Posts from — May 2007

The map for my TCBC ride of May 28 is now posted:

• 5/28 Map
• 5/28 Cue Sheet

For those who wondered what ‘Plus’ meant for the extra loop, it means 11 miles, for routes of 62-79-89-100 miles.

The North Saint Paul snowman, beloved of road users and riders on Minnesota’s Gateway State Trail, is being protected in the construction and rebuild of Highway 36.

Officials do think he’ll need to be cleaned and repainted when construction is complete.

My tax dollars at work. It warms the heart.

Now that they’re starting in on Twins Stadium construction, looks like the downtown exit of the Cedar Lake Trail will be closed indefinitely.

One reroute involves using Portland Avenue through downtown, if going from downtown outbound. I hate that bike lane, mostly because it’s on the left side of the one-way, violating all vehicular principles of ’slower traffic to the right.’ Portland is also pretty busy, which freaks some riders out.

There’s also some bridge work out near Minnetonka Boulevard that will create another detour in the corridor.

I love how this work starts right around the time of year they promote cycle commuting, and when gas is at $3+ per gallon. I know it’s just the way of the world and not a conspiracy worthy of wrapping my bike helmet in tinfoil, but…

I will be running a 2008 version of the Bop Til You Drop ride on May 28 with TCBC. Last year’s map is available, but be aware that I’m making changes based on updated construction conditions.

28 MON 10:00 AM AB/B 62/79/89+ mi. BOP TIL YOU DROP. Depart from University of St. Thomas main lot, corner of Cretin & Summit Avenues, St. Paul. Shorter B route of 62 miles will visit Woodbury and Lake Elmo; longer routes visit Afton and Stillwater, with the longest route entering Wisconsin. Optional extra loop (that’s the ‘plus’) for those mileage junkies who slept in. Julie Kosbab (VanMersbergen), 651.253.2493, julie-at-rideboldly.org.

Bike Ferry, originally uploaded by Days Between Stations.

A bicycle ferry to get bikes and pedestrians over a canal near Delft, the Netherlands. Price to ride: 1 cent (Euro-cent).

golf cart?, originally uploaded by Days Between Stations.

In the Netherlands, these small cars (or golf carts, really, based on size) are allowed to share many bike lanes and paths with bicycles. Mopeds, scooters, and small motorcycles also share these transport lanes.

It’s a little unnerving when you’re in the middle of nowhere.