Minneapolis, MN

Minnehaha Falls

Typical bicycle path

    Serious cycling in Minneapolis is, in a word, frustrating. A great system of trails connects much of the city but doing a long ride into the country is not so simple. Harsh winters result in poor road quality, most roads outside the city are busy and not bicycle friendly and there is a dearth of hills. As a result, this review will cover roller skiing in the Minneapolis area. These routes will also cover casual cycling interests.

    The best route takes you on a tour of four lakes to the southwest. The entire route runs along bike trails (though some sections get flooded in a summer as rainy as this). Flat, of course. Look for water fountains all along the way and stop at Minnehaha falls (first image). 

Hilly Afton 

Afton country road

    The next route simply follows the Mississippi River down one side, across a bridge and back up. There a number of bridges along the way to cut across and shorten the ski. A couple water fountains on the west bank.
    Theodore Wirth park also has some smooth trails in a somewhat less urban environment. Just expect an out-and-back.



    The nicest route I found was 20 minutes away in Afton. Covering a number of country roads and actually including hills, it makes for an extended workout. Make sure to go early on hot days; the oil-gravel road surface softens in summer heat and it feels like roller skiing through plato. The road also grabs yours wheels and pulls you to a stop - high crash danger. The Afton area kills Minneapolis in terms of roller skiing and biking.

An Afton house ensconced in nature 

 Roller Ski Routes:
Tour of Lakes - Roller ski marathon. Nice views and asphalt.
Along the Mississippi - Nice paths along Mississippi. Instead of dropping down to river, stay along Hiawatha Ave. for smoother trails and to avoid a "challenging" descent.
Theodore Wirth Park - Very lovely trails in the park but somewhat short and only out-and-back.
To Roseville - The University Transitway is well-paved with little traffic. The way out is bad but the return trip was nice bike paths. Continue just a bit further to go around some lakes.
Afton Roller Ski - Lovely, quiet country roads. Avoid skiing here during summer midday - road surface softens and makes roller skiing impossible.

Bike path in Theodore Wirth Park

If you do want to ride seriously in Minneapolis, go with a group that can lead you on the nicest roads and provide protection on major roads. Here are some rides I did with the Twin City Bike Club:
Apple Valley - 80 miles, nice finish along the Mississippi near St. Paul.
Northwest - 112 miles. Beware prevalent southern winds will give strong headwind on return. Avoid E. Viking Blvd. which is block by Polaris compound.
Orchard/Crystal Lake - 70 miles. Nice lake views, variety of quiet residential roads.
Minnetonka Lake - 66 miles - dirt paths both ways. Carver Park is highlight with some very isolated bike trails. Shoreline Dr. along Minnetonka is also nice but very trafficked.