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Biking Burnsville, Bloomington or
‘bout Anywhere
by Mary Zabolio McGrath
Listed as a Play Goal for 2003 – Bike …… Being task oriented I figured that I had better bike at least once that summer so I could check this one off the list. Upon inspection, my red mountain bike sat in the garage dulled with a cover of dust, its tires limp and low on air. This bike’s only sign of readiness for the road was an up-to-date license. Once air again inflated the tires I managed to carve out an early morning slot during the July Fourth holiday weekend. How would it be to go back to biking Burnsville? One rolling hill after another! Oh boy!
I “achieved” my goal by biking for about an hour to my designated destination, Sunset Pond. Not bad. Maybe I would try this again. In fact since that holiday weekend I have tried it again and again and again, finding that biking my suburb, Burnsville provides not only good physical exercise, but also delights not necessarily noticed on a hurried automobile commute. When, en route to work or running out for a quick pick up of pretzels from a convenience store, I miss a lot of Burnsville’s details, better seen while pedaling. Being privy to little noticed trails, rarely traveled back streets and active areas of town I now take ownership of my community in a new way.
As a nature enthusiast I find biking to be perfect for spotting birds and animals. So far I have noticed a great blue heron perched in a dead tree, an egret hedged along the edge of a pond, wild turkeys wandering into the woods, a tiny toad scampering off the walkway, a small fox (I am pretty sure!) in a side yard, and two doe in Chateaulin Park soccer field.
Being a birder I celebrate untouched and undeveloped habitats and pass them hoping for a dickcissal. Birds provide background music and while riding I catch the cadences of cardinals, chirping of chickadees and the sharp series of calls made by song sparrows. The Minnesota River ride showcases many good birds as well. I’m almost sure I saw a swan fly overhead on a recent trip.
In contrast to open spaces and parkland, industrial and business areas add interest and indicate the presence of prosperity in the area. Yards looked alive through the middle of summer. Various colored lilies caught my eye. Catmint, hostas, daisies and petunias created contrast with the community’s vibrant green lawns (greener during a rainy week!). It seemed that last summer people put more time and energy into flower gardens, or did I just start to notice?
Early morning riding might seem like a solo venture, but I have exchanged comments with walkers and greeted other bikers. Morning people passing over the pavement connect in mutual understanding of the joy of the morning jaunt. Pet owners use the early hours to walk their dogs. Certainly they must chuckle at the Burma Shave-like signs suggesting the importance of keeping trails clear of animal residue. Who thinks up these jingles, anyway? I have never seen so many clever ways to motivate dog owners to clean up after their pets’ natural processes!
Communication also has included signaling my presence to motorists waiting for a red light to turn green. Police in the process of citizen protection lend a steadying presence to the scene.
Burnsville’s terrain proves to be quite hilly in some spots, but if biked strategically one can find ways to move forward in a level and downhill direction for a good part of any ride. But some intermittent uphill pumping certainly conditions the heart and expands lung capacity!
Having mostly traversed Burnsville by car I have previously missed the inside of Red Oak Park and never even noticed Day Park’s path. Often when I go out I see new routes and make a mental note to try them in the future. There remains much unexplored territory in the area. Edging into Eagan from time to time may motivate me to write about “Biking Eagan”. Once the nearby river crossing opens again I hope to do some “Biking in Bloomington”.
Yes, I met my goal to bike at least once last summer. In fact since that July morning I even traded my red mountain bike for a garnet hybrid cycle. It transported me this morning to the tailor this morning and provided me with a positive start to an ordinary day. Perhaps this onetime goal has become a new habit!
Now that spring has moved into the area you can respond to that invitation to bike Burnsville or Bloomington or wherever you live. Heading out the garage door opens you to a whole new perspective on the familiar. Enjoy the ride!
Mary Z. McGrath, Ph.D. works with schools, organizations and parents who support wellness and the family’s potential. She offers presentations through Reflections Resources, Ltd.
Phone: 952-894-7707 Fax: 952-890-3229
E-Mail: info@maryzmcgrath.com
"Self-care keeps you there!"
As seen in Stressfree Living Magazine, May 2004.
Article cannot be reproduced without written permission from Stressfree Living Magazine.
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