Windy & Warm Sunday ~

 Sunshine, warm temperatures, humidity & wind.  We stopped for a donut on our way north.  We decided to leave from the Wabash Trailhead at Council Bluffs.  This is northern most point of the trail & connects to the Lake Manawa trail system.  

The bikes are ready to go~

The parking area was almost full, but there was still several spots open.  Most riders were going out on the Trace.  Instead - we took the paved path along the side of  E. South Omaha Bridge Road.

Looking up at Interstate 29~

A sharp turn to the south & the trail goes under Interstate 29.  Another turn to the west & we connected with the trail along Manawa Drive.  It was great to have the big dark clouds over us, blocking the hot sun.  We could hear the noise from the traffic above, but not for long.

Mosquito Creek~

Can you guess how this creek got it's name?  Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be an issue now!  Riding into the wind & out in the open, we were glad when we turned into the park.

By the time we reached the west side of the park & were riding the long stretch along Indian Creek, a big cloud rolled in.  It started sprinkling, the rain drops felt so good!  We made the turn east & crossed the bridge.  The trail across the south end of the lake & through the big Cottonwoods is my favorite.  

Butch~

The clouds continued to follow us.  Just shortly after we'd stopped, another rider came by from the opposite direction.  He pointed over his shoulder & yelled;  "Turkey"!  Sure enough, we could see a big tom turkey off to the side.  I stopped, got my phone & just as I was taking the photo, he disappeared into the underbrush!  I couldn't believe how fast he was!  He missed his photo op!  :-)

Butch adjusting his seat~

This was Butch's longest ride to date on his new bike, he adjusted his seat, adjusted mine a time or two & moved my handlebars just a little toward my seat.  

We were riding around a blind corner, one of the few on the trail, when suddenly coming at us was a large group of five or more riders, on rental, electric bikes.  They took up the entire trail & were going too fast...  The guy in the lead yelled at his companions & they avoided us in the nick-of-time.  We'd seen the rentals at the trailhead.  Butch said we'd have to try them sometime.  The problem I see - is people unused to riding - or trail etiquette - renting them.

Going under the train tracks~

Leaving from the trailhead, added four-miles to our ride.  By the time we were back at the Bronco, we'd covered 11-miles.  

Our route~

We loaded the bikes - then - since it was on our way home...  We had to stop at Tastee Treat!  Their pulled, barbeque chicken & hush puppies are my favorite!  I topped that off with a root-beer freeze!  I think we consumed at least as many calories as we'd burned!  :-)