I will be presenting a new program at the Outdoor Adventure Expo on Friday, April 15 at 4:00. The program will feature metro area trails plus a special segment on combining bikes and the North Star Commuter Rail.

The trails part of the presentation reflects the extensive research I did last year for the latest edition of the Twin Cities Bike Map. That research underscored how rich this area is in bike trails and other bicycle amenities. For Twin Cities residents, it means you don’t have to travel far to ride some great bike trails. For residents outside the metro area, I recommend considering a bicycle vacation in the cities.You will be surprised at just how enjoyable it can be.

Last fall Metro Transit asked me to explore bike route options around the North Star Commuter Rail stations. They see bicyclists as a potential source of “reverse commuters,” who can take the train out to the exurban areas between the metro area and St. Cloud. Metro transit has a brochure and free online pdf showing some of the options. I took it a step further and explored options to Lake Maria State Park, station to station options and scenic loops. We’re developing a downloadable map of the routes and hope to have it posted within the next couple of weeks. Friday’s presentation will give you a sneak preview of the options.

Midwest Mountaineering’s Outdoor Adventure Expo is free. The Expo offers over 100 free outdoor adventure presentations and over 70 exhibitors. Details at OutdoorAdventureExpo.com. I hope to see you there.