Cycled excellent trails from home to the St. Croix River (28 miles), where we checked into our new favorite Stillwater hotel, Lora. This 1886 brewery-turned-boutique hotel features stone walls, caves, and contemporary style. We dined at Dock Cafe, a nostalgic spot filled with decades of memories, before enjoying a stroll across the now-pedestrianized lift bridge.
Category: Move
How Not to Pump Up a Tire
Our building’s fancy new bike repair station got a workout from me today. I tried to pump up my tires, but managed to bend the delicate screw in a Presta valve. When I tried to straighten it, it broke. Across the river at Erik’s in Dinkytown, a technician swiftly replaced the valve without needing to… Continue reading How Not to Pump Up a Tire
Cycling Beyond the Cities
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
Forgotten Bridal Veil Falls
It was raining, so I decided to walk. From East River Road, near the Franklin Avenue Bridge, I heard the sound of rushing water. Peering over a wall, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: Bridal Veil Falls. The stream has been tamed by a culvert, and the Falls diminished by development, and it lacks even a name sign. I later found photos of its untamed beauty. Click through for a glimpse of its past.
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.
No Lines
As usual our Sunday morning walk took us across Boom Island. Workers were busy tearing down after a two-day music festival, the Basilica Block Party. There was visual evidence this had been a large event.
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