A wonderful day - cooler, less humidity - I'll ride! Of course my timing was a bit off. First, the Bronco needed gas. I realized I'd forgotten my phone, back for it. Out on Hwy 34, made the turn toward Silver City. Stopped - road repairs - 15-minute wait.
All the work was out of sight, at the bottom of the long hill~
To all who still think Iowa is flat... Wrong! We do have big & long hills, usually one after another. I thought Speedy's chain might need oil. I'd forgotten mine, but Mari Jo was out & offered to show me how to do it. Well, she pronounced Speedy's chain just fine - not dirty & not in need of oil!
Corn!
Once on the trail I had to take a photo of the corn growing along both sides in places. It's almost a claustrophobic feeling when you can't see out... It's so funny to hear people talk, about how they're ready for the corn to go down & views to open back up! It's only five feet, but now I understand the sentiment.
The long trail~
There are at least four sections between Silver City & Malvern where the Walnuts are just magnificent. Arching high over the trail - giving me a strong feeling of awe.
I really pushed myself today, peddling seemed so much easier than my last ride with the sticking break. Cooler weather & a dry trail were wonderful. Even though later than Butch had expected me, I'd made really good time.
Ready to leave Agriland~
Butch had my Coke so cold there were ice crystals in it! Perfect! We sat in front of the fan, cooling off, before I started back.
My first "rock"~
I bought some oil-based colored pens & tried a small design on a rock. No words of wisdom, but I thought it might be fun for someone to find. I left it at a height where possibly a younger rider might spot it.
Speedy by the rock on the bridge rail~
I always enjoy this trail - something new to see every ride. This day, it was a tiny mouse, running as fast as he could to cross the trail before Speedy's tire got to him! :-) You have to wonder why he just didn't wait until we'd passed.
Heading north~
I made it back to Silver City just before Butch arrived. Mari Jo mentioned we should try dinner at the The Hood, across the street. The Friday night special was smoked ribs, potato salad, baked beans & fresh sweet corn-on-the-cob! We didn't take much convincing! If we find any more good restaurants on the trail - I'll never cook again!
Patriotism!
We look forward every year to the Sidney Rodeo. Many were concerned such a long-running event would be cancelled due to Covid. Wrong! The Rodeo Committee & Sponsors took the reins & moved forward! We enjoyed another evening of world-class Rodeo!
Sidney Rodeo~
I had to buy the limited edition t-shirt. It will hopefully be the last time - this particular logo will be used. The second year in a row - the weather cooperated with a perfect - blissfully cool - late July evening.
As were were walking around the stock pens - a group of riders - Rodeo Royalty came up the path. I asked the last rider, the breeding of her horse. I've never been one to let a good horse pass me by! Teigan, (Who I later realized was Queen.) was gracious enough to pull up & talk horse with me. An accomplished young horsewoman & incredible rider. I watched her through the evening, wrangling the loose stock out of the arena without missing a beat.
Opening Ceremony~
It's incredible to see the number of horses & riders that participate. Sidney is a small town, with the struggles all mid-west small towns have, survival. The Rodeo contributes to the economy, as the only large event in this area.
Bronc riding~
There was a super turnout of cowboys in all the events! With so many Rodeo's across the country cancelled, the cowboys are looking for venues to gain points in the standings. There were several champion cowboys in most of the events. Bull riding started off the evening & a second round of riders, for the finale. The only disappointment - for me anyway - was the barrel racing. I think there were only four riders.
Amazingly, two of the bucking horses went down with their riders! Then, to the shock of all watching, one of the pickup horses went down! Neither horses or riders were hurt - but not something you want to see.
Every person in the stands rose to their feet as the American Flags entered the arena. Even those unable to stand - were assisted to their feet. No taking a knee here! (A disgusting practice I never thought I'd see in my lifetime.) The announcer mentioned maybe we should be sending a couple of the pickup men to Portland & give the rioters a taste of the Cowboy Way! That comment received resounding applause.
Sunset~
I found a few of the cowboy's horses tied, waiting. I couldn't help myself, but went up to my favorite & gave him some itches, under his jaw. How badly I wanted to mount up & ride off into that sunset - toward WA & Farah of course :-)
So very nice to have some normalcy in our ever changing world...
Almost an inch of rain last night! We woke to a beautiful morning! Fairly cool & with the humidity not quite as high as it has been. I didn't plan to ride, Speedy had a rear brake that had been sticking. But, after washing the vinyl siding under the back deck - it was only noon & wanted to go.
First stop~
I called Butch, told him to expect me & drove to Silver City. Mari Jo's Cycle shop is closed on Mondays - so she can ride. I parked & once I was on the trail, realized the humidity had climbed. It felt like I was peddling in 7th gear, uphill! No fun at all & no breeze either...
The Beavers are holding their own~
I stopped I don't know how many times to try to adjust the break pad away from the rim. About half-way - I saw a rider coming toward me - Mari Jo! We stopped in the middle of the trail, both of us dripping sweat. When I explained Speedy's problem, she pulled out her multi-purpose tool & tried to loosen the pad. We spend several minutes trying to resolve the issue without much success. She invited me to join her & turn back to Silver City, but I'm stubborn & told her I planned to get to Agriland - one way or the other!
On the Trestle
The trail was again sticky. Malvern had received over an inch of rain. The butterflies are still everywhere, one even flew under the visor I was wearing.
Speedy sniffing ditch weed :-)
It was the other! I was exhausted by the time I reached Agriland. I'd tried to reach down & move the break pad every time it hung up. I told Butch I was giving up on making the return trip. He started working on Speedy & before long, had the brakes re-adjusted & working. The rear tire was spinning free! We shared a cold coke.
Back on the trail - in the shade~
The short break revived me - so I decided to buck up & ride back. Peddling was So much easier! The temperature continued to climb - the day's heat doesn't usually peak until around 5 p.m.
Speedy & yellow flowers~
I was back at the Bronco just ahead of Butch. My time was only ten-minutes longer than usual for the 17-miles. I appreciated him lifting Speedy up onto the rack - I'd burned some energy on this ride for sure! We enjoyed our usual weekly dinner at Tobey Jacks. They have super Monday night specials. Now, I'm going to hope for another cooler day this week. The forecast shows the temperatures moderating, but not the humidity. I may have to wait another month for that.
Back to the great outdoors! Another warm day - warm - mid 80's - way better than hot! I was looking forward to a ride, but not too long, after a couple days on the road. I drove to Agriland, parked the Bronco & asked Butch to pick me up in Imogene.
South of Malvern~
It is cooler in the shade, but with the trail damp & sticky, the humidity was again, very high. At least when you're cruising along at about 8-mph., the breeze makes it tolerable.
Coming out into the open~
I've done this section one other time & remembered most of the route. Once I was out there & working - I was very glad I'd decided against the round-trip.
The native grape vines have taken over this entire hillside! I have yet to try the fruit - maybe later this summer.
Speedy~
The corn on the other hand, is getting huge! It's a little way off the trail here, but in places it's growing along both sides of the trial & so tall it totally blocks most of what breeze there may be.
White Cloud Railroad trestle - over the W. Nishnabotna River ~
It was a relief to get to the trestle. There & could appreciate the little bit of breeze coming off the water, drink & take another electrolyte.
The River~
On past the river, is the longest wood bridge on this section of the trail. Scenic - I stopped again in the shade. It was a typical Iowa late July day.
On the bridge~
Not too many miles further, is a dirt grade B road. It still looked a little muddy. I did what's become my usual routine - walked Speedy lightly across. Speedy's tires aren't wide & are not narrow, so they usually do just fine.
All I could see ahead - on the dirt - was butterflies! Yellow, blue & Painted Ladies! The yellow butterflies stayed together as did the blue. The Painted Ladies on the other hand - were everywhere! I realized my going through would spook them, so setting the camera to video, I continued down the trail. In seconds, the air was filled with butterflies! Such a unique experience - especially without much depth perception!
Tree down~
Just a few miles from Imogene, a big tree was down... I'm always sad to see any really large tree go down - anywhere. A big healthy tree - uprooted by the wind. I walked Speedy under the branches - where someone had broken a few off.
Arriving in Imogene - two large groups of riders were getting ready to leave. There was a huge older bus, I think must have provided transportation for some. One group heading south, the larger, north. I was ever so glad to be off the trail. I'm spoiled, having it to myself most days.
Imogene~
Pulling in at 4:35, it had taken us just a few minutes over two-hours to travel the 14-miles. I was surprised at my time, considering the stops I'd made. Butch was coming for us at 5, so I sat on the side of a big metal roller to wait. The picnic table area was still full of the biking group.
Electra~
I have to mention, how happy I am with Speedy. Electra still makes a fine bike. Fun to ride, easy to handle & as Butch found out, easy to work on. I've been happy to find at least one day a week to date, where the weather isn't too miserable to ride. I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather of fall & even riding in the winter. I may be pulling out my riding thermals after all! :-)
We decided since our trip to WA was cancelled, we'd take a long weekend & drive to WY. Leaving early on Friday morning - we pulled into Sheridan by late afternoon. Our couple days visiting family - as usual - went by way too fast.
On the trip back, I really wanted to take the Badlands detour. We've managed to visit this park a few times over the years.
Our first stop to admire the view~
The day was cool & overcast. We'd driven through a few rain showers on the way. Pulling up to the Park Entrance, there was a short line of cars. The entry fee was $30. I'd forgotten to bring my Senior National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass... When I mentioned it to the lady at the booth, she offered to save us $10, by purchasing a senior yearly pass! There was a slight delay while a small herd of Bighorn Sheep crossed the road.
July, 1970
This was my fourth trip through the Badlands. The first was above, when we took a scenic detour on our way from CO to IA to visit my Grandmother. The pilot was a Viet Nam Vet, as was Courtney's father. At a year-old she flew under her father's arm, feet hanging out the door, giggling the entire time! (You can just see her foot at the far left.) Since the guys were reminiscing about Viet Nam, we had a totally off-the-charts amazing flight! That ride hooked me on helicopters!
The second time was in 1986, now living in WA - the four of us - were returning home from Grandma's. Courtney took the photo below.
Butch & Connie - August 1986
The third time, Jentry & I left Butch in WA, working on the Homestead (our first year there) & left for another Iowa road-trip! Both of these visits, we had the park literally to ourselves. It was far from a popular destination in those days.
Jentry & Sunny - 6-1990
Sunny made two round-trips to Iowa over the years - on this trip - Grandpa John found room to put my old saddle in the back!
Contrasts~
It was a perfect day to tour the park. High overcast & moderate temperatures, neither common in this country. I was amazed at all the people there. Every pull-out was full of cars. There were many more places for cars to park than in the past. With fewer people traveling - I'd not have wanted to visit on a busy day! There was also informative signage that had not been there in the past. Thanks to AZ & CA, the dark of night - when the stars shown brilliantly - is no more :-(
Capturing the colors~
I have such a reverence for this country. A land of such stark contrasts, rugged & remote beauty...
No respect~
I was incredibly saddened by the rampant disregard of park rules we saw everywhere. At almost every stop - people were leaving the walkways & taking off across the landscape for that perfect selfie... At one place, a Dad with a young girl - let her walk right up to the edge & sit dangling her feet off the side. The landscape was damaged in many, many places. Everywhere we looked, people we going off trail with no regard. It would have taken an army of Rangers, one at every stop, to control the hoard of visitors...
As were were leaving, I saw a helicopter in the air! Just as I mentioned it to Butch, he was pulling in to the heliport parking! (It was already getting late in the day & though I'd tried to lobby for an extra day, my husband planned to drive us on home this night.)
In the Air!
Black Hills Aerial Adventures is the same company I'd ridden with back in 1970! Only one other couple was waiting for a ride. Our wait was short - we signed up! This was a bigger bird than the little Bell's I'd flown in before. We stood on a weight scale together - a first for us! :-)
A four-seater, we had it to ourselves. Our pilot Mark introduced himself & handed us headsets, which we adjusted to both hear & talk back & forth.
Up, up & away!
I can't even describe how much fun it is to fly in one of these! I must have had an ear-to-ear grin the entire time!
Views~
Mark told us that somewhere down there, his wife was hiking & asked if we'd want to go look for her? Of course we did! Down we went! Tree top flying - if there had been any trees! :-)
Swooping low over the canyons~
Suddenly, Butch said; "I see her! She's waving!" Sure enough, she was just a tiny speck in that huge, magnificent landscape! I can't imagine hiking there without either being on a marked trail or with a map & compass.
I did remember - eventually - to use the video! We were flying at about 3,000 feet. Winds were light, but it's fun - when you feel the helicopter respond - as the pilot handles the controls. Mark mentioned that just the day before, he'd had to climb to 5,000 ft. to avoid the turbulence. The increase in elevation gave the customers a smoother ride.
Coming in for a landing~
By the time we returned, there were several more cars in the parking lot. We'd timed our ride perfectly!
Back on the ground~
We stopped for dinner in Mitchell. By the time we pulled into the driveway at home - we'd covered 1,670 miles & it was just after midnight. Too short a trip, but really fun!
We finally had rain! It started early this morning - hit from the north - with wind so strong the rain was coming in waves! Lightening too - that took part of a tree about a block away & put it through the roof of a house... In Glenwood we had 2.5 inches! I could see the water in the creek, from the house.
From the Trestle - Silver Creek~
We lost power for just a moment. I went to matt-making this morning, we're working toward our 500th matt! After a fun lunch with Laura & Karen, I decided to call Mari Jo & see what condition the trail was in. Silver City hadn't even had a quarter inch of rain! The Wabash would be sticky, but still rideable. Malvern, on the other hand, had received four inches of rain! The question would be - how the trail was - further south.
It was just after 2 p.m. as I left Silver City. After only the first mile, Speedy had an annoying rattle? I stopped several times to see if I could find a reason, but there didn't seem to be anything amiss.
On the trestle~
At the trestle, I could tell things were much wetter than in Silver City. I continued on, meeting one other rider, heading north. I asked him if the underpass at Hwy 34 was clear of mud & he confirmed it was OK. A bit embarrassing, to be rattling along on Speedy.
Stinging Nettle Bloom~
This beautiful bloom caught my eye! Such a pretty color, I think it's a stinging nettle. The sun broke through the clouds & as it did, the heat soared! By the time I reached Agriland, I was soaked with sweat. Butch was waiting for me, he'd wondered if I'd be able to get through. I circled him - Speedy making the rattling noise.
The Problem~
My husband had Speedy upside down in no time & had assessed the problem. A loose screw attaching the fender to the frame. It's amazing the screw was still there, after eight miles of limestone.
Butch works on Speedy~
Speedy was a bit embarrassed, but handled it with aplomb. :-)
Rear tire back in place~
With the tire back on, Butch noticed the brake pad on the left side, was rubbing on the rim. No wonder it had felt a bit more difficult peddling - which I'd attributed to the sticky trail. The brakes are floating in place. With several adjustments & a trial ride around the parking area, we were back on the trail. Sunny, my 3i, had disk brakes, which I like better but aren't available on the 7D.
Heading north on the concrete~
Back on the concrete, Speedy was quiet as a mouse. No more rattle, rattle! I'm still not sure the brakes are as they should be & Butch is going to do some research, but at least the pad wasn't rubbing on the rim.
Speedy & the countryside~
We stopped on the trestle just long enough for me to take a drink of water & one more electrolyte. That's when I noticed we had a hitchhiker!
Our hitchhiker!~
A beautiful one at that! I don't know the species, but he was determined to ride along. Even after I got on & started down the trail, it took him a second to fly away.
Butch met me at Silver City. I'd covered 17-miles in two-hours. Speedy now has over 350-miles to her credit! Most all on limestone & carried on the bike rack over the bumpy country roads to get to the trailhead.
The corn is starting to sweat & I've done a lot of it myself! I told Mary Jo not to expect me if we get into the triple digits in the next couple weeks. As much as I like riding - that kind of heat/humidity is no fun!
