Fat tires through St.Paul, MN

So...Yesterday I took the day off. It was a scheduled recovery day after my hectic two weeks and what turned out to be a very tiring week, both physically and mentally. Typically my recovery days consist of getting up, having coffee and riding my bike in the country. This time, I decided to do something different.

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you likely have noticed I like to share pictures from "out there". I like the country. I like to be in big spaces and feel like I am small. But, today I decided to go to the city. After my wife got to the airport, my kids got on the bus, I headed toward St. Paul, MN on my Mukluk. I decided to cruise around this historic MN city and take some photographs. I just needed something different and I gotta say, I really, really enjoyed it.

I think one of these days I'll cruise around Minneapolis and do the same sort of thing. Until then, here are a few images from the day. I put a slight vintage tone and texture to these images using a custom split tone I created in Lightroom 3. Hope you enjoy.

Charles M. Shulz grew up here in St. Paul and you can see this throughout the city. Saint Paul also has a nice artist community and feel. I think it is a beautiful city.

Something old. Something new. The Cathedral is simply a stunning piece of history and architecture.

The Science museum is a must see and adds a modern look to an old downtown feel.

Mickey's, a Saint Paul icon.

Looking out over the mighty Missisippi.

That last image is probably my favorite of the day. Saint Paul and it's history is really tied to the river and scenic valley and bluffs. I also like the concrete overhang with the mystery man looking down the river.

In the end, I didn't really ride that long. In fact, I think I walked almost as much as I rode. I just had fun though. I needed something different. I got just what I needed.

Have a great Friday and weekend folks.

Ride your bike! Take some pictures!

Why I ride in the wee hours of the morning

I often get asked how do I get to ride as much as I do given my commitments and my family?   Aside from the obvious answer of "I have an awesome wife" I also tell them that I get up early, sometimes real early, to ride.   Yesterday was one of those days.    I got up early, rode to Mpls, met Meiser for breakfast and then we rode to a work training, education and riding event.     

I left the house at 5:00AM sharp.   This is the sunrise over the Minnesota River Valley that I witnessed yesterday morning at about 5:40 AM.   Amazing!  

Riding in the morning feeds my soul.   It's often cooler.   There is less traffic.   The morning light is incredible.   Why wouldn't I ride in the morning?   I love to see the sunrise and will never grow tired of it.