Bikes A-plenty

What a beautiful day here in the Northland. The sun is hot, the sky blue. You really need to get outside this weekend.

We all know that slathering lotion over your skin and becoming an incipient sun worshipper is one way to enjoy the daylight hours of summer. On the other hand, a better way might be to grab a bike and go for a ride. Besides being fun, and cool, it's a great way to see the world.

The website ibike.org lists 60 great reasons to take up bicycling. In addition to increasing mobility and helping your cardiovascular system, the top of the list is a reminder that bicycling is an activity that leave zero carbon footprint.

Biking is a great activity. If you want a place to embrace biking, there's a wonderful network of Minnesota bike trails to explore. And it's only getting better.

Check us out. We have bikes for your little tykes, bicycles built for two and even offer picnic lunches. There's a good reason Carlton has become a happening place. We're happy yo be in the midst of it, because Minnesota starts here.

Flower photo courtesy Randy Samarzia. To see more of Randy's remarkable nature photography, visit www.pbase.com/csphoto

Our New Sign Is Up!

What a difference two weeks can make. New sod in place, the rosebushes planted, and now the sign is up and we're inviting you to be part of our dream.

Carlton Bike Rental and Repair is already open for business, but we keep wanting to make it better. Having the sign out front is one way of letting you know, "We're here."

Recommended: Take a visit today. The weather couldn't be more perfect.

And as we're fond of reminding you.... Minnesota starts here!

Progress Report

The second law of thermodynamics states that things fall apart. Unattended, that is what happens to everything in this world. Da Vinci noted that an unused plow will turn to a pile of rust, but if used it remains wholly in a piece.

So it is with homes, buildings, even towns. If neglected, as the saying goes, things fall apart. It is the attention to detail, maintenance, and upkeep that gives something value. Whether it be trails on state parks or the snowmobile trails maintained by snowmobile clubs, the end result is a gift to the many who use these things.

Here in Carlton we're pushing ourselves to make ready for a new bike riding season. The two photos here show what we've accomplished in the past two weeks. An abandoned house has been removed, and our new bike rental facility has gotten a facelift. Inside it's been dressed to the nines as well. You really should check it out. We've got new art on the walls, very cool bikes, and biking resource guides with maps to all your favorite places.

Find out why we're saying, "Minnesota starts here."

Photo captions: top right before, and lower right, after.

“The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets” ~ Christopher Morley

Sun is shining... time to think about your next weekend getaway. Any plans for next Saturday? Visit Carlton Bike Rental and you can head North or South, either way makes for a beautiful, leisurely ride. Minnesota starts here.

Bike art courtesy Adam Swanson. See more of his bike art at www.adamswanson.com