MINNEAPOLIS, MN (BRAIN)—BRAIN staff and sponsors will experience the best trails and lanes in Minneapolis-St. Paul during the magazine’s Twin Cities Dealer Tour, which kicks off tomorrow.
Participants including sponsors Giant Bicycles, Ergon, Michelin and Pedro’s will ride many of the city’s featured trails and paths en route to visiting some of its top retailers.
“We'll have an opportunity to see where a lot of federal and state funds have been invested to help cyclists reach their destinations,” said Gary Sjoquist, advocacy director for Quality Bicycle Products, who will guide the group for the three-day tour.
On day one participants will cross the Mississippi River to visit four St. Paul-based retailers. This will not require great mileage but will make use of the Midtown Greenway, perhaps the city’s coolest urban trail. Shops visited on the first day will include: Erik’s Bike Shop, County Cycles, Bicycle Chain and Grand Performance.
Day two will be the longest day in terms of mileage as riders head out to Gear West and then wind their way back through the western suburbs into Minneapolis. The group will use a series of bike trails that interconnect with the city’s Commuter Trail. Shops visited on the second day will include: Gear West, Bokoo Bikes, Tonka Cycle and Ski and Bikemasters.
“We are very excited to have BRAIN come to the Twin Cities. Gear West Bike & Tri is proud of where we work, live, play, ride, and raise our families. We are certain BRAIN will be impressed by the greater Twin City metro and the incredible bike shops we have throughout the area,” said Kevin O’Connor, owner of Gear West. “I am certain all of the shops are looking forward to showing BRAIN the diversity we have to offer cyclists in the community.”
Day three will be the shortest mileage as riders visit retailers in the immediate Minneapolis area. If time permits, the group will swing east to the Sabo Bridge, a stunning $5 million dollar bike/pedestrian bridge that extends the Midtown Greenway to the Mississippi River. Shops visited on the last day will include: Penn Cycle & Fitness, Flanders Brothers Cycle, Freewheel Bike, The Hub Bike Coop and One on One Bicycle Studio.
“We are very honored and excited to have BRAIN visit our stores in the Twin Cites area,” said Pat Sorensen, president of Penn Cycle. “Minnesota is Mecca for cycling enthusiasts and has some of the most amazing places to ride. We have more paved bike trails than almost anywhere and we look forward to sharing it with you and your readers.”
Check back here all week long for complete coverage of the Twin Cities Dealer Tour.
