Day 36. OFF in Minneapolis
0 miles 0 feet
For the first time on this trip I did not start the day loading up my bike and heading off. Instead, Amy and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, explored the Minneapolis riverfront, and then met Joanie, whom Amy has known since childhood, for lunch. Not only does Minneapolis have Copenhagen-level amenities for cyclists, what we saw of it was clean, walkable, and full of history. The Northern Loop has dozens of old brick buildings that stored grain, lumber and flour and have now been repurposed as restaurants, shops, housing and businesses. The Mill Museum tells the story of the industry that fueled Minneapolis' growth in the 19th and early 20th century: Milling the grain from Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota into flour that was shipped worldwide. All this because of the falls on the Mississippi that led to hydropower to run the mills.
It's 89 degrees and 56% humidity so I'm glad I'm not biking today. Tomorrow and the rest of the week it cools. We'll have to see whether the wind shifts to a tailwind as I head south along the Mississippi.
Tomorrow I head back to Stillwater along the Gateway Trail, retracing my route for my 3 day visit to Minneapolis. Then Tuesday I head south to Red Wing.
For the first time on this trip I did not start the day loading up my bike and heading off. Instead, Amy and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, explored the Minneapolis riverfront, and then met Joanie, whom Amy has known since childhood, for lunch. Not only does Minneapolis have Copenhagen-level amenities for cyclists, what we saw of it was clean, walkable, and full of history. The Northern Loop has dozens of old brick buildings that stored grain, lumber and flour and have now been repurposed as restaurants, shops, housing and businesses. The Mill Museum tells the story of the industry that fueled Minneapolis' growth in the 19th and early 20th century: Milling the grain from Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota into flour that was shipped worldwide. All this because of the falls on the Mississippi that led to hydropower to run the mills.
It's 89 degrees and 56% humidity so I'm glad I'm not biking today. Tomorrow and the rest of the week it cools. We'll have to see whether the wind shifts to a tailwind as I head south along the Mississippi.
Tomorrow I head back to Stillwater along the Gateway Trail, retracing my route for my 3 day visit to Minneapolis. Then Tuesday I head south to Red Wing.
Source of Minneapolis' first boom
Ruins of an old flour mill now part of the Mill Museum.
Friends
Along the Mississippi
Celebrating at Surly Brewing on a wonderful, warm evening.
One of the bigger bike racks I've seen. Surly Brewing in Minneapolis.
