The 2024 All-British Cycling Event
Hope for Humanity.
Expectations for the ABCE were quite low; the weather was going to be hot, prices for beverages and food were rising fast, and three-speed bicycles were still worth next to nothing. Not many people felt like attending a frivolous cycling event, or so we thought. The reality was tremendously encouraging; many people we had not seen in ages appeared out of nowhere and on Friday we all clicked pint glasses and toasted Noel, Matt (RIP) and all the other smiling faces that we were happy to see again. So far, attendance was encouraging.
Saturday dawned clear and perfect and after much chatter, we bid Merlin's Rest goodbye and rolled out for a quick pastry at Turtle Bread Company. We were 6 blocks into the day so, of course, it's time for a bit of tea and a sit-down.
Our next stop was down West River Parkway to Minnehaha Falls where we could observe the roaring torrent and have a chat with the commoners who were confused until they realised that, yes, we used to ride these old lumps as well.
Pressing on, we headed east to the Ford Bridge, crossed over, and turned north to the WWI memorial. An excellent place to stop, chat and a realization that we have, indeed, record attendance.
Time for lunch so we rolled out and had an enjoyable tour down Summit Avenue and viewed the many beautiful houses. Our lunch stop was a block over on Grand Avenue. Plenty of selections and plenty of delightful sidewalk seating.
We did not want to leave but ice cream was next so off we went to Grand Ole Creamery; just down Grand Avenue.
Grand Ole Creamery is at the top of the big Grand Avenue hill; not as steep as Ramsey Hill but just as thrilling. The City House has been removed from the route in favour of Waldmann's and, interestingly, Waldmann's is an easy coast down Grand Avenue and if you could make all 4 stoplights, you would be on the patio waiting for an Octoberfest without turning a crank. An interesting place, this, with excellent German food and authentic beer. All served in a beautiful outdoor garden or in their restored 1857 dining hall. While we were on the patio, a bit of rain passed by to authenticate this English tour.
Andy's new route from Waldmann's to Shepard Road was perfect; quiet, smooth and flat. Once we crossed over Shepard
road, we were on the trail that brings us to the Fort Snelling overlook. A beautiful vista with views across to Fort Snelling and if you look downstream, you'll see Mendota; one of the earliest settlements in Minnesota.
Moving on, we had to cross the Mississippi on Highway 5 which is a freeway. Interesting but there is a bicycle path. We had to carry our heavy steeds down a stairway, ride across the freeway bridge, then up the equivalent stairway on the other side to find yourself in the middle of the Fort.
No time to rest so we jumped back on the wheel to head north to Minnehaha Falls to connect to the trail that connects with Lake Nokomis. A quick lap around the lake and we were on our way back to Merlin's Rest for a nice dinner and a bit of sunset watching.
Sunday was a beautiful day and at 10am the Cycle Jumble was officially underway; the bargain hunters were underway at 8:30. By 11:30 or so, we were on our way to Como Park. But first, the overly anticipated Gravity Race and Pastry Joust had to be settled. Some hot competition finally settled the contest with Ralph Karsten riding his new hub gear Excalibur X-Frame taking the overall victory. Christian Keim was the winner in the derailleur category.
A lap of Como lake was next on this beautiful day, a break at the pavilion, then a beeline to Bandanna Square for a group photo in front of the old steam locomotive. Another beeline back to Bang Brewing for a cool beverage and brick oven pizza.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on everyone's favourite; Stories Both True and Otherwise. Indeed, the stories were told and cherished we all had a good laugh and we finished the day with well-earned awards and prizes.
The ABCE has brought many new friends together over the years and eventually we came to realize that this ride is, without question, a one-of-a-kind treasure. No-one else does this anywhere else in the world and what draws it all together year after year? The 'humble 3-speed. |
Date(s): September 13, 14, 15, 2024. Album by STO-E. Photos by STO-E. 1 - 57 of 57 Total. 641 Visits. |
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