As promised in my last post before leaving Guatemala last year, here’s a little ditty about a not so little bike ride. Minnesota has an early season, one day, 100 mile ride called the Minnesota Iron Man that I did three or four times back when I was in my twenties. In my thirties, while living in Colorado, I did a number of grueling solo climbs in the mountains. There, the terrain and altitude were the test, rather than distance. I spend a lot of time on my bike in the summer time, but given the years, this was a new kind of challenge. But enough about me. Let’s get to the pics and info about the ride.
The undertaking begins at Century College in No. St. Paul where trucks and buses await the transport of nearly 4000 bikes and riders up to Proctor High School, the launch site of the ride. The bikes get good care and handling, with each one getting it’s own cover as they get loaded on the trucks.
The local Scouts and other volunteers are waiting in Proctor to place the bikes in a secure corral.
The Ride actually officially begins on Saturday morning, but our merry little band of riders got ourselves and our bikes on the first transports so we could ride down as far as Carlton on Friday evening where we all stayed at a motel.
The photo above is of friends Kevin, on the left, Steve, on the right, and Pat with his back to the camera. The photo to the right is my great friend Gary with his two sons Matt and Todd. Matt came from Colorado to do the ride with his dad and brother.
Our first eighteen miles on Friday afternoon and evening was truly a treat. We passed through Jay Cooke State Park and over the St. Louis River. Below is a photo of yours truly with friends Pat, Steve, and Tim.
On the way down to our motel, we stopped at a great little spot in Carlton called The Streetcar. Great food, lots of craft beer choices, and friendly folks. If you are up in the area, The Streetcar comes with high praise from our whole group.
I wouldn’t say, if I can do this, anybody can. But I would say, if you are thinking at all about trying a long ride like this, this would be a great one to choose. Putting aside the obvious point that this is all for a great cause, the organization and support for this event is superb. This enables riders of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels to participate.
These photos were taken at one of Saturday rest stops in a little burg called Mahtowah. The amount of food at the lunch and rest stops is not to be believed.
While contemplating this interesting little place, (it was closed but looked like it might have one of everything in the world), I was reminded how the landscape of rural America was changed dramatically for many when the Interstate Highway System was built. I’m sure some would think for the better and some for the worse. Mahtowah is just a stones throw from I 35. Thousands of cars pass everyday never knowing this little community exists.
Another piece that makes this a good “first timer” ride is the route itself. It is predominantly flat, (seriously 🙂 ), and much of it is picturesque. In addition, I don’t know the exact breakdown, but somewhere in the neighborhood of three quarters of the course is bike trail. Most of the way down to Hinkley is on the Willard Munger Trail. Willard Munger was the longest serving representative in the Minnesota House, and virtually every piece of environmental legislation in Minnesota has his authorship and/or his spirit affixed to it.
Most of the route between North Branch and No. St. Paul is on the Sunrise Prairie Trail and the Hardwood Creek Trail. To the right here is the Kettle River.
The mid-ride overnight and celebration takes place in Hinckley on the grounds of the Grand Casino. The outdoor music venue serves as the bike corral. If you’re not dead tired it’s a party. If you are dead tired, it’s still a party. After some serious re-hydration and a great dinner, (provided for registered riders), our group was off to spend the night at a cabin that Kevin had found on VRBO. The owner and her daughter are yearly participants in the ride and they were happy to host some riders. They gave us a ride to and from the casino grounds and prepared a wonderful breakfast for us the next morning. It was a surprise gem of the weekend.
Here’s a couple more photos from different rest stops. The rest stops are well spaced and again, more food available than you would ever imagine. I want to add here, as encouragement to those who might consider this ride, there is always a SAG Wagon present to take you and your bike down a rest stop or two if you’re running out of gas. No embarrassment, many people do it. 
Ok, full disclosure, even though this ride was way last summer, I saved this post until now because I wanted to use it for fundraising. I do this ride for my friend Cherie and the many thousands of people who live and suffer with MS every day of their lives. I, and they, would be grateful for any amount you would care to give in my name. Here is the link to donate. Just type in my name and click the search icon. If that doesn’t work just search MS 150 Minnesota and click on the Donate tab. Thank you so much.
Many of you know that I’m back in my winter digs in Guatemala. I do have some posts coming up of my travels down here. To the best of my knowledge I won’t be fundraising in any of those. 🙂
Thanks for being out there.
This little excerpt should be posted on the MS bike fundraiser website. I’m almost convinced to put my bottom through this torment. Leaning towards the latter of the two for now.
Do it!
Nice post Pop! Looks like you guys had a great time, and for a great cause.
This is such a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing this awesome experience and the pictures. It looks like you had a great day riding for an important cause.