RoutesPlannerFeaturesUpdates
App
Login or Signup
Get the App
Login or Signup

Robert Hanson

I am a retyred* professor at St. Olaf College (as of Sept. 2023) living in Northfield, Minnesota, and an intermediate level cyclist who likes a challenge wherever I find myself, including at right here at home in southeastern Minnesota.

My bicycle is a 2022 "hybrid fitness class" KHS Vitamin C. The 50/34T crank set and 9-speed 11-36T Shimano CS-HG200-9 is loads of fun, primarily due to the huge ranges on both ends.

Some of my favorite rides have included a ride along a short section of the Camino de Santiago (Basque Country, Spain) from San Sebastian to Irún and a ride along the coast of the Bay of Biscay from Plenzia to Bermeo and several rides around Bilbao (all in Basque country) some nice day rides near Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne (Switzerland), Cambridge (UK) Montevideo (Uruguay) and a more challenging than expected loop out of Heidelberg, Germany.

Aug 2023 brought me to Australia for a professional conference and a three-day loop from Melbourne west and around the Great Ocean Road. A good challenge! At one point I was side-by-side with a curious kangaroo that slowed down to hop with me and then took off and left me in the dust. All I got was a blurry picture of his butt.

But the rides out of Northfield through the beautiful Minnesota rolling hills and farmlands are peaceful joys as well. The hills south of Northfield and northwest of Faribault are terrific. They are basically the bluffs from the Mississippi River extended westward. Not particularly steep nor high, but they definitely have fun ups and downs. Sort of like doing reps on a bicycle.

When not bicycling, I also enjoy piloting gliders out of Stanton Airfield (near Northfield; Minnesota Soaring Association member since 1994) and playing the violin in quartets. I am principal second violin in the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra.

You will find here over 350 tours I have completed starting mostly at Central Park in Northfield, covering about 5000 miles.

My KHS odometer hit 6001 miles May 5, 2025.

*Not a typo. :)
stolaf.edu/people/hansonr

Followers

0

Following

0

Follow

Timeline

went for a bike ride

Yesterday at 15:09

Northfield Central Park loop via St Olaf Tostrud Dundas Nerstrand Dennison Randolph Old Iron Bridge

Time

5h20m

Distance

56.7km

Speed

19.6km/h

Ascent

360m

Descent

360m

and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 22, 2026 at 19:47

Northfield Central Park loop to Raven's Nest Cafe via River Bend Nature Center

Terrific ride for a warm autumn day with just a light breeze from the south

Time

2h55m

Distance

52.4km

Speed

20.4km/h

Ascent

480m

Descent

490m

went for a bike ride

October 21, 2026 at 19:58

Northfield St. Olaf College Tostrud to Raven's Nest Cafe via Dundas and Lonsdale and 320th St CR 101

This route avoids late afternoon traffic on Hwy 19 east of the roundabout.

Time

2h45m

Distance

55.2km

Speed

20.9km/h

Ascent

280m

Descent

320m

, and like this.

3 days ago

Hwy 19 was very busy at 5 pm at the roundabout so I opted to add a couple of miles and go north 1 mile to 320th St CR 101 instead. It was a good move. Thye Parkway a more fun way to come into Northfield anyway.

went for a bike ride

October 21, 2026 at 16:56

Northfield Central Park to St Olaf Buntrock and Tostrud

Time

1h12m

Distance

3.73km

Speed

15.8km/h

Ascent

60m

Descent

20m

and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 20, 2026 at 14:27

Northfield to Stanton for soaring

The Minnesota Soaring Club is a vibrant group of soaring enthusiasts operating from May to October. Historic Stanton Airfield is a treasure.

Time

7h25m

Distance

29.1km

Speed

18.5km/h

Ascent

160m

Descent

170m

likes this.

went for a bike ride

October 18, 2026 at 17:39

Rochester People's Food Co-op to Northfield Just Food Co-op Four River Tour

Wonderful challenging route through Pine Island (Douglas State Trail), Wanamingo, and Nerstrand visiting four distinct watersheds, including the valleys (and ridges!) of the south (Rochester), middle (Pine Island), and north (Wanamingo) forks of the Zumbro River as well as the Cannon River (Northfield). Along with the Root River, the Cannon…

Time

5h35m

Distance

96.9km

Speed

20.0km/h

Ascent

540m

Descent

560m

, and like this.

5 days ago

Taking advantage of a strong 18-24 mph wind from the SSW (190-200) gusting to 30 mph on a gorgeous autumn day. Even the slight angle of headwind at this wind speed on the westward runs was enough to slow me down considerably. Leaving at 12:40, I made it home just before dark at 6:20. So, mission accomplished in 5h40m!

went for a bike ride

October 17, 2026 at 21:02

Northfield Fireside orchard to Ravens Nest Cafe quick dash

Time

0h21m

Distance

8.74km

Speed

26.2km/h

Ascent

30m

Descent

60m

likes this.

went for a bike ride

October 17, 2026 at 17:53

from near Hutchinson to Silver Lake on the Luce Line State Trail

Time

1h08m

Distance

12.7km

Speed

13.6km/h

Ascent

30m

Descent

30m

, and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 16, 2026 at 20:49

from Crow Wing State Park along the Paul bunyon State Trail

Time

1h49m

Distance

21.0km

Speed

14.3km/h

Ascent

110m

Descent

110m

likes this.

went for a hike

October 16, 2026 at 19:26

Hike at Crow Wing State Park

Time

0h52m

Distance

2.59km

Speed

4.8km/h

Ascent

20m

Descent

10m

and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 16, 2026 at 15:55

Nisswa short scenic dog bone double loop

Great shoulders and side roads all perfect for cycling.

Time

0h54m

Distance

16.4km

Speed

20.9km/h

Ascent

60m

Descent

60m

and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 14, 2026 at 14:52

Northfield Central Park to St Olaf Tostrud loop

Time

1h52m

Distance

9.81km

Speed

20.1km/h

Ascent

60m

Descent

60m

and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 13, 2026 at 21:39

Northfield Central Park to fireside orchard RT

Apple cider and apple pie run
Z

Time

1h03m

Distance

19.3km

Speed

21.8km/h

Ascent

100m

Descent

110m

likes this.

went for a bike ride

October 12, 2026 at 23:21

Northfield Central Park to Waterford Bridge via Mill Towns State Trail and return

A nice evening ride to see the sunset

Time

0h30m

Distance

10.1km

Speed

22.9km/h

Ascent

80m

Descent

80m

, and like this.

went for a bike ride

October 12, 2026 at 14:52

Northfield Central Park loop through St Olaf College via Brahms String Quartet op 51 #2

Time

4h12m

Distance

9.67km

Speed

20.3km/h

Ascent

90m

Descent

80m

, and like this.

Loading