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    Entries in Minnesota River Valley (18)

    Friday
    05Feb2010

    Photo Friday - A ride in the snow

    DateFriday, February 5, 2010 at 4:00AM Comment7 Comments

    I had a whole series of images prepped for this week's Photo Friday.   However, things change and I can't get something out of my mind.   Riding.   I love riding and this week has been great.   Every once in a while, I get to capture an image or two that really capture what I saw and what I felt while out riding.  

    I left in the dark.  As the sun rose, I found myself riding in a perfect snowy paradise.   I stopped.  Took a few deep breaths.   Looked around.   I was in awe. 

    Simply one of the most beautiful winter morning snow rides I have ever had.  

    Hope you all have a great weekend planned.   I can't wait to be at home this weekend.  

    Ride your bike!   Take some pictures!  

     

    AuthorGnat |
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    Friday
    22Jan2010

    Photo Friday - Sunrise on the River

    DateFriday, January 22, 2010 at 4:00AM Comment2 Comments

    Despite our crap tastic monotone gray weather, I've had a great week.   I got so much done at work this week and I made some personal decisions that have freed me.   Earlier in the week I had planned a photo for today, but instead I wanted to find a picture that represented how I feel today.   Refreshed.   Refocused.    Since I haven't had many photo opportunities this week, I had to dig into last weeks pics.

    The morning I took this picture was cool, crisp and beautiful.  I love the morning sun.   The rising sun is so symbolic.    It rises regardless of the previous days events; good or bad.  It rises and brings warmth, light and life.   I was out riding on this beautiful morning to think.  I came back refreshed.   

    Hope you all have had a good week and have a fun weekend planned.   My 7 year old is participating in his first Pinewood Derby race this weekend.   Should be interesting.   Report coming next week.  

    Have a great weekend folks. 

    Ride your bike!  Take some pictures!   

    AuthorGnat |
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    Thursday
    14Jan2010

    Alone on the river

    DateThursday, January 14, 2010 at 4:15AM Comment3 Comments

    I had a beautiful ride yesterday morning.   I was out on the river again.  Alone.   I was out on my bike at my favorite time of day riding in one of my favorite places.   I needed a morning to think.   The temps were well above zero.  I knew I could stay out for hours if needed.     

    I chose a section of trail that didn't have enough traffic to beat down a path.   The two access points were beat down and easily ridable.  Everything in between those points was tough.   Really slow going.   Lots of walking.   I'd get frustrated and then I'd stop and look around.    I'd breath in the cool fresh air.   As I looked around I saw beauty everywhere.   Incredible.  

    I mentioned the other day that riding in the winter wasn't about distance.  Riding in the winter is about time.  Today's several mile jaunt took almost two hours due to all the walking.    But, aside from occassionally being reminded how much I dislike walking alongside my bicycle, I got the time I needed.  I left the river refreshed. 

    I've spent so much time on the MN River over my 20 years here in the Minneapolis area.  I've ridden the trails so many times.  Yet, I still find ways to see beauty and leave refreshed.   I am so thankful for this natural resource and special time.  

    Alone on the river.   

     

    AuthorGnat |
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    Thursday
    24Dec2009

    Why Ride at all in the Winter?

    DateThursday, December 24, 2009 at 4:00AM Comment5 Comments

    I've been asked many times over the years as to why I ride in the winter?   Why don't you XC ski?   Well....I guess I could.  In fact I actually own skis and occassionally use them.  However, I still like riding bikes more than skiing or whatever winter "sport" you throw at me.  I'm a cyclist.   My bike gives me the freedom I seek.   

    I think there is just a hint of stubborness too.   Bicycles should be ridden regardless of season.   

    For all of you that are travelling today and this week, I wish you all safe travels.   I hope you've all been good and that Santa fills your Christmas stockings with bike stuff!   

     

    AuthorGnat |
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    Monday
    21Dec2009

    Night Rider

    DateMonday, December 21, 2009 at 4:00AM Comment1 Comment

    Hello everyone.  Hope you had a great weekend.   It's Christmas week and this week on the Gnat Blog is dedicated to snow and riding bikes in the snow.   At times, I struggle to get motivated due to the cold.  Yet,  every time I go out I am rewarded with beauty and fun.   

    Winter here in MN brings short days.  Short days make for short rides.    Or do they?      It's dark as much as it is light.  You need to embrace the dark or you will be forced to ride inside or not ride at all.   Riding in the dark makes a common trail feel new.  It also sharpens your senses.   I love it.  

    My commute rides start and end in the dark.   I love how the light reflects off the white snow.   It's like you are riding through an illuminated tunnel with darkness all around you.   My Princeton Tec EOS headlight is all I need for the slower winter riding speeds.   It feels like you are the only person out in the world.  

    If you haven't ridden in the snow, you need to try it.   The cool air is good for you and you just might be surprised by what you see.   The other day an owl swooped down right in front of me.   My only suggestion here is be prepared with extra batteries and gear.   Later this week I'll be sharing my winter riding gear for 2-3 hour rides in above zero temps.   Stay tuned. 

     

    AuthorGnat |
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    Saturday
    19Dec2009

    Another awesome sunrise

    DateSaturday, December 19, 2009 at 1:07PM Comment4 Comments

    Hope you are all having a great weekend.   We are headed out to sled with friends.   Thought I'd share one sunrise photo from my morning bike ride.   I also got two pictures I REALLY like.  Stay tuned. 

    I also had to change the header for the season.   Hope the snow bike pics help you get out and ride your bike!

    AuthorGnat |
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    Monday
    07Dec2009

    A cool reminder

    DateMonday, December 7, 2009 at 4:30AM Comment4 Comments

    Friday I got slapped in the face.  Winter temps got back to our normal cold after an abnormally warm November.   I wrote last week that I needed to get back on track one step at a time.   It was 15 degrees, only 3 when you factor in wind chill.   I wanted to drive to breakfast and cut out the first 15 miles.   Nope.  I've got to get back on track.  I've got something brewing in my mind that will require me to be in shape.   Off I went into the cold, dark morning.  As I pedalled into the cold driving wind and snow, I knew I bit off a big ride for the first real cold day of the year.   Thankfully, I had some friends to keep me honest and keep me going.

    I didn't take too many pictures last Friday.  Less than 10!   That's got to be a record.   I thought about it as the light was incredible as the sun rose and illuminated the light dusting of snow.  I saw a near perfect image capture for the next time we roll this route in light snow and morning sun.   But, despite the perfect light, I kept pedalling trying to keep these guys in sight.  

    So I leave you with this, sunset over 9 Mile Creek.   I took this shot two days prior before the cold and snow hit.  There was a brief break in the clouds letting some sun through in the distance.  I like the contrast in textures in this image.  Shortly after this, it was riding in the dark again.

    Winter is here!  I'm not going to let it keep me from riding.   Friday was a great reminder that big rides are still possible.

    AuthorGnat |
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    Friday
    27Nov2009

    Photo Friday - Milkweed

    DateFriday, November 27, 2009 at 4:30AM Comment1 Comment

    It's good to be on vacation today.   Hope to get out on a little gravel adventure shortly.  

    Today I bring you a few shots of milkweed taken on my bicycle commute home the other day.   The setting sun provided some great light.   

    Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  

    Enjoy your weekend.  

    AuthorGnat |
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