Cycled the Mississippi River Trail upriver from our home to Anoka, my farthest point yet. After a leisurely lunch, I explored the scenic Rum River Trail (view shown here), along a tributary of the Mississippi. The Northstar train brought me back to Minneapolis, right into the heart of a Def Leppard concert crowd at Target…… Continue reading Cycling Beyond the Cities
Category: Cycle
Industrial Entanglement
While cycling on a public road, I spotted this tangled industrial scene and stopped to capture it. A security guard told me to stop, threatened to call the police, then gave the middle finger when I said “go ahead.” I doubt anyone at General Mills will be upset with this photo of their grain silos.
Two Wheels to T2
Today was the day for my annual bike ride to the airport. My route included Fort Snelling State Park, which reopened this morning after flooding had subsided. I turned around at Terminal 2 and took the LRT home. I’ve never actually flown out of this terminal because I favor airlines in Skyteam or Star Alliance…… Continue reading Two Wheels to T2
Can’t Cycle, Can Canoe
The cycling and walking paths beside the channel connecting Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska were underwater this morning. I knew from experience my feet would have been submerged even on a bike, and the water’s resistance would have been a challenge. Meanwhile, the canoeists seemed right at home.
Concrete Calm
Cycled through this calm place on my random steamy ride. Industrial areas like this one in St. Paul are best explored on weekends, away from the hustle of weekday truck traffic.
The Purple One Slept Here… in a Movie
On my random cycle ride, noticed The Kid’s House was being refurbished. In the 1984 movie, Purple Rain, the Prince character (The Kid) lived in this modest house with his mother and abusive father. It sat empty after Prince bought it in 2015. His estate recently signed off on it being an Airbnb ‘Icons’ property.…… Continue reading The Purple One Slept Here… in a Movie
Train and Smoke
While cycling past the BNSF Northtown Yard today, watched a freight train roll by. The air quality is noticeably poor due to wildfires in the West and Canada.
Quiet Morning at Lake Harriet
Cycled a favorite loop today, including breakfast sandwiches at Bread and Pickle overlooking Lake Harriet. Plane traffic approaching and departing MSP had been shifted to the southeast, so we didn’t get to watch planes. Coincidentally, actual ducks were also absent.
Literary Cycle
On my random cycle ride through a residential neighborhood, spotted this free library that had morphed from a bicycle. Watched it in action as a father and child interacted with this creation and selected a book. There were controls to pull, spin (shelves), pump (a balloon), and to operate a puppet made from bicycle parts…… Continue reading Literary Cycle
Riding Above Floodwaters
Today we explored beyond the Twin Cities. Took a bike ride on the Cannon Valley Trail from Cannon Falls to Welch and back. This well-maintained rail trail offers scenic views of the Cannon River, which is currently overflowing its banks. Impressive embankments, built in 1882, kept us safely above the floodwaters and ensured gentle gradients.