TCBC Event Schedule for July 2005

TCBC - Twin Cities Bicycling Club - Minneapolis / Saint Paul - Minnesota

Event Schedule

JULY 2005

1 FRI CREAMERY ADVENTURE DAY 3. C 40 mi. Leave Creamery at 9:00 AM. Ride trails back to Eau Claire. Baggage will be sagged. See June 29 and 30 in last newsletter for details.

1 FRI MMV METRIC. A/B 64 or 30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from Vadnais-Sucker Lake Regional Park, 4500 Rice St, 55127. Join us on this popular ride to Marine on St. Croix with a stop for a tasty sandwich at The General Store. Leader Katie Angle.

1 FRI AFTERNOON RIDE. A/B 50 mi. Depart at 12:00 noon from Now Sports, 3715 Lexington Ave, Arden Hills, several blocks south of Hwy 694. Play hooky from work and get a jump start on your weekend riding. Rest stop will be in Forest Lake. Susan Evan

1 FRI TGIF DINNER SERIES. B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the rear lot of Burnet Realty at Highway 96 and Hodgson Rd in North Oaks. Optional dinner after the ride at Panino's. Mark Gregory, 651-490-1626; Tom and Dona Devine, 651-398-6778; Lee Thielman.

2 SAT COON RAPIDS RIVER RIDE REVISED. A/B 60 mi. Depart at 7:00 AM from Erik’s Bike Shop, 2120 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN, 55433. Predominately flat route traverses the Anoka Sand Plain, an extensive area of level terrain formed by glacial meltwaters. It passes through wooded areas as well as wide open prairie. Jeff Hofstede

2 SAT AFTON-COTTAGE GROVE HILL TOUR. A/B 48 mi. Depart at 8 AM. Meet at Eagle Valley Shopping Center parking lot, SE intersection of Woodbury Dr. (Hwy 19) & Valley Creek Rd, in Woodbury. Strut your stuff on the hills, then regroup on the flats. Dave Haerle.

2 SAT MORNING GLORY. A/B 41 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM from the parking lot in Mendota, on the north side of Hwy 13, just east and down the hill from St. Peter's Church. If the lot is full, park on the street. Please do not park in the church lot. Ride to Rosemount and back, with the opportunity for a rest stop at the Morning Glory Cafe. Steve Scholl.

2 SAT PLUM CITY PUMPER. A/B 70-80 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from the municipal parking lot next to the gas station on Main St. (County U) just off of Hwy 10 at the north end of downtown Plum City, WI. Challenging hills and little-traveled rural roads. Plum City is on US Hwy 10, about 35 miles east of Prescott, WI. A shorter option will be available. Further information will be posted on the TCBC egroup during the week before the ride. If the weather is questionable call the ride leader the morning of the ride for ride status. Tony Wanschura.

2 SAT BASS LAKE. B 40 mi. First time for this route in two years, and the last time this year: Stillwater Bridge closes August 1! Depart at 9:30 AM from Stillwater High School, on Hwy 5 just south of Hwy 36. First half of this mostly-Wisconsin route is very hilly but scenic. Includes stops at Bass Lake Cheese Factory and Hudson. Doug Nelson, 651-639-9917.

2 SAT WOW TRAINING SERIES #2. B 40-50 mi. Leaves at 10:00 AM from University of St. Thomas main parking lot, corner of Cretin & Summit Avenues, St. Paul. Second of four distance-oriented training rides for Weekend on Wheels 25. Julie VanMersbergen.

2 SAT DONE BY ONE. A/B 50 mi, B/C 25 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from Nokomis Beach Coffee, at the corner of 28th Av S and East 50th St in South Mpls. One block east of Lake Nokomis on east 50th St and two blocks south of Minnehaha Pkwy on 28th Av S. The same great ride, but with different options! Park on the street but not in front of the coffee shop or the other businesses. This is an easy B/C ride, with a longer A/B option, exploring Mpls and St. Paul roadways, parks, bikeways, and lakes! Stay after for light lunch or snack and coffee at Nokomis Beach Coffee – great sandwiches also! Dave Swaab; Tony Anthonisen.

3 SUN SUNDAY SUNRISE SOLITUDE. A/B 62 & 79 mi, A 100 & 151 mi. Depart 5:30 AM from Perkins Restaurant, New Brighton (zip code 55112), two blocks west of I-35W on Cty Rd D. Park at far end of lot. Choose one of four mileage options to ride in the country and city plus the whole Gateway Trail, starting with the solitude of a sunrise. Charles Breer, 651-699-2029.

3 SUN FALLS ‘N LAKES WITH JOE. C 25-30 mi. Depart at 7:30 AM from the Witch's Hat tower in Prospect Park, Seymour & Orlin Aves SE, Mpls. We'll meander through lakes and parkways to the falls and on to 43rd & Upton for Sebastian Joe's. We'll head back around the lakes' parkways. Let’s do brunch. Mary Miller.

3 SUN CHASKA-WACONIA-CHASKA. A/B 38-45 mi. (self-sufficient B riders welcome). Departs 8:00 AM from Caribou Coffee at the NE corner of Highway 41 and Pioneer Trail in Chaska. (From Eden Prairie, take either 5 to 41 and go south, or 212 to 41 and go north.) Park at far west end of lot. Long stretches w/ rolling hills! See beautiful Lake Waconia! Go 5 miles at a pop w/out stop signs! Map at start. Lee Stagg (Eric Feld, often a co-leader).

3 SUN A RIDE IN THE CLOUDS. A/B 50 or 60 mi. Leave at 9:30 AM from Ojibway Park in Woodbury. Exit I-494 at Lake Road and go southeast, left on Courtly Road, then right on Ojibway Drive into the park. Spin through Grey Cloud Island en route to Afton with a rest stop at Selma's Ice Cream. Two distance options with more roads leading into the clouds on the longer route. Jeff Johnson.

3 SUN ICE CREAM CRUISER. C 12-15 mi. Depart at 1:30 PM from University of St. Thomas main lot, corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues in St. Paul. Got a bike like Pee Wee Herman? Ride with us along scenic Summit Avenue and take a short detour to Grand Old Creamery. Cruiser riders especially encouraged, but anyone interested in a relaxed, social ride with ice cream is welcome. Plaid pants and bowtie optional. Co-leaders: Paul Huntington and Cindy Hanson.

3 SUN LAKES I LIKE. B 32 mi and A/B 36 mi. Depart at 5:00 PM from parking lot of Erik’s Bike Shop (651-415-1233) in Shoreview, on the northwest corner of Hwy 694 and Rice St in Shoreview Center. A scenic route, with a few hill climbs and relatively few turns, passing by many of the area’s lakes. Kristine Poelzer.

4 MON 24th ANNUAL WATERMELON RIDE in Shoreview. 12, 25, 55 mi. Volunteers needed. See info in June issue or check website.

4 MON BOOM BOOM RIDE. N 20-25 mi. Depart at 8 PM from the main parking lot at the University of St. Thomas, corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues, St. Paul (use Cretin-Vandalia exit from I-94 and follow signs). Good batteries to work front and rear bike lights required. Join a group of TCBC riders for an annual tradition to watch the fireworks along the Mississippi River. We'll ride as a group roundtrip to either Mpls or St. Paul. Suggested paraphernalia for the evening includes bug spray, munchies, and perhaps your favorite fireworks-watching blankie. Leaders: Julie VanMersbergen & others TBD.

5 TUE AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. Note new location. Depart at 8:30 AM from the Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave, about 3 blocks south of Highway 36 and about a block north of the Gateway Trail. Park in the middle of the lot. All riders willkommen. Rest stop at the end of the trail, and optional lunch after the ride at Panera’s. Augie "The Gus Meister" Muller, 651-770-5065.

5 TUE TUESDAYS ON THE CANNON. B/C 20-40 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from Welch trailhead, Cannon Valley Trail. Take Hwy 61 south to Hwy 7 turnoff to Welch (about 5 miles before you get to Red Wing). Go through Welch village across bridge to trailhead. We'll head to Red Wing, then back up the trail to Cannon Falls for lunch on the back deck of the Stone Mill, then 10 miles back to Welch. Those wanting a 20-mile option can drop off the ride at Welch on the way to Cannon Falls. Co-leaders: Don Picard and Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

5 TUE TRI-RIDE (SHOP-RIDE-EAT) B/C 22-27 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Erik’s Bike Shop in Oakdale. From I-694, take 10th St exit. Shop is in the Bergen Plaza strip mall. Arrive early to shop for necessities, like a rear-view mirror or new patch kit and tubes. Tired of riding alone? Looking for new friends to ride with? Expand your environs and please join us for a casual ride. Seasoned riders, bring a friend who’s new to cycling. Options in mall for dining after ride. For general info or directions to store, call Erik’s, 651-730-0022. LeAnn Plinske, 651-777-1080.

5 TUE LEFTY'S WESTSIDE RIDE. A/B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Plymouth Station Shopping Center, Highway 55 and County 24 in Plymouth, two miles west of I-494. Park at north end by the tower. Andy Danielson, 763-473-1678; Joel Stenoien, 612-280-6367; Doug Duoos, 763-421-2427.

5 TUE GEARS, TEARS, AND FEARS. A/B 33 mi and B 26 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from East Mississippi River Blvd and Hartford Av. Park on the south side of Hartford or in the north 3 lots of the Temple of Aaron. WOW training ride. A classic hill ride and club favorite. Come and see why people keep coming back for more. Jan Kujawa & Mary Miller, 612-308-4856.

5 TUE BUNKER HILLS AND BEYOND. B/C and A/B 21-40 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW in Andover. Explore the northern Twin Cities metro area while riding through the open meadows and tree-lined avenues of the Anoka sand plain. Jim and Elizabeth Dohogne

5 TUE ACAPULCO TO AFTON. A/B 35, 29 or 24 mi. Leave at 6:15 PM from the Acapulco Restaurant at 1240 North Frontage Road (of Hwy. 36) in Stillwater. From I-694 take Hwy. 36 east for 6.5 miles. Turn left on Washington Ave. (first stoplight past the Hwy. 5 overpass). Take an immediate right on the frontage road (by Anderson Windows) for 1/4 mile to the Valley Ridge Mall and Acapulco Restaurant on the left. Some winding roads, a couple stop lights and a hill or two... no problems. An outside terrace, good food and good friends... no worries. So come along. B riders wanted. Bob Hoffman, 651-430-2676.

5 TUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BUSINESS MEETING.

6 WED FALLS N LAKES WITH JOE. B 30-35 mi. A shorter option is available for those who have to hustle off to work. Depart at 7:00 AM from Boom Island Park, where there are roomy facilities to clean up and change for work (8th Ave North at the Mississippi River, using your map). We'll meander through parkways to the falls and on to Sebastian Joe's at 43rd and Upton for quick coffee or breakfast there or in area (they DO NOT only sell Ice Cream!). Mary Miller

6 WED MEANDER THE BURBS. C 25 mi. Ride 6 of a series. Depart at 10:15 AM from Erik's Bike Shop, 16376 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie, one block north from Hwy 5 and Hwy 4 (Eden Prairie Road). Turn right on Wagner Way then left into strip mall parking lot. Meet in front of Erik's. We will bike the LRT South (packed limestone) trail and on paved roads, exploring Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, and Bloomington. Rest stop en route and optional luncheon after ride. Leaders: Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381 and Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009.

6 WED WILDS OF WI. A/B 40-65 mi. Shortcut options available. Depart 10:30 AM from the Wisconsin Visitor Center just off exit 2 of I-94 in Hudson, WI. Self-sufficient B riders encouraged. Variety of routes along traffic-free country roads. Due to location, if weather is at all questionable call leader after 9:15 Wed. morning to see if ride is cancelled before coming to start. Sue Blum, 651-690-2100.

6 WED PINK EXPRESS. B 29 mi. Depart at 10:30 AM from County Cycles 2700 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, 55113 (corner of Woodhill & Lexington). Park on Woodhill St. Wear any color you like. Marina Lim

6 WED RIVER FALLS WISCONSIN RAMBLE. A/B 34-40 mi. Depart at 5:45 PM. Meet in the parking lot behind THE ROUTE Bike Shop, 102 S. Main Street, in River Falls. Enjoy quiet roads, a variety of topography & great scenery! Steve O'Rourke (WEB RIDE)

6 WED LAKEVILLE LAKES LOOP. A 34 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Erik’s Bike Shop (Burnsville store), 501 County Road 42 E. Ride from quiet, suburban roads to rolling country roads, around lakes and farmland. Map to start: http://eriksbikeshop.com/site/map.cfm?ID=1). Mike Leibfried, 651-463-1204 or Lucia Pierson, 651-730-06828.

6 WED THE WHOLE ENCHILADA! A/B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the Roseville Professional Center, 2233 Hamline Ave N, just south of Hwy 36 on the west side of Hamline Av in Roseville. Park at the west end of the lot. Ride past area lakes and parks of Roseville and the surrounding area. Join your compadres afterwards at a nearby Mexican restaurant for fun and refueling. Andele! Andele! Epa! Epa! Yeehah!!! Mary Derks, mderks@comcast.net, 651-482-9605.

6 WED BEST BET BY BEST BUY. B 25-35 mi. Zip away at 6:00 PM from Woodlake Lutheran Church, 76th and Oliver Av in Richfield on this ever-evolving evening ride. Enjoy the variety as you experience a new and different route each week. David Gepner.

6 WED "U" & ME. B 28 mi. Depart at 6:15 PM sharp, from Coffee Grounds, Hamline & Hoyt, Falcon Heights. Please park on Street, not in lot. This ride is bits-n-pieces of favorite routes through Como, Lilydale, Mendota, Ft Snelling, Minnehaha falls, W. River Road and both campuses of the "U". Susie Anderson. (WEB RIDE)

7 THU AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. 8:30 AM. See July 5.

7 THU ST PAUL SEVEN HILLS. RIDE C 20-25 mi. MAPLESS. Come to see the seven hills, but you won't get to ride them. Depart at 9:00 AM from Como Park pavilion parking lot, southeast side, next to Black Bear Cafe. We will view the hills while trekking the trails: Gateway, Vento, Battle Creek, and Mississippi River and bike-friendly streets. We'll have a mid-ride rest stop and an optional luncheon stop at Black Bear Cafe after ride. Ambassador: John Avoles, 651-437-3974. Ride Leader: Herb Schultz.

7 THU THURSDAY THERAPY. A/B 30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the parking lot of Harriet Island Regional Park, at the west end of Plato Boulevard, across the Wabasha St. Bridge from downtown St. Paul. A gently rolling and scenic ride southward into Dakota County. Lisa Austin.

7 THU GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the University of St. Thomas main lot, corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues in St. Paul. Route varies with the daylight, and variously features the Roseville Reservoir, Battle Creek Trail, the Gateway Trail, and the Mississippi River. Possibility of food after. Julie VanMersbergen

7 THU BICICLETA LA VIDA SALVAJE. A/B 27-29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located just east of the Airport Hilton. From I-494, exit south on 34th Av, left onto American Blvd, then right into the refuge parking lot at the top of the hill. Come on down south for some fun cycling! Mike Beadles

7 THU A DUTCH TREAT. B 23 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Plymouth Station Shopping Center, Highway 55 and County 24 in Plymouth, 2 miles west of I-494. Park at north end by the tower. Scenic backroads of Medina, Maple Plain, Loretto, and Hamel. Rolling Hills. Socialize over a light meal at Panera's after the ride. Map to start: http://zzzurn.com/maps/plymouthstation.html. Your Leaders: Kay Mitchell, 763-535-2474, and Evie Walters, 763-473-2915.

7 THU GROUP RIDING NOW! B/C 20-22 mi. Depart at 6:30 PM from Now Sports, 3673 Lexington Ave N, between County Road E and 694. Want to ride with a group, but don't want to be left in the dust by a pack of spandex-clad praying mantises? Join us in this twice-monthly series, headquartered at Now Sports in Arden Hills, 651-490-7709. We'll explore lightly traveled roads in the northern suburbs. With leaders riding at the front and rear of the group, nobody gets dropped. Come early and check out the fine gear at Now Sports. Co-leaders: Paul Huntington; Cindy Hanson, 651-644-2175

8 FRI MMV METRIC. A/B 64 or 30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 1. Chuck Sunder

8 FRI PLAY HOOKY IN AFTON. A/B 40 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM from Ojibway Park in Woodbury. Exit 494 at Lake Road and go southeast, left on Courtly Road and right on Ojibway Drive. We will ride thru Afton and environs. Paul Cox. (WEB RIDE)

8 FRI TGIF DINNER SERIES. B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 1.

8 FRI SUBURBIA. B 25-30 miles. Leaves at 6:00 PM from Cedarvale Mall, near Hwy 13 and Silver Bell Rd in Eagan. Park on the side of the building nearest Silver Bell, away from Miniputt and Bally's. Let's go for a ride in suburbia. Dinner after. Julie VanMersbergen and Jan Kujawa

9 SAT BEFORE THE ROOSTER CROWS. N 25 mi. Depart 4:00 AM from Papa’s Home Cooking - Café Americana at 7181 42nd Ave N, New Hope, near the southeast corner of Nevada Av and Rockford Road/42nd Av. Greet the coolish summer air with anticipation of a homespun breakfast after the ride at a favorite local nook. Front & rear lights required – fresh batteries helpful. Wider tires with some tread works best. See Upcoming Events. Mike Beadles and Kristine Poelzer.

9 SAT COON RAPIDS RIVER RIDE REVISED. A/B 60 mi. Depart at 7:00 AM. See July 2.

9 SAT NEW ULM HERITAGEFEST RIDE. C 35-45 mi. A real nice ride around my little quaint town of New Ulm. It’ll be a one-day event. We’ll meet at the parking lot by Microtel Inn & Suites, 424 20th South St at 9:00 AM sharp. This small town had a 5-mile paved bike path put in last year. We will be checking out the big Glockenspiel, Hermann the German Monument, und August Schell’s Brewery Co. After the ride we can take in the big Heritagefest with all its great food and some of their great Bier (that's their 1919 Root Bier) on the fairgrounds. Also, there’ll be an Old Classic Car show in town. If I can get 5 people und if the dam holds und the river don’t rise, etc. it’ll be a go. Please do make that call to make sure that it is a go two days prior to the 9th. This is one ride I really look forward to. Questions? Augie aka "The Gus Meister" Muller at 651-770-5065.

9 SAT PLUM CITY PUMPER. A/B 70-80 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from the municipal parking lot next to the gas station on Main St. (County U) just off of Hwy 10 at the north end of downtown Plum City, WI. Challenging hills and little-traveled rural roads. Plum City is on U.S. Hwy. 10, about 35 miles east of Prescott, WI. Details will be posted on the TCBC e-group during the week before the ride. A shorter option will be available. If the weather looks threatening, call the ride leader for ride status info before 7:30 AM on the morning of the ride. Tony Wanschura, tonyjw@mindspring.com, 651-224-8360

9 SAT STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER. A/B 43-47 mi, B 34 mi. Leaves at 10:00 AM from Mahtomedi High School, on Hwy 12. From Hwy 36 just east of I-694, go north on Hilton Trail, east on Hwy 12, then left into school. Bring your appetite for strawberry rhubarb pie, shortcake, dipped strawberries, and other confections as we roll over favorite country roads and the Gateway Trail on route to a delicious summertime rest stop! Hugh Gitlin, hughsterg-at-aol.com, 651-699-1343 or Julie VanMersbergen, infrared-at-scc.net, 651-253-2493.

9 SAT DONE BY ONE. A/B 50 mi and B/C 25 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 2.

9 SAT B RIDE WITH SOME HILLS. B 30 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM from the bottom of Crosby Farm Road in Crosby Farm Park, along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Enter at the intersection where Mississippi River Blvd becomes Shepard Rd. The ride goes along the Mississippi River, with several nice climbs. Dave Dugan, 651-633-6228, david.dugan-at-unisys.com.

9 SAT LAKE WOBEGON WARM-UP. C 20 to 30 miles. Depart at 2:00 PM from the St. Joseph trailhead. Travel along the Lake Wobegon Trail as a warmup for Sunday's Outreach Ride Tour of Saints from Saint Benedict's College in St. Joseph. This will be a leisurely pace ride (10 mph) to stretch our legs for the Tour of Saints (www.tourofsaints.com). This should be a fun ride with many towns to sightsee in, and sights along the trail. Optional dinner after ride at a restaurant of choice. Gil Clounie, 507-775-2060, gilclounie@yahoo.com.

10 SUN OUTREACH RIDE: TOUR OF SAINTS. See “Outreach Rides” section of the newsletter for more information. NO TCBC INSURANCE.

10 SUN SUNDAY SUNRISE SOLITUDE. A/B 62 & 79 mi, A 100 & 151 mi. Depart 5:45 AM. See July 3. Kristine Poelzer, 651-633-1127.

10 SUN CHASKA-MAYER-CHASKA. A/B 48-52 mi. (self-sufficient B riders welcome. Like Chaska-Waconia-Chaska, but a bit longer.) Departs 8:00 AM from Caribou Coffee at the NE corner of Highway 41 and Pioneer Trail in Chaska. (From Eden Prairie, take either 5 to 41 and go south, or 212 to 41 and go north.) Park at far west end of lot. Long stretches w/ rolling hills! See beautiful Lake Waconia! Go 5 miles at a pop w/out stop signs! Map at start. Lee Stagg 952 484 5642, mrleeleap@yahoo.com (Eric Feld, often co-leader).

10 SUN WOW REVISITED REDUX. A/B 37/57/90 mi (up to 5800 ft of climbs), 108 mi (6900 ft). Depart at 8:30 AM from Hoffman Park in River Falls, WI. Take I-94 east to Wisconsin and exit on 35 south to River Falls, then left exit at M, right on M/Division, and a quick right on Hanson. Quiet country roads, big hills and more big hills, and a great lunch stop in Maiden Rock. New and improved, which means longer and harder. All self sufficient riders welcome. Dave Eenigenburg, 612-822-9972, Deeburg@yahoo.com.

10 SUN WASHINGTON COUNTY WHIRL. A/B 42 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM from Ojibway Park in Woodbury. Exit 494 at Lake Road and go southeast, left on Courtly Road and then right on Ojibway Drive. Bounded by I-94 on the north and Highway 10 on the south, we'll visit some familiar and some scenic, lesser-traveled roads of southern Washington County. Tony Wanschura, tonyjw@mindspring.com, 651-224-8360.

10 SUN RETURN OF THE BEES. A/B and B 38-50 mi, B/C and C (canbees) 20-25 mi. All Julibees will buzz off at 2:00 PM from the Weaver Lake Elementary school parking lot in Maple Grove at 15900 Weaver Lake Road, 1.2 miles west of I-94. Our ride leaders have scouted out two separate sweet, low-traffic routes for the A/B and B riders to drum along, while our B/C and C hummers will band together for a mapless, no-drop ride along the newly paved bike paths that hug Rice and Fish Lakes. Additional socializing at Applebee's after the ride. Connie Gabriel, 763-428-2922; Ken Hilgers, 612-418-9922; Paul Huntington, 651-379-4300; and Kay Mitchell, 763-535-2474.

10 SUN LAKES I LIKE. B 32 mi, A/B 36 mi. Depart at 5:00 PM. See July 3.

11 MON JUNE'S COW CAMPUS RIDE (NO BULL). C 25-30 mi (MAPLESS). Depart at 9:15 AM from Lake Nokomis Community Center overflow parking lot at 2401 East Minnehaha Parkway in Mpls. We will smell the flowers, check out the cows and spot a few zoo animals. Lunch stop at Como Park conservatory/zoo ($2 donation to enter visitor's center), or Black Bear Cafe. Ambassador June Johnson will showcase this ride. Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381 .

11 MON AM COFFEE RIDE. A/B 35 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from north end Lake Harriet picnic area. Use on street parking. Ride south and west to historic Dunn Brothers in EP. Return north via trail. Katie Angle (katie.jim@comcast.net) 763.208.3595. (WEB RIDE)

11 MON MILES FROM MAPLEWOOD. A/B 35-40 mi, B 30-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the HealthPartners Maplewood Clinic, White Bear Ave and County Rd B. Go south on White Bear Av from Hwy 36. Leave the city behind and ride into the countryside of Ramsey and Washington County. Kate Kovar, katekovar-at-hotmail.com, 651-779-1508 and Jim Pederson, 651-784-3353.

11 MON MY OH MY MINNEAPOLIS. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from the rear parking lot of the Sunrise Cyclery bike shop, 612-310-6698, 3031 2nd Av S, Minneapolis 55408, located on the east side of 35W just south of Lake Street. Sample the best scenery of Minneapolis via premier bicycle routes using roads and many trails. Arrive early to check out the shop, fill up your water bottle and change from work to cycling clothes. Route scout: Jamie McDonald. Leader: Kristine Poelzer, 651-633-1127.

11 MON DEADLINE for the August newsletter. E-mail schedule info. Articles to Doug Nelson,

12 TUE AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. 8:30 AM. See July 5.

12 TUE TUESDAYS ON THE CANNON. B/C 20-40 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM. See July 5.

12 TUE MINNEAPOLIS GRAND ROUND. A/B 39 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from the Steamworks Coffee and Tea Co, corner of 44th Av N and Penn Av in Minneapolis Take the Dowling exit off of I-94, head west to Penn Av, and turn north (right). The coffee shop will be on the left as you approach 44th Av. Experience the best of Minneapolis' parkways on the Grand Rounds Tour. Come early for waffles at the coffee shop. Please park on neighborhood streets to the west and south, not in coffee shop parking lot. Self-sufficient B riders welcome. Kelly Hazel, 612-588-3653, kelly.hazel-at-msn.com.

12 TUE BUNKER HILLS AND BEYOND. B/C, A/B 21-40 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 5.

12 TUE GEARS, TEARS, AND FEARS. A/B 33 mi and B 26 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from East Mississippi River Blvd and Hartford Av. Park on the south side of Hartford or in the north 3 lots of the Temple of Aaron. WOW training ride. A classic hill ride and club favorite. Come and see why people keep coming back for more. Dave Erick & Lisa Austin.

12 TUE LAKE NOKOMIS OUT & BACK. B 20-25 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Lake Nokomis Beach Coffee at the corner of 28th Av S and 50th St in south Mpls (two blocks south of Minnehaha Pkwy on 28th Av). Please park on the street and not in front of the shops. We will bike around south Mpls and St. Paul. Weather will dictate the miles. Leader is Mike Daniels.

12 TUE LEFTY'S WESTSIDE RIDE. A/B 25-30 mi. See July 5.

12 TUE ACAPULCO TO AFTON. A/B 35, 29 or 24 mi. Leave at 6:15 PM. See July 5.

13 WED FALLS N LAKES WITH JOE. B 30-35 miles with a shorter option. Depart at 7 AM. See July 6.

13 WED WILDS OF WI. A/B 40-65 mi. Shortcut options available. Depart 10:30 AM. See July 6. Due to location, if weather is at all questionable call leader after 9:15 Wed. morning to see if ride is cancelled before coming to start. Sue Blum, 651-690-2100.

13 WED RIVER FALLS WISCONSIN RAMBLE. A/B 34-40 mi. Depart at 5:45 PM. Meet in the parking lot behind THE ROUTE Bike Shop, 102 S. Main Street, in River Falls. Enjoy quiet roads, a variety of topography & great scenery! Steve O'Rourke(WEB RIDE)

13 WED LAKEVILLE LAKES LOOP. A 34 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 6.

13 WED SUMMER BREAK. A/B 25 or 30 mi. Leave at 6:00 PM from Mendota Plaza, Hwy 110 and Dodd Road in Mendota Heights, less than a mile east of I-35E on Hwy 110. Park on the southwest corner near Subway. Take a break from the hills on this relatively flat ride through Fort Snelling Park, the River Roads and Crosby Farm Park. Jeff Johnson and Patt Seleen.

13 WED THE ONLY ALPS IN TOWN. B 25 mi. Depart 6:00 PM from Town Park, across from Selma’s in downtown Afton. Take I-94 east to highway 95 and go south 4.3 miles to Afton. Is this the year you promised to become a better climber? Come test your total watts output on the Alps of Afton and ride along the scenic St. Croix. After the ride restore those lost vital nutrients with a World Famous Lerk Burger or perhaps a Selma’s ice cream cone. David Baird, 651-730-7854, david.baird@kodak.com.

13 WED LONG LAKE MEANDER. A/B 29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Anoka County Riverside Regional Park, just south of 694 on East River Road. Parking is by the boat dock area in the most northern part of the park. We will meander eastward with some rolling hills and a scenic overlook over 694 from Matterhorn Drive, then onward to Long Lake and some of the bike trails there, and catch some of Moore Lake on the way back. Roger Schaffhausen

13 WED SOUTHERN COMFORT. B/C 20-30 mi. Leaving at 6:00 PM from Woodlake Lutheran Church, 76th and Oliver in Richfield. Meander through the southwest metro during a pleasant evening of leisurely paced pedaling on this adventure ride. David Gepner

14-17 SUGAR RIVER, MILITARY RIDGE AND OMAHA TRAIL RIDES AND TOUR. B/C 20-45 miles per day. There will be an initial get-settled-in day followed by three separate rides along south central Wisconsin's scenic trails. Additional activities include tours of New Glarus' Swiss Village, cheese factories, a mustard museum and lots of picturesque folkways and byways of the state's prettiest country. There are many great dining venues as well. It is recommended that you come for the full tour, but otherwise take in whatever works for you. Trail surface is crushed limestone. A $3 daily or $15 season trail pass is required. Leaders: Don Picard, 952-894-3431, don451@mac.com; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897. Cell phone at ride: 952-334-5382. Make your own lodging accommodations around New Glarus for the 14 & 15, and Verona/Madison for the 16th. SOONER IS BETTER. Contact leaders for further information or assistance.

14 THU AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. 8:30 AM. See July 5.

14 THU CITY EXPLORER. A/B 25-40 mi. Depart promptly at 10:00 AM from the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. With Lake Harriet as our base, we'll venture out in all directions and explore the beautiful metro area by bicycle. Self-sufficient B riders welcome. Kelly Hazel.

14 THU NEW GLARUS TRAVEL TOUR DAY. Meet at 1:00 PM at New Glarus' Chalet Landhaus at the Sugar River Trailhead. We'll have lunch at the Chalet followed by a tour of the Swiss Village museum and shop a bit at New Glarus' Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus. Later we'll tour a large cheese factory in nearby Monroe. At 7:00 PM we'll enjoy a cheese fondue dinner at Landhaus' outdoor patio overlooking the Sugar River Trail. From Twin Cities take Hwy I-94 east approximately 200 miles, exiting on US Hwy 12 south (exit #92). Continue about 22 miles to Prairie du Sac, then take Hwy 78 south for about 20 miles to Mt Horeb, then south on Hwy 92 about 15 miles and south (right) on Hwy 69. Follow Hwy 69 into New Glarus. The Chalet Landhaus faces the highway on your right, just past the Sugar River Trail trailhead.

14 THU THURSDAY THERAPY. A/B 30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7. Lee Thielman

14 THU GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

14 THU BICICLETA LA VIDA SALVAJE. A/B 27-29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

14 THU A DUTCH TREAT. B 23 mi. See July 7.

14 THU CRUISING NOW! C 12-15 mi. Depart at 6:30 PM from Now Sports, 3673 Lexington Ave N, between County Rd E and 694. Got a bike with coaster brakes, fat tires, white sidewalls, and a seat bigger than your own? Join us in this twice-monthly cruiser biking series, headquartered at Now Sports in Arden Hills, 651-490-7709. Riders who are not yet members of "cruiser nation" are welcome to join us, but bear in mind we will be sticking to the 10 mph pace befitting our stately beasts. Better yet, come early and check out the selection of stylin' cruisers at Now Sports, and rent one for the ride! Discover the pleasures of piloting a rolling sofa and we think you will agree . . . titanium is for sissies. Co-leaders: Paul Huntington; Cindy Hanson.

15 FRI MMV METRIC. A/B 64 or 30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 1. Kelly Hazel

15 FRI SUGAR RIVER TRAIL RIDE. B/C 46 mi. Crushed limestone trail. Depart at 10:30 AM from Sugar River Trail trailhead in New Glarus. Rest stop will be at Monticello where we will tour the Swiss Heritage Cheese factory, then on to Brodhead at the southeast end of trail where we will have lunch and entertain possible tour options and return to New Glarus. Trail pass required; $3/daily, $15/season. Leaders: Don Picard, 952-894-3431; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; John Hoffmann.

15 FRI CONSTANTLY CRUISIN. B/C 22-28 mi. Depart at 2:00 PM from Constance Free Church, intersection of County 20 and County 18, in Andover. Come and enjoy a social ride on the semi-rural roads and tree lined streets of Anoka County John Swoyer, jtswoyer@yahoo.com, 763-434-4520.

15 FRI TGIF DINNER SERIES. B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 1.

15 FRI DINNER AT DAVE’S. B 30 mi. We'll leave at 6:00 PM from the Famous Dave's in Bloomington at 98th & Normandale, on this Southern finger-licking, TGIF alternative. David Gepner.

16 SAT OUTREACH RIDE: HEART OF THE LAKES BICYCLE TOUR. See “Outreach Rides” section of the newsletter for more information. NO TCBC INSURANCE.

16 SAT COON RAPIDS RIVER RIDE REVISED. A/B 60 mi. Depart at 7 AM from Erik’s Bike Shop, 2120 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN, 55433. Predominately flat route traverses the Anoka Sand Plain, an extensive area of level terrain formed by glacial meltwaters. It passes through wooded areas as well as wide open prairie. Jeff Hofstede (WEB RIDE)

16 SAT ALL HILLS LEAD TO ELMWOOD. A/B 62 or 100 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from Baldwin, WI (exit 19 on I-94) Park & Ride. We'll go up and down on the quiet country back roads, building our climbing muscles. Riders should be ready to travel 20-30 miles between rest stops on these beautiful "rural" roads. Scott Larson.

16 SAT WOW TRAINING SERIES #3. B 58-65 mi. Leaves at 9:30 AM from University of St. Thomas main parking lot, corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues, St. Paul. Third of four distance-oriented training rides for Weekend on Wheels 25. Julie VanMersbergen.

16 SAT HUGO HEARTLAND. B 40 mi. Fairly flat. Depart at 9:30 AM from Ramsey County Beach on White Bear Lake, off Hwy. 96 just east of Hwy. 61. Doug Nelson.

16 SAT B RIDE WITH SOME HILLS. B 30 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM. See July 9.

16 SAT MILITARY RIDGE TRAIL RIDE. B/C 30 mi. Crushed limestone. Optional extra miles available on the paved Capital City Trail which connects to the Military Trail through Madison to the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Depart at 11:30 AM from Mt Horeb's Grundahl Park trailhead. From New Glarus, take Hwy 69 back to Hwy 92 north to Mt Horeb. Turn left on Garfield street (at Mt Horeb High School) and continue about 9 blocks to Blue Mound St. Take a left on Blue Mound St and continue 2 blocks to Grundahl Park on left. From Twin Cities follow New Glarus directions (above) until you reach Mt Horeb, then follow Hwy 78 to Blue Mound St (left) to Grundahl Park. The Mustard Museum on Main Street is a "must see" and opens at 10:00 AM. We'll check it out before the ride. Trail pass required: $3/daily, $15/season. Leaders: Don Picard, Herb Schultz; John Hoffmann

16 SAT SUMMER SUNSHINE. A/B 28 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM from Mendota Plaza on the southeast corner of Hwy 110 & Dodd Rd. in Mendota Heights (about 1/2 mile east of 35E on Hwy 110). Come enjoy the rolling hills in the southern suburbs of the cities. Lisa Dust.

17 SUN SUNDAY SUNRISE SOLITUDE. A/B 62 & 79 mi, A 100 & 151 mi. Depart 5:45 AM. See July 3. Leader: Richard Franco.

17 SUN BE DAM'D 'N BACK. B/C 30 mi. Depart 9:00 AM from Steamworks Coffee and Tea Co, corner of 44th Av N and Penn Av in Minneapolis. Take the Dowling exit off of I-94, head west to Penn Av and turn north (right), The coffee shop will be on the left as you approach 44th Av. We'll head north on Shingle Creek Trail and hook up with the North Hennepin Trail to Coon Rapids Dam and head back along the Mississippi River Corridor Trail. Come early for waffles at the coffee shop and bring snacks for the rest stop at the dam. Please park on neighborhood streets to the west and south, not in coffee shop parking lot. Kelly Hazel and Jim Pittenger.

17 SUN SWEET LORRAINE'S ON SUNDAY B 20-30 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from Sweet Lorraine’s American and Mexican Food, 2403 E 38th St (corner of 24th Av & 38th St S). Come early for breakfast (opens at 8:00 AM) and/or stay for lunch after the ride. Please park on the street. Enjoy a leisurely, social Sunday morning ride. Kay Mitchell, 763-535-2474; Mike Daniels, 651-690-0190.

17 SUN DAKOTA BADLANDS. A/B 45 mi. Leave at 9:30 AM from Mendota Plaza, Hwy 110 and Dodd Road in Mendota Heights (less than 1 mile east of I-35E on Hwy 110). Park in the SW corner of the lot near Subway. Scenic ride through northern Dakota County with lots of ups and downs along the way. Jeff Johnson and Patt Seleen 651-552-9131. (WEB RIDE)

17 SUN OMAHA TRAIL. C 20 mi. Paved asphalt trail. Depart from trailhead in Camp Douglas at 10:30 AM. This is a nice and easy ride to unwind a wonderful weekend and mellow out for a safe journey home. From Twin Cities go east on I-94/I-90 about 175 miles to the Camp Douglas (Omaha Trail) exit. Take a right into Camp Douglas and follow the signs about a mile to the trailhead. Trail pass required:$3/daily or $15/season. Leaders: Don Picard, 952-894-3431; Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897. Cell Phone at ride: 952-334-5382.

17 SUN ICE CREAM CRUISER. C 12-15 mi. See July 3.

17 SUN TOUR DE FRANCE RIDE & VIEW. A/B 40-45, B 30-35, C 20-25 mi. Leave at 3:00 PM from parking lot of KFAN The Restaurant, near Snelling and County C2 in Roseville. Park in spaces to rear, away from restaurant. Join us on a fun ride through the Roseville area to whet your appetite for snacks and a big-screen viewing of Stage 15 of the Tour de France: Lézat-sur-Lèze > Saint-Lary Soulan (Pla d'Adet) afterwards at KFAN The Restaurant. Non-riders welcome to join for viewing. Watch TCBC e-groups in the event of OLN rescheduling the evening coverage. Hugh Gitlin or Julie VanMersbergen; third leader TBD.

18 MON MISSISSIPPI RIVER GORGE. C 20 mi. Leave at 9:30 AM from Minnehaha Falls parking lot (north of pavilion). Lunch stop en route or after ride. Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009 and Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

18 MON AM COFFEE RIDE. A/B 35 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from north end Lake Harriet picnic area. Use on street parking. Ride south and west to historic Dunn Brothers in EP. Return north via trail. Katie Angle. (WEB RIDE)

18 MON MILES FROM MAPLEWOOD. A/B 35-40 mi, B 30-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 11.

18 MON MY OH MY MINNEAPOLIS. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 11.

18 MON MELLOW MONDAY REVISITED. B/C 22 mi. Leave at 6 PM from Long Lake Regional Park main pavilion in New Brighton. Doug Nelson, 651-639-9917.

19 TUE AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. Depart at 8:30 AM. See July 5.

19 TUE TUESDAYS ON THE CANNON. B/C 20-40 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM. See July 5.

19 TUE MINNEAPOLIS GRAND ROUND. A/B 39 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 12.

19 TUE TRI-RIDE (SHOP-RIDE-EAT). B/C 22-27 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 5.

19 TUE BUNKER HILLS AND BEYOND. B/C A/B 21-40 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 5.

19 TUE GEARS, TEARS, AND FEARS. A/B 33 mi and B 26 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 12.

19 TUE LEFTY'S WESTSIDE RIDE. A/B 25-30 mi. See July 5.

19 TUE ACAPULCO TO AFTON. A/B 35, 29 or 24 mi. Leave at 6:15 PM. See July 5.

20 WED WILDS OF WI. A/B 40-65 mi. Shortcut options available. Depart 10:30 AM. See July 6. Due to location, if weather is at all questionable call leader after 9:15 Wed. morning to see if ride is cancelled before coming to start. Sue Blum, 651-690-2100.

20 WED RIVER FALLS WISCONSIN RAMBLE. A/B 34-40 mi. Depart at 5:45 PM. Meet in the parking lot behind THE ROUTE Bike Shop, 102 S. Main Street, in River Falls. Enjoy quiet roads, a variety of topography & great scenery! Steve O'Rourke, 612-670-3720-cell (stevorke@hotmail.com) (WEB RIDE)

20 WED THE WHOLE ENCHILADA! A/B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 6.

20 WED BEST BET BY BEST BUY. B 25-35 mi. 6:00 PM. See July 6.

20 WED STONE ARCHING. A/B 27 mi. Departs promptly at 6:00 PM from the Lock & Dam parking lot underneath the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis. Go north on Portland from Washington Ave then just past West River Road down a short steep hill to the Minneapolis Lock & Dam parking lot. Much of the parking lot is closed off for construction, but there is some room; if full then go down hill to parking lot below lock, or else park in metered lot at south end of Stone Arch Bridge. No water at start. The ride uses East and West River Roads, Summit Ave and the High Bridge. Charlie Caswell (WEB RIDE)

21 THU AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. Depart at 8:30 AM. See July 5.

21 THU BLOOMINGTON MEANDER. C 20 mi. Leave at 9:15 AM from Ridgeview parking lot on West 94th St, one block west of Nesbitt. Take Normandale Blvd South from Hwy 494 to West 94th St. We'll have a rest stop at Normandale Japanese Garden and an optional lunch after ride at Italian Café. Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

21 THU CITY EXPLORER. A/B 25-40 mi. Depart at 10 AM. See July 14. Kelly Hazel, 612-588-3653, kelly.hazel-at-msn.com.

21 THU THURSDAY THERAPY. A/B 30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7. Tony Wanschura

21 THU GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

21 THU BICICLETA LA VIDA SALVAJE. A/B 27-29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

21 THU A DUTCH TREAT. B 23 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

21 THU GROUP RIDING NOW! B/C 20-22 mi. Depart at 6:30 PM. See July 7.

22 FRI LAKES AND RIVERS ROUNDABOUT. C 28-30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM from the parking lot above Minnehaha Falls pavilion. Park free in the street or pay to park in the lot. A social ride along the rivers and lakes of Minneapolis with a lunch stop en route, possibly at the Walker Art Center Museum. Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381 and Clareyse Nelson

22 FRI MMV METRIC. A/B 64 or 30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 1. Dave Pfuhl

22 FRI CRUISING THE SUBURBS. B 29 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM from Lynnhurst Park parking lot, west of 35W on 50th St between Minnehaha Parkway and James. Start the weekend early. This scenic ride will explore the western suburbs of Minneapolis with a rest stop at Caribou Coffee. Nancy Selz, 612-285-7895.

22 FRI AN AFTERNOON RIDE. A/B 35-45 mi. Depart at 12:00 noon from the Wayzata Bay Center at the intersection of Superior St and Lake St in downtown Wayzata. Park on the south side of the shopping center by Lake St. Play hooky from work and get a jump start on your weekend riding. Rest stop will be at the Retro Cafe in Loretto. Susan Evan

22 FRI CONSTANTLY CRUISIN. B/C 22-28 mi. Depart at 2:00 PM. See July 15.

22 FRI IN NEW ULM WOULD BE OK. A/B 35 mi. Depart at 2:30 PM from New Ulm Holiday Inn parking Lot (see Saturday). Ride leaves from the parking of the New Ulm Parking lot for a short warm-up ride. Please see Saturday's description for more information. Perry Broste. (WEB RIDE)

22 FRI TGIF DINNER SERIES. B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 1.

22 FRI SUBURBIA. B 25-30 miles. Leaves at 6:00 PM. See July 8.

23 SAT COON RAPIDS RIVER RIDE REVISED. A/B 60 mi. Depart at 7:00 AM. See July 2.

23 SAT AFTON-COTTAGE GROVE HILL TOUR. A/B 48 mi. Depart at 8 AM. See July 2.

23-24 WHERE THE HECK IS NEW ULM. A/B 70 or 100 mi. Shorter options of 30 to 50 miles are available. Depart at 8:30 AM from Holiday Inn, New Ulm, MN, 2101 South Broadway. Join us for one or two days of cycling on the prairie farmland of south central Minnesota. We will ride along the Minnesota River Valley and check out a lake or two to jump into to cool off. After the ride, enjoy a local beverage tour, shop, golf, and/or relax. There are several lodging options in the same general area of town: (1) Holiday Inn at 2101 S. Broadway New Ulm, MN 56073, 507-3592941 or email gm@hinewulm.com; (2) Microtel Inn & Suites at 424 20th South Street, 507-354-9800 or microis@newulmtel.net; (3) Super 8 1901 S. Broadway, 507-359-2400. The motel rooms get booked fast, so reserve your room as soon as possible. Co-leaders: Perry Broste, and Ron Plinske, 651-777-1080.

23 SAT OUTREACH RIDE: YIKES BIKES! See “Outreach Rides” section of the newsletter for more information. NO TCBC INSURANCE.

23 SAT DOING PART OF THE LAKE WOBEGON AND HOLDINGFORD SPUR. C about 48 miles. We’ll meet in Avon trail park. Takeoff time will be 9:00 AM. As with the "Central Lakes Trails" this is another part of the trail that I’ve never been on. We’ll ride in from Avon to Albany, hook a right just outside of Albany heading north onto the Holdingford Spur, then back down to Albany, hook a right on the trail heading northwest to Freeport, and then turn around heading all the way back to Avon. Maybe we can go down to St. Joseph along the way. We’ll be taking breaks in most of the little towns along the way. Just another great ride by the Meister. Hope I can get about 5 people. Any questions? Augie aka "The Gus Meister" Muller, 651-770-5065.

23 SAT SEESAW TO ARKANSAW. A/B 70-80 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from the park on the river in Maiden Rock, WI. Cross into Wisconsin at Prescott or Red Wing and take WI 35 south to the town of Maiden Rock on Lake Pepin. Turn towards the river on Chestnut St. and into the park. Challenging hills and little-traveled rural roads. Details will be posted on the TCBC e-group during the week before the ride. A shorter option will be available. If the weather looks threatening, call the ride leader for ride status info before 7:30 AM on the morning of the ride. Tony Wanschura, .

23 SAT DONE BY ONE. A/B 50 mi, B/C 25 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 2.

23 SAT B RIDE WITH SOME HILLS. B 30 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM. See July 9.

23 SAT JERUSALEM FOOD AND WHINE. C 20 mi. Depart at 10:30 from the Mediterranean Cruise restaurant, 3945 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan. From Minneapolis, take Cedar Av south across the Minnesota River, and head north (left) on Hwy 13, about one mile. Turn right on Silver Bell Rd and immediately turn right again on the frontage road. The Med Cruise is about 300 yards ahead on your right. When we leave, the owner, Jamal Ansari, will put on a batch of nomura, arguably the finest dessert in the Middle East: spiced custard inside a puff pastry shell with honey over the top – only good when fresh baked, but then it’s “Zowie!”. We’ll ride over to St. Paul to have one of the oversized, magnificent deli sandwiches served at Cecil’s Back Room, the best New York-style deli in Minnesota, then back to the Med Cruise in time to have fresh-baked nomura for dessert. Don Picard.

23 SAT HOG WILD AND GANDY DANCE. C 27-34 mi. Meet at 10:30 AM at the Polk County WI Visitors Center, corner of US Hwy 8 and WI Hwy 35, St. Croix Falls WI, about 50 miles northeast of the metro area. Exit Hwy I-35 (exit # 132) north at Forest Lake onto US Hwy 8 towards Lindstrom. Follow US Hwy 8 to St Croix Falls, WI, just across the MN/WI border, taking the WI 35 south exit. We will take the beautiful Gandy Dancer Trail north to Luck, WI where we will have lunch at the HOG WILD Grill, where the cuisine includes especially tasty BBQ as well as other entrees. After lunch, we will meander around Big Butternut Lake and scenic countryside of enchanting northwest WI before heading back towards civilization. Bring your billfold. You will need money for trail fee: $3/daily or $ 15/season and lunch. Trail surface is crushed limestone, so hybrid/cross or MTN bikes works best. Luck, WI TCBC’ers Kevin and Cindy Depratter are trip ambassadors. Leaders: Herb Schultz, John Hoffmann, 715-834-7897.

24 SUN SUNDAY SUNRISE SOLITUDE. A/B 62 & 79 mi, A 100 & 151 mi. Depart 5:45 AM. See July 3. Jim Joy, 612-827-6995.

24 SUN ROLLING ON THE WESTSIDE. A/B 44 mi. Depart at 8:00 AM from West Wind Plaza by Caribou Coffee on Rt 101. Three and half miles west of 494 on Highway 7, make a right on Rt 101 and park at far end of lot towards Cub Foods. An excellent ride in the western suburbs. Eric Feld, 952-380-9914.

24 SUN TRIMBELLE RIVER RIDE. B 40-45 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM from Virginian Restaurant east of Prescott, WI (downtown St Paul + 25 mins). Take I-94 to US 61 south to US 10 east to Prescott and 7 miles more to the Virginian. We'll bike some hills, a river valley and more hills. Mary.C.Miller.

24 SUN WHERE THE HECK IS NEW ULM? Day Two. A/B 50, 70 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM. See July 23.

24 SUN WASHINGTON COUNTY WHIRL. A/B 42 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM. See July 10.

24 SUN ARTISTIC EPICURIAN. C 20-30 mi. Depart at 2:00 PM from Minnehaha Falls Parking Lot. Park on the street or pay to park in the lot. Enjoy art and murals of the Twin Cities. Ride is MAPLESS; we will ride together and stop and eat and snack often. Bring your cameras. Walter Griffin, 612-940-1211, photobike@yahoo.com.

24 SUN HIAWATHA HUSTLE. B 25 mi. Hustle over to Hiawatha Joe’s for a 2:00 PM departure from this recently opened coffee house/deli located just up from 42nd St at 4135 Hiawatha Av. City biking is at its best midday on a sunny Sunday afternoon! David Gepner

24 SUN LAKES I LIKE. B 32 mi. & A/B 36 mi. Depart at 5:00 PM. See July 3rd. David Pfuhl, 651-429-3344.

24-29 MS TRAM - THE RIDE ACROSS MINNESOTA. Non-TCBC. 300 miles. FFI: http://www.msTRAM.com

25 MON MILES FROM MAPLEWOOD. A/B 35-40 mi, B 30-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 11.

26 TUE AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. 8:30 AM. See July 5.

26 TUE TUESDAYS ON THE CANNON. B/C 20-40 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM. See July 5.

26 TUE MINNEAPOLIS GRAND ROUND. A/B 39 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 12.

26 TUE BUNKER HILLS AND BEYOND. B/C, A/B 21-40 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 5.

26 TUE LAKE NOKOMIS OUT & BACK. B 20-25 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 12.

26 TUE GEARS, TEARS, AND FEARS. A/B 33 mi, B 26 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 12.

26 TUE LEFTY'S WESTSIDE RIDE. A/B 25-30 mi. See July 5.

26 TUE ACAPULCO TO AFTON. A/B 35, 29 or 24 mi. Leave at 6:15 PM. See July 5.

27 WED FALLS N LAKES WITH JOE. B 30-35 mi. Shorter option available. Depart at 7:00 AM. See July 6.

27 WED WILDS OF WI. A/B 40-65 mi. Shortcut options available. Depart 10:30 AM. See July 6.

27 WED RIVER FALLS WISCONSIN RAMBLE. A/B 34-40 mi. Depart at 5:45 PM. Meet in the parking lot behind THE ROUTE Bike Shop, 102 S. Main Street, in River Falls. Enjoy quiet roads, a variety of topography & great scenery! Steve O'Rourke (WEB RIDE)

27 WED LONG LAKE MEANDER. A/B 29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 13.

27 WED SOUTHERN COMFORT. B/C 20-30 mi. 6:00 PM. See July 13.

27 WED STONE ARCHING. A/B 27 mi. Departs promptly at 6:00 PM from the Lock & Dam parking lot underneath the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis. Go north on Portland from Washington Ave then just past West River Road down a short steep hill to the Minneapolis Lock & Dam parking lot. Much of the parking lot is closed off for construction, but there is some room; if full then go down hill to parking lot below lock, or else park in metered lot at south end of Stone Arch Bridge. No water at start. The ride uses East and West River Roads, Summit Ave and the High Bridge. Charlie Caswell (WEB RIDE)

27 WED WASHINGTON COUNTY WINDER. A/B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:15 PM from Mahtomedi High School on Hwy 12. Take Hwy 36 east past I-694, then north on Hilton Trail, east on Hwy 12, and left to the school. Ride the quiet, scenic, winding roads of the area. Optional dinner afterwards. Mary Derks.

28 THU AUGIE’S GATEWAY SOCIAL RIDE. C 24-35 mi. 8:30 AM. See July 5.

28 THU CITY EXPLORER. A/B 25-40 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 14. Kelly Hazel, 612-588-3653, kelly.hazel-at-msn.com.

28 THU THURSDAY THERAPY. A/B 30 mi. 6:00 PM. See July 7. Tony Wanschura

28 THU GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY. B 25-35 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

28 THU BICICLETA LA VIDA SALVAJE. A/B 27-29 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

28 THU A DUTCH TREAT. B 23 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 7.

28 THU RIDE TO THE RACES. N 27 mi. Depart at 6 PM from Eriks’s Bike Shop, 2120 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN, 55433. Join us for a fun ride out to the Velodrome in Blaine, to watch and support local trackies, crank it up on the track. We will start with a point to point map out to the track, races last from 7- 9:30ish sometimes running a little later. After we will group up and enjoy 10 miles ride back to Eriks. Good batteries to operate front and rear bike lights required. If you have a reflective vest or reflective leg bands bring them along. Leaders: Hugh Gitlin, hughsterg@aol.com, 651-699-1343, Jeff Hofstede. (WEB RIDE)

28 THU CRUISING NOW! C 12-15 mi. Depart at 6:30 PM. See July 14.

29 FRI MMV METRIC. A/B 64 or 30 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 1. Michael McNutt

29 FRI CRUISING THE SUBURBS. B 29 mi. Depart at 10:00 AM. See July 22.

29 FRI INTERNATIONAL TRAIL LINK TOUR. B/C 10 mi. Depart at 1:00 PM from Coffman Memorial Union, U of M Campus. The Rails-to-Trails International TrailLink Conference is in Minnesota this year! Help host this site-seeing ride through Minneapolis and meet attendees from around the country who will be riding with us. For more information on the conference visit: http://www.railtrails.org/ traillink2005. Ride Leader: Lisa Austin

29 FRI TGIF DINNER SERIES. B 25-30 mi. Depart at 6:00 PM. See July 1.

30 SAT BEFORE THE ROOSTER CROWS. N 25 mi. Depart 4:00 AM. See July 9th.

30 SAT COON RAPIDS RIVER RIDE REVISED. A/B 60 mi. Depart at 7 AM from Erik’s Bike Shop, 2120 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN, 55433. Predominately flat route traverses the Anoka Sand Plain, an extensive area of level terrain formed by glacial meltwaters. It passes through wooded areas as well as wide open prairie. Jeff Hofstede (WEB RIDE)

30 SAT AFTON-COTTAGE GROVE HILL TOUR. A/B 48 mi. Depart at 8 AM. See July 2.

30 SAT MORNING GLORY. A/B 41 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM. See July 3.

30 SAT WOW TRAINING SERIES #4. B 72-80 mi. Leaves at 9:30 AM from University of St. Thomas main parking lot, corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues, St. Paul. Fourth of four distance-oriented training rides for Weekend on Wheels 25. Julie VanMersbergen.

30 SAT PEDAL PEPIN. A/B 73 mi. Depart at 9:30 AM from the west end of the parking lot of Pottery Place on Old West Main St in Red Wing. Pedal clockwise around beautiful Lake Pepin as you go through the towns of Bay City, Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Nelson, Wabasha, and Lake City. Wonderful scenery and great rest stops along the way. Call by 7:30 AM on the morning of the ride for cancellation information if the weather looks questionable. Cell phone 763-443-8599. If ride is cancelled notice will also be posted on e-groups by 7:30 AM morning of the ride. Richard Franco, phoenixfyre1313@comcast.net, 651-772-4718.

30 SAT B RIDE WITH SOME HILLS. B 30 mi. Leave at 10:00 AM. See July 9.

30 SAT WAYZATA - LONG LAKE - LAKE MINNETONKA MINI - TOUR. B/C 20 mi. 12:30 PM start. The tour will travel Wayzata, skirt Long Lake, south along the north arm, and take in the northern bays of Minnetonka via Cty 15. Park at southwest corner of Wayzata Bay Shopping Center off Superior St. This ride ranked B/C because of three nasty hills. Approx. 1/2 mile on Luce Line (crushed limestone - hard). Dave Rusinko, 763-494-3955.

30 SAT ICE CREAM LOVER'S TOUR 2. C ride 15-20 mi. Depart at 1:00 PM from Erik's St Louis Park, 8006 Minnetonka Blvd. We will check out four ice cream shops in south Minneapolis and Saint Louis Park. Steven Steuck, 952-933-2946.

30 SAT TOUR DE TRAILS 2005. (Non-TCBC) 8, 22, 25 mi. Celebrate Shoreview’s award-winning bike trails (designation presented by LAB) and routes. Ride starts 8 to 8:30 AM across from Island Lake Park at Deluxe Corp. Contact Judd

31 SUN HELLO HINCKLEY - NORTHBOUND. TCBC overnight trip with pre-registration required. A/B about 75 miles each day from Twin Cities to and from Hinckley. Option of 100 mi on Sunday with additional route beyond Hinckley. Co-leaders are seeking fun-loving comrades who enjoy riding in a group. Must be self-sufficient cyclists who have group riding skills and experience plus equipment in riding 75 miles per day for two consecutive days. No sag. Call for trip details including information about luggage transport and lodging. Co-leaders: Dave Swaab, 612-709-1174 and Kristine Poelzer, 651-633-1127.

31 SUN SUNDAY SUNRISE SOLITUDE. A/B 62 & 79 mi, A 100 & 151 mi. Depart 6:00 AM. Leader: Richard Franco, phoenixfyre1313@comcast.net, 651-772-4718.

31 SUN ROLLING ON THE WESTSIDE. A/B 44 mi. Depart at 8:00 AM. See July 24.

31 SUN BE DAM'D 'N BACK. B/C 30 mi. Depart at 9:00 AM. See July 17.

31 SUN MEDICINE LAKE-PARKERS LAKE. C 20 mi. Depart at 12:00 noon. Two-lake double loop in Plymouth with the Mt. Olivet variation. Meet at the French Regional Park Visitors Center parking lot. Exit Hwy 169 and go west on Rockford Rd to the park entrance, then left into park. Dave Rusinko, 763-494-3955.

31 SUN LAKES I LIKE. B 32 mi and A/B 36 mi. Depart at 5:00 PM See July 3rd. David Pfuhl, 651-429-3344.

(NOTICE: Non-bicycling TCBC activities listed in this newsletter are not covered by LAB insurance.)

TCBC OUTREACH RIDES

SUNDAY JULY 10 TOUR OF SAINTS 25th ANNIVERSARY BIKE RIDE. 35 or 50 mi in rolling landscape. Check-in 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. St. Joseph, MN. (www.tourofsaints.com). Ride briefing and TCBC signup is 7 AM at the College of St. Benedict parking lot. Travel through rich green and rolling landscape in central Minnesota on quiet country roads. Rejuvenate at food and rest stops supplied by Cold Spring Bakery and Gluek Company. Start early and linger long at the rest stops to balance the calories burned while riding. St. Joseph is located northwest of St. Cloud off of I-94. Each summer there is a 10-mile ribbon of cyclists winding through central Minnesota enjoying the sights and sounds that the TOUR OF SAINTS has to offer. Ride leaders: Gil Clounie

SATURDAY JULY 16, HEART OF THE LAKES BICYCLE TOUR. 65 mi, 40 mi, 15 mi. Meet at the Stearns County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Sauk Centre, MN. From I-94 turn north on Hwy 71, right on 12th St, left on Ash St S, right into the fairgrounds. Ride briefing at 7:50 AM. The TCBC member sign-up sheet will be available outside of the registration building at 7:30 AM. Cost is $18 per individual before July 1, $25 per individual for the ride and a T-Shirt before July 1, and after July 1 the cost per individual is $20 (no T-shirt). All proceeds of the Heart of the Lakes Bicycle Tour go to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation. You will cycle along some of the state's most scenic lakes, prairies, meadows, farms, and forests as well as the Lake Wobegon Trail. Rest stop energizers include muffins, fruit, cookies, trail mix, dairy treats, candy, fruit juice, and coffee. The ride is part of Sauk Centre's Sinclair Lewis Days festival, and upon your return you will find many activities that might interest you at the Sinclair Lewis Park such as a craft fair, flea market, food booths, a parade, and a dance. Please note that an A/B pace will be necessary to complete the 65 mile route in order to take advantage of all food/rest stops before they close at 1:00 PM. Please call 320-352-2221 (St. Michael's Hospital; Bike Tour Information) or write to the following address for a registration form: Heart of the Lakes Bike Tour, 522 Sinclair Lewis Av, Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Jim and Elizabeth Dohogne

SATURDAY JULY 23, YIKES BIKES! WALKER, MN. 18, 40 and 60 mi. Start 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. TCBC briefing and signup at 7 AM at Community Church on Hwy. 371 in Walker. Enjoy "Up North" hospitality, scenic lakes and rolling hills as you ride a combination of paved roads and bike trail including the Mi-Gi-Zi trail through fragrant old growth pine forest (60 mile route). Live music, great food at rest stops and the finish. Web site: www.lakesareahabitat.org/yikesbikes. Here's an opportunity to get away from the summer heat and retreat to the up north cabin, sort of. Riding in this area of the state will allow you to explore numerous lakes and the pine forests that surround them. This is another ride that you will not be going into calorie withdrawal with the great snacks and food along the routes. I'll be doing this as a co-leader with the other leader TBD. TCBC jerseys, shirts or hats would be great but are not required to ride. Any questions please contact me, Gil Clounie

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