Hi from the capitol city - St Paul Minnesota

[denibp]

Actually I’m in Rosemount, a suburb of St. Paul, but I bike a lot in our state capitol. I’m new to the e-bike world and just bought a Gazelle Ultimate C380 and love it!
It all started a month ago, when I took a “Boat and Bike” trip in the Netherlands during tulip season. I signed up for an e-bike, and for 5 days, biked through the Netherlands, loved it, and was hooked on e-bikes. I love the features of a Dutch-made bike, plus I like their cafe lock (also called a frame lock). Anyway, amazingly, a bike shop in the next suburb imports Gazelle bikes from Amsterdam. I talked, researched, and rode other bikes, but this Gazelle was what I wanted. Internal hub system and belt driven - no chain.
I’m of a certain age (read retired) and e-bikes opened up many trails for me! I’m excited to learn about e-bikes and plan to enjoy riding, for many years to come.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Welcome aboard! Very nice ebike. What a wonderful way to see the Netherlands.

I'm also of a certain age. And if I think on it a few minutes, I might even remember what it is. ;^}

Actually, lots of retired members here. You'll fit right in.

 

[PedalUma]

Welcome! Lovely bike. I love the Dutch riding position. Good choice. You may wish to consider grippy platform pedals with good bearings. Those are stock $6 pedals. Pedals normally range from $20 to $250. Like having good shoes on a trip, it is worth it. The molded nylon pedals are only temporary place holders, so that the owner can then select ones best for their personal riding needs.

 

[Zoe Johnson]

Nice bike ! welcome aboard

snaptube vidmate​

 

[Jim1348]

Welcome to EBR.

I:

-Live in Rosemount,

-Work in Saint Paul &

-Own a Gazelle Ultimate C380+.

 

[Viking1]

Welcome and SKOL!! Beautiful bike as well. Stick around, I think you’ll like it here!!!

 

[JGcycle]

Nice ride. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Jim1348]

My wife and I rode the Cannon Valley Trail and Mill Towns State Trail (Lake Byllesby to Cannon Falls Segment) yesterday. It was 47 miles total.

Bridge Replacement Project: Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 - Cannon Valley Trail

NOTICE: BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION IS FINISHED!!!! The entire trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing is open! The Cannon Valley Trail connects with the city of Cannon Falls trail on the west end and the city of Red Wing trails on the east end. Note: Wheel passes are NOT required for the City of Cannon...

cannonvalleytrail.com

Mill Towns State Trail

The Mill Towns State Trail is currently six paved miles long, and will eventually connect the cities of Faribault, Dundas, Northfield, Waterford, Randolph, and Cannon Falls for a distance of approximately 25 miles.

www.dnr.state.mn.us

 

[denibp]

That’s awesome! I’ve ridden the Cannon Valley trail with my non e-bike, but in two segments (starting at Welch Village). Looking forward to doing the entire trail in one trip on my e-bike. How was the Mill Town state trail? That looks like a nice ride, mostly shady? Have you ridden the Spring Lake Park Reserve to Hastings trail? It’s along the river and there is a chance one might see the Buffalo that were introduced to Spring Lake Park Reserve last fall.

 

[Jim1348]

Mill Town State Trail is a work in progress, so it didn't take us long to ride to Lake Byllesby. It was a mix of shady and open areas. Overall the CVT was much shadier than the Mill Town State Trail.

We did Spring Lake Park to Prescott WI two weeks ago and did see the new bison calves. I just found out they call them “red dogs”. The additional section from Hastings to Prescott isn't all that long, but I do like the extra section of trail.

We did Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail today. We started at Faribault and turned around a couple of miles west of Elysian.

We may do the Gateway Trail tomorrow. My mother-in-law lives in Maplewood a block or so from the trail. However, my wife may have had her fill for the holiday weekend, so I will leave it up to her. We also have two ATVs, so in the summer we often alternate ATV rides with e-bike rides. There is also the occasional kayak or canoe trip to break it up, too! I also have a horse and live close enough to Lebanon Hills that I can ride right from my farm. (No trailer necessary.)

 

[denibp]

Thank you for the trail info. I’m planning to do the Spring Lake Park to Hastings Trail with friends, and will look at continuing to Prescott. Sounds like a great option. Hope you two can do the Gateway Trail - it looks beautiful! I’m inspired to get to these trails you are recommending!