My hybrid: not quite mountain biking but close enough for early April

gravel roads south of Northfield Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul
We finally got decent melting over the weekend so I took to the gravel roads south of Northfield on my rigid hybrid bike on Saturday and the paved paths of Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul on Sunday. Looking for something more challenging, I ventured over to Crosby Farm Regional Park. Voila! 

Hybrid mountain biking in Crosby Farm Regional Park Hybrid mountain biking in Crosby Farm Regional Park Hybrid mountain biking in Crosby Farm Regional Park
The south-facing upper multi-use trail above Crosby Lake was bone dry and even provided some technical challenges at both ends of the trail.  Upright handlebars, no suspension, 60 PSI in the tires? Perfect!

httpv://vimeo.com/91246910

Hybrid mountain biking in Crosby Farm Regional Park Expired beaver, Crosby Farm Regional Park Hybrid mountain biking in Crosby Farm Regional Park
Venturing further downstream on a hard-packed sand trail, I found a recently expired beaver, and a nice little logover.

tunnel under Sheppard Road Downtown St. Paul from the Lexington Bridge St Peter's Church from the Mendota Bridge
I took the tunnel under Sheppard Road, crossed over the Mississippi on the Lexington Bridge, and back over again on the Mendota Bridge where the view of St. Peter’s Church brought back fond memories. I attended elementary school there, 5th-8th grades.

Fort Snelling Bridge Urban skinny, south end of the Fort Snelling Bridge Urban skinny, north end of the Fort Snelling Bridge
Crossing over the Fort Snelling Bridge with a bike requires stairs at both ends. Tire rails are provided to make it easier to get your bike up or down the stairs. Urban skinnies! The one at the south end would be tougher, with very little handlebar clearance next to the fence.  Not too dangerous, as the guard railing next to the freeway is pretty high, as long as you didn’t hit too hard and go over the bars. 😉

2 Comments

  1. Clay said:

    What is the point of that rail you refer to as an “urban skinny”?

    April 8, 2014
  2. Griff Wigley said:

    Clay, it’s easier rolling your bike on a rail while you walk it up the stairs… down, too. I watched an older couple: the guy carried his bike up and down, she walked hers using the rail.

    April 8, 2014

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