A St. Paul gna birthday party rides sounds pretty good to me....

We seem to have too many things on the go and have descended into confusion, so here's where we stand:

Saturday, June 18: Ride from Minnehaha Falls train depot across Mendota Bridge through Lilydale and dowtown St. Paul, back on Shepard Road. Here is an approximation of the route. This is reprise of the Flood Ride we did earlier this Spring with less climbing. The route is about 19 miles. We will leave at 9:00 AM. If the consensus of the group is that distance is too far or would take too long, I can shorten this up and we can spend more time on the Great River Trail, historic Mendota and Fort Snelling/Camp Coldwater.

Sunday, June 19 (aka Father's Day) - The Blind Lizard motorcycle club meets once per year on Nicolet Island, and it's supposed to be quite a spectacle. We have talked before about riding to this event, so if that's going to happen, this is the weekend.

We have not starting point, time or people committed to riding, so other than that, this is coming together nicely.

We are set for Saturday's ride, but need feedback on whether or not we ride on Sunday. If there's no interest, I may still go up there because Bikesmith told me it's worth seeing, so if there's not takers, PM me and we can work something out.

I'll lead a group down there. But if my knee doesn't get any better the the pace will be even more casual than usual.

We'll be leaving Midtown Freewheel at Noon Sunday. Could be wet but it looks like it will be warm enough that it shouldn't matter. But bring a rain cover for your Brooks saddle.

This event has been going on for about 35-40 years and we haven't missed more than 1/2 a dozen. 15 years ago this weekend my son was married, up by the Canadian border. We got up at 5AM the next morning so we could get back for the Lizard.

I might try Saturday too if the knee holds up OK for a test ride Thursday.

Pretty sure I can make the ride Sunday.

Bump.

We shall ride tomorrow! All who want a relatively slow, non competitive ride are welcome regardless of the 3-speed thing, just be sure to leave the lycra and carbon fiber at home. We meet at 9:00 AM at the Minnehaha Falls train depot and will be doing a 19 mile ride to St. Paul and back. Very scenic. Nice people. Non threatening. All good. We'll stop for coffee, too.

It would be really great to get some noobs at this...

UPDATE: We had an excellent ride. Several of the riders had never seen this route, so they got to sample a new ride. We beat the rain home, too. Thanks all for coming out!

MMRB is sponsoring a cruiser and 3-speed time trial after the regular Farm Dog TT event on Wednesday, June 29. Details are posted in the racing/competition area. There will be swag prizes given for lots of categories, including 3-speeds. This event is loads of fun and costumes are encouraged, but not required. Bring beer to drink after the race. Details will also be published shortly on the MMRB web site at www.mmrbstore.com.

The Cruiser/Pugsley/3-Speed time trial is this Wednesday. Registration opens around 5 PM and closes at 6:45 PM. First rider is off about 5 minutes after the regular Farm Dog TT rider. Fee is just $5 with USCF license, or $15 (fee + one-day license). Prizes for fastest male, fastest female, fastest Pugsley, fastest 3-speed, heaviest bike, oldest bike, and best costume. Starts at the Eureka Town Hall which is a few miles south of Lakeville just off Cedar Avenue. This is a fun event, be there.

St. Paul Ride Sunday July 10th. 9 am

This is going to be a Cass Gilbert Ride. Many interesting buildings, ranging from houses to churches to the state capitol, were designed by Cass Gilbert, so I thought it would be interesting to look at a variety of structures. Cass Gilbert grew up in St. Paul, started his practice here, and built many buildings that came to define the city. And like many of St. Paul's own, he went to on bigger and better things elsewhere.

I should state upfront that I am not particularly well schooled about architecture, so anyone looking for insights or education would do well to consult other sources, but I do find it interesting.

Meet at the cross by the St Paul Seminary. (Summit Avenue and Mississippi River Blvd). There is parking nearby for those of you coming from far afield. And, yes, the 10th is my birthday.

Who's in?

I'm in!

Not sure if we can make it by 9, since church gets done around 8:45 and then there is the coffee. However, there is a Cass Gilbert house you should see. It is the one that is encrusted in cedar shingles (including the fat columns and the carriage house) and sits at an intersection right in the middle of Tangletown. The guy who built our addition, John Erler, did the restoration on that house. It was the job he did right before he did ours. His attention to historic detail is awesome, and this house is a do not miss stop if you are looking at Cass Gilbert stuff.

If Mr. Michael and I don't make it, stop by the shop and have a birthday beer with your friends.

The McCourt house on Cambridge (near Macalester) is indeed on the route, if that's the one you mean. I've usually used "Tangletown" for a neighborhood in South Minneapolis, though.

I will get that beer fosho.

Jane and I plan to be there. We'll mention the ride to some friends.

Jane wanted to know if we will be stopping for brunch. She usually makes pancakes Sunday AM but wouldn't if we'll be eating during the ride.

I hadn't thought about it, but it's a possibility. If it were me, I'd go for home-made pancakes.

I'd be up for lunch after the ride...