Mississippi Loop

Cycled trails on both sides of the Mississippi, including this recently repaired section that had been underwater. At this point we’re on the St. Paul-side looking across to Minneapolis.

Categorized as Cycle

Mystical Journey

I sometimes point my bike through this yard where sculptors work. I like the accidental sunlight flare on the lens creating a mystical water effect at the bottom. Continued my ride while imagining interpretations of the sculpture, not knowing if it was unfinished.

River Ride

At the start of our cycle ride, looked across Ft. Snelling State Park towards the airport. Followed the Minnesota River, then Mississippi to downtown St. Paul. Cycled back, mainly on trails on the opposite bank. Click through for an extra photo of a (potentially) high voltage eagles’ nest.

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On High Ground

Not exactly the source of the Nile, but interesting nonetheless while cycling with a friend through Reservoir Woods Park. An image search for this 30-million gallon tank, part of St. Paul’s water system, brought me to photos of Mongolian yurts.

Wake-up Weather

Wake-up weather presaged a steamy couple of days. This afternoon I imagined myself in New Orleans as I rode my bike along leafy streets with a stop for ice cream.

Coil Cars

A freight train slowly creaked across our path. Google Lens identified these as “coil cars” for carrying large rolls of sheet metal. A Google Search for CNW 19221 brought up photographs of the actual freight car and confirmed its purpose.

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Behind Bars

In a part of town where there’s small businesses with names like “Ruff Love” (dog daycare) and “Eat My Words” (used books), took my bike to “Behind Bars.” Splashed out on “the most puncture-resistant pneumatic tires on the market.” I’m cycling hopefully, while not expecting miracles.

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Pasties for Lunch

Today I was reminded how lard makes pastry light and flakey. Out cycling with a friend, stopped to pick up Cornish pasties at a serving hatch. Savored the melt-in-the-mouth crust and tasty filling upstairs and outside at a picnic table.

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Off-Peak Cycling

We cycled a loop: Hiawatha LRT Trail, Midtown Greenway, Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek, back up the Mississippi. On a weekend, this route is busy, but not on a Monday. Stopped for a late lunch at Longfellow Grill, greeted by staff who’ve worked there since before the pandemic. Spring comes late here, and the section…… Continue reading Off-Peak Cycling

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We Always Stop For Trains

Most weeks, when the weather is fair I go cycling with my friend, Dave. I always look forward to our bicycle adventures: we indulge our curiosity about the world around us, the conversation flows, and we get some exercise. Yesterday our cycle ride included the recently completed Robert Piram Trail in South St. Paul. When…… Continue reading We Always Stop For Trains

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