u/solverman

For those that prefer the format of the daily schedules at the Info Booths, the PDF files have been published.

A few weeks ago there was a question about the vendors that were not returning for this year's fair.

Sad to see Spring Grove Soda will not be at their traditional spot. Major problem with bees there last year.

Don't recall seeing their First Time Visitor's Guide previously so assuming it is new for this year.

May be useful for those of us that haven't already persuaded reluctant friends & family members to attend.

The placeholder page for the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book has been updated to include a list of this year's coupons.

Mighty Midway & Kidway US$9 off coupon is once again on the rear cover.

Trends toward fewer beers and more ciders, seltzers, slushies and hard sodas continues.

...and a mocktail

I have been a bicycle rider in Minneapolis for years, casually. Now, I am trying to get more into actual conditioning. Part of my conditioning would be regular rides where I am trying to go 15-20 miles without stopping on flat/only slightly elevated ground to keep in a certain Zone and pace. Obviously I love the bicycling infrastructure in MPLS but long stretches of pathing that don't require stopping at intersections regularly are at a premium. Even the Greenway has places you need to stop every mile or so, at least between me and Uptown, I haven't gone much further West than that. What are your guys' recommendations for the best routes to take where I can get the most miles without stopping? I don't expect to find a full 15-20 miles of route like that, but even something up to 5 miles that I could turn around and do laps on would be great too. I am in South MPLS in Hiawatha neighborhood. Thanks!

"In May, routine bridge maintenance will take place on two Dakota Rail Regional Trail bridges. The affected bridges are the Arcola Bridge in Minnetonka Beach and Orono, and the Seton Channel Bridge in Spring Park and Mound. The project includes removal and replacement of the wingwalls and approaches at each end of both bridges.

Each bridge will be impassable while the project is taking place, so segments of the regional trail will be closed until work is complete. The following is the project timeline and affected areas of the trail:

• Seton Channel Bridge – trail closed between Warren Avenue in Spring Park and Montclair Lane in Mound for approximately two weeks beginning May 14
• Arcola Bridge – trail closed between North Shore Drive in Orono and Lafayette Road in Minnetonka Beach for approximately two weeks beginning in late May

Trail users should use alternate routes around the affected areas during the project. Inclement weather could affect the project timeline. View a map of the project location and affected trail segments."

https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/dakota-rail-regional-trail

Trying to prevent anyone from heading out this weekend expecting a clear path all the way to Hastings, MN. Despite my earlier posting there is still a section under repair. Secured with an edge-to-edge fence.