Biking Minneapolis

November 4, 2010

This week I enjoyed the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minn. I rode my bicycle from Hopkins, Minn., to the Freewheel Bike Center in downtown Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a bike friendly big city. Trails are interwoven throughout the metro area. Many of the streets have designated bike lanes. The midtown Greenway section is a must.

For truckers all rides begin with finding a place to park. On this day I had a delivery at Super Valu in Hopkins. In the past I have ridden while being unloaded. They also have a holding area if you arrive early. In front of the complex there is a street that allows truck parking. After my delivery I had a few hours before my pick-up would be ready, so I parked on the street and rode. This area is off of the Exelsior exit on HWY 169.  It is on the far southwest side of the twin cities. The trail runs in front of the facility. You will cross it on the way in. While riding toward downtown I passed many warehouses and distribution centers. When in the region keep your eye out for trails. You are probably close to one. I always encourage you to get out and look.

The highlight of this trip was a stop at the Freewheel Bike Center’s midtown store. Stop in for a cup of coffee or cappuccino and get whatever you desire for your bike while you are there. The store also features showers and indoor storage facilities for commuters. Remember, that when a commuter bikes to work that is one less four wheeler that we have to deal with.

There are several websites to check out for this trip. Start with www.midtowngreenway.org. Then go to www.freewheelbike.com. The entire twin cities metro area has an incredible system. It is worth exploring. I plan on writing a blog soon on getting from Stockman’s Truck Stop to the trails. I hope to connect from the TA in Rogers eventually. If you know of any way to connect from there let me know. Hopefully you will save me a wild goose chase that we truckers just love so much.