Crow Wing State Park

22 miles on Monday, Sept.22, the first day of autumn here. Baxter to the park south of town on the Paul Bunyan Trail, a pretty sweet route following a group from the Nordic Ski Club on an off-season tune-up trek. Great group of friendly, healthy seniors. Most, but not all, riding e-bikes.

Nancy, Peter, and I were glad to see the fog lift and some fall colors appear. Traffic was moderate. The biggest surprise was our first passage on sidewalks and roundabouts in the urban residential sprawl that is Baxter, including multi-unit three-story apartments. What a difference a decade makes. "Taxter" thrives.

Walker-LaPorte

Sept. 14 Sunday ride of 12 miles to LaPorte from Walker (24 rdtrp), with fall colors appearing on the Paul Bunyan Trail. Nasty bumps at LaPorte area, but dodged without incident. Great fragrance from damp conifers and approaching autumn. Three wooden bridges, plus one modern passage over Hwy 371 that heads north toward Cass Lake. Fair temps still.

Still Summer

Breezy Point is quieter and warm with humidity today for a one-hour neighborhood pedal around town. Rode 10 miles on city streets. Golfers still wacking their balls. Few folks walking, not many cycling. Water still looks good and calm. Bigger ride planned tomorrow.

Match Day Ride

16 miles on the day when all donated amounts are matched, so those who contribute $$ have their contribution doubled! What a deal!

Nice weather (70-73 and sunny, little wind) and minimal traffic on Paul Bunyan Trail from Nisswa to just beyond Merrifield and back.

Still fair number of vehicles with hitches and racks at the Nisswa parking trailhead.

Kickoff Ride

Jeff, Nancy and I rode 22 miles this morning - Sept. 1, a beautiful start to the Challenge Month of September. Merrifield to Olson Road, Pequot Lakes. Jeff didn't give us too much grief about riding our e bikes, thankfully. He is a most congenial and gracious pedaler. Also one of the most dedicated GCC associates in our state or anywhere. He had already logged 1,200 miles this year just because he is an "animal." Someone should do a feature on this fellow! He is worthy, and oh-so humble. A great model for donating to causes such as the fight to end Kids Cancer -- and all cancer for that matter. Plus, he drives all the way from the outlying Twin Cities area to be part of our team!