I always award myself an achievement unlocked if I find a new coffee shop while cycling. My method is to pull over and Google my immediate surroundings. Today, in an industrial area of St. Paul, I came across Port 2050 Coffee hidden inside a large, repurposed industrial building. Some serious art books that I’d normally expect to see in a library were spread out on the community table.
Category: Cycle
Squeezing it in all in
Cycled a loop along mostly rail trails today. The Kenilworth Corridor, shown here, had been closed for several years during the construction of the Green Line light rail. I’ve really missed this connector between two other rail trails. From left to right, there’s a pedestrian path, a two-lane cycle path, the LRT, and just enough room to squeeze in a freight line.
So many wars
My friend and I started our bike ride a bit earlier than usual today to beat the afternoon heat. We paused here after cycling along Victory Memorial Parkway. The parkway and its surrounding area were created after World War I to honor the servicemen and nurses from Hennepin County who lost their lives in the conflict. As we were about to head back, we spotted something we’d never noticed before, partially hidden by the trees: a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln.
Lunch at an Uptown fixture
Cycled a circular loop to Hopkins with a friend visiting from the UK, made possible by sections of the trail reopened after Green Line LRT construction. We stopped for lunch at Bryant Lake Bowl, a long-time Uptown fixture that’s part bowling alley, part theater, and part excellent restaurant. The bibimbap was superb comfort food, perfectly fitting a day that threatened rain but stayed dry for our bike ride.
Short-sleeved sunny cycle
Met a friend at the U, surrounded by sports stadiums. The weather was perfect for a ride to and around St. Paul’s Lake Como, followed by a cuppa from Dock & Paddle beside the lake.
Pre-flight check
Pumped up the tires and took myself out for a test drive. I performed well enough, though I’ll definitely be needing a nap this afternoon. All things considered, I’m ready to cycle to points east with my friend tomorrow.
Destination Battle Creek Park
With a bit of help from light rail and a friend and his truck, we cycled trails east of St. Paul, including a nicely refurbished section leading to Battle Creek Park. We both almost stalled out at a couple of points as we tracked this stream uphill.
The trail won
A cycle ride with a friend included trail sections that have just reopened after light rail construction. At this choke point, there was room for the light rail or the trail, but not both. The trail won, while the light rail runs in a half-mile tunnel through unstable ground under the trail. This is possibly the most expensive compromise in Minnesota infrastructure history.
Spring’s first spin: shorts and shirtsleeves
Wipe down, pump the tires, lube the chain: off on two wheels. With temperatures about to hit 77°F, a ride was mandatory. The trails were dry and ice-free, and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. Only the lingering piles of snow served as a reminder that the snow season isn’t quite over.
Our rusty steeds
We rented a couple of bikes from a local business that seemed to specialize in salvaging old bicycles. While we waited, they put the finishing touches on our rides and sent us on our way. They were inexpensive, about US$6 each for the day, but we definitely got what we paid for. Eventually, I found the one “perfect” gear combination where the chain didn’t fall off the derailleurs and stuck with it for the rest of the day.