Judge David Minge's Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails expedition will shine a spotlight on Minnesota River Valley treasures

(MANKATO, MN) - The forecast calls for rain, but that won't stop Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge David Minge and his band of 65 adventure-seeking cyclists from exploring some of the Minnesota River Valley's greatest natural and cultural treasures over the Labor Day weekend.

"The Minnesota River Valley is so rich with history, culture and natural beauty that we need to share it with everyone who has an interest in exploring it," says Judge Minge, the former 2nd District congressman who represented some of the area through which riders will travel during their three-day, 140-mile trek.

Much of the Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails ride from Sept. 2 to 4 will take place on state, county and local roads. In many areas throughout the state, trails are being developed to connect communities to each other and to our most outstanding natural and scenic resources.

"Hopefully our ride will help people envision the many potential benefits this region would experience if we were to expand Mankato's Minnesota River Trail to link these wonderful places together," adds Minge.

The Bike Minnesota with Parks & Trails event has drawn several out-of-town participants who will be staying in local hotels or camping at Minneopa State Park where they will begin and end each of their three rides. On Sept. 2, their route includes stops at the August Schell Brewery, Hermann Monument, the River Blast Festival and Morgan Creek Vineyards. On Sept. 3, riders will visit Kasota Prairie, the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter and Mankato's Sibley Park. On Sept. 4, riders will take the Red Jacket Trail to Rapidan Regional Park returning through Judson and Lake Crystal where they will visit the Minnemishinona Falls.

For more information, or to obtain a complete itinerary of event stops and activities, please contact Brett at 651-726-2457 or by e-mail at bfeldman@parksandtrails.org.