This is the time of year in the Twin Cities where bikers become anxious. We know our days our numbered before the temperatures drop below even our stalwart tolerance and the snow flies. Every precious minute of riding time is cherished because every ride could be the last one of the season.

The biker scene in Minneapolis is remarkably well-developed for a sub-arctic clime. Perhaps it has to do with our proximity to the Harley-Davidson Mecca in Milwaukee, WI… perhaps it’s because Minnesotans attack outdoor sports with a desparation reserved for those with the shortest summers. Whatever the cause, there’s lots of opportunity to cruise around town and hang with other brothers-in-arms.

I can’t sing the praises of Betty’s Bikes and Buns enough. This new Northeast biker coffeehouse is the perfect blend of atmosphere, munchies and moto-nostalgia “where lies become legend.”

I braved the autumn chill for a trip there tonight. Notebook in hand, I jotted notes in between cuddling a tall mocha and noshing on a monstrous chocolate chip cookie. Here’s a slice of the experience at Betty’s:

The punk girls behind the counter are grooving to upbeat tunes as I come in the door. They laugh and joke as they take my order. I’ve been there enough that they recognize me, and the tone is familiar. The TV plays Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town. The walls are decorated with nostalgic moto-racing posters and motorcycle ads. Vintage bikes stand against the walls.

It’s my habit to check out the postings of bikes and parts for sale. There’s an alterna-punk techie sitting at a table with his laptop, PDA and cellphone. The glow of his screen shines in his glasses as he absent-mindedly sips coffee and types away at his keyboard.

Outside there’s a group of guys talking. There’s only one other woman here (she rides a Ducati Monster) that isn’t working here. I’ve met her before; we exchange pleasantries. I park myself outside while my boyfriend smokes, hunkered down with my cookie, coffee and notepad.

A guy shows up with his dog and an elderly woman, presumably his mother. She’s got shorts on. Someone comments she’s lightly dressed for the chilly night. She responds that the cold is good for her joints. The dog happily visits all within leash-reach.

All heads turn when the tell-tale rumble or purr of a new arrival can be heard. In this case it’s an old shovelhead Harley. The dog stands up and chuffs a bark at the bike. Once the rider’s out of earshot, the owner praises the dog for a job well done. The little old lady says the dog always gets that way around Harleys.

Eavesdropping is one of my favorite passtimes at Betty’s. You can overhear stories of eBay auctions for bikes or parts, half-baked political debates and tall tales of close calls and crashes. The bikes vary as much as the conversations and the riders. There’s classic BMWs, spanking new sportbikes, menacing Harleys and cafe racers. All with a distinct personality, but sharing the same experiences on the road.

There’s more than just juicy conversations and eye candy to digest at Betty’s. While I love the coffee and cookies that eat like a meal, there’s old diner-style favorites like rootbeer floats and milkshakes. Coffeehouse standards of espresso and coffee drinks abound. There’s an impressive array of teas, as well. There’s even breakfast sandwiches on the menu. The prices are all pretty reasonable, with a large mocha only setting me back $3 bucks.

So if you’re in the neighborhood, swing by Betty’s for a taste of some gearhead nostalgia and friendly atmosphere. You won’t regret your visit.

Related posts:

1. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Hangouts.
2. Acadia Cafe
3. A Biker’s Bike.
4. Sip, Stitch ‘n Pitch
5. The Skeptical Diner: The Wilde Roast Cafe