Back on the Trail~

 Sunday & a beautiful day.  I hadn't ridden the limestone since my wreck, so I decided to leave from the park, go south & see if I could find the hedge apple tree. (I didn't find it, or someone had already picked them all up.)  It's one of my favorite sections of the trail to ride in the fall.

Ready to leave~

There were several families having a picnic near the playground swings.  With this weather, everyone who's been hoping for nice fall days are out enjoying them!

From the woods to the open~

To say I was more careful on the limestone is an understatement.  I've ridden through some sketchy areas many times, but now I'm aware of the consequences of one wrong move.  I'm considering removing my metal pedals & changing them out to the originals.  Those metal grips didn't feel good at all when they hit my leg.

White Cloud Trestle~

I miss my old route to the Silver Creek Trestle, but I'm determined to avoid it all I can, since the installation of the game cameras.  I just pray they leave this bridge alone.  It doesn't get the traffic, since it's a longer ride from the Mineola area, the origination place of some of the organized rides.

Stunning October day~

The leaves seem late to turn this year, maybe because we had some decent rain over the summer months.  In the next couple weeks, the colors should be at their peak.

My break & turnaround spot~

I'd ridden 7.41 miles to this point, according to my Garmin.  I took a short break & called Butch before starting back.  The trucks were roaring along the gravel roads with loads coming from the harvest.  I stopped short of the crossings.  I dismounted to let the drivers know I was waiting & wouldn't be trying to dart across in front of them.  That would be insane.

Very dry corn~

The fields that are still up, look dry & ready for the harvesters.  Beautiful gold in the afternoon sunshine.

Looking north at the White Cloud Trestle~

Back at the trestle, the trees are still green, just starting to show some gold.  It's always a fun ride back, mostly downhill.  I did moderate my speed though, lesson learned.

Back to Malvern~

Things were quiet in town, just a few cars going by on main street.  

Return to the park & Bronco~

Returning to the park, I was sorry the ride was over, but I'd left Finn home & try to limit his alone time to four hours or less.  He's always so good while I'm gone & meets me excitedly at the door when I return!  I'm hoping to get out for a few more rides this month, but the month seems to be flying by.  I'm still mowing & of course the Walnut had the most bumper crop of our years here!  For the last two weeks I've picked up at least 1-2 five-gallon buckets of walnuts a day!  (I counted & a full bucket holds over 250 walnuts!  I wish I was close to one of the collection sites!