Saint Paul - roadblocks everywhere

Not only were the roads blocked off for construction in every direction this weekend, many of our many routes for biking were cut off for the morning with a national qualifying triathlon going on along the Mississippi River.
We regrouped and stayed in Saint Paul. A big group of 15, a few hills and 3 flats later we completed our journey.

Margie and Dorothy's secret life - or are they practicing to be Mrs Minnesota...or Michelle Bachman?????????

Oops - the story is out.
Margie and Dorothy served as majorettes for the Marine on Saint Croix Parade on the Fourth of July. Who knew all that running was preparation for their big day...
Or maybe it was a reason to be able to wear the boots!

Rochester MN - The DeMarkeys arrive for the Fourth of July

The steaminess continues today...not quite as hot but it just keeps raining so equally as uncomfortable as yesterday.
The DeMarkey's arrived from the East - we could assume they brought that east coast steaminess with them but I think it is the fall out of the hurricane pushing itself up to the north.
Betty and her gang were in town as well.
Sticky and rainy but we celebrated even if the City canceled the fireworks for the evening.

Red Wing MN to Cannon Falls Mn and back - hot, steamy ride

With the long holiday weekend we chose to travel and 7 of us took on the 40 mile trek from Red Wing to Cannon Falls and then back again.
Lots of shade but uphill most of the way to Cannon Falls - much more pleasant on the return. Sally, a first timer with the group and the route, wondered why all those coming at her on the first half were all smiling and she wasn't. Once she heard the good news about the return route she promised a smile all the way home...
By the time we were finishing up it was not only hot but tropically steamy - we were roasting in the asphalt the last few miles. Sally did her first trip on our longest ride on the hottest day with the highest humidity and dewpoint.......think she will be back?
Beautiful ride and we found a great new spot to stop in Cannon Falls. Check out the Burly on your next trip through - coffee, breakfast, lunch and working on the rest.

Lake Superior - Duluth Minnesota

We selected a date for a potential afternoon on Lake Superior knowing that there were more variables that work against us than work for us to get on the water - the most important weather and wind.
We wavered back and forth for the 48 hours before as amazing amounts of water and wind stormed through the state. Even on Sunday morning there was still one storm heading towards the north shore.
The sun came out, it hit 80 in Duluth as well and we had the picture perfect ride and afternoon.

I wore out my bike! It took 15 years, multiple continents and thousands of miles.

When I made my first trip to Australia I had a great bike in the garage in Minnesota but wasn't about to ship that half way around the world.
So to the Clarence Street Bike Shop I went and picked up a great mountain bike that served me well through both my stays in Sydney - and got many good miles on it. Including a trip chasing up kangaroos in Mudgee early one Sunday morning after Robert's wedding reception. Made the ride with his dad - and we found more than enough roos to satisfy me.
Alas, I took my bike in for some repairs and the young repair guy gave me a call and questioned my attachment to this bike. After 15 years there was certainly lots of familiarity and stories. But attachment...not quite sure.
He let me know that I had enough real repairs that needed to be done that I could buy at least one new bike. And I only need one.
So I have begun my new relationship with my new street bike. So far, I couldn't be happier. Looks good even with all my "extras" attached all over!
Hopefully we have as long or longer relationship.