New Avon Business Helping To Bring New Riders To Lake Wobegon Trail

(KNSI) – Some of the best outdoor recreational assets in the state cut through central Minnesota, and a new company is shining the spotlight on one of those.

Inspired by Garrison Keillor’s work and an internship with Stearns County, Lake Wobegon Outfitters Owner Wayne Birkholz has always been fascinated with the trail. The new pop-up business offers e-bike and paddleboard rentals.

He tells KNSI News the goal is to help grow the outdoors community by reaching casual riders. “The thing with e-bikes, you know, they’re kind of expensive. They’re coming down in price. When I started doing this, there weren’t many options and now there’s more, and more affordable, more value. Still, if you’re only going to get out two or three times a year, it makes more sense to rent than to buy something.”

E-bikes are fairly new. For those who aren’t experienced with them, Birkholz says the important thing to know is that you can customize your experience while riding one. “The battery drives the motor in the back, and it’s got a throttle. You can use it like a motorcycle, or you can just pedal, and it has five assist modes depending on how fast you want to go and how much effort you want to give to the bike.”

The Lake Wobegon Trail stretches 65 miles. Not every rider can pedal from one end to the other and back. Birkholz says e-bikes can help increase your range and reduce your time commitment. Lake Wobegon Outfitters rentals start at $45 for a two-hour session. If you are out longer, you get charged per hour after that.

Paddleboards will also be offered once the weather warms up. Helmets are included with all e-bike rentals, and life jackets for the paddle boards.

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