River Road Running In Winter

West River Parkway, a geological wonder: the Mississippi River Gorge along the West and East River Parkways where you can view dramatic Autumn colors, vistas from bluff tops and river flats. Search for the Winchell Trail, an ancient Native American path. All this right out my back door.

Now that Minneapolis was voted the Best Bike City in 2010 by Bicycling magazine the paved trail along West River Road is immaculate, though I still search for any stretch of dirt I can find to save the legs.

My commute to work as of December brings me from my home near the Lake Street Bridge along the river past the UofM, Mill City Museum and Stone Arch Bridge. Turning at the 3rd Ave bridge I head to the tallest building in Mpls - the Capella Tower. The 4.5 mile run can take between 30 and 34 minutes dep on winter vs summer conditions, fitness level and load (I typically carry my backpack filled with lunch, clothes and a towel.)