Day 38 – July 11 – Crystal, MN to Red Wing, MN – 76 Miles

Sometimes it is amazing how we lose track of time and days.  It is Wednesday already!

We were out of bed by 6:00 and said goodbye to Christina, Anna and William as they headed off to work and daycare. We packed up and were on the road by 8:15.

Matt set us up with maps and directions to Red Wing and then led us along the network of cycling routes and paths through the metro Minneapolis area. From Crystal, which is situated north of Minneapolis, we were guided through the suburbs, parks and parkways, into and thru Minneapolis.  After about 22 miles we emerged south of the airport, near the suburb of Eagan, traveling only about 3 miles on roadway for the entire trip.  The network is impressive, and is obviously being utilized for recreation as well as commuting.

From Eagan we headed south then east.  Traffic was moderate and for some of rest the trip we could use roadside bike paths and a final stretch of dedicated rail trail into the city of Red Wing. We got into a few hills as well.  The last several days have been relatively flat.  I anticipate some more climbs in the coming days.

Tomorrow, we will rejoin the Adventure Cycling route and follow the maps which take us south along the Mississippi river toward Iowa.