Minneapolis, I love you. It isn’t because you’re hosting the All-Star Game or because Prince lives here (although that helps), but because you encourage folks to ditch their cars and hop on a bicycle.
As I do in every city, I began my visit by searching for a local co-op or organic grocery store. I found one and hit the road, navigating through the streets with my face buried in my phone. A few blocks into my two-mile journey, I picked my head up just in time to delight in my newfound pleasure, Niceride. From niceridemn.org:
Nice Ride is a non-profit bike sharing system, and anyone can become a member. Simply take a bike when you need one, and return it to any station in the system when you arrive at your destination.
How does this work?
The Nice Ride station will issue a 5 digit code to unlock a bike. Punch your code into the dock of any available bike to unlock it. When the green light comes on pull the bike out and go…Return the bike to any station in the system.
Minutes later, I was on a bike, cruising the city in traffic and even more dangerously buried in my phone following turn by turn navigation. Remember, Kaplifestyle is a judgment-free zone.
Over the course of my trip, I likely spent 5 hours cycling. I was outside exploring Minnesota instead of holed up in a hotel room, idly passing time at the ballpark or even just roaming around on foot. As an added benefit, I probably burned off an extra 3,000 calories. From livestrong.com:
The Harvard Heart Letter also took its estimates out on the street, so to speak. Using the same three hypothetical test subjects, bicycling at a leisurely 12 to 13.9 miles per hour burned 480 calories, 596 calories and 710 calories per hour, respectively.
Make no mistake, I wasn’t out just to exercise. Being outdoors turns me on mentally. I saw more of the stunning outskirts of the city than I would have on foot. Being on a bike dramatically increased my range, so I crushed food at establishments I wouldn’t have reached under alternate circumstances. Best of all, I didn’t hop in a cab or drive a car.
Here’s hoping the folks at Niceride come to Cali soon.
Kap
mtkr says
Boston has had them for a while and NYC got them last year. It’s a great service.
Gabe Kapler says
Thanks for sharing.
Greg says
Hey Gabe. Looking sharp last night. Really enjoyed the game. Jeter is one of my favorite players of all time, and being a Yankee fan, one of my favorite Yankees. Minneapolis is a great city and I have been there many times (brother lives there). Very cool stadium on very small footprint.
Enjoy your posts. Best……
Greg
Gabe Kapler says
Much appreciated, Greg.
John Beavers (@HutchBeav) says
The small city (45,000) I live in has really invested in bike/run trails and narrowing streets to add bike lanes. It’s great to see these cities provide ways to get around town in a green way while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
BTW, I’ve turned a few (out of shape) guys at work onto your 5X5 workout. Along with a better nutrition plan, they are getting leaner and stronger.
Whether you know it or not, you are a great leader from afar and are helping to motivate others to live a healthy life mentally and physically. Appreciate it.
Gabe Kapler says
And I appreciate you, John.
Jason Klapps says
Curious as to how that Brat treated you about an hour after you ate it!!!!
Gabe Kapler says
Truth? Just took that one bite. Not much of a ripple effect.
Jason Klapps says
But were you tempted to eat the rest??? I wish I had your food discipline!!!! Were so trained to eat what taste good, but it’s hard to “retrain” your tastebuds.
Brian says
Chicago recently deployed its Divvy bike-sharing system maybe a year ago and it has revolutionized commuting throughout the city. $70 for the year nets you unlimited 30-minute trips between docking stations – there’s over 300 stations throughout the city, so you’re never stuck scrambling to locate a station.
Not only is biking obviously healthier and better for the environment, but it’s frequently much quicker than taking a cab and sitting in traffic or waiting for Chicago’s “L” transit or bus systems.
Easily the best $70 I’ve ever spent.
Gabe Kapler says
I’ve always appreciated the public transportation system in Chicago, Brian. Now that y’all have a bike sharing system, I imagine a car is rarely needed. That said, what do you do in January?
Brian says
I actually just sold mine! As for January, we don’t leave our condos/apts/lofts unless we absolutely have to – and when we do, we suffer immensely waiting for public transportation that will inevitably be late due to snow/ice/etc.
But, hey, Chicago summers!
/searches monster.com for jobs in San Diego
Gabe Kapler says
Love this.
Gavin says
You are living the dream. Selecting a new office right now and being within biking distance is mandatory. Outdoors, exercise, no traffic jams (and the sweet satisfaction of rejecting conventional local practice on each count is bonus)… not a bad way to start any day, especially working ones. You a helmet guy?
Gabe Kapler says
Honestly, I am not. Kaplifestyle.com is a judgement free zone. Take it easy on me, Gavin.
Gavin says
Well, neither of us will be able to give, or take, a lashing from the other. I don’t wear one either. Somehow, I feel in total control on a bike. I know that’s not right though. I think it has something to do with me always wanting to feel unencumbered.
Gabe Kapler says
I tend to agree. I rode a motorcycle at times without a helmet and snowboard sans one, too. We will both make the adjustment when the time is right for us, not a moment sooner.
Enrique Perez says
Hey Kap what was your walk up song back when you were playing? Just curious.
Gabe Kapler says
Had many of them, Enrique. My favorite was Beyond Raging Waves by DJ Krush.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrZhdzGaPxo
Duane says
Hey Kap sounds like you had a good time. My sister lives in Minneapolis and we have a blast whenever we visit. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Gabe Kapler says
As always, thank you.