BMX: Open until 12:30 or sweep
Javen’s: Open until 2pm or sweep
Red Iron Mercantile: Noon
Javen’s Winery Rest Stop is sure to be a hit on the Mankato Loop route including samples!
Hang out at Mount Kato to catch the Kato Cross cyclocross race too when you get back to the start.
Bonus Free Saturday events – Register here!
Mountain Biking at Mount Kato
Head over to Mount Kato to ride some of the oldest mountain bike trails in the state. Trails will be open from 5-7 pm, followed by a bonfire, snacks, and beverages sponsored by Mankato Area Mountain Bikers. Register via the drop down menu in the event registration. No Charge – RSVP by clicking here.
Group 5K Walk with Empowered by Nature Wellness Center
Want to come early and enjoy a guided walk exploring the area? Join Samantha Wendt on a 5k walk on trails and gravel in the vicinity of Mount Kato. Walk departs Mount Kato at 3:00 p.m. No Charge – RSVP by clicking here.
The Routes & Details
The KBFF showcases some of the most beautiful areas of the state at the most beautiful time of year! See our list of routes with something for everyone to experience.
Additional Resources
Looking for some off-bike adventure?
Minneopa State Park is now home where the buffalo roam. Perched on the bluffs above the Minnesota River, there are eight miles of hiking trails including a five-mile loop around the 330-acre bison enclosure. Motorists can opt for a prairie safari by driving slowly through the enclosure. Craft your own triathlon by combining a canoe trip with hiking and biking. Float down the beautiful Blue Earth River on your own or with Bent River Outfitter. They offer guided kayak, canoe and stand-up paddle-board trips.
Hope about off-road adventure?
Go Mankato mountain biking! Mankato Area Mountain Bikers (with funding support from KATOBikeWalk) work hard to maintain and lay new single-track in the Mankato and St. Peter area – check it out! Visit mankatoareamountainbikers.org or visitgreatermankato.com for details on all five local mountain bike areas.
Hungry?
Check out our great sponsors Tandem Bagel or Wooden Spoon. Worked up a 21+ thirst? Visit Mankato Brewery or Pub 500.
Lodging
Campers will enjoy the convenience of nearby Minneopa State Park or Land of Memories.
CALL EARLY! The following hotels are supporters of the KBFF:
Country Inn & Suites, 507.388.8555 Comfort Inn & Suites North Mankato, 507.388.3800
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
City/County Sponsors
Community Sponsors
