Easiest/Safest way to get on Gateway Trail???

[Inspiribomb]

Hi guys! I'm going to officially start commuting to work in White Bear Lake this summer. I live in Highland Park, will probably be on my way every day at 5:30 AM. What's the easiest and safest way to get on the Gateway trail from Ford Pkwy and Cretin Ave?

Thanks in advance!

PS - I'll be on my Langster SS road bike, so smooth pavement is a plus.

[Paul Swenson]

Here you go:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1625477

It's a super nice ride and the only real tricky part is around the capital. Go around back to Winter St. and take Jackson over the tracks.

[KleinCrazy]

you could also follow the east river road trail all the way to jackson and then swing up on 7th to the Vento trail and take it north.

[Paul Swenson]

you could also follow the east river road trail all the way to jackson and then swing up on 7th to the Vento trail and take it north.

Could you map that please. I've had trouble jumping on the Vento trail and have found myself on nasty roads.

[KleinCrazy]

Well... you would have to ride for about 1/2 a mile through the east end of downtown St. Paul, by the farmers market, and then a short stretch on 7th.

When I have time I'll pedmap a route.

James

[TML]

Either way up to White Bear would be pretty good.

I work at the capitol and live in Wh Bear so my preferred route is the gateway since it dumps out right behind the capitol area.

Heres what I have found to be the best way from the capitol to the Cayuga entrance of the Gateway.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1626485


Entrance to Vento near 7th and Swede Hollow:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1626462

theres a parking lot on the S side of 7th. From there, the trail wraps under 7th and then heads through Swede Hollow.

It'll be really nice when they can continue the Vento right into DT White Bear and then up to the Hardwood Creek trail in Hugo. Right now, the Vento ends just north of 694 on Buerkle Rd. At least it gets you over 694, which is great.

[TML]

It's a super nice ride and the only real tricky part is around the capital. Go around back to Winter St. and take Jackson over the tracks.


I guess Paul already knows, and pointed, out the route I take. :)

That makes two. It must be a good route.

[Paul Swenson]

Entrance to Vento near 7th and Swede Hollow:

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1626462

theres a parking lot on the S side of 7th. From there, the trail wraps under 7th and then heads through Swede Hollow.
.

What do you think is the best way to get to the Vento parking lot on 7th St? I haven't figured out an elegant solution from downtown/summit.

[TML]

What do you think is the best way to get to the Vento parking lot on 7th St? I haven't figured out an elegant solution from downtown/summit.

Yeah, I'm at a loss on that as well.

At some point they're supposed to connect, the swede hollow area, with the trail along Shepard. As for now it's kind of a crapshoot. James may have a good answer.

[KleinCrazy]

What do you think is the best way to get to the Vento parking lot on 7th St? I haven't figured out an elegant solution from downtown/summit.

ummm....

the trail along warner stops at the science museum.

I always just surface streeted it though downtown. I usually take 5th until it runs into the big yellow building, used to be gillette and Diamond orld place I worked, swing left for 1/2 a block to where 5th continues east. swing around underneath of 94 by the Downtowner Car wash and then the choice...

illegally hop over the railroad tracks to the vento trails start, of take 7th about 1 block to the vento parking lot.

[Inspiribomb]

I'd like to bump this. Does anybody have a good map of the Gateway Trail, I can't seem to find one. It looks like the trail cuts over East way before I'd be close to my destination. Ultimately I need to get to Cty Rd 96 and Centerville Rd, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[TML]

96 and Centerville is a piece of cake. Easier than DT White Bear.

Take the Gateway out of St. Paul and head north when you hit Edgerton. Edgerton will take you up to the south end of Vadnais Lake. There, it intersects with Centerville Rd.. Hang a right at Centerville and you're in the clear.

Edgerton and Centerville both have decent shoulders the entire route.

[Lezgo Cycling]

96 and Centerville is a piece of cake. Easier than DT White Bear.

Take the Gateway out of St. Paul and head north when you hit Edgerton. Edgerton will take you up to the south end of Vadnais Lake. There, it intersects with Centerville Rd.. Hang a right at Centerville and you're in the clear.

Edgerton and Centerville both have decent shoulders the entire route.

+1..... I used to live 1 block off centerville rd on arcade st in vadnais heights, and when I worked at Sibley Bike Depot this is the route I used....it is a nice route and if memory serves it was about 8-9 miles from home to DT St Paul...

[Brick]

Does anybody have a good map of the Gateway Trail, I can't seem to find one.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/tra00705.pdf

:cool:

[Inspiribomb]

Awesome, you guys rock!

I'm doing all my planning now so I am ready for when the roads are clean and the weather warms up a bit. Got my armadillo tires (I'd hate to get a flat with 9 miles to ride!), new well-ventilated road-helmet (as opposed to my BMX-style sweat bucket), big camelback to carry work clothes in, and some comfy biking clothes. Can't wait for my 18-mile commute to work!!!