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I have been on the hunt for a fueling station in Minneapolis that sold B100 (100% BioDiesel) at the pump. I knew of a couple that sold B20, and one that would sell me B100 into seperate tanks. (This led to a minor disaster once) Until yesterday, I hadn’t found that elusive station though.

Yeti the dog, the smelly, smelly dog, needed a bath. I drove down lyndale ave. heading towards 66th street. On my right, something caught my eye… BioDiesel… must be just B5 or B20, I thought to myself. Well, let’s pop over and have a look, shall we?

As I made a slow loop around the pump, I noticed a sign, something, 100% BioDiesel? Can’t be…

I stopped exited the vehicle and inspected. Now I’m getting excited! I went inside and asked the gentleman behind the desk… “So, you guys have BioDiesel?”

“Yep, 100%”

“Awesome”

They also had stickers, so I grabbed one of those, and wasted no time in sticking it to the hatch.

I recently filled up, so it will be awhile until my first tank of B100 goodness, but I’m waiting…

The station is a Pump and Munch just south of 62 on Lyndale Ave. Traveling either east or west on 62, exit lyndale and head south. If you are going north or south on 35W, enter the mixer with 62, and exit lyndale.

I also found out that this station receives its fuel from BioDiesel Blue, a local group distributing BioDiesel.

[tags]biodiesel, minneapolis, mpls[/tags]

Did you know I had a nascent career in photography? Neither did I! I give thanks to Flickr, and the creative commons license, because I am enjoying 2 seconds of internet fame.

American Public Media’s Marketplace show did a story about green energy, and they used a picture of mine on the web page about the story!

A couple months ago, I took a picture of the BioDiesel tank at the Apple Valley Marathon, posted it to flickr, and tagged it with ‘biodiesel’.

Fast forward to this afternoon, and I received an email from the New Media Director at APR. It said: Thanks for using creative commons, we used a picture of yours, here’s the link back to the story we used it in– which is exactly what is supposed to happen.

One other funny thing about this photo. I took it with my cameraphone! Yep, all 352×288 pixels are living it up! (My digital camera on the other hand, takes something on the order of 2500×1800 pixels, quite a difference in quality)

Anyways, I think it’s pretty cool, check it out, and listen to the story!

The Marathon in Apple Valley, MN is now selling B2, B20 and B100. This is the tank outside with B20.

To get the B100 you go to the service area and ask them to fill up your fuel jugs. They have it in their register as “Soy Oil” so you may have to ask for that. B2 is in the normal pumps on the island, and the B20 is this tank, with which you have to manually reset the counter before pumping, and then go inside and tell the lady (on your honor) how much you pumped.

My TDI is running smooth and happy! And the exhaust smells like Popcorn!

The young woman working in the service area was very knowledgeable about the BioDiesel. “And did you know that BioDiesel doesn’t require a subsidy like ethanol does?” Why yes, I did know that! Maybe one of the TDI Club members was talking to her! “You guys were one of the first in the in the metro to offer B2 last year right?” “We were THE first!” she exclaimed, “And now the first in the metro selling the B20 and B100 as well. ”

The service manager on duty also mentioned that they were very pleased with sales so far.

If you’ve got a TDI and you’re interested in BioDiesel, check these guys out. I recommend going with the B20 for economic reasons. (I think I paid $3.60/gallon for the B100). Hopefully as 2006 draws nearer, there will be more stations and more production. Prices will come down. But in the meantime, this is the place to go!

B20 BioDiesel, originally uploaded by ajc3.

Two wonderful developments in the world of TDIs and BioDiesel recently took place.

First off, VW decided to extend warranty coverage to TDI owners who run up to B5, (5% BioDiesel) and they are researching higher concentrations.

This is a huge win. Although many TDI owners already run BioDiesel, this takes creates a “halo-effect” around the cars and the fuel. It is now legit to purchase a TDI and burn the bean.

Secondly, the first BioDiesel production plant in Minnesota opened. This goes hand in hand with VW announcing their warranty coverage, because in 2006, Minnesota will be the first state to mandate 2% BioDiesel in all diesel fuel.

For more info: VW — BioDiesel Now — TDIClub.com

Well, lo and behold, someone egged my car last night. Perhaps I dredged up some bad karma by calling Bush supporters fools in my previous post. On the other hand, I doubt the teenage pricks that egged my car read my blog. I don’t think I’m doing a good job reaching that demographic here.

So I spent most of lunch washing the side of the car, and I thought I had it looking all nice and clean. On the way back to work, I had the windows down, feeling the breeze. In the parking lot, windows up… ewwwww! More egg on the window! It must’ve seeped down inside the window a bit.

Bastards!

So maybe I’ll see if I can put my iSight camera to good work, I think there is some motion-sensitive recording software! I could catch the little buggers on video!

Ah, well, I probably won’t get around to that. Twins game tonight!

I’ve made my last two fillups with BioDiesel at this location in Apple Valley
Biodiesel making a quiet debut in Apple Valley

For the past several weeks, customers filling their tanks at the diesel pump at the Apple Valley Marathon station have been getting a little soy-based fuel in the mix. The station, owned by the Farmers Union Co-operative, is the first in the metro area to sell “B2,” a diesel fuel that contains a 2 percent blend of soy-based biodiesel.

Inspired by Kottke.org’s rules for the NYC subway, I present my 10 rules for driving on the interstate. Follow these rules and it will help everyone get to where they are going safely.

1. Sell your SUV. Seriously, you don’t need it. Buy a wagon.
2. The left lane is for passing. If you are not passing someone, move over.
3. If you are passing someone, move with a purpose. I’m coming up behind you.
4. It’s nothing personal. You are not the speed limit enforcer.
5. I don’t want to pass you on the right, it’s not safe.
6. Two flicks of the brights is simply a signal. Please move over. Remember, nothing personal.
7. After you pass, move to the right lane again.
8. Do not try to race me. I am not trying to race you. It’s nothing personal. I just want to safely get around you.
9. Pick a speed and stay there. They make this great feature called the cruise control. Know it and love it.
10. Sell your SUV. Seriously, I don’t care if you want it or that its your American right to own one. We share the road. We share the same resources. Didn’t your mom ever teach you to play nice?

I realize that about 2% of you SUV owners out there pull trailers, haul stuff, and generally make good use of your trucks. Fine. I’m talking to the 98% that I see out there with one person in their plush Escalade/Navigator/Tahoe/etc. sucking 8mpg chatting on their mobiles. Buy a wagon. It’s safer for you, your family, and those around you. There is nothing you need to do with a truck that you can’t do with a wagon. And if there is, you can take that $500 you saved on fuel in the year of owning your wagon and rent a truck for the times you actually do need it.