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
Category: Place
In This Together
As I cycled through the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, I couldn’t help noticing the lawn signs. In two cases, I ended up chatting with the homeowners. Near the neighborhood’s edge, in an industrial building, I found Twin City Maker, a 24/7 non-profit offering wood and metal shops, a laser cutter, 3D printers, an electronics workshop,…… Continue reading In This Together
8 Weeks On, 8 Weeks Off
The clinical trial I’m participating in alternates between two treatments, 8 weeks at a time. Seville oranges are discouraged during one of the treatments, one of two ingredients in my go-to marmalade. For the next 8 weeks I can enjoy marmalade and I won’t have to make potentially misunderstood inquiries about the formulation of the…… Continue reading 8 Weeks On, 8 Weeks Off
In Praise of Ordnance Survey Maps
I love how UK Ordnance Survey Maps carry so much detail without looking cluttered. For example, you can tell if a church has a tower or spire, or if a railroad is below or above grade. Today I prepared maps for an upcoming multi-day hike with friends from Oxford, England to the source of the…… Continue reading In Praise of Ordnance Survey Maps
Minnesota’s Get-Together
Today was the day for my annual bike ride to the State Fair. Walked around, visited the poultry barn, and climbed above the crowds to the top of a forest fire watch tower where it was relatively quiet. As usual, after an hour, I was ready to get back on my bike.
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.
A Fleeting Display
Last weekend there was a street art festival on Nicollet Mall in Downtown. The sidewalk chalk art had survived quite well when I reviewed it today, minus crowds.
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.
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.
Bridge 9 Pause
Gave my bike a break on Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9 to take in this hazy view. Four bridges in sight: two now reopened after years of restoration work, one currently under restoration, and one newer bridge opened in 2008 after its predecessor’s dramatic collapse during rush hour in 2007.