As I jumped onto my bike once again and hit the streets, I took note in that the wind was going to make it a hard ride. However, by shifting to a lower gear I was able to maintain a respectable speed throughout the ride. Again, I decided to go east down University Avenue, but decided to instead explore a different part of the city. So at Snelling Avenue I turned south, and headed towards the heart of St. Paul between the bends in the river.
There was only one issue that became instantly apparent to me about trying to go down Snelling on a bike: it was ridiculously busy. Even on a Saturday, the lanes were packed and people were flying by. I guess it did not help that I found out later that it was a state highway, but I digress. I only went about a mile down this road before two women in a Pontiac ran alongside me and then turned right in front of me going into a gas station, without indicating. Luckily I slowed down enough where I did not hit them, but I could tell by their expression that they thought I was at fault. To be honest, since no one was hurt, nor was any damage sustained, I just went on a little further to a point where there was a sidewalk. There, by the power of this new-fangled technology we call a smart phone, I searched for what routes are bike friendly in St. Paul.
Once I saw where I needed to go, I took the next street west a couple blocks, and then turned back towards the south, going from Marshall to Summit Avenue. As I went along, I still received many weird looks from people as they drove by me, almost making me wonder if biking is a crime to some. Once I reached Summit, I saw a plentiful amount of autumn colors on the ground, lining the divided street with the beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. Finding Fairview Avenue here, I turned and continued heading south. This was a wonderful ride through the heart of St. Paul’s residential district, as I saw well-maintained abodes, beautiful St. Catherine’s University, and many individuals out doing lawn work. At one point I rode alongside a father and his son out for a similar Saturday afternoon ride. It was calming and serene. However, the best was yet to come.
After going 3.5 miles, I came across the intersection in which the street I was on, Edgcumbe Road, was about to turn into State Highway 5 on its way towards Interstate 495. Knowing that I for sure did not want to go that way, I took a slight right along the final rows of homes, and soon found the road I wanted to for sure take back to Minneapolis, Mississippi River Boulevard. This road runs along the river it receives its name, skirting the cliffs above the water all along the way. With the constant rises and falls in elevation, it was to become a grueling six miles, but it was worth the challenge.
After pausing to watch planes come in to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, I headed north. However, I had to stop multiple times, not because I was getting tired and out of breath, but instead I was out of breath…
…That is, I would glance over to the river, only to receive breathtaking views from the cliffs I was riding along to the river below. It is amazing to me that it was the power of this mighty river, which has yet to reach its full width and strength mere miles downstream as it decides the boundaries of states, that cut this path throughout the Twin Cities area. I did notice that I could have been much closer to the river had I gone down a certain road, but was glad that I stayed up on the cliffs at least this time around. It was this point I realized how far I was away from Minneapolis. Oops.
Continuing northward, and navigating the many twists and turns in this street, one final steep rise near St. Thomas University became the climax of my journey. In battling the slope, I went all the way down to my lowest gear, slowly but surely reaching the top of the rise. Going back down on the other side, I was reminded of one of the more dangerous games I played as a child in central Wisconsin, with how fast I could have gone. Not knowing what would be coming around the corner, however, I regulated my speed to maintain control. I still got a huge run that allowed me to get an advantage on the next hill as a result.
Finally, after a few more twists and turns, I reached Franklin Street Bridge, and with a couple more blocks made it back to campus. Overall, I had gone at least ten miles, which has yet to be my longest ride, but still an eventful ride throughout the city. Due to the weather and the capabilities of my bike, I may not get to go out again as the snow starts to come. We shall see what happens, as nature will ultimately decide for me. For now, I was tired but happy to have explored more of the city that I will be living in for quite some time, as I build my career. I cannot wait to be back on the streets soon enough!
