Last year, I challenged myself by biking to work on Bike to Work Day, and then attempting to bike in once a week over the summer. I’ve been waiting anxiously for the right time to start up a new season, and today was the day. I thought I’d do a bridge tour of my ride from the Monon trail down to the museum, so here it goes:
The Monon & The White River
What better place to start than at the Monon trail White River overlook? This is on the first leg of my ride, as I’m warming up.
The Monon & The Canal Towpath
Not too long after that, I turn off of the Monon and start riding down the Canal Towpath. I usually have to be ready to dodge the dozens of ducks and geese that are sleepily wandering about, but I didn’t see many today.
Broad Ripple on the canal
Broad Ripple is also looking pretty sleepy at this point in the morning. Up past this bridge is the blue bridge that crosses the canal next to College. After crossing at the light there, the towpath turns into a gravelly surface (which had puddles this morning) and continues on the south bank of the canal.
Towpath Canal Crossing
This the view from the bridge where the towpath crosses back over to the north side of the canal. We’re getting close to Butler now.
Canal Near Hinkle Fieldhouse
Here’s the sun coming up over Hinkle Fieldhouse. Great game last night, Bulldogs! I sometimes see athletes running across this bridge and down the towpath… maybe I’ve seen some of the guys on the team and didn’t even know it!
Canal near The Christian Theological Seminary
Here’s another bridge where you can see the Christian Theological Seminary in the distance. I’ve been inside and I can report that they have a very impressive organ.
Canal near 100 Acres
A little later on there’s a wooden bridge that goes underneath the Michigan street bridge. The 100 Acres Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is just to the right of the trail up ahead. At this point, though, I’m headed to the museum, so I turn around at the end of the bridge and head up the ramp to Michigan street.
Michigan Street & The White River
This isn’t technically on my ride, but just a little north of the ramp up to Michigan is the bridge that crosses over the White River. As the river bends to the right in the distance its passing by 100 Acres, forming the northern border.
42nd Street Gate
Okay, this one isn’t a bridge or a waterway, but it’s an important landmark. This is the gate at Michigan and 42nd street, which is a nice entry point for bikers.
Woodstock Bridge
This is a little bridge just inside the gate that’s on a road called Woodstock according to Google Maps. You can see Lilly House to the right and the entryway to The Orchard on the left. The greenhouse is also on the right.
Front Lawn at the IMA
I like to ride around to the front of the museum for this view. And now it’s time to get to work!
April 6th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Nice post, Ed! I love riding my bike from IUPUI to the IMA, a trip which involves a very tricky bridge crossing.
April 6th, 2010 at 11:11 am
I love your pictures! That will be my commute this summer for my internship at 100 Acres. I am looking forward to seeing more people on the trails this summer.
April 6th, 2010 at 11:40 am
What a peaceful start to your day! Loved the “photos as you go” tour. Thanks.
April 6th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Thanks everyone, glad you enjoyed the tour!
April 6th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
What a lovely ride! I am jealous – I wish my ride to work was as beautiful. Thank you for the post.
June 4th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
We biked the Towpath and Monon, it was absolutely wonderful. Would highly recommend it.
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