The Lords and Ladies of the Riding Realm took to saddle (mostly Brooks leather) and made a weekend of a ride around Lake Pepin.  Once again, it was quite an event as Raleighs, Dunelts, Phillips’, Rudges, Robin Hoods and their riders left Red Wing promptly at 9-ish.  Even a 1938 Saxon tandem made the journey.

The Lake Pepin Three-Speed Tour is the creation of two lovers of old English three-speed bicycles, Noel Robinson and Jon Sharratt.  Those two, along with members of the All British Cycling Club and numerous other hangers-on, take a whimsical tour around the lake, recreating cycle touring as it was before the days of carbon fiber, cycle computers, clipless pedals and lycra (the only banned substance on this ride).  Cafés, bakeries, ice cream parlors and scenic overlooks are not just rest stops or places to catch one’s breath, they become events.  Food and drink are consumed, yes, but acquaintances and friendships are made and renewed, vintage bicycles are examined and praised, and the lovely views along the Lake are inhaled.

Over the leisurely course of two days the tour makes its way from Red Wing, south through Wisconsin and back from Wabasha, Minnesota, to Red Wing.  Riders take a relatively easy ride through the little Wisconsin towns of Bay City, Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, and Nelson.  From Nelson the Tour heads back to Minnesota, across the Mississippi to Wabasha.  There the riders are hosted for dinner by the Eagles Nest Coffee Shop and spend the night in various Wabasha accommodations.  Sunday, day two, is for heading north along the Lake through Reads Landing to Lake City, Old Frontenac, and on into Red Wing.  The only major stops on Sunday are in Lake City, where this year riders were encouraged to break out their compact camping stoves to brew tea at a park on the lakeshore, and finally at the Staghead in Red Wing for a much-anticipated beer. 

This Tour and this attitude about riding are an antidote to society’s current fascination with extreme sports.  First crossings, record-breaking rides, tours with 10,000 feet of climbing, lactate threshold training and the like, all have their place, but the Lake Pepin Three-Speed Tour is a gentle reminder that not everything on a bicycle has to be taken with such seriousness, unless one talks about the delicious English trifle at the Smiling Pelican in Maiden Rock, or dinner at the Eagles Nest.  “Convivial” is perhaps the word that best describes the Tour – fond of feasting and merrymaking.  No one is in a hurry to get anywhere; the day is made for cycling, conversation, enjoying the scenery and nibbling on the delectables to be found en route.

The truth is, however, that anyone can enjoy such a ride anytime.  It just takes an adjustment in attitude.  Happening upon a good bakery can simply provide icing on the cake, so to speak.

In a move that will likely lead to increased bike-bus crashes, and rider injuries and fatalities, the Minneapolis City Council has approved the elimination of the dedicated downtown bike lanes on Marquette and Second Avenues. It voted instead to shift bike commuters to Nicollet Mall (undoing the 1997 Council vote that moved bike traffic off Nicollet Mall because of safety reasons.)

Not that this should be new news, the Council action took place last June.  What might be news is that even though the action took place last June, the City has been circulating a document that purports to show transportation development over the next ten years, but the bike lane switcheroo is not included.

Democracy in Action?

The bike lane change happened at the last minute. According to one city official, Mayor R.T. Rybak, Metro Transit officials, and downtown business interests cut the deal at the Mayor’s office. The City Council axed the Marquette/Second Avenue bike lanes by adding a few amendments to the Citywide Transportation Plan (the Plan) June 29. It approved the Plan the same day. The vote has garnered little if any public attention.  Nonetheless, as they say, this is a done deal: the bike lane realignment is part of a package of federally-funded transit and transportation projects slated for completion by 2009. 

Some months after that decision was made, in the city’s ongoing effort to boost civic engagement, it circulated the Plan for “public comment.”  There were several public meetings held to roll out the plan and solicit public input. But the planners forgot one thing: they didn’t mention closing the Marquette and Second Avenue bike lanes or even update the maps.

One must question how the public is supposed to have input when the decisions are so poorly communicated and not shown in a public document like the Plan.  Even today, the Plan makes no mention of eliminating the Marquette/Second bike lanes.  In fact, the maps provided in the document clearly show the existence (and presumably the continuance) of the dedicated bike routes (see the Plan, page 28 Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities). Moreover, Nicollet Mall is not indicated as a current or planned bike route option.  The change in the bike lanes is shown in the Downtown Transit Plan, but that document was not part of the community meetings.

The City-approved Plan purports to lay out a strategy for transportation development in the City over the next ten years.  It contains the customary feel-good language: “This multi-modal vision for Minneapolis places greater emphasis on transit, walking and biking as primary modes than has previously been the case.”  The Plan, page 2 (emphasis added). The city’s web site touts Minneapolis as bike friendly. “Minneapolis was recently recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as having the 2^nd highest percentage of people who bike to work, when compared to the 50 cities with the most workers in America,” it says.

In spite of this lip service, in 2009 the Marquette/Second Avenue bike lanes will be gone, replaced by two bus lanes, the current curbside lane and a second, passing lane.  The Downtown Transit Plan mentions that bicycles will be allowed in the passing lane during non-peak hours and officials will study whether to allow cyclists in the passing lane during peak hours.  There is no discussion of the safety issues that originally motivated the decision to prohibit bicyclists from using Nicollet Mall and no discussion of measures to be taken to provide for that safety once bicyclists are back on the Mall. 

Bicyclists are clearly relegated to second class status, both in the decision and in the process.  MetroCyclist will follow up on this story as we learn more.

Well, the 2008 edition of the Ironman Bike Ride is history. It was a day for an Ironman – temperatures were in the mid-20’s at the start of the day and there was a light wind coming out of the west-southwest. But it wasn’t raining or snowing and the winds from Saturday had died down, making it a chilly but otherwise nice day for a bike ride.

The organization reports that approximately 4,000 riders made it to Lakeville for this year’s 42^nd annual event. This Metrocyclist was in amongst the chilly throng that headed out from Lakeville North High School. First reactions were that it was awful cold for the clothing options I had selected and that the wind, though advertised as “light,” was more of a headwind than I really cared for. Nonetheless, off I went on my annual trek over hill and dale, through Lonsdale, Northfield and back to the school.

The 28 mile route to Lonsdale seems to change every year. That may be a function of the Ironman organizers or my poor memory. Either way it makes for a delightful series of discoveries on each year’s ride – “ooo, look at that curve,” or “whee! what a cool downhill.” One spot that I think I remember, that hadn’t changed, however, was the big uphill around mile 19. Most riders that I chatted with were of the opinion that it was a tough climb. There is a nice little downhill coming to that climb, but just at that point I had the extreme misfortune of riding behind someone who wanted to slow down as she approached the base of the hill – most likely to be able to fully take in the ‘up’ that we were about to encounter. I was not wanting to take in the scenery quite as much, but couldn’t pull around her because of the car traffic. Bummer. I was thankful for the compact crankset and lower gearing I had equipped myself with (well, actually, it’s on the bike).

The road to Lonsdale also had a unique participant this year. About a mile outside of town I saw in the distance what looked like a basset hound running along side the road. As I got closer I realized it was an old beagle, so fat that its legs looked short. The dog was chugging along the road, tongue lolling, with what looked like a smile on its lips. Not appearing to be with any rider, the little guy kept running and watching all the riders pass by. It made for a comical sight.

The rest stop was crowded as usual. Lonsdale is where the 100 mile and 62 mile rides link. As usual the food and beverage were welcome, as was the opportunity to stretch the legs and just get off the saddle. It was still chilly enough that the hot coffee was a welcome treat – though I have to say it really doesn’t taste like coffee – more like a poor caricature of coffee. I’m not complaining, but maybe the organizers could approach a coffee vendor with some good dark roast. Just a thought.

After a nice break at the Lonsdale rest stop I was just about to remount the bike when what should arrive? The Beagle! Many of us recognized the fellow traveler and, I imagine, the little guy was amply rewarded for his effort with bits of muffins and candy bars – not that he needed anything. I only hope that he was in familiar enough territory that he could find his way home after this road trip. Did anyone see him in Northfield?

The Lonsdale – Northfield stretch was nice enough. What wind there was came out of the west and gave us a nice little push toward our next stop. It wasn’t even that there was so much of a tailwind, but it was nice to not have to ride into it.

I do have a bone to pick with our Governor Pawlenty. The cuts to LGA (local government assistance) were taken out on my rear end for a good several miles of that route. The road surface was so bad that the ride organizers put up warning signs, both at the High School and at the beginning of that stretch toward Northfield. I would hope that someday the Guv and his minions would be made to ride that bit of county road a few times. Maybe then he would keep his little red pen in his pocket protector and that road could be resurfaced. Heck, I’d be satisfied if only some of the larger potholes could be filled.

Other than riding that rough road, though, that stretch of the ride was uneventful. I chatted with a fellow who was riding his 32^nd consecutive Ironman – kudos to that guy! As this was the 42^nd annual ride, he missed only the first ten. Very impressive. Northfield came along after only 18 miles. Hot pasta is such a nice touch.

The last 16 miles were smooth,but at about 8 miles to go I was pretty pooped. I think a combination of too little physical preparation (again!!??) and too little food and drink en route left me close to a bonk. Midway up a long climb I had taken a drink from my water bottle and, when I went to put it back in the cage, I hit it with my knee (a lack of coordination due to the fatigue). It went flying out of my hand and onto the shoulder. I stopped and walked back to retrieve it. As I stood there, leaning against my bike taking a long drink, the sag wagon approached. What temptation!? All I would have to do is wave the van down and sag back – it was only eight miles – I’d done most of the ride, hadn’t I? Instead, I gave a thumbs up and, in an instant, was delivered from my test.

Surviving that moment of spiritual crisis seemed to energize me (or maybe it was that I actually rested for a couple of minutes and drank half a bottle of water). Whatever. I picked up the pace a bit and finished the ride feeling tired, but content. I don’t have nearly a streak like 32 Ironman Bike Rides, but this one made ten out of the last eleven.

On the 30-mile route, my daughter, a first time rider, and a friend reported that the route was good, the road surface ridable and the companionship welcome. We three stopped at Babe’s in Lakeville for a post-ride beer and some food, looking forward to next year’s ride on Sunday, April 26, 2009! Mark your calendars now.

Here’s hoping you had a good ride and that we’ll all be around to enjoy next year’s adventure. Be sure to go to the Forum and add your experiences.

The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner – sort of. It’s a little hard to think about spring when the temperature is in the single digits and I’m watching blowing and drifting snow out of my office window. Well, spring is coming pretty soon anyway and it’s time to begin planning Bike/Walk to Work Day, except this year the organizers hope to make it a week-long series of events, with Wednesday, May 14^th as the official “Day.”

The Minneapolis Bicycle Program is looking for volunteers to help out and has sent out this notice:

Pre-planning for the 2008 Bike/Walk to Work Day event has begun. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, May 14^th. Features of this year’s event will include:

• Metro-wide free breakfast locations
• Online pledging and registration (www.bikewalkweek.org)
• Commuter convoys - led by experienced bicycle commuters
• Workplace team competitions
• Downtown parties
• Community-led events during Bike/Walk Week, May 12^th – 18^th
• Prizes and awards

Currently, a steering committee is working to organize the event. The Bike/Walk to Work Day committee meets regularly in Minneapolis City Hall on Friday mornings. The committee is looking for volunteers to help with overall coordination of the event in the following areas:

- Community Events

- Commuter Convoys

- Education

- Downtown Parties

- Free Breakfast Locations

- Media Outreach

- Sponsorship

- Volunteers

- Web/Design

- Workplace Team Competitions

If you are interested in volunteering in one of these areas, please contact Shaun Murphy at 612-673-2335 or shaun.murphy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us. If you would like to organize a local commuter convoy, workplace team competition, or related community event, you can volunteer soon. Contact Shaun and your name will be added to a future contact list.

The news is flying around on the internet that Sheldon Brown passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2008. MetroCyclist joins the larger cycling community in extending its condolences to his family and to his co-workers at Harris Cyclery in West Newton, Mass. We mourn his passing as a lover of all things bicycle and a passionate advocate for bicyclists. His contributions to the world of bicycling are too numerous to mention.

For those of you who are not familiar with Sheldon Brown, go to his website, Sheldon Brown Articles, and find riches of information, bike lore and lots of commonsense bicycle advice.  From Sturmey-Archer ASC hubs to VAR tools, he had info and opinion to spare. For anyone trying to keep an old steed in tip-top shape, resurrecting an old English three-speed, or just searching for help with a frozen seatpost, Sheldon Brown would be a first and likely last stop for help.

Harris Cyclery has an announcement of his passing and will post details as they are made available. Harris Cyclery

MetroCyclist is back. Well, we never really went away, but our website issues are being solved and we are ready to begin anew in 2008.

There are several major stories and events that we will be following as the new year opens, but perhaps heading the list is the closure of the Marquette and Second Avenue bike lanes in downtown Minneapolis and re-routing bicycle traffic onto Nicollet Mall. Please note: as of this writing, it is not a proposed closure, but the City really has adopted a plan to close the dedicated lanes. There are several stories within this story and we will be exploring them over the next weeks and months.

On the events side of the ledger, Ironman 2008 registration packets should begin coming out in a few weeks. It’s never too soon to begin to plan and get ready for the last Sunday in April. What’s the long-range forecast looking like? Gale force winds? Sleet? Drenching rain? All of the above? What a great ride!! I know I can’t wait.

So, in any event, we are looking forward to a good year. Please take some time and check out the various areas on the website; add your two cents to the forum, tell us about your favorite ride, route or commute. We hope that you will make MetroCyclist a regular stop on your daily ride around the internet.

– “3 Speeds, 2 days, 1 more reason your spouse will say ‘What now?’”

Only 3-speeds of English heritage are used on this unique tour and many of the participants dress to re-create the Golden Age of English cycle touring; or you can simply dust off the old Raleigh, Dunelt or Phillips that has been sitting in the back of the garage for ten years and join in. The Lake Pepin 3ST is full as of now, but it is a tour to watch for next year. Even the website is fun to surf: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~steinborn/3speedtour.htm

Save September 16, 2007 on your calendar. Minneapolis Park & Rec. is sponsoring a ride of the Grand Rounds, the Parkway encircling the city (almost). The day will begin at Parade Stadium, head west and then connect with the Parkway. There will be events and activities at various locations along the way. Ride routes of 15 and 41 miles. Their website isn’t up yet, but watch for more information here and at www.minneapolisbiketour.com

“Fenders, fenders, my kingdom for my fenders!”

The day dawned overcast, but, fool that I am, I didn’t check the weather before I left the house. The ground was dry and, as windy as it was, I thought I would take my “good” bike (a 25-year old Bianchi road bike), because it is swift and has bunches more gears than my usual commuter (an even older single speed). Gear options are nice when riding into a head wind. But what the Bianchi has in speed, it lacks in fenders and by the time I arrived downtown I was fairly well soaked.

It is Bike or Walk to Work Day and I thought I would roll over to downtown Minneapolis’ festivities on the plaza in front of the Government Center. By the time I arrived everyone and everything was a more than a bit dampish, but spirits were high. I spoke with Andy Turnbull at the Hoigaards booth. His impression was that there were more riders this year who were not regular commuters – folks who were just trying out bike commuting. Judging from the bikes that were in the corral, I’d say he was right. There were many bikes that looked like they had just been lifted down from the hooks in the back of the garage, dusted off and maybe taken out for a test ride. Lucky for those folks, however, many of those older bikes have fenders.

Fenders or no, riding in the rain is not so bad, once you accept the fact that you’re going to be wet. It does require more concentration on your riding – braking earlier, keeping the rims dry by touching the brakes every now and then, watching for potholes in the puddles, etc. (See our Tips section.) The streets in my area have recently been swept and though my backside was wet, there was no gooey streak up my rear. There was some curious foam on many streets and I don’t recall having seen that much before. I’m curious as to its origin.

My one gripe about Bike or Walk to Work Day, or its B-BOP predecessors, is that the rolls and coffee are gone by the time I get there! I’m not the earliest bird in the morning, but I was there well before the scheduled close of the morning event and there was nothing to be found. The organizers need to bite the bullet and buy more goodies. Don’t turn the expectant public away empty-handed. Today I really needed a good, hot cup of coffee. Sigh.

It’s too bad that the official day had to open with a soaking rain, but it was good to see the turnout and hear the report of new folks trying the bike commuting thing. Here’s to their perseverance and continued success!

– Mike

May 18 — The Commuter Challenge — Bike or Walk to Work Day

Metro Transit along with many other levels of government are sponsoring The Commuter Challenge. In years past they have coffee and bagels at the event. Leave early and get some goodies. Check out the information about events in your area at: http://www.metrotransit.org/challenge/event.asp Register for prizes!

May 5 and 6 — Check out the Living Green Expo

Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds! The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Parking is free, secure bike storage is available, and attendees who ride the bus will get a free ride home. Free Blue Sky Guides will be given to the first 200 attendees each day (limit one per family), compliments of Great River Energy!

The 2007 Living Green Expo will feature over 200 exhibitors showcasing environmentally sound products, services, and practices. Workshops will feature everything from how to compost and reduce toxicity in your home to using the latest energy-saving technology and cooking with organic, locally grown food. This family-friendly event will include art displays, children’s activities, food, and musical entertainment. www.livinggreen.org/spreadword.cfm