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5 T he County Road E Improvement project is underway with a comple- tion target of mid-August. This summer’s construction inevitably affects the businesses located along the stretch of road between the Snelling overpass and Lexington Avenue. We will highlight some of those businesses in our summer issues to encourage patronage despite the obstacles in getting to them. For Now Bikes-Tri-Fitness, May and June are very busy months. Although it is more a destination business than a drive-by stop, the road work has a significant effect on its program participants, many of whom come after work or on weekends for group rides and workshops. Manager Jeff Hagen, who maintains the business website, tries to keep current information about road condi- tions and closures posted but says it is dif- ficult because things change so frequently. Now Bikes has been in Arden Hills since 1999 and at 1201 County Road E since 2013. The store’s motto is “Helping people become better cyclists”. To that end, it carries and services many brands of high quality bicycles as well as cloth- ing and accessories. One of the unique things about the business is the Guru-Fit, a computer-based dynamic fitting device designed to help cyclists find the bike that will give them their most comfort- able, powerful, and aerodynamic ride. Hagen says he believes Now Bikes is the only bike retailer in Minnesota to have the Guru-Fit available. Although there is some concern about getting people to the shop this summer, Hagen is excited about the new bike lane on the bridge over Snelling Avenue. Group rides have typically de- parted only heading east on County Road E because of the danger in crossing the bridge. New routes can be planned once the bridge is completed and open. For information on events and equipment, go to Nowbikes-fitness.com. A mid the dust of demolition and con- struction and the confusion of ramp and road closings and detours, the instal- lation of the new bridge over Highway 51 and the County Road E Improvement Project are scheduled to be completed by mid-August. County Road E medians are being rebuilt, beginning in mid-May, fol- lowed by the bulk of the construction work taking place at Lexington Avenue, where County Road E is being widened for dual left-turn lanes and a new signal system is being installed. Businesses along this road should have received notices from the contractor and inspector, informing them of schedules and contact information. The Minnesota Department of Transporta- tion’s construction of a new bridge on Lake Valentine Road (Old County Road F) over I-35W was delayed due to issues with the bids. That project should start in July. The bridge itself should be finished by the end of the construction season in November, although some of the final clean-up work may have to be carried over until next year. The Mounds View Schools and the First Student School Bus Company were informed about the change as they will be impacted by the bridge work and closures. Road construction presents challenges and opportunities for Now Bikes-Tri-Fitness Summer events to note Penny Carnival at Perry Park Friday, July 24 1-3 p.m. Gather up your pennies and come celebrate the end of the Park and Recreation Department’s 2015 playground program. Bark & Rec Day at Hazelnut Park Saturday, July 25 1-3 p.m. Dog owners: mark your calendars! On Saturday, July 25, from 1-3 p.m., the Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee are co- sponsoring a “Bark & Rec” Day at the off-leash dog area in Hazelnut Park. Residents will have an opportunity to get to know more about the dog park and explore the trail system surrounding Hazelnut Park. There will also be refreshments and a dog- themed make-and-take craft project for the kids. This event is free to all Arden Hills residents. Look for a flyer with event details in the July utilities mailing from the City. The off-leash dog park at Hazelnut Park is now open. More about that road construction progress by Susan Cathey Now Bikes-Tri-Fitness Manager Jeff Hagen