I currently live in Minneapolis and have spent a large majority of my time on the Greenway, which I'm tired of. --Are there any good routes where a person can ride without all the stop and go intersections?
I currently live in Minneapolis and have spent a large majority of my time on the Greenway, which I'm tired of. --Are there any good routes where a person can ride without all the stop and go intersections?
There are many nice routes on the West side of Minneapolis. Depending on how far you want to ride, you can start on the greenway and head west on Minnetonka Blvd. This will take you out toward Excelsior.
Whoa there - take it easy on the green way. I am from MN, lived in Mpls for 6yrs going to school and am now in Chicago. The greenway is amazing and I miss it! I know what you are talking about though, the scenery is not all that great, not as good as the lake front path in Chicago but the conditions cannot be beat.Originally Posted by 3 circles
That being said, lamazion is right on looking toward the west. I cannot remember what the path names are but I did take a few to the west which were quite nice.
You can also try using google maps and plot a route to the burbs using the bicycle as the mode of transportation which usually reveals major bike routes/trails. Good luck!
The green way is awesome, I take it all the time...sometimes out to St bonifacius on occasion. It a great system and we are lucky to have it!!I would love to try a few other options. Ideally I 'm looking for 15-45 miles routes...although I can tap into google maps etc. I thought I would ask other riders to see what they they have stumbled upon...Sometimes those are the best routes.
--Hope you're liking Chi-city... I've never biked there but I have walked the lake front path, and It's beautiful!
Last edited by 3 circles; 10-16-11 at 02:06 PM.
Are you looking for paths, on-road routes or all of the above?
I'm interested in "on road" routes. My objective is to be able to build up speed and work on some climbs without having to stop every 100 meters. I wish there were old country roads with a decent enough shoulder to ride on without worrying about getting clipped. - Sometimes it's just nice to hit the road and clear your head without all the stop and go traffic.
Mississippi River Road (ahem, "West & East River Parkway" in Mpls, "N & S Mississippi River Blvd" in St. Paul), there are a few stops, but not bad. Water Street/Lilydale Road in St. Paul/Lilydale, which connects up with "Big Rivers Regional Trail" just downstream of 35E by the Pool and Yacht Club. Ah heck, I'll just map it out:
http://g.co/maps/987nf
This map ain't perfect, but it's close enough. Google is routing us on some bike paths where I find the roads they parallel to be perfectly ridable and preferable - that said, there's a portion between Minnehaha Park and Historic Fort Snelling where you really need to take the trail. Also, while I prefer to ride on Hwy 13, many prefer the Big Rivers Regional Trail. The climb up Ohio and Cherokee is a local favorite. On the other hand, I find the climb up Ramsey to be silly steep and instead have routed you up Pleasant and Irvine, "the European Way" (ride it and you'll learn why the silly name).
Enjoy the rest of the fall riding season!
There's definitely those within biking distance of the TC - up north is great and so is down through Mendota Heights into Eagan. Crossing over into Wisconsin is always a fun time as well. Heading out west you can find good routes around Lake Minnetonka. I will look into my collection and pick up some favs.
You can also get into some group riding which is how I learned my way around the state.
http://maps.google.com/maps?msid=217...h&z=13&vpsrc=6
Mendota Heights has a lot of rolling hills and multiple good roads to create many different route choices. Common entry points are from over the 55 bridge from Minnehaha Falls or up the High Bridge from St Paul. You can even go further south and down into Eagan and Rosemount. 13 has a shoulder but gets pretty busy on the south end. Mendota Heights Rd, Wentworth and Marie are all good (hilly) choices. There is a nice set of trails on the east side near Pigs Eye.
http://maps.google.com/maps?msid=217...h&z=12&vpsrc=6
Stagecoach and Military Rd are popular in a loop - be more mindful of farm traffic
http://maps.google.com/maps?msid=217...h&z=12&vpsrc=6
Heading up to Stillwater or Pine Point Park on the Gateway trail is a great ride. Head north past White Bear Lake and then take advantage of nice country roads. I prefer to do these rides earlier in the morning because the roads can get busy with people out for a drive or heading to a lake. Square Lake Trail and Norell are good - you can get into some gravel up there and I don't know which ones to tell you to avoid. If more adventurous, head up to Marine on St Croix via Square Lake to Orwell. Not all of the roads have large shoulders.
Riding in MPLS? Whoa, that's pretty Tron!
"It was the abandonment of the gold standard that made modern barbarism affordable."
-- Gary North
My Bikes
Both Bryant Ave and 40th St. south are really nice roads to take in South Minneapolis.
Here are a couple of links to peruse:
http://www.biketcbc.org/
http://www.a1trails.com/biking/mn/twincities.html
Also, google cyclopath. That link has tons of ride info.
...and don't miss our C&V ride in the spring.
Our first was a good time, hosted by Keith from Bikeforums.
He did a great job.
Next spring you are stuck with me!
+1 on Cyclopath. That is an awesome resource for getting around the Twin Cities by bike.
Summit Ave. in St Paul is a good street to ride fast on. It's got stoplights every half mile, but often you can get into the timing rhythm and not worry about stopping for a few miles. You'll also get some [Minnesota] climbing going from Mpls to StPl. (Lake-Marshall is the best route, IMO).
To find good country roads you can ride the Gateway out to the Stillwater area. There are some great roads out there. Lots of roadies also train on the roads down by the airport. You can check out Flanders Bros. for good rides and/or join them on training rides.
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