The name reflects the open nature of this ride in delightful rural areas. The early and late part of the ride winds thru upscale neighborhoods for variety, and other than that has very few turns or stops. If you like to cruize, this is a good ride to get up some speed on long straight shots without frequent stopping or heavy traffic.
Ride start: Dollar Tree
3851 Saint Francis Blvd/47 Anoka, MN 55303.

Reststops: McDonald's, St. Francis, optional
Bill's Superette, Nowthen (less)

This is a route favored by many cyclists. A few hills, but rather flat overall.
Ride start at:
Shoreview Village Mall,
1057 Hwy 96 W,
Shoreview, MN 55126
ie. Lexington and Hwy 96.

Rest stop at Dunn Bros in Hugo, hence the name Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
It's many features include long stretches of beautiful pavement on rural suburban roads, the Rice Creek Chain Of Lakes, the pretty Hugo Village, and very few stops. If you're a roadie you should love this route! (less)

This is a nice short "clockwise loop" route thru Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center on roads only. Ride Starts from the parking area behind the BP Ice Arena,
5600 85th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55443
Park on Edinbrook Terr. side near the old library at 8400 Zane Av.

I believe there are only about 5 turns, all to the right, so it is a very easy route to follow. Nice shoulder areas, low traffic, and sidewalk trails, if you choose. An easy one hour ride. Avoid rush hour traffic.
Reststop: Bill's Superette at Xerxes and Brookdale Dr, mi 8
Start: Brooklyn Park Ice Arena near Zane Av & Brooklyn Terr. (less)

A short, pleasant route with low traffic, bike shoulder areas and trails along the streets. This variation has a 2 mi section of winding trail thru the the north side, with a children's play area and clean portapotty at Fallgold Pkwy (5 mi)
The amount of traffic you encounter is largely dependent on the time of day and the day of the week that you choose to ride.
Ride start:
Brooklyn Park Ice Arena
5600 85th Av
Mpls 55443
Rest Stop:
Johnny's Johns @ Fallgold Pkwy (less)

A destination route to go east on somewhat safe, lower traffic roads, but do avoid rush hour. Some particularly delightful parts include the trails thru the Mississippi river bed and the Springbrook Nature Center. Also, you will enjoy sailing along on the long stretches of excellent pavement. I am so used to taking the car and the freeway, but we can go many places without one. It just takes knowing a route and having a little extra time.
This one ends near the C. Pines Library, but you can adjust it for your destination. Maybe you just want to go to Northtown, wherever. Be happy, Go Ride!

Start at Brooklyn Park Ice Arena
5600 85th Av. 55443
near Zane Av and Edinbrook Terr.
Park in the rear by Edinbrook Terrace. (less)