Beyond all of these reasons, I personally loved this day because Minneapolis is super biker-friendly and has such a variety of fun scenery! Lots of people of diverse cultures, art, gorgeous nature, old buildings and trains, and I could go on.
Today was quite special on multiple fronts. There are not many things that my dad loves more than spending time with family, biking, and camping. Fitting that we got to incorporate all of those into this day that celebrates him as a father! We left our home in Minnetonka this morning, so he got to see his wife and two other kids (in addition to me, who he is stuck with for 30 days anyway), then met up with his brother in Robbinsdale! Bill was one of our original members during the 'visioneering' stage of this tour. He and his daughter dreamt of joining us for the whole tour but it just didn't work out. All that to say, it was really meaningful that Bill could join us for the day to experience it just a bit! We also had a friend, Doug Kraft, join us for part of the ride this morning! That was one of the fun benefits of biking in the Twin Cities - having friends and family able to join us. Beyond all of these reasons, I personally loved this day because Minneapolis is super biker-friendly and has such a variety of fun scenery! Lots of people of diverse cultures, art, gorgeous nature, old buildings and trains, and I could go on. The second half of the day was down to just my dad and me, heading for Hastings. So, we were trying to hook up to a highway that would bring us from South St. Paul to Hastings, and decided to explore a trail that seemed to have potential. Partway into the woods, the trail was abruptly blocked off with an orange fence and sign, "Trail Closed." Of course we didn't take heed; being the adventurers that we are, we proceeded to hop the fence with our bikes. A ways in, we discovered why it had been blocked: the entire trail had caved in from water damage. We went around it. We went for miles on that trail, assuming it would someday lead to the highway, but finally it just stopped. We hauled our bikes through some tall grass, ditches, over railroad tracks, and finally reached the highway! Shout out to the most amazing dad in the world! I am SO blessed that I was raised by such a gentle, loving, sacrificial, and servant-hearted leader! You have taught me so much, in fact, to the point that I have a deep yearning to learn more! You have given me so many gifts such as family, laughter, time, and of course, a newfound passion for bicycling! Thanks Dad! Love you lots!
Mom
6/16/2013 09:04:04 pm
What a wonderful update! Loved reading about your adventures. So funny about the trail that ends - who does that!? Start a trail that goes nowhere? Good thing you both are adventurous and took it all in stride. Wonderful words for Father's Day. Pedal on! Love you both!
Mike
6/17/2013 12:57:35 am
Thanks for your heartfelt words honey. It was a great father's day, and an extra, unexpected treat because I got to see all my kids! Biking with you and my brother Bill was a bonus too. :-)
Tina Olson
6/17/2013 03:03:45 am
Way to go Mike and Mariah! So fun to read about your journey. You are an inspiration -- bike on! Comments are closed.
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July 2013
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