Don’t look at the map ... it’ll make you loopy … or you’ll think I’m loopy! Either way, you’d probably be correct! I found out we can get to a couple roads that are fun to ride, but we have to circumnavigate around some closed roads to get to them. No, nothing is ever easy!
Ride starts at that little Eastside Park on Helmo Avenue just north of 15th Street. Route goes down Helmo to Stillwater Blvd which was closed but is now open. We’ll scoot over to Jamaca (the circumnavigate part) to get to Lake Jane and Olson Lake Trail – all fun roads. Then, our usual trip up through Demontreville Trail over to Lake Elmo by climbing the 50th Street hill. Close to the top we’ll jump on the little trail on the left through Carriage Station Park and zip over to the KwikTrip for our rest stop with food, water and bathrooms at 14 miles.
Route continues east from there through some nice neighborhoods, past Autumn Hills Park, a short little trail out to Oakgreen/Northbrook. Then back through more nice neighborhoods on our favorite roads – 51st, and yes, McDonald and back to Stillwater Blvd. From there, we go down the 50th Street hill (definitely more fun this way), through part of the Lake Jane area and south on Jamaca (same road we came out on – that circumnavigate thing again!) to Stillwater Blvd, up Inwood to 15th (bumpy shoulder, sorry!) through a neighborhood to confuse you and back to Eastside Park.
Map (better skip the map!) and cue sheet loaded, so please print off or download to a navigational device that won’t ask “where the heck are you going?” Planned rest stop is at 14 miles, but other possible short stops if needed.
B/C pace, averaging around 12.5-13 at the end. Faster riders certainly welcome to ride ahead. Roads are all pretty good, some with nice shoulders – some without so I’ll ask you nicely to stay to the right. If nicely doesn’t work, the harsh words will ensue!
There are portable toilets at Eastside Park at the start but no water so please plan ahead. Any crazy weather patterns – rain, gusty winds, hail – and ride could be canceled. If any doubt, please check the Forum, Ride Calendar or call or text me at 612-381-6711.