The first-ever
Northeast Ride, which is coming up on June 2, is a chance to see Northeast Minneapolis up close and personal, on bikes.
It'll show off everything from the area's bustling arts district to its up-and-coming beer breweries.
The family-friendly event is geared for cyclists of all ages and experience levels, according to information from the
Northeast Community Development Corporation (CDC), which set it up.
The bike ride’s co-presenters include
Bicycle Theory,
MPLS Bike Love, and
Altered Esthetics, along with a number of community sponsors.
Jamie Schumacher, who leads the Northeast CDC, says via email that the nearly 12-mile bike ride came about as a creative way to highlight the Northeast area. “You always see a neighborhood differently on a bike, and we'll be touring throughout all of awesome Northeast,” she says. "We hope people take away from it a good introduction to Northeast, and a fun and creative experience."
The ride also takes advantage of new bike trails and bikeways, according to Northeast CDC materials.
Participants will travel the route in small groups, starting out at the
Northeast Minneapolis Armory, and exploring each of the neighborhood parks. Related activities will be happening at the parks along the way, including a post-ride expo, according to Northeast CDC information.
Throughout nine stops, cyclists will get a taste of old and new developments in Northeast. They’ll visit such neighborhood landmarks as the historic
Casket Arts building, the longstanding
Grain Belt Brewery, and the brand-new
Indeed Brewing.
Neighborhoods such as Logan Park and local businesses such as
Community Bees on Bikes, which delivers honey via bike, are among other highlights of the ride.
The ride will wrap up with a party at Altered Esthetics, which will have bike-themed art on view.
Source: Jamie Schumacher, executive director, Northeast CDC
Writer: Anna Pratt