Friends of Hank Aaron hit a home run!

The annual fundraising Run/Walk organized by the Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail was held on Saturday. The weather was great, attendance and spirits were high. I played my habitual role as photographer (which gets me out of running!) and I got a few shots to share.

The course began at Miller Park and went down Canal Street as far as 32nd St. This is the view from the 35th St. viaduct of Canal St. early in the pack.

The course looped back through Three Bridges Park.

The Milwaukee Bucks' drumming corps was on hand at the Valley Passage Bridge to charge up the crowd for the final leg.

I managed to catch quite a few runners and walkers as they crossed the Valley Passage Bridge, including Mayor Barrett (left).

Pam, one of the volunteers added cheer to those crossing the bridge with her mascot, "Honk Aaron" the goose.

To see many more photos go to my flickr album. To learn more about the Hank Aaron State Trail, click here.

Full disclosure: I am a board member of Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail. And happy to do it!

New gas lines to Valley Power Plant disrupt Canal Street

Two years ago We Energies announced plans to convert the Menomonee Valley Power Plant from coal to natural gas. To do so requires not only retrofitting the existing boilers to accept the new fuel, but also installing new natural gas main lines to bring that fuel to the plant. Work on those gas lines began along Canal Street this week. As a result this vital Valley artery will be constricted to two lanes for the duration. Construction vehicles were operating even in the open lanes today, causing backups.

The work is expected to be completed in September. Between now and then, if you drive that way, it might be a good idea to find a different route. The good news for cyclists, however, is that a paved detour has been created in front of the Twisted Fisherman property so that Hank Aaron State Trail users can bypass the construction.

On a related note, the new Hank Aaron Trail ramp and staircase that lead down off the 6th St. bridge is complete. The opening has been delayed while the trail segment through the Reed Street Yards is being finished. It is supposed to open in July, last I heard.

Stay tuned.