Savory Treats Along The Quiet Byways Of The "Tour of Saints" Will Sparkle Your Spirit For A Heavenly Day
Patty Soldner, BikeMN

Each summer from 200 cities across Minnesota, cyclists gather to pedal quiet byways, churn uphill and sail downhill, while relishing the verdant summer morning and savor fresh treats along the way. Join the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) for the 32nd Annual Tour of Saints, July 8 - a Minnesota Tradition!

This year, BikeMN is co-producing this long-running and "Heavenly Little Ride." To learn more about the event, go to the Tour of Saints website. Registration can be found at BikeMN.org.

The Tour starts and ends at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. Choose your ride! We have added a new 18-mile route this year. This short course features a trip from St. Joseph to Avon for some delightful treats and back again on the beautiful Lake Wobegon Trail. The longer routes (35 or 50 miles) trace the origin of the Saints through scenic central Minnesota. (See Video)

Cold Spring, the first stop on the longer routes, is home to the popular Cold Spring Bakery. Here, their crew will offer delicious fresh pastries and fruit. The second stop at 27 miles is at Collegeville Orchards near Saint John’s University, set at the edge of woodlands and lakes. Cyclists will be refreshed again with fruit and sinfully good cookies. Look for native wildflowers as you pass the Saint John’s Arboretum and prairie that hosts 4,800 plants and flowers stewarded by the Benedictine monks.

Avon’s city park doubles as the last rest stop for the 50-milers and the only rest stop for the 18-mile short course. Riders will be welcomed with fruit, sweets and cool beverages.

Coming from the Cities? Avoid a pre-dawn car trip! Stay overnight Saturday in a guest room at the College of Saint Benedict. Details can be found on the Tour of Saints website.

Finish the ride where you started – at the College of Saint Benedict, where you can savor a slice or two of refreshing watermelon and ice cold beverages.

Deadline Extended - SAVE $5! The early registration deadline has been extended to midnight, Wednesday, June 20. Be part of the tradition – make this the year you ride the Tour of Saints!

Find the Tour of Saints on Facebook!

Article Published: 06-18-2012