7th Annual Minneapolis Bike Tour

36-Mile Road Route: 37.68 miles
Tandem Pedal Time: 2 hours 45 minutes, average speed 13.6

We came to this ride less prepared than usual, leaving home without a camera battery in the camera, water in the water bottles or sunglasses on the bike and even though we were not as organized as usual, we managed to have a fabulous ride. We began to see bikes on vehicles as we neared Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis and our excitement began to grow. We needed to be on route by 7:30 a.m. so arrived ready to ride by 6:30. The Minneapolis park commissioners were at the start to welcome us and cheer us on our way.


Note: All photos of this biking event were taken using a Droid Motorola cell phone.

We registered for this ride through Living Social, an online business that offers daily deals and discounts, which was a savings of 50% off the normal ride fee. So all we had to do now was sit back and enjoy the ride along with 4000 other riders. The weather was the best ever—mid 60’s, sunshine, slight wind and once away from the mass start, few hills and lots of traffic-free surface to claim.

The route took us around 5 pristine lakes and then along the Mighty Mississippi, travelling past the University of Minnesota before returning back to our start at Parade Field. This 36-mile loop had 4 full rest stops and allowed us to bike the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway unhindered by motorized traffic. Rest stop #4 allowed me to shake hands in gratitude with a representative of Calhoun Cycles where 7 years ago we rolled our Rans Screamer our their door not realizing at the time the relationship we would have with this bike.

This is definitely a route we would like to share with our tandem friends in the future. Who would think this beauty could exist within this urban setting? The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has done a wonderful job protecting the many miles of inner city property for all to experience and enjoy (http://www.minneapolisparks.org).

A Post Ride Party was planned following our cheerful finish and included music, food vendors and various exhibition booths—a wonderful way to end this fun riding day.