Mariel’s first summer in Minneapolis

Road just for bikes!

Hi Team Birkie blog readers! I’m Mariel, a new member of the World team and also new to Minneapolis. This is my second time in the city, but my first summer here, and I had no idea what was waiting for me. In my opinion, the best way to explore a new place is on a bike, and that’s what I did throughout month of May.

Strava has been a huge help in figuring out where to ride when I’m exploring alone. It’s one of the best tools to create routes, allowing you to choose the distance and then easily download the map to your watch. There are definitely more apps, but Strava has discount for students! So far, I’ve only had one bad route experience, but otherwise, it’s been huge help! You can also check out the routes taken by local athletes and follow their paths, as they often know the best spots.

Minneapolis truly lives up to its reputation as the top U.S. Bike City, thanks to its extensive network of bike paths. Even when cruising through the city, it doesn’t feel like it, especially on the Minnesota River Bluff LRT Regional Trail or the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.

I’m not a really a person who takes photos during practices but sometimes I have to send some evidence to my parents that I’m still alive, so here are some captured moments:

Little snack next to Lake Minnetonka.

This should be a road, but not that day. Long bike ride with Henry and Zak.

Team Birkie OD Ride.

Somewhere next to a river with this nice smooth pavement.