Fireside Table

Stopped at Bordertown Coffee to warm up from a chilly cycle ride with a friend. In the colder months, there’s often a fire going, but apparently today wasn’t cold enough.

Categorized as Cycle

Gateway Trail Iron Bridge 

In glorious fall weather, cycled across the Gateway Trail Iron Bridge, one of the few remaining wrought iron bridges in Minnesota. Built in 1873, this is its third location. A sign warns the maximum load is 250 bicycles (presumably with riders).

Annual Airport Ride

Watched regional jets take off from runway 12L while, simultaneously, mainline jets used runway 12R on the other side of the terminal. My annual ride to MSP.

Categorized as Cycle

Spring Lake Regional Park

Our cycle route to Hastings included Spring Lake Regional Park. As expected, the trees were starting to turn, but a surprise was the amount and variety of prairie flowers. My friend’s wife met us in Hastings so we could drive back to a light rail station.

Categorized as Cycle

Finding Stories

Explored St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. Found some gems: the former Hollyhocks Club, a 1930’s-era gangsters’ hangout; impressive landscaping and construction at the former Ford Plant; the 1871 Mattocks School, a one-room schoolhouse, now a Spanish immersion classroom.

Ready for Pre-Dawn Getaway

My new daypack, pregnant with bicycle helmet, ready for a pre-dawn getaway tomorrow. A friend and I are off to Chicago for the day, taking advantage of a cheap fare. The old pack was beyond worn out; when we arrive back at MSP at 10:00 pm, we’ll be likewise.

Tree Tunnel

Cycled along a lovely rail trail from Hopkins to Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka. Fresh cinnamon rolls powered the ride back.

No Karma, Good Mojo

Tied up my bicycle at Carma Coffee. (The owners operate a car repair business across the road, hence the spelling.) There was a line, so I pedaled to Mojo Coffee Gallery where I ordered an Americano.

Categorized as Cycle

Mind the Gap

Cycled the lovely Gateway and Brown’s Creek State Trails to Stillwater. Crossed the St. Croix River on the car-free Stillwater Lift Bridge. Enjoyed a short delay on the way back from the Wisconsin side.

Categorized as Cycle