What does one do on a "balmy eve" when they have the itch to mountain bike ride? Well, obviously, in the spring/summer/fall when this itch strikes...all one has to do is hop on their mountain bike and cruise down to the neighborhood trail at Theo Wirth Park. Theo Wirth is also the designated winter recreation area for North Minneapolis. At Theo, a person has many options, such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, running, and mountain biking. You may be scratching your head wondering why in the hey would anyone do anything when there is a -5 temperature outside, let alone haul out their bike, dress warm (which, believe me, takes the longest) and head out to Theo for a spin in the woods on the "white dirt". It turns out that many people road and mountain bike year round in Minnesota, in fact, I believe that the Minneapolis/St. Paul area now has the distinction of being the biking capital of the United States. Previously, Portland, Oregon held it...I may be incorrect as to the exact city of the previous owner of this dubious title, but, I do know that it is far left (West) from Minnesota. I have been mountain biking for about twelve years and this will be my second winter mountain biking. I thoroughly enjoy it although do not recommend it for everyone unless you are very "hardy" and have always loved outdoor activities. It is wonderful for diffusing cabin fever and for making the winters dissipate more rapidly into the spring. I would, however, recommend, that you at least give some outdoor winter activity a try. You may be pleasantly surprised at how it tends to blend winter into spring. It has an almost meditative quality as well, due to the insulating effect of the snow.
White dirt is far better than brown frozen ground! Sounds like a great work out! And at least the snow would provide a cushion, sort of, if you fell. :)
ReplyDeleteCool pic. What kind of pants are your wearing? They look comfortable - not too bulky.
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