trips - Pumpkin Ride- Halloween Weekend - MN!

Trip Info

Dates: 10/28 - 10/30/05
Trip Organizer: lizs
Location: Preston, MN - Root River Trail

Number of Attendees: (view all)
2 yes
1 maybe

Description

Combines parts of these two trails:

Mostly on this one--
Harmony-Preston Valley Trail
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/blufflands/harmony_preston.html
And also a bit on this one:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/blufflands/root_river.html

MAP OF THE WHOLE TRAIL SYSTEM--
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/tra00730.pdf

I can't really say this is *my* trip. It's a gathering, a party, a chance to wear costumes and a chance to drink!

Currently, probably around 200 people visit Preston to do the ride, given good weather. Many are from Iowa (and especially love it if the Iowa vs. Minnesota football game is on that Saturday, with the Hawkeyes hopefully whipping the Golden Gophers' asses!)

The big day is Saturday, Oct. 29. At some time before or near sundown, you don your costume and get on your bike for a 5-mile ride on the Root River Trail to The Old Barn restaurant, right on the trail. There's a shelter along the way that's often used for a beverage break. hiccup!

Make sure you have some kind of little headlight on the bike (and/or head) for light in the darkness.

At The Old Barn, partying ensues. Costumes are very VERY creative! (Just make sure to keep them out of your bike chain! >8-O )

On the way back to Preston, maybe 9 p.m.-ish, give or take, there's sometimes a small band or singer at the shelter along the trail (with amp biked in on a BOB trailer - BOBs can also be used to cart your beverages. NO, NOT **THAT** KIND OF BOB!!!)

I've also seen fireworks shot off there.

Then you return to the Servicemen's Club in Preston for more partying with a live band.

IT'S SMALL TOWN LIVING AT ITS FINEST!! Oh yes, and area favorite singer Mike McAbee (famous for his classic "I Like to Pee Outside" and better when aged with beer and hard liqour) will be at Zeke's garage bar (this is really a garage that is probably the nicest bar in town!) for after-bar entertainment.

Did I mention the Halloween stew? And I guess there's even pumpkin beer this year!

I think it's the 10th or 11th one. Kind of an unofficial thing, ya know.

CAMPING AVAILABLE AT LIZS' OR AREA CAMPGROUNDS OR ANY GUTTER YOU HAPPEN TO FALL IN.

:-)