by Fritz Viner: (who grew up at Long Lake. He and his family are long time bicyclists.)
The boundaries of the Long Lake Area Association are the paved roads that circle our Long Lake. Since I live on Chippewa Loop, I will start my “boundary” at the south end of this sand road as it comes onto County road 6. If you go north on 6, to 169th Av that goes by Hafner’s Greenhouse, take a right at the second stop sign which is 107th that takes you by the north access and Hwy 34. This looms up with campers, trucks and cars wanting to pass. A short haul here to Co road 20 allows easier breathing and a trip down the east side of the lake. Next is Hwy 87 to Hubbard and then back to Co road 6 and the south entrance to Chippewa Loop. This is the “around the lake” course and besides defining our organization geographically, makes for an excellent bicycle time trial course. Individual time trial races have been have been around since the days of the High Wheeled Bikes and puts the rider in a race against the clock - in French: Contreras la montre (against the watch). It has been called “the race of truth” and can be a measure of endurance and fitness when look at an individual’s times over the years. I have been doing this course for over 50 years, socially, seriously, but always with the idea of purpose and time. The course is ideal - no turn arounds, slightly rolling, always turning right with traffic, minimal stop signs. If starting at the asphalt from Chippewa north and ending at the right turn lane sign, it is exactly 25 kilometers (I say to the inch). Up till the 1990s, there was no asphalt on the should of 34 so you had to ride in the traveled lane. A call to the Minnesota Department of Transportation had it fixed very soon(they were going to do it anyway I suspect). The wind is a time factor since prevailing breezes come from the south and are very noticeable on the open prairie so early mornings are best. I would like to say my times continue to improve (they don’t) but have enjoyed the trips anyway- what have fallen off vehicles on their way to the dump, the flowers at Hafners, the waves on Mud Lake to see what is up for the east side head winds, the birds of the prairie and swans of the pot holes. The coming summer with construction of 87 (and part of last summer) will leave some empty spaces in my log but will eventually make this a better course.Your Turn to Ride
I encourage all Long Lake residents to take on the loop. Whether for fitness, relaxation, or simply as a way to connect with our community, this route has something to offer everyone. No fancy gear is needed—just a watch and the spirit to ride. Keep track of your times and create your own log, not for competition but as a way to measure personal growth and enjoy the journey.
Remember, improvement is great, but the true value lies in the ride itself. After all, the only time you stop improving is when you stop pedaling. Happy cycling!