Seven years ago I was introduced to a little piece of magic. The Square Lake Music and Film festival.
In a fellows backyard, once a year, some 4-500 people assemble for world class Americana music and local films. It all takes place on a little hill, a small stage, and in a barn. It brings out all ages. Spotify playlist for those curious: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xRS3GVJj80LIreZ2Qhq0e?si=8ukV0XxPSNq16qRfW2K8qA
Some 2-300 folks bike out to the show each year about 30 miles out from the Twin Cities. Not only do you get a ticket at 40% the price ($15, no stupid fees), you get a sag wagon, fantastic food trucks on arrival, and coffee the morning after while you pack up camp.
I hadn't been in five years. I left the Twin Cities a mess of a person. This weekend my last summer was one of the few up moments. Flying back, I was convinced I had an unrealistic memory of how wholesome and good this festival made me feel. Some nostalgic bullshit.
Despite it raining a good bit the day of the festival -- it was everything I remember.
Simply put -- the best S24O (sub-24 hour overnight) bike trip you'll ever go on in Minnesota.
Photo dump....included are a few shots from the day before/after as I rode the Grand Rounds of Minneapolis.
(And @Philpug -- sorry I was out doing this when I should've been finishing the article! This week!)
Setup shot from the day before on the Grand Rounds.
Heading out of town...
Shot for bike gear nerds:
Newmann's -- the oldest continually operating bar in St. Paul (tech N. St Paul)
The rain opened up on the last hill.
The festival -- stoke for all ages
After hours jam session in the barn
Scenes the morning after
Into Stillwater for breakfast, then up the bluff back to St Paul, and back for a beer at the neighborhood brewery.
In a fellows backyard, once a year, some 4-500 people assemble for world class Americana music and local films. It all takes place on a little hill, a small stage, and in a barn. It brings out all ages. Spotify playlist for those curious: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xRS3GVJj80LIreZ2Qhq0e?si=8ukV0XxPSNq16qRfW2K8qA
Some 2-300 folks bike out to the show each year about 30 miles out from the Twin Cities. Not only do you get a ticket at 40% the price ($15, no stupid fees), you get a sag wagon, fantastic food trucks on arrival, and coffee the morning after while you pack up camp.
I hadn't been in five years. I left the Twin Cities a mess of a person. This weekend my last summer was one of the few up moments. Flying back, I was convinced I had an unrealistic memory of how wholesome and good this festival made me feel. Some nostalgic bullshit.
Despite it raining a good bit the day of the festival -- it was everything I remember.
Simply put -- the best S24O (sub-24 hour overnight) bike trip you'll ever go on in Minnesota.
Photo dump....included are a few shots from the day before/after as I rode the Grand Rounds of Minneapolis.
(And @Philpug -- sorry I was out doing this when I should've been finishing the article! This week!)
Setup shot from the day before on the Grand Rounds.
Heading out of town...
Shot for bike gear nerds:
Newmann's -- the oldest continually operating bar in St. Paul (tech N. St Paul)
The rain opened up on the last hill.
The festival -- stoke for all ages
After hours jam session in the barn
Scenes the morning after
Into Stillwater for breakfast, then up the bluff back to St Paul, and back for a beer at the neighborhood brewery.
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