View from Plymouth Avenue Bridge

At roughly the midpoint of our Sunday walk, we cross the Mississippi River on the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, enjoying the downstream view towards Downtown. The distinctive Boom Island ‘Lighthouse’ is an addition to the park, built in 1987 by the Minneapolis Park Board.

A Sure Sign of Fall

Our cycling adventure took us to Lake Harriet, where we had planned to enjoy a breakfast sandwich from Bread & Pickle. Unfortunately, they had shortened their hours, a telltale sign that Fall was upon us. Undeterred, we continued our ride until lunchtime, when Longfellow’s came into view. They served up one of the best grilled…… Continue reading A Sure Sign of Fall

Categorized as Fall, Cycle

The Journey Home

Climbed up from Stillwater this morning on the Brown’s Creek Trail to join the Gateway Trail towards St. Paul. Both these leafy trails, repurposed from former railroads, offered a smooth ride with plenty of shade.

Pedal and Stay

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.

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

Categorized as Cycle

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.

Categorized as Cycle