Minge on a roll when it comes to showing off region
By Robert Wolfington III, Marshall Independent
CURRIE — “This was a great surprise,” said Tim Farrell of St. Paul on Monday morning.
Farrell was part of a bike trip that brought participants from around the state to see what southwest Minnesota has to offer.
Farrell, who serves as the president of the Minnesota Parks and Trails Council board, was joined by bikers from Minneapolis, Duluth and Slayton on a four-day trip that showed off wind towers, bike trails and county parks.
Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge David Minge, who went to high school in Worthington, helped put together the trip. He said it was a great opportunity to show off what southwest Minnesota has to offer.
“We wanted to highlight the resources that are out in southwest Minnesota,” Minge said Monday morning. “There are fascinating attractions, and also to let people get some exercise. Let people know biking ... might be something that is neglected by folks in the Twin Cities, but they’re coming out here and discovering it.”
Minge, a former U.S. congressman, said the event helps highlight the trails in southwest Minnesota and promote additional trails throughout the region.
“The (Minnesota Parks and Trails Council) is also trying to make sure people appreciate the parks that we have, the trails we have and the trails that are being developed,” said Minge.
Minge said many riders were surprised by what they saw during the ride that went through Lake Benton, Pipestone, Tyler, Luverne, Currie and Walnut Grove.
“I think they’ve been overwhelmed,” said Minge. “Most of the people have not been out here before; if they have, it’s been many years. They’ve been surprised to find (things like) End-O-Line park. The hospitality has been overwhelming.”
Tazia Brunetti of Minneapolis didn’t know much about southwestern Minnesota — beyond small towns, farms and prairie land. What she found during the bike ride amazed her.
“It’s fabulous,” said Brunetti. “I didn’t know a lot about this area, and there are so many secrets. We were in Luverne, it’s such a beautiful town. We’ve learned about the wind towers and everything.”
Brunetti said she didn’t have any idea what she was in for when she set out on the ride.
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” said Brunetti. “I thought it would be just a bike ride to learn a little bit about the history of the region.”
Minge said he likes to share his experiences in the area with others.
“I think this is a way to showcase the part of Minnesota I grew up in and lived in,” said Minge. “It impressed me deeply as a young person and it continues to impress me throughout my career.”
Minge said the trip also highlighted efforts by the Friends of Casey Jones State Trail which is trying to build a trail from Pipestone to Redwood Falls.
“Casey Jones Trail is a project that started close to 30 years ago,” said Minge. “It is now an effort to connect Pipestone and Redwood Falls. It would go through Lake Wilson, Slayton, Currie, Walnut Grove and on up to Redwood Falls to connect with the Minnesota River Trail.”