The Great Outdoors has not been canceled. Get outside. Breathe fresh air. Enjoy the sun, but keep your social distance.The most popular city parks are getting so crowded that keeping a safe distance is difficult, so try the less well known trails.
If you need suggestions, download the newly updated 2020 Twin Cities Bike Trails from Bikeverywhere and explore at a safe social distance. If you already have the map, download the update at no cost.

https://www.avenzamaps.com/a/vfz0xf

The 2020 version of the Twin Cities Bike Map reflects thousands of miles of research on new and existing bike trails and bicycle friendly roads since the July, 2019 update. New trails, trail alignments and bicycle friendly roads have been added and old routes retired. More highway symbols have been added to major roads to help with navigation on small screens. The 2020 update is free if you already have the 2019 version. All updates in 2020 will be free.

To update the 2019 Twin Cities Bike Map, go to “My Maps” and click on the “Updates Available” link. You have the option to replace the old version or add the new version and keep the old. Replacing the old version will save all placemarks, routes, lines and photos from the old version and add them to the new version automatically.

First time buyers, click Twin Cities Bike Map 2020 using the device you wish to download the map onto.

Construction of the SW LRT line will include some improvements for the bike trail as well. The attached photos show construction of a new bike bridge across Beltline Blvd in St. Louis Park. This is the intersection where bicyclists had to cross two lanes of traffic, then wait in a center island until two lanes of traffic in the other direction cleared.

The following story was published in the Star Tribune on November 21, 2019. It’s about an annual bike ride that takes place during the first full moon after the leaves fall.

http://www.startribune.com/a-yearly-moonlight-bike-ride-is-elixir-of-timing-place-and-people/565288842/

The mobile map, Cannon Valley Bike Rides, shows all of the roads used at different times during the annual ride. The routes include the Cannon Valley Trail, gravel roads and paved roads. These routes can be mixed and matched to create endless options. All of the routes can also be ridden during daylight hours to take in the scenic beauty of the area.

Cannon Valley is about 40 miles south of the Twin Cities Metro.

Hi Viz, the fundraising party for the Cycling Museum of Minnesota is Thursday, November 14. Music, some cool old bikes, Hi Viz Costumes, prizes, silent auction and just plain fun with other cyclists. For more information, check out the Cycling Museum’s website

https://www.cmm.bike/

The mobile Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin Bike Map has been updated with new trails and bike routes. Explore this old city with its modern Riverwalk, Lake Michigan shoreline and multi-branched Oak Leaf Trail, then head out to the country to explore State Bike Trails, the Kettle Moraine and challenging Holy Hills.

https://www.avenzamaps.com/a/1vanybb

The Forest Lake 100 Bike Ride was the first map I created for the Avenza map store. It’s been popular, but 100 miles is a long ride. I’ve updated the map with multiple options to try out shorter routes, primarily in the area between Scandia and Forest Lake.

Check it out. There are some beautiful roads in the area with low traffic, lake shore views, flat to rolling hills. Looking ahead, this will make for an amazing fall color bike ride. The map is free.

If you have the Twin Cities Bike Map on your phone, check your Avenza list of maps. You will notice an “Update Available” button on the Twin Cities Bike Map 2019. This is a new feature from Avenza. I updated the map yesterday and now everyone who has it will see that an updated version is available.

You will have two options: Update to a new version or add a new map. If you update to a new version, Avenza will automatically move all of your placemarks, routes, photos, etc to the new version. This is a significant improvement to the Avenza App because it allows you to keep everything you’ve saved on your map.

The middle screenshot shows ‘What’s new,” but you have to scroll down through the description to get to it.

Updates are free through 2019, so take advantage of them when offered.

The biggest news in 2019 trail closings is the closing of the Cedar Lake and Kenilworth Trails. These two popular corridors will be closed for up to three years due to construction of the Southwest LRT Trail. Closings and detours have been mapped on the Mobile Twin Cities Bike Map 2019.

Other Trail Closings: Minnehaha Bike trail at 28th Ave is closed until November, 2019. The bridge will be replaced and the bike trail will be rerouted so bicyclists can cross under 28th Avenue instead of at grade on this sometimes busy road. See the Twin Cities Bike Map for alternate routes.

The Glenwood Avenue Bridge near Downtown has been closed. This is part of the LRT construction project. The bridge could be closed for up to two years. Follow the pedestrian detour or the bike detour to get around the bridge.

Portions of the Gateway Trail and the Dinkytown Trail are closed. Follow the detour signs.

Can bikes be used as part of a canoe/kayak shuttle? Dave Olson has been doing it for years. Vicky and I tried it on July 4. We paddled the Crow River from the Lake Rebecca canoe launch to a take out in St. Michael. From there I pedaled back to pick up the car using a marked bike route from the Twin Cities Bike Map. It worked well and offered two advantages over the traditional two vehicle shuttle. We needed only one car and I got to kayak and bike in the same day.