Rita and I(Mike) on the Elehant Walk home made tandem. This picturewas taken after riding in the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour (32 miles or so) 2003 in front of Sasha and Gregs (Rita's daughter and son in law) Grand Ave House. We had a wonderful time riding in St. Paul , especially on closed streets and look forward to 2004.

Rita and I at Rita's daughter's house on Grand Ave. after completing the Sept. St. Paul bike tour rally.Good fun, and you see some wonderful bikes, enjoy snacks and music along the way and enjoy riding on empty(closed) city streets..

We have become somewhat devoted bike riders. Rita and I log in the area of 1000 miles together each summer. ( I-Mike- also ride solo)and hope for at least as good of a season this year . We have now been biking for 8 or so years(newcomers compared to many)The main benifit is that we are fitter than any point in our lives. As the Elephant Walk keeps us busy in the summer we ride early AM or in the evening.We usually manage to ride just over 18 miles 2-5 times a week and return to the inn at about 7 AM , to start breakfast. A Favorite ride in the evening is out to the Gausthaus Restaurant for a beer and one of their great sampler platters, a nice light dinner.

Our favorite ride is 6+ miles from the B&B to Pine Point Park on Washington County Rd 5 and 55, the termininus/beginning of the Gateway Trail; this a wonderful resource for biking/roller blading/walking, etc, and is a vital part of our(both personal and public)health care system. From Pine Point Park we take the Gateway for 6+ miles to highway 12; which turns into Myrtle St in Stillwater. We return to Stillwater on a paved trail next to hwy 12 for our last 6 miles. We see deer and turkeys on a regular basis. You will see horses in their pastures,riders too, and a few farms. The Gateway Trail's generally flat( an old railbed) terain is a great place to ride, especially for new riders. When we first start to ride each season we put the bike on the back of the car to avoid some of the hills and drive to Pine Point Park. After as few training rides we are ready for the hills. We would then ride 10-16 miles on the gentle hills the Gateway offers.We see a lot of riders even in the early AM which is great. If you come to Stillwater, bring your bike and take a ride.

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