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.

Categorized as Cycle

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.

Categorized as Cycle

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

Categorized as Cycle

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

Categorized as Cycle

Swedish Treat

Went on the longest cycle ride, so far, this year, with a mandatory DQ towards the end. My friend had a two-for-one coupon to use before it expired. The DQ was closed, so instead we continued to Fletcher’s for first-rate lingonberry ice cream, a nod to the area’s Swedish roots.

Categorized as Cycle

Pedal and Patisserie

Defied the chill, wrapped up well, cycled with a friend. Almost cleared out Patisserie 46’s inventory of almond croissants.

Categorized as Cycle

Endorphins

Cranked up the endorphins with sun, warmth, and the first cycle ride of the year. (Garden of Iron Mirrors, University of Minnesota, East Bank Campus.)

Categorized as Cycle

Rare Iron Bridge

Cycled the Gateway State Trail until it ran out, then cycled back. Crossed this 1873 wrought iron bridge. By the 1890’s steel had displaced iron as the material of choice for bridges, so iron bridges are quite rare.

Categorized as Cycle

Round Every Corner

Wetland view from the Cannon Valley Trail, cycling from Welch to Red Wing, then back to Welch. In Red Wing our destination was a cafe specializing in pies, but it had closed early. My friend didn’t miss a beat and led me to a bake shop round the corner.

Categorized as Eat, Cycle