Stop & Go!

 Butch's new bike had arrived on the ninth!  I'd gone riding, so didn't get to opening the box until the following day.  At my husband's insistence I was tasked with getting it out of the box & putting it together.  After all he said, I was now experienced!  Not!

In the box~

I was looking forward to seeing the color, it looked beautiful on-line.  But opening the box, I couldn't see the slightest bit of the bike!  I laid the box on it's side & slid the bike out!

& the color is?

Talk about wrapped!  It was the most carefully wrapped bike I have ever seen!  Butch had ordered it from Electric Wheels of CO.  They no longer have a store front & only sell on-line but were highly rated & now we know why!  Included with the bike were at least 7 full color print outs of each part of the bike & how to assemble.  The unwrapping took quite a while!  I had remembered the process & soon had it standing upright on both tires!

Butch & Maverick - Home!

I knew Butch was making a delivery in Omaha on the 12th, but he expected another dispatch & to be leaving without time for a layover.  I was about 9-miles south of Malvern Friday afternoon, when a text came in; "Home for dinner!"  I texted back - he was coming to see his new bike, rather than his wife! :-) 

I picked Finnigan up from Doris on my way home.  We sat on the front porch waiting. Finn was so excited; the barking started the minute he saw the semi coming down the road!  We watched & waited for Butch to shut the semi down.  Finn was getting very impatient.  Butch took the below photo of him from the truck.

Finn; "Get out of there!"

 I'd left my bike on the rack of the Explorer so Butch could check it out & make a couple minor adjustments.  I'm using the rear rack until the new parts arrive.  

Missing light cover~

We also noticed my bike was missing the rear light cover, since the slip off the rack.  (I contacted Martin's Bike where I'd purchased my bike. They were kind enough to take the part off a defective light & are sending it to me free of charge.)

Butch zooms by~

After driving over 1,000 miles in two days, Butch was on his bike, headset & all!  He noticed the same comfort & ease of riding we both experienced when we'd ridden a similar model at REI.  

The evening home went fast!  I'd put a chicken pot pie in the oven & the house smelled wonderful when we came in. Finn had to have his play time - which includes a whole lot of barking & chasing around the house.  Butch left early Saturday morning for Indiana.  Our little dog spent most of the day recovering from play time with Dad.

A tired Finnigan~

It won't be long & the three of us will be out on the trails again.  This time I hope we'll be riding more together - rather than me chasing the two of them!

Shadow's First 100-miles~

 The month of April has not been as pleasant as I'd hoped. The trees are now almost in full bloom, the bulbs are also blooming & the wind is blowing almost every day.  With the dry air & lack of moisture, I have all the hoses out & have been watering almost daily.  

At the park~

Since today was mild & the winds had backed off, I was ready to get Shadow out for another ride.  This was my sixth ride & I feel like I'm getting more used to the bike.  

Burn to the north of the park~

I could smell the burn, before I saw it.  These fields had already burned last year when there was a fire just off the trail near here.  I don't know if there's some future plan for the area.  I couldn't decide which way I wanted to go, but at the last minute decided to turn south.  It's nice to have the option of riding more challenging grades.

Wild Plums in full bloom~

As soon as I smelled the sweetness in the air, I was happy I'd decided on this route.  The Wild Plums are plentiful on this section of the trail & the smell is one of my favorites!  From what I've read, the fruit which ripens in July, is good too.  I may have to time a visit to correspond & try some. 

The blooms~

 It wasn't long at all before I was at the White Cloud Trestle.  I'm riding more in sync with the bike now, going through the gears & matching them to the assist levels.  On the flats I turn the motor off, but once I'm on a grade, my knees let me know.  I can feel the additional weight of the bike.  I shift to eco mode & that bit of assist makes up for the bike's additional weight.

Shadow on the Trestle~

This section of the trail is becoming a favorite now.  It's never seemed to get as much use as the trail closer to Council Bluffs.  The surface is less well maintained, so it's a little more interesting to avoid the ruts, branches etc.  

9-miles south of Malvern

I knew Butch would be arriving in Omaha with a delivery today, but we didn't expect he'd have time to overnight at home.  I was surprised when his text came in saying he'd be "Home for dinner."  I decided I had enough time to go one more mile & make it an even ten miles each way.  

Turn around spot~

Another reason I like it out this way, is the quiet.  I stopped several times just to listen to it.  If that makes any sense at all.  Quiet is a hard thing to find anymore.  I still remember the year we visited my aunt & uncle in WY over Thanksgiving.  It had snowed in Ranchester overnight, but we woke to brilliant sunshine.  Butch & I took an early morning walk & stopped to listen to the quiet.  With the fresh snow & cold - the air tinkled.

A little more water in the creeks~

I was surprised to see a little more water flowing in the creeks here, than further north.  

Wild Phlox~ 

I hit the brakes when I caught sight of the first spot of purple!  Color!  

100-miles~

Not long after, Shadow's odometer turned over its first 100 miles!  This bike is doing what I'd hoped.  Giving me the opportunity to ride further, along with the ability to adjust the amount of effort I want to employ.  My legs are still getting used to the slightly different frame.  I've been using Smokey's saddle.  I'd sent the one the bike came with to be recovered.  (I did not like brown grips or seat on this bike, so changed them out to black.)

Shadow & the Big Bike!

Shadow insists on having a photo taken at all the spots I've used over the last few years for mandatory bike photo opportunities.  It's funny how a regular sized bike can look So small!  I finished the trip of 20-miles in just under two hours.  My average speed was ten mph.  In two days of riding & 30-miles, the battery had dropped two bars.  (I did shift up to Turbo just for fun on the return for a mile.)  I'm still on a learning curve but really enjoying the ride.

The Trestle Reopens~

 It was a beautiful day without as much wind as we've seen so far almost every day this month.  There isn't a person I know who hadn't had about enough of the wind!  To have such pretty spring days & yet have the winds drying things out even more is difficult.  We had a touch of rain .09 last Sat. not even enough to moisten the ultra-dry earth.  Red Flag warnings are almost a daily occurrence.

Leaving from Happy Trails~

With Silver City being my to-go place for so long, it seemed strange to be back.  I was excited to be able to ride the entire route to Malvern again.  It was quiet in town & I was surprised to be the only car in the parking area.

Fields yet to be planted~

Things still look more like late winter than early spring.  The fields are still brown & the leaves are yet to emerge from their buds.  The trail surface was completely dry & very dusty.

The big Cottonwood~

It was almost eerie, how quiet it was rolling onto the new Trestle planks!  They are so tight & smooth after the rough old boards of the original.  I stopped to admire the big cottonwood, but the river is so low now, you can hardly pick it out in the background.

Shadow on the Silver Creek Trestle~

You can see in the photo above, the black boards of decking.  I'm not sure what material was used, but it will probably outlast any other wood type product.  The rails here, as on the White Horse Trestle, do have a raw look with the rusted metal of the overhead structure.

Boehner Pond - lower than ever~

Shadow made the ride a breeze!  I'm sticking with my goal of keeping the battery charged with constantly pedaling in the highest gear my knees feel comfortable with.  After all, besides getting in my time out in nature, I appreciate getting all the exercise I can!

I didn't stop for long at the park, before going on to the Arch in Malvern.  I wanted to try to match up this ride with a previous one on Smokey (self-pedaled).  

Under the Arch - looking south~

The flower vines have yet to begun to turn green, but soon & hope I'll to see blooms! 

Bicycle Tree - Malvern, IA

The Bicycle tree always looks so colorful as you ride by!  I made a short loop around town before heading back.  I'd just ridden under the train underpass when I saw two riders stopped on the trail.  Dan & Mari Jo!  Dan was heading the way I was, Mari Jo had been going south.  It was great to see them both & we had a nice chat before Dan left us.  Mari Jo cut her ride short & we rode together back north to Silver City & enjoyed catching up!

Back at Happy Trails, I loaded Shadow & started for home.  I was only about a mile from town when I heard a strange noise.  I looked in the rear-view mirror to see the bike handlebars had dropped & were turned sideways!   Not good!  I found the first farm driveway & pulled off to the side of the road.

 Yakima OnRamp Hitch E-bike Ramp broken Strap

The strap holding Shadow's front tire had broken completely off.  The front of the bike had come down off the rail & was being held to the rack by the rear tire strap & the center post strap.  It was so taunt - when I tried to lift the front end enough to get it back up on the tire rail it was impossible.  When I tried to loosen the strap on the center post, it was so tight I couldn't get it to release & give me enough slack.

About this time, a Sherrif's officer in an unmarked car pulled alongside & asked if I needed assistance?  Well, yes, a helping hand would be appreciated!  He pulled in behind me.  As I pulled up on the front of the bike, he managed to get the strap on the center post to release!  Thankfully, the bike hadn't been damaged!  He had parachute cord, I had bungee cords & between the two, we secured the front tire. 

Butch has ordered all new attachments & straps.  This carrier is rated for two 66 lb. bikes & until a week ago, had only carried Smokey at 32 lbs.  We're attributing the break to the Iowa cold/heat cycle (material fatigue) & have ordered additional straps to double secure the bikes from now on!  

Mineola to the Trestle~

A day that was supposed to be less windy.  I told myself it was, since I'd planned to do another section of the Wabash trail.  I made the drive to Mineola & parked at the trail head.  This day, I was going to ride south toward Silver City & beyond another four miles to check on the repair work at the Silver Creek Trestle.

Shadow on the curving bridge~

This is another section of the trail with a good uphill grade for the first two miles.  Butch & I had ridden it for the first time on Easter of 2019.  My Garmin recorded the assent as 195 feet by the time I'd reached Silver City.  It doesn't sound like much, but it's a steady grind.

Rest area almost at the crest of the climb~

I was amazed at how quick & easy Shadow made the assent.  We've had such beautiful weather if it weren't for the ceaseless wind.  In just a short way, past the top of the hill, I reached the concrete & coasted the last mile to Silver City.  

Leaving the rest stop~

Not stopping in Silver City, I was anxious to see what the Trestle looked like.  It was nice to be on my favorite section of the trail again.  The fields were alive with the purple ground cover that always blooms early in April.

Past Silver City, toward the Trestle~

Reaching Gaston Road, the signage made it obvious the Trestle repairs weren't yet complete.  I decided to go around & continue forward.

At Gaston Road~

As I drew near the Trestle, I passed the staging area by the old fallen down picnic area.  It would sure be nice to see some improvements there too, someday.

At the Silver Creek Trestle~

I stopped about 1/4 mile from the Trestle, as I saw trucks & equipment there.  I didn't want to get in the way, so turned back.  I found out after returning home, they had opened the bridge just shortly after I was there.  I'm sure I'm not the only one happy to have this major section of trail back open.

Dust - Gaston Road~

I was returning north & had just crossed Gaston Road again, when I heard a car coming fast.  I looked back & took the above photo of the raised dust.  Between the gravel road dust & dust flying off the fields as the farmers start to prepare for spring planting - the air was thick.

Shadow too, wanted a picture taken at Happy Trails!

Back in Silver City, I looked for Mari Jo.  The shop isn't open yet but will be the 24th of April.  It will be a busy season for Glenwood, Silver City & all the small towns in our area with the Ragbrai ride coming through the end of July.

I continued on north, up the hill, down the far side & back to the Explorer in Mineola.  I'd ridden 16.5 miles in 1:30.  My average speed was just under 12 mph.  Four miles per hour faster than the last time I'd gone this way early September of 2020 riding Speedy.  (I'd avoided this section since my accident.) On the downhill, I again turned the assist off & pedaled my way up to 16.7 mph.  

Garmin Connect has a category for e-bikes now - so I can track these miles separately from when I self-pedaled.  Shadow gave me another great ride & had only dropped one bar of battery charge over two days of riding. 

Another Comparison Ride~

 It was another perfect spring day - except for the howling winds making it feel colder than it was.  It seems spring brings the winds & it's a shame, since the little rain we received is dried away to no moisture at all.  I would not have gone out, but my idea was to do another comparison ride.  

Leaving the Mineola Trail head~

I'd done this same route on Smokey a couple weeks ago, under similar wind conditions & wanted to see how much difference there would be riding Shadow (my new e-bike).  The wind gusts leaving Mineola were terrific - more sustained than my last ride.  I shifted the computer mode up to the sport setting & was in 8th & 9th gear.  I couldn't believe how much easier it was.

Cowboy Pass~

Once I was into the hills, the wind lessened & I dropped the assist, even going up the climb to tour & stayed in the same gears.  My goal is to maintain my usual ride speed & effort level, without as much stress on my legs.

Arriving Margaritaville~

The wind didn't let up, but at least the trees broke the force of the gusts.  I only saw two other riders. One on a powered trike & a lady on a fat tire powered bike.  With the wind I'm not the only one who can now take advantage an electric motor to ride without being blown off the trail.  The extra weight of the bike felt more stable in the wind too.

By the big Cottonwood~

I continued further north, past the rest spot at the crest of the hill.  The horse trail, now 99% used by mountain bikes was off to the side.  I spotted the huge old Cottonwood where Farah & I used to stop.  I had to get a photo of Shadow there & turned back.

Almost back to the Explorer~

I was having too much fun on the return ride to stop for photos!  At one point I was in the lowest assist mode - eco & 10th gear.  I pedaled hard & reached just over 20 mph on the bike odometer.  My Garmin 310 XT only recorded 19+.  I'm going to say the bike wheel sensor was correct. 

Comparison data~

Between these two almost identical rides, you can see the e-bike provided a distinct advantage.  About a 2.5 mph difference in average speed & the fastest top speed I've ridden.  I could feel the difference in the amount of effort I expended & I'm not going to complain!  I wasn't nearly as sore as I was the last ride on this section of trail. I think my riding distance will increase, too.  I'll be interested to see my average speed on my old route from Silver City to Malvern once the Trestle is back open. 

  

E-bikes have been improved quite a lot since they came on the scene. Many of the old issues have been resolved by manufactures like Cannondale.  There's still a lot to consider before purchasing one.  The difference in the type of motor Cadance vs. Torque is important.  The bike Butch returned had a cadance motor, Shadow has a torque.  

Shadow gave me a great ride & I'm looking forward to enjoying the trail more & without the pain that's been involved for the last couple years. 

New Wheels for Butch & Finnigan too!

 Butch came back with a smile on his face after his first ride on an e-bike. In the meantime, a big box had arrived via Amazon.  When I called to ask what the box contained - my husband replied, "New wheels for Finnigan!"

Finnigan ready to roll!

Butch had been shopping online for a bike & had decided on the same model as mine, but it was out of stock everywhere.  In the meantime, he'd found one at REI he thought might work.  Finn & I went to pick it up on the 24th in Gretna.  

By the time Butch got home last Thursday afternoon, the bike was waiting for him.  Friday morning, he was out in the yard, getting the bike & trailer set up to pull Finnigan on the trail!

Almost ready!

Mid-afternoon, we left for the park in Malvern.  It would give us plenty of space to try everything out before getting on the trail.  Finn was so excited to be going, he jumped right in!  We decided to go south so Butch could see the completed repairs on the White Cloud Trestle.

Butch & Finnigan on the Trestle~

The wind was blowing hard, enough so that if we hadn't had e-bikes, it would have been a much tougher ride.  As it was, I shifted Shadow into sport mode to keep up with them!  I hollered a couple times to ask Butch to slow down!  When we stopped, he said he'd been in the lowest power setting & in the highest gear.  It seemed the bike had no slow which is probably why speed was included in the bike's description. 

Finn ready to leave after our lunch break~

We were several miles south of Malvern, when we stopped for a snack.  I'd made ham salad & it tasted better than ever on the trail!  When we were ready to depart, I expected Butch would be ready to turn back toward town.  I was surprised when he said, "let's go on to Imogene!"

Finn was riding like a champ!  He stood up most of the way, looking forward.  Only occasionally did he glance over his shoulder to see if I was still following.  I'd told Butch about the uphill grade & the place I'd named Cottonwood Pass in 2020.  He & Finn beat me to the top!

Butch & Finn at the top of Cottonwood Pass~

It was further from Malvern & closer to Imogene than I'd remembered. In about 20 minutes we were pulling into the bike camping spot just off the trail in Imogene.  Time for another break, at least for me!  I'd shifted all the way up to Turbo to keep up with my trail companions.  Butch had tried to slow down but couldn't find a setting/gear that would work.

New Art Installation~

I have to ask what the reference to Washington State is? 

The Wabash Trace Trail does not continue on to Washington state!  I love the windmill though!  I wished I'd brought another snack but hadn't expected we'd go so far.  Finnigan had been on his feet most of the way but was still happy to jump back into his trailer.

5:06 p.m. Butch & Finnigan ready to leave~

I knew the way back would be easier, most of it after the first couple miles, downhill.  It was a totally beautiful afternoon.  The sun had broken through earlier cloud cover & the wind had died down.

North along the trail~

As we stopped on the Trestle - the battery on Butch's bike was depleted down to one bar.  Mine was at four out of five bars - even after my 11-mile ride yesterday & using Turbo more than once!

6:24 p.m. West Nishnabotna River~

From the river, it's only four miles back to Malvern.  We arrived at the Explorer just before 7 p.m. It's so nice to be able to enjoy the longer days of spring!  

A tired Finn~

We'd ridden just under 30-miles.  The Cannondale Allroad bike was supposed to have a range of 71 miles on a charge but was blinking a warning as Butch turned the computer off. 

Finnigan was one tired boy & we were feeling those miles too!  After more internet searching, Butch finally found a bike like mine in CO.  We're hoping it will ship this week & be here when he comes home in April!  The three of us were happily tired by the time we returned home & are looking forward to more fun rides!