"Velo" Joe, just back from pedaling and photographing in Europe, thought the Poppy Blog would be a fine medium for his work.

Even the best lock in Spain could not keep vandals at bay. A bike in Barcelona is a shell of its former self. 

Mini Van, packed to overflowing with a family's bikes, heads to Morocco for a velo vacation. Cool foto, Joe. 

"Bicing" is the municipal bike share program in Barcelona.  You'd think that a rack of bikes like these, in a city like Barcelona, would be rented out or borrowed, in no time. 

This is NOT a ghost bike. It's a "point of purchase promotion" for a Parisian bakery. Baguettes in the basket were pulled from the oven only minutes before Joe came upon the bike, took this shot.  Can't you almost smell
the bread ??

Long Lake town trail supports velosters with damned near a complete outdoor shop.

Giant Cypress propped on mechanic's work rack, all the tools you'd ever need tethered to concrete pad by indestructible steel cables. No one's stolen an Allen wrench yet.

It's easier to use these tied-down tools than it looks. 

Can't recall whether this is a tire iron or a bottom bracket tool. 

You know what this is, probably carry on your own bike. No further introduction required. 

Dean Phillips's "Conversation Cottage," aka Phillips for Congress HQ in Excelsior.

Minneapolis business leader Dean Phillips is running for election this fall to the U.S. Congress from District 33. Dean's HQ has been named  “Conversation Cottage,” and it sits right on the main drag in Excelsior. When I drove past the "Cottage" today I had to park my car and go inside to investigate. 

I'd met Dean once before, and the idea of a conversation with the candidate in the cottage was very appealing.

  The office was buzzing. Young volunteers on laptops doing research and outreach to voters. Grace and the finance department in the back. Then there was 'Jo,' recently retired from the office manager's position at a big insurance company, now the admin coordinator for the Phillips campaign.

Dean was there.  I reminded him we'd met at an event earlier this year. When you meet Dean you'll be impressed with how he connects with you. He has a firm handshake. Dean looks you right in the eye when you talk to him.  And he engages and listens!

I bought a Dean for Congress t-shirt (suggested donation $25.00) and intend to wear it proudly as I'm out riding my bike. There's an opportunity to do some volunteer work on the campaign, and I'll follow up, find out if and how I can be useful.

As for the thirsty doggy water bowl on front steps of the Cottage: one more fun idea that sets apart this man's run for office. 

Back-back of the house at Bellecour

5-star gourmet restaurant, watering hole and coffee/pastry bar in Wayzata -- Bellecour -- pumps out trash in proportion to the number of customers lined up outside this new 'it' spot waiting for a table.  I much prefer being inside Bellecour (where I'd bet Pina and I go 4 times a week for iced lattes, cappuccinos and short bread cookies), where the service is personal and very professional, and the java as tasty as you can find around here.