I’ve had the Fuji mountain pictured above for a long time, but never really ride it that much. That might all change now, though, as I recently discovered a hidden gem just a mile and a half south of our house.

The Lebanon Hills Regional Park borders Eagan and Apple Valley and contains a really fun series of mountain bike trails.

I think my bike is a little too small, but I got it as a free credit card points reward way back when. It will have to do for now, but I may invest in a pair of $35 riding gloves at some point.

Last night was my third time on the trails and I like it more and more each time. I love that it’s so close, has great scenery and variety, isn’t too difficult for a beginner like me and (probably best of all) is free.

The parking lot is almost always full of cars, but I never see too many people on the trail itself. Since it’s around six miles all in the same direction, I can see where that would happen, though. The only thing missing is a drinking fountain in the parking lot.

Way to go Dakota County!

University of Minnesota golf course, St. Paul, November 1, 2008

Anybody know what tree drops leaves like these?

UPDATE: Jake says it is a Ginko Biloba tree. That was Colleen’s thought too…