Into The Urban

 Many riders head for the hills, familiar destinations and open spaces. However, the life of a city mouse can be very interesting. When wondering around the city on two wheels, you never know where you'll end up. The only wrong turns are those of habit. It's amazing how much we have to explore in The Urban, if you're open to it.

Train!

It's 8:30 on a Thursday evening. The Boy is sleeping. The house is picked up. Annie mentions something about wanting the latest gossip mag and my ears perk up, I'm just the man for the job. On this particular Thursday evening there just happens to be a grocery store and a bike show in close proximity to each other. Time to fire up the bike.

Pictures from a previous event to give you a feel for the crowd.

Blue Cat Motors puts on a monthly bike show-customer appreciation- ride in event. Today's bike night featured a taco truck and brass band! The bikes and bikers never dissapoint, good people who love motorcycles. I didn't stay long, just a quick lap around the lot to see what folks are working on and I was out of there. It was such a nice night, I couldn't bring myself to leave the bike on its side stand for too long.

the SOHC CB is the Japanese  Norton

 an XS650 meets FZR suspension.

I know a fast way to the store, remember I'm running an errand. To complete my task I decided to go in the opposite direction. There's an industrial section of town where the streets are empty and the views of the setting sun over the rail yards are distracting.

A mural by FM on University Ave.

Great big empty streets, old buildings and tiny corner bars had completely reset my clock. The springs were unwound and the hands could care less about the expectations of others. I thought about stopping in for a beer but I am just a tourist and it wouldn't be the same. I did stop eventually to photograph a mural and an old rail car.

The store was still open when I arrived and a gossip mag was purchased. I even got home before its audience fell asleep on the couch.  

the Mississippi River in St Paul

the Minneapolis Public Art Map

Looking for an excuse to ride? Check out the Minneapolis Public Art Map. 

Ole, a world famous Norwegian violinist from the 1800s, was the first public sculpture commissioned by the City of Minneapolis in 1895. 

the Courtship of Lena
 olieandlenajokes.blogspot.com

Maps: You've got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them... and when to run.