Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

2011-06-29 9:49 PM

Champion

19812

Subject: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

We are coming out to Minnesota next month and most likely will be visiting my folks in Edina instead of their cabin up North. They live in the corner of Edina near Hopkins/Eden Prairie.

Any suggested places to open water swims that isn't a hassle or threat of fines?

Anyone have good bike routes in the 20-40 mile range here on BT or other links I could follow? I used to ride in the mid 70s and did lots of riding out by Bush Lake? but I don't remember how I got out there....seems I used to go out near the Edina Golf course or out that way.

Emily helped me find the bike path but it crosses a lot of roads but I only rode toward Mpls. not other direction.

Thanks for the suggestions!

2011-06-29 11:16 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

For swim, from where you are, I will also recommend my favorite at Bryant Lake park. It's shallow enough that you can swim alone and not worry, and they also have a great little beach, concessions building, etc that your kids would probably enjoy. Parking and entry is free

http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/bryant-lake-park.aspx

I swim just outside of the roped off swim rectangle, but inside the outside buoys.

If you don't mind putting the bike in the car and heading out, you could search for the Liberty Olympic bike course. It's about a 15-20 min drive from where your folks.

Are you bringing a bike? I still have my Trek as my "commuter bike" if you need to borrow.

Also, if you're interested in doing something on a weekend or a Monday (that's my day off) I can take you out.

Bike maps:
http://www.hennepin.us/portal/site/HennepinUS/menuitem.b1ab75471750e40fa01dfb47ccf06498/?vgnextoid=d950999231bc4210VgnVCM10000049114689RCRD

You are in the "South" map, so check that out. But also great stuff in the Southwest. Basically, head west and good things will come.

2011-06-29 11:17 PM

in reply to: #3574045

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

A slightly nicer lake nearby is Shady Oak Lake. You have to pay entry, but it's fun if you want to bring kids:
http://www.hopkinsmn.com/places/shady-oak-beach.php

Fantastic for swimming too.

Farlig

2011-06-30 8:17 AM

in reply to: #3573969

Extreme Veteran

574

Eden Prairie, MN, Minnesota

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

x2 on driving out to the LIberty Course. It's got good rollers, wide shoulders and no heavy traffic.

If you're looking for something a little more family-friendly, I would recommend the Cedar Lake and Greenway trails. Last weekend, some friends and I parked at The Depot in Hopkins and headed east on the Cedar Lake trail. It now will take you all the way downtown, right by the new ballpark and up to the Mississippi River. From there, you can the path South until it hooks up with the Gateway trail, which will take you East to the Depot. All-in-all, it was about 22 miles, and a great way to see the city.

2011-07-13 1:57 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

Looks like we'll end up going to Twin Cities first.

Anyone know if you can bring dogs to that park?

2011-07-13 3:48 PM

in reply to: #3594893

Subject: ...

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2011-07-18 9:07 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

We should arrive for my Dad's 80th Birthday on late 23rd/24th. Plan on staying until maybe Wed then go up to the cabin for a week then come back for following weekend to visit my parents some more.

So probably in Twin Cities 7/24-7/27 and again maybe 8/4-8/7

May be able to do ride 7/24 but not sure.

Monday and Tuesday I'd be up for a ride and/or swim. I'm not in great bike shape as I have significant knee issues but I can can go 3-4 hours.

2011-07-18 9:09 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

Looks like I could easily do the route you rode riding from my parents house to Hopkins. Looks like fun route. How is the traffic?

Edited by KathyG 2011-07-18 9:17 PM

2011-07-18 9:34 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

I looked at mapmyride...

Anyone have any thoughts on the roads this ride goes on...safe? shoulders? rural?

http://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mn/edina/590807442567

2011-07-18 10:27 PM

in reply to: #3603024

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

The part where it crosses the river by 169 may be under water. The river is very high there and that crossing can be problematic. I remember doing it once it was VERY buggy, too. This is the word from my husband who used to take that way to get across but now goes over by the Mendota Bridge. He has not tried it this year, it could be a good adventure. I don't know anything about the rest of the way.

2011-07-18 10:28 PM

in reply to: #3602977

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2011-07-19 8:35 AM

in reply to: #3603125

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

FoggyGoggles - 2011-07-18 10:28 PM

KathyG - 2011-07-18 9:07 PM

I'm not in great bike shape as I have significant knee issues but I can can go 3-4 hours.

Ha! I guess this is all relative because as good as shape as I'm in, I'd be impressed with myself if I can go 3-4 hours!

That's what I was thinking!

2011-07-26 1:26 PM

in reply to: #3573969

Champion

19812

Subject: RE: Rides/Swim near Edina/EP/Hopkins

Wow..just got back from doing the bike path routes Farling suggested plus rode around Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun....this bike path system rocks. Metro Twin Cities really does an incredible job putting htis together. Saw many many cyclists of all abilities and ages. The system is quite impressive...more metro areas should put something like this together. No land is available where I live to do many trails...we have a few that are short and chaotic with different folks doing different activties and pretty unsafe to ride fast on bike.

Minnesota Rocks!

If only the winters weren't so darn cold.