Summer Begins~

 Forecast as the coolest day of the next week - the temperature was 84 degrees; humidity 73% & feels like 92.  Mari Jo had sent me a message asking if I'd ride this week.  I'd spent yesterday working outside, so today was the day. 

Our weather forecast going into the summer months sounds challenging.  With Ragbrai coming the 20th of July, a few more people are using the trail.  It's not a ride I'd have done, even a few years ago.  Held during the hottest & most humid time of year, it doesn't sound at all like fun to me. 

South from Silver City

My poor knee is still giving me fits, after almost three-weeks.  Whether a bone bruise or whatever, I'm still limping.  I found out the first time I stopped; it still didn't want to give me the support I needed to put my foot on the ground.  I slow down, apply both brakes evenly & hold them until I'm off the bike.

Into the Walnut trees~

The trail surface had several soft/damp spots.  I took the track that looked to be firm, but I could feel the rear tire slide a few times. The birds were in full song & a stiff wind helped keep the humidity at bay.  The trees along the trail offer shade, but in exchange hold in the humidity.

Good flow in Silver Creek~

I stopped at the Trestle, it's such a relief to see so much water flowing.  The rains we've received this spring are forecast to continue through much of the summer months.  I wouldn't complain & wouldn't miss moving all the hoses & all the watering.

 Growing on the Malvern Depot Arch~

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. maximowiczii 'Elegans'.  The stunning leaves of this vine are impressive.  I stop under the Arch to make a note of the time it's taken me to reach this spot.  It's interesting to see the difference temperature, wind etc. make in each ride.

Boehner pond~

After my usual circuit of town, I was looking forward to stopping at the pond.  The breeze off the water actually felt cool, even on such a humid day.  Only one RV camping & no one around today.

Shadow & a Mulberry Tree~

On the way back, Shadow decided to stop at this mulberry tree.  I spend quite a while picking & eating all the ripe berries I could reach!  My fingertips were purple before I decided it was time to move on.

Elderberry under the Walnut trees~

Elderberry look so brilliantly white in the shade of the Walnuts.  Soon they'll be covered with berries too.  No wonder the birds are so happy with all the native berries available.

A few miles further down the trail & I saw some type of animal/animals ahead in the center of the trail.  At first, I thought they might be woodchucks, but as I got closer, I recognized a large racoon.  With her, were four kits!  As I rode closer, she hustled the little ones off the trail & into the bushes.  Passing the spot, I watched & sure enough I was being watched by one of kits!  So darn cute!

The trail back~

I can't lie, it's enjoyable to be able to gear Shadow's torque-based PAS.  It makes riding so much easier on my knees & bad leg.  I've been averaging 11-mph on my rides, without pushing & staying at level one eco.  After 18-miles, I was still soaked with sweat by the time I was back to Happy Trails & the Explorer. 

Once home, I had the task of washing all the smashed & splattered mulberries off Shadow.   The battery was down one bar, (out of five) but that's after 35-miles of riding & today's stiff wind gusts.  It was my first time washing the e-bike & I was careful to stay clear of the motor.  I left the bike in the off position when I put it away.   When a cool day does come again, I may take Smokey out, curious if riding an e-bike keeps me fit enough to self-pedal the same distance.  We'll see, I'm pretty spoiled now!