Breakaway Cafe and Wine Bar Hasitngs MN

As I texted my wife the picture below with the caption 'Cow Viking Funeral', our conversation took an interesting turn. It started when she shared a fascinating fact about cows forming a procession to bid farewell to their fellow herd members when they pass away. This got me thinking about the recent fall foliage in Minnesota, and how it's been affected by the dry weather this year.

Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures over the weekend, I managed to squeeze in a 35-mile bike ride on my trusty Carrera. Although the colors weren't as vibrant as I had hoped, it was still a great ride through the rolling hills of Minnesota. And speaking of bikes, my Sam Hillbourne has been performing exceptionally well lately - perfect for tackling those long distances.

As I stopped to check out a recent art installation near one of my favorite trails, I stumbled upon an inspiring message that resonated with me: 'go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful.' This concept, known as Sankofa, is deeply rooted in Africana Studies and serves as a powerful symbol for reflecting on our collective history.

My ride took me through Lion's Park and along the Mississippi River, where I stopped at the Mississippi Pub's Marina. The bartender shared some interesting facts about the marina, including the fact that only 10 of its berths are reserved for owners who live aboard their vessels year-round.

As I processed my photos using Lightroom, I experimented with adjusting the exposure settings to capture the unique light filtering through the hazy cirrus clouds. And speaking of experimenting, I took a thrilling ride down Simon's Ravine last night on my trusty 1st-Gen MTB with its fat Growler tires.

But what really got me thinking was when I received a traffic ticket and decided to take matters into my own hands - or should I say, ignore the ticket altogether? After all, if someone's not willing to chase me down to collect the fine, they don't deserve it. And speaking of rebellious streaks, I've finally completed the '83 Trek 850 project that made me a bit of an outlaw in Iowa.

Overall, my recent ride was a blast, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore Minnesota's beautiful countryside on two wheels. Whether it's a leisurely cruise or a spirited ride down a scenic trail, there's nothing quite like the freedom of cycling through the heartland of America.

Breakaway cafe and wine bar hasitngs mn