The Mighty Mississippi!

This morning I got up a little earlier than most of the others. Knowing it was an easier day for cycling, I decided to run. Seeing as how we were only about a mile from the Mall Of America, I headed for that, and then actually ran inside the mall! It was long before the stores were open, and only a few people were there. Not known for my shopping abilities, this suited me just fine! I also had the opportunity to do one of those things that has been on my "bucket list" for a long time...run UP a DOWN escalator! After a shower and breakfast, we loaded up the van and headed back to North Central University in downtown Minneapolis. This was to be an easier ride...along the bike trails in Minneapolis, and then across the mighty Mississippi River into St. Paul. Saw the governor's mansion, the cathedral, and then we re-enacted the "Rocky" scene on the steps of the Minnesota state capitol building! Our videographer was here, and he is continuing to put together some footage for an upcoming documentary on Venture Expeditions. After 12.4 miles, we stopped at the trailhead where tomorrow's ride will begin, and loaded the bicycles back into the trailer. Tonight is the Just & Hope benefit concert, and between tonight and tomorrow the team will be presenting in about six church services. Then, tomorrow afternoon, anyone interested from the Twin Cities bicycling community will be able to join us on the ride along the bicycle path to Stillwater, Minnesota. On Monday we shall get back to the bigger milage days and head into Wisconsin. As I write this, Zach (who IS a shopper) is at the Mall of America with a friend from Cedarville. He purchased a green bicycle tire today at a bicycle shop, so he should be ready for the second half of the Tour!