Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle along the Mississippi River, riding from the Saint Paul Airport past the Pigs Eye Island SNA Heron Rookery to Kaposia Landing (2.6 miles one way) and the Rock Island Swing Bridge (7.8 mi, one way), visiting prime birding locations for Ramsey and Dakota Counties. The urban landscape follows both the big river and train tracks from Saint Paul to South Saint Paul, with wetlands at the start (near the airport) and small wooded areas along the way. Some riders may want to do a full-day ride continuing to Hastings, including biking through Spring Lake Park. We will stop at the Swing Bridge for a picnic lunch.
Easy. Some side trails might have hills, but the route is mostly river levee flat. [Optional route to Hastings/Spring Lake Park is hilly and might include a few blocks of on-road riding.] We will hear and see many birds as a group, and the riding pace is relaxed. Birders and bicyclists of all levels, including newbies, very welcome to join. Bring a bicycle, a helmet with a sun visor, binoculars, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Scope is optional, but could be useful for locating birds on Pig’s Eye Island across the river. The leader will bring a scope and a first aid kit. If you are riding to the Swing Bridge, bring your lunch (or the group might decide to eat at the nearby marina restaurant).