Complex chemical equations seem difficult at first but once you know the parameters of the elements, it seems easy and, indeed, it should. The ABCE is no different; we suffered a traumatic and potential fatal loss of our beloved location at Barley John's but knowing the fact that we can all enjoy a Grand Day Out no matter the location, we soldiered on undeterred with no adverse reactions.
Beginning with our Friday reception at the Urban Growler, we set a record attendance number (28 or so) and dominated their patio area with laughter, photos and friendship. We found the food and beverage choices to be quite good and the patio space ample. Noel's daughter Aislinn was in attendance and presented the STO Emeritus with Noel's favourite old bicycle, the Abbey, or as we called it, the "Sweet Little Abbey".
The next morning dawned a little chilly but we all gathered at Merlin's Rest for the Saturday Gentleman's Tour. Everyone was bubbly and ready so we departed more-or-less on time. Turtle Bread Company is just a few blocks away so we had to stop for a pastry and a sit-down. We all knew the task ahead of us so off we went. Minnehaha Falls was next and luckily for us, the falls were doing well this year. Next stop was the WWI War Memorial at the end of Summit Avenue. An excellent group photo was taken at the Monument and then we were off to lunch.
The ride down Summit Avenue is always spectacular with such beautiful architecture but soon we turned onto Cambridge St and there he was! Flat Noel was there! It's good to see he can still be with us on a tour and we took plenty of photos. We have a lovely location on Grand Ave and Cambridge where we have our pick of great restaurants and outdoor seating. We relaxed and enjoyed the shade but eventually we had to move on since ice cream was next at Grande Ole Creamery.
Moving on, we rocketed down the long Grand Avenue hill, crossed 7th St, passed the Alexander Ramsey House and Irvine Park and then arrived at the City House for refreshments. The stops started to lengthen and soon we realised, as all Cycle Tourists do, we need to go since it is still a long way home to Merlin's.
Following the trail next to Shephard road, we made our way to the Crosby Farm Trail and it wound and dipped and curved its way around Crosby Lake then back up to Shephard road and that put us at the Fort Snelling overlook and a well-earned break.
Off we went along Mississippi River Boulevard back to the Ford Bridge where we turned west and made our way to Lake Nokomis. A scenic loop around Nokomis was in order and soon we were on our way back to Merlin's Rest for genuine English cuisine and perhaps an ale or 2.
The Sunday Gentleman's Tour was a completely new route but it was exceptional. Quiet streets found us at a diabolical location for the traditional Gravity Race and Pastry Joust; it appeared to be easy with a gentle hill, longish flat, then under a dark bridge for a slightly uphill finish but the course required absolute concentration and seemed to favor the hub gear bicycle. Barry Hans was the winner with Owen Lloyd winning the derailleur category.
We then found our way to Como Park and took a tour around the shoreline with a stop at the waterfall for a break. Our next stop was Bandanna Square and and a group photo at the old 0-6-0 switching locomotive. All-in-all a very successful route from our new STO.
The afternoon at Bang Brewing was delightful and we had a shaded spot to tell our Stories Both True and Otherwise. The ale and brick oven pizza were outstanding along with the stories, including Rick's story of his gold Schwinn destined for a museum.
Some may scoff at our leisurely version of cycle touring but no-one's beaker boiled over and no-one was anxious to get home. All the ingredients including the Nutters, new locations and new routes combined together to make a great weekend and the one ingredient that made it all possible was the 'umble 3-speed bicycle.
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Date(s): September 15, 16, 17, 2023. Album by STO Emeritus. Photos by STO Emeritus. 1 - 68 of 68 Total. 1302 Visits.
