It’s better to spend the day outside than it is spend it packed into a store fighting over deals. That’s how REI feels and a lot of people agree. They had this idea in 2015 to encourage their co-op members to choose nature over consumerism on Black Friday. It was a big thing when they announced it. Many other stores and outdoor brands quickly followed … Continue reading #OptOutside
The 30 miles each way from my place in south Minneapolis to Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Minn. is almost entirely on bicycle trails. The exceptions being the two miles from the house to the Greenway and a couple blocks in downtown Hopkins. This makes Carver Park Reserve a popular destination for bike campers. We loaded up our bikes with our gear the night before. … Continue reading Carver Park S24O
When I told Audra I wanted to bike the 31 miles from Park Rapids to Walker and back, she told me I was nuts. We biked from Park Rapids to Akeley and back the previous year. It was a much shorter route, though we picked a hot, windy day for the ride. By the halfway point, we hated it. On that ride, I said I wanted … Continue reading Park Rapids to Walker to Park Rapids
Driving to a fishable trout river means at least 45 minutes in the car from my place in south Minneapolis. That’s at least 90 minutes total both ways. To make such a trip worth it, I need 2-3 hours on the water. If I suddenly find myself with an urge to fish at 7pm on a weeknight, I’m screwed if it is trout I am … Continue reading Backyard Fishing. Almost.
It’s been a fast year so far on the bike. Morning rides are spent sprinting to get to work on time (punctuality has never been a strong suit). Weekend rides are spent logging miles at a good pace to get in shape for the Fulton Gran Fondo. It isn’t often that I can get on a bike to relax. **Disclaimer: I’m eating a donut right … Continue reading Pastries > Pace
Where there is death, there is new life. That’s what I told myself when I sold my Masi Speciale CX to buy a Salsa El Mariachi. Selling the bike reknewed memories I had atop my black Masi, the best of which was the 2014 Almanzo 100. This is a race in southeastern Minnesota. Aside from the starting line, the course is entirely on gravel roads. … Continue reading Race Bikes. Catch Trout.
It’s the best day of the year. I’m surprised the federal government doesn’t recognize it. And even more surprised Hallmark doesn’t make a collection of cards celebrating purchases of the two-wheeled variety. You’d by a New Bike Day card for a loved one, right? I’m sitting on a gold mine. This Salsa El Mariachi Single Speed is a bike I’ve been eyeing up for months. … Continue reading New Bike Day 2015
Birch & Flannel 