Bike Journal: Planes Trains and Automobiles

This week I am kicking off a new series of posts called Bike Journal.

My first good, long springtime bike adventure left my ass sore, touring southward around the MSP airport, Fort Snelling, the Mall of America, and back up along the river:

1. Head south around Lake Nokomis and pick up the frontage road behind Fat Lorenzo’s. Ride southwest-ward until you hit Bloomington Avenue.

2. Take Bloomington Avenue south into Richfield and cruise along near Home Depot and Target. You’ll pass Mother Lake and Rich Acres.

3. Longfellow Ave will lead you to Airport Lane will lead you towards For Snelling National Cemetary. At this point you can cheat home on the Light Rail or continue riding south.

4. Go inside Fort Snelling Cemetery and ride its perimeters. Take some time to observe its enormous scale. You can also take a watch private jets taking off at the nearby runway.

5. After departing the cemetary, take 34th north and turn right at 70th / Post Road. Haul ass past the jets landing along this route. It will take you to a Super America on Highway 5. This is a nice spot for a water or snack break.

6. Cross Highway 5 into Fort Snelling state park. There are many routes, trails, and picnic spots to get sidetracked on. Pass under the Mendota Bridge near the tour center and keep heading north on the bike trail along the river. Eventually you’ll encounter the Minnehaha dog park and the Falls. Take another break at Sea Salt or the DQ.

Trip Total: Approx. 17 miles.

Alternative View: Full-size route map.