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!

Powering Up ~

 As usual, I think we found the last of this model bike in the US.  Butch did an extensive search & eventually found the Cannondale at Martins Bike & Fitness in Ephrata, PA.  

We'd taken a drive to the REI in Gretna, NE to look at different e-bikes.  (I knew Cannondale had come out with an e-bike a couple years ago, based on the same frame & build as my current bike.)  They didn't have the exact model I wanted but did have one with an identical frame.  We both tried it out & agreed that the fit was the same as the bikes we've enjoyed for over two-years.

Shadow on the bike rack~

Shipping was actually easier than I'd imagined & the bike arrived by UPS in just a week!  It was double boxed.  The UPS man looked like Aquaman if you can visualize that!  He easily picked the box up & carried it in for me. 

Of course I was anxious to get it out of the box!  I managed that, but the front tire & handlebars had been removed for shipping.  Never mechanically inclined - I planned to wait until Butch's next visit home to have him put it back together.  But no, he told me I could do it myself!  Looking at the directions & tools required, I sent a photo to Butch.  After he'd stopped for the day & I had gathered all the necessary items my husband talked me through the process of putting it back together! 

Ready to leave~

After days of bitter cold & wind, Thursday was a perfect day!  Not much wind & temperatures in the low 60's.  We'd had almost an inch of badly needed rain last Sunday, so I didn't expect the Wabash to be dry enough to ride.  The hard surface trails at Lake Manawa would work!

South side of the lake~

My plan was to ride my entire loop in the lowest mode, Eco.  I decided that should make up for Shadow's additional weight.  Smokey, my Adventure 1 EQ weighs 30 lbs., while the Adventure Neo 1 weighs in at 54 lbs. 

Piles of debris~

I always wear my Garmin 310 XT, so had it to compare with the computer on the bike.  They read identically throughout the ride.  By the time I'd reached my usual break spot, Butch was within an hour of Omaha!  Our plan was to meet for dinner in Council Bluffs before continuing on home.

3-25-2023 When the Cottonwoods stood~

The piles of debris told me the park maintenance staff had been hard at work, continuing their project of cutting down all the Cottonwood trees...  I was so sad.  

Cottonwood trees down~

The view is changed forever...  I will hope to see new trees planted around the park, as has been done at Glen Cunningham Park in NE.  

Butch called again when he was leaving the trailer at Nationwide.  By now I'd covered ten miles & felt pretty comfortable on the bike.  I decided for the last mile to move up through the four speed settings.  Shadow about ran away with me in Turbo mode!  By the time I'd returned to the Explorer, I was very happy with my new ride.  The battery reading was still five bars, exactly what I'd started out with.  The bike had no battery consumption during the 11+ mile ride.

Ride stat comparison - 3/28/24 e-bike to 2/21/24 self-pedaled~

When we got home & I downloaded my stats, I was pleasantly surprised to see how extremely close I'd come to matching my time on Smokey!  After four years of self-pedaling, combined with the damage to my left leg & ankle in 2020, I'm excited about riding without as much pain the following day.  It will also be fun to extend the distance of my rides & not have wind as much of a concern.  

Thanks to my husband for a great new bike!  

First Ride of Spring, Mineola North ~

 It was the first day of spring after all!  A stellar day, with the exception of the wind, gusting up to 25-mph.  I decided to take Smokey out anyway.  When I dropped Finnigan off with Doris, she suggested that if it got too bad, I could just turn back.    

Mineola Trail Head~

I had read about the improvements to the trail head at Mineola, but it was my first visit here since April 4th of last year.  I'd also read the trail from Council Bluffs to Mineola had been recently graded.  With the temperature hovering around 60 degrees, the gusts of wind made it feel much colder.  The new picnic tables, fire pits & area cleared of underbrush is a very nice improvement.

Going north~

Every time I start out from here, I think of the first time I experienced it, from Farah's back.  I was so excited to think I'd have this trail to ride.  This was before finding out the information I'd read on-line was outdated.

Keg Creek - low~

I stopped on the bridge over Keg Creek as I usually do.  With the wind blowing right at me, I was questioning my wisdom in deciding to ride this section.  I pedaled on, stopping a couple times to take short breaks. 

Beautiful views~

Riding here is so worthwhile though, since there are such nice territorial views.  It will be even better when the greens emerge.  Looking the other way off this same bridge, I zoomed in on the old barn in the photo below.

Old Barn~

I always feel so sad when I see the old barns falling to ruin.  Most of them were already torn down in western, WA.  The few remaining had been converted to wedding venues etc. If I had the resources, I would try to buy at least one to restore.

Turning back at 5+ miles~

I had passed Margaritaville on my way & didn't stop.  I was warmed up & felt like I could have gone on to Council Bluffs, but that will be another day.

Smokey & the view~

Instead, I stopped at the covered bench I'd passed just a short way back.  There are so many new & memorial benches on this section of trail now.  This one sits up on the hill, but is orientated towards the trail, rather than the view.  The few times I've ridden past, there's been someone here, but today I lucked out & had it to myself.  (There's also a trash can, but I still had trash to pick up behind the bench.)

Back at Margaritaville, going south~

I had to laugh at the blue & pink outhouses!  I felt like a kid again to be flying along on the downhill grade!  With Smokey in the highest gear, we were cruising 15-16 mph.  It's the fun of the ride back that keeps me motivated going north!  

Toward Mineola~

When I reached the Old Goat Lookout, a new memorial bench had been placed there too.  Such a pretty view, regardless of the time of year.  Someone had left an old sickle leaning against the wire fence & had cut down the tall grass around the benches.  What I was unhappy to see, was a cigarette butt, tossed right on top of the dry grass...  How people can come out into this beautiful country & leave their litter is just beyond my comprehension.  

I was very happy I'd ignored the wind & enjoyed such a pretty ride. Since purchasing Smokey in November of 21, I've ridden this bike 1,583 miles.  I'm hoping for a cool spring & moderate summer.  I can't wait to see the buds on the trees open & hopefully more spring rains! 

Wabash Landing ~

 The weather cooperated again with temperatures in the low 70's & hardly any wind.  Since Finnigan made it plain he wanted to visit with Grandma Doris when we stopped by & she was happy for his company - I decided to do another ride!

Arriving at the pond, I turned north this afternoon.  It's impossible to miss the change that continues to happen daily along the east side of the trail - as you ride north.  

North from Malvern~

You can't miss the removal of topsoil from the land that will eventually be 62 new homes, under the name: "Wabash Landing".  I can hardly imagine the difference sixty-two homes will make in what has been up to now a quiet rural area.

Cutting away the hillside, dark line of topsoil~

The planned housing development will have homes available for low to moderate income households.  With Malvern's current population of just over 1,000 people - the impact of growth will be felt in by the community.  Development here seems to take much longer than the speedy process that occurs in Washington State & on a smaller scale.  Even so & knowing affordable housing is at a premium, I'm not looking forward to the change.

Workers on the Silver Creek Trestle~

The proximity to the trail is mentioned in the advertising & the trail will be one of the places I expect to see more impact.  My days of quiet rides are probably numbered.  I went ahead & rode the section of trail that's closed off.  Bad me - just to check if anyone was working on the Trestle.  I was happy to see progress is now being made.

Trail blocked at 305th~

When I had reached 305th, the trail was blocked & the detour sign out to the gravel road was obvious.  I took a good look.

The Detour to Gaston Rd~

There is no way known to man I would make it up the big hill in the distance under my own pedal power!  Kudos to anyone who's ridden this to Gaston Road where you return to the trail & can continue on north to Silver City.

Looking west - Hwy 34~

I turned around at the Trestle, it was another quite beautiful if overcast afternoon.  Today was the first time this season I've taken Smokey out two back-to-back days.  Still no rain, but if the weather report holds true, we're to see the first of the rain move in late tonight.

Looking North - at the Pond~

The clouds seemed even heavier today than yesterday.  I returned to town to find Doris & Finn out working in the backyard.  We chatted for a while, before Finn & I headed home.  Each day seems more & more like spring is around the corner.  Rain would certainly be a tremendous help!  

The Smell of Rain~

A warm, 70's but overcast day.  Almost no wind & the slightest hint of moisture in the air!  A perfect day for a ride.  Riding the trail, this time of year, says more than enough about our current drought status...

Ready to leave~

All was quiet both in town & at the park.  I couldn't decide which direction I wanted to go.  Having the trestle out has shortened my favorite ride to half the usual distance.  I decided to Cowgirl up & ride south to take a look at the White Cloud Trestle.

A mile south of Malvern~

The uphill grind starts at the edge of town & continues for miles.  I surprised myself though.  It didn't seem as difficult as I'd remembered.

Heading south~

The last time I'd ridden this way was in July of last year.

10-miles to Imogene~

The old sign is still hanging on to the tree & still legible.  I wished in the worst way I felt good enough to ride all the way to Imogene.  If I'd had Butch to pick me up, I would have gone for it.  With my leg as it is, I seriously doubt I could do the round trip these days - even riding Smokey.

Equipment Tracks~

The limestone surface, as I approached the trestle was a total disaster.  Heavy equipment had rutted the trail to the point it was almost impossible to ride.  When the surface is soft, everything sinks.  Then when it dries, it becomes hard as rock...  I had read where the north end of the trail at Council Bluffs had been dragged - but nothing has been mentioned about this area.

North approach to the White Cloud Trestle~

The old 1910 trestle bridge certainly looks different now...  The work had been posted as complete the 24th of February.  The new decking has a non-slip surface, which will be nice on frosty mornings & probably last for years & years.

Smokey on the White Cloud Trestle~

The new railings though, look so incredibly raw against the rusted steel.  I'm sure it would cost more than the budget provides to stain them.

South approach to the White Cloud Trestle~

All the surrounding trees & shrubs had been severely cut back.  I decided to walk down & check things out from below.

Looking up~

It's quite a view from either topside or at water level.  The clouds thickened as the afternoon advanced.  I actually thought I might get wet on my way back.

Shore view West Nishnabotna River~

The level of the river plainly shows the effect of our three years of drought.  The weather forecast is saying we'll get rain before the end of the week.  Of course, we've heard that many times before these last few months.

Turn around~

Smokey & I continued on to what I call the narrow bridge before turning back toward Malvern.  It seems even quieter out this way than at Silver Creek.  Our way back was fun, since the uphill grade becomes mostly downhill on the return!  

Back at the park, the sun was trying to peek through the clouds as I loaded the bike & headed for home.  I enjoyed the ten-mile ride, even if I do miss my usual route.

Boehner Pond to the Trestle ~

 Without rain, it was another day of blazing, beautiful sunshine & bright blue skies.  Thankfully, the strong winds that have been blowing for days now, had calmed.  It's irritating when the temperatures are so warm, days so bright & yet the howling winds keeps me from riding.

Leaving the Pond~

The upside of our ultra dry conditions - is being able to ride the Wabash again.  The park gates are open for the season.  I was happy to be able to park on a flat surface where it's much easier to unload Smokey.  After a circuit of the pond, I rode out to connect with the trail & turned north.  

Underpass~

There wasn't anyone at all around.  I was surprised, since it was almost a windless day.  Getting warmed up is always a bit of a chore, but once I am, I enjoy every minute of the ride.  I haven't done a section with grades for a long while.  When I look back, I haven't done much at all since my leg injury.  The leg gets stiff & sore enough after riding just a relatively flat section of trail.

Soon to be green fields~

That's part of the reason I've been thinking of an electric bike for a couple years now...  I can't believe I'd turn to the dark side, but I'd be able to travel farther & see sections of the trail I haven't ridden since before 2020.  

No further work on the Trestle~

When I arrived at the Trestle, I expected to see changes from my last visit on 2/25.  If there had been any, I think I would have noticed.  I'm sure it will be done before the next big event June 8th, but it doesn't seem to be a priority to expedite completion for local riders.  I'm sure I'm not the only one missing my usual route.

Silver Creek from the Trestle~

I walked out to see the river shining in the late afternoon sun.  It's such a quiet spot & I enjoy it so much when I have it to myself.  I would enjoy it even more if we had enough rain to raise the level of the water.

Woods~

The wooded area along the creek is so pretty, no matter the time of year.  There's not much green to be seen yet, rain would sure help.  The weather man said yesterday that we've broken a decade long record, going over 53 days without measurable precipitation.

Boehner Pond~

I turned back & made great time, with the little breeze at my back!  The next ride I'm going to have to try a more difficult section of trail & see how I do.  The repair work to the West Nishnabotna Trestle south of Malvern has been completed, but I have to gear myself up to tackle that long, uphill grade.  Otherwise, I'll have to try leaving from Mineola.  Another section that is uphill both directions.  We'll see how that goes!