Trip 5 -- Alpha Ave?

I was so intrigued by the southern part of yesterday's bike path, that I decided to explore the northern part of it. I thought it would be as cut and dry as the southern part...man was I wrong. The northern part looks even better than the southern part, but there's a ton of forks in the road and decisions to make. I felt like I was in one of those children's books that let you choose the ending, but there really wasn't a wrong choice. It wasn't as easy as just following the southern trail to a sign that says "End." I kept exploring north and found some interesting things that I've never seen before. After a while, the trail led me to a pedestrian bridge that crosses the river to East Grand Forks. That's where I decided to end today's progress. Don't worry, the East side will have it's day in my blog eventually. As I began my journey back home, I ended up on a street named Alpha Ave...I used to work for Red Pepper and did delivery for about a year. I thought I knew every street name in Grand Forks, but that one's new to me.

On to the trip:


I entered the bike path where I usually enter it, near 24th Ave. S. Near that entrance is the Lincoln Park Golf Course. I love the way they incorporate the path into the course, it all looks really nice, I'll have to try this course sometime. But for now, I'll stick with slicing through it with my bike. Near the golf course is this pedestrian bridge which goes to the mysterious land of East Grand Forks. Like I said, you'll have your day, EGF...just not today.


Still trekking on, looking for an end. The dike actually looks very nice, it doesn't have the feel of a giant fence seperating the river from the city, it actually is easy on the eyes.



Looks like I finally reached the Point Bridge. Here's one of the forks I was talking about, I could have gone three different ways. I stuck with the middle.



This thing can support trains? Glad I'm not in the railroad business.


I gotta say, we do have a very nice city building/ courthouse/ whatever you wanna call it.




The flood marker which marks the height of the Red River during the 1997 flood. I've driven by it numerous times, but seeing it up close was pretty awe-inspiring. I didn't live here at the time of the flood, but looking up and seeing how high the water was...wow. I recommend you check it out for yourselves.




Took a little breather and noticed there's a nice view of the Herald building from this spot.

This used to be a hospital as far as I know. My grandmother as actually born here. It's located right by the Gateway Dr. bridge.

Another fork...so many decisions. Around this point I caught a gnat in my right eye...that really hurt. Definitely one of the hazards of riding a bike around here.


I found a swimming pool that's definitely seen better days. It looks like it's been closed for years, but for all I know it's just been closed for the summer. It's definitely all dried up though.



We have a dam? At this point, I'm hoping the end is nearby...this is getting ridiculous. I'm wondering if I'm even in the city limits anymore.


So the trail turns into a pedestrian bridge heading to East Grand. I might not have reached the end, but I think I've reached the northernmost point of the trail. As I said, one day I'll head east, but I was starting to get exhausted.


A view of the dam from the pedestrian bridge.


Uhh...where am I?




Oh, on the corner of Alpha and 6th of course.




On the way back I saw a medical helicopter outside Altru, just thought it was cool. My dad used to fly these things.


Well, that ends my longest trip to date...I'll definitely be trying to top it soon. The longer the trip, the longer it takes to post these blogs...so I could definitely use a nap right about now.


Length: 12.16 mi.
Temp: 79 degrees
Start: 4:35
End: 6:15



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