End of March, On the Trail~

Already the end of March.  If I were to give it a description it would be windy.  We've had days in the 80's & others in the low 40's.  A roller coaster typical of the Midwest.  I hadn't been out on my bike since the 18th at the lake.  With the warmer temperatures & ceaseless winds, I knew the trail had to be very dry.

Boehner Pond~

The early morning started out sunny, then the clouds rolled in.  It was breezy when I dropped Finn off with Doris.  By the time I reached Malvern, the wind was gusting.  My plan was to ride south, to my usual turnaround spot at just over seven miles.

This was the first time I've seen algae growth at the pond.  Its water has been open for many years, so I don't know if the dry weather might have contributed. 

Intersection of 312th~

The countryside had a gray, drab look to it.  The air felt too dry for even a remote chance of rain.  

Deep ruts~

The trail surface was horribly rutted in several places.  I'd forgotten how much more of a challenge it is to ride after the winter months.  Since my accident last August, I'm more watchful of the surface conditions than I used to be.

Sunshine~

I was about three miles out when the sun broke through the cloud cover.  The temperature instantly climbed.  I took my vest off & was still plenty warm.  The wind was non-stop, I could hear it blowing a tune between the spokes of the wheels.

West branch of the east Nishnabotna River~

I had the trestle to myself & stayed a while to enjoy the view of the river.  I haven't yet returned to the trestle over Silver Creek, since the game cameras were installed.  It was my favorite section of trail & I've missed it.

On the White Cloud Trestle~

What's saving this trestle from the neon lights & game cameras is its distance from the trail head at Council Bluffs.  I'm seeing more & more eBikes on the trail.  They make it much easier to ride distances only dedicated cyclists used to travel.  Of course I ride one now, so what can I say.

Hard at work~

Further up the trail, I could hear the beep, beep, beep, of a bulldozer back-up alarm.  A farmer was busy taking down nice big trees near the creek.  They grew at the corner of what evidentially was one of his fields.  Trees going down, something I never like to see.  When I think of the years it takes trees here to reach any size at all, it seems such a shame.  This tiny corner can't possibly produce enough to make it worth removing substantial trees whose roots filter the water draining off the fields into the creek.

My largest obstacle~ 

This tree was down about two miles from where I usually take a break & turn around.  The biggest disadvantage of an eBike, is the weight.  The battery is the majority of the difference.  It's a catch 22, since a larger battery gives you more distance.  This bike weighs 20 lbs. more than my analog bike.  Too heavy & too awkward to lift.  I managed it though.  I lifted the front wheel over the biggest limb, popped the back tire over, then went up the berm to the right.  From there I went around the rest of the crown to the far side.

Turn around spot~

I rode almost to Queen Ave., eight miles south, before turning back.  I stopped for my break back at the bench to call Butch.  We'd both been fighting the wind.  He was crossing MO from IL, driving toward Kansas City.  It was blowing from the SW & would still be blowing against me on the way back.  

Going back north~

I made it back around the fallen tree, thankfully.  It's been so dry, the greens are late in appearing this season.  There was just the slightest flush of green along the edges of the trail.  Not even a sign of blooming wildflowers.  I'll have to wait for April showers before I get a chance to see them. 

I was tired by the time I was back to the park, but I always enjoy my time - in what nature - this state still has.  There are some beautiful parks & plenty of trails still to explore.  

Almost Spring - Finally!

 The weather is still on a roller coaster of warm to cold, cold to warm.  Yesterday was overcast all day & felt cold.  My Germaniums have spent several nights outside; we stayed above freezing & they're under cover.  

I had my usual morning at mat making, then took my friend shopping at Dollar General.  She offered to take me to lunch, but the day was so nice I declined.  Doris insisted on taking Finn & agreed that such a great day - especially with no wind was perfect for a bike ride.

On the trail~

I hurried home, loaded my bike & left for the lake.  I thought about trying the Wabash trail but didn't want to risk getting there to find it soft.  Monday we'd had another lighter dusting of snow & everything had frozen.  There were still puddles of water on the paved surface here.

Fenced Train tunnel, the next is covered~

I rode out east through the tunnels & had the rudest experience with other bikers I've had yet.  As I was a short distance away from the first of the two tunnels, a pedestrian was walking toward me, in the tunnel, staying to the right.  Behind him I could see two people on bikes coming fast.  As the first of the bikes came up on the person still in the tunnel, he moved into my lane & cut between us!  I had to come to a complete stop.  The woman following had the nerve to do the same thing!  It never ceases to amaze me at how rude people can be. 

Mid-American~

I peddled hard & fast to work off how steamed I was before returning to the park.  I never saw the couple again, which was a Good Thing! 

View from the old Campground~

A group of photographers were walking along the shore of the lake today.  When I was in the campground, I had two flybys!  The first was a huge Eagle, the second a big Red-tailed Hawk.  The birds were singing & enjoying the beautiful day as much as I was.

Crossing Indian Creek, heading East~

It's always an ahhh moment when I make the turn back into the wooded southern section of the park.  I only saw one other bike rider & a few people walking.

Shore of the lake~

I shouldn't have been surprised to see the rocks along the shore covered in a layer of frozen snow/ice.  I was surprised though, especially with the now wide-open water.  It made for an eerie combination.

My break spot~

I was riding later than usual, but the days are so much longer now!  Hours of sunshine to enjoy again, especially when we have a break from the wind!  I returned to town to pick up Finn.  He & Doris had spent the afternoon outside soaking in the rays.  My lazy boy had to yawn & stretch before accepting his harness.  It was such a beautiful evening by the time I got home; I sat out until almost dark.

First Ride of March~

 After a string of several gray overcast days, we received .65 of much needed rain last Friday & Saturday night.  Now, we're close to breaking records for warmth.  Today was expected to reach over 70 degrees with 20-30 mph wind gusts.  With the rain, the Wabash Trace would have been too wet to ride.  The last pictures I saw of the limestone surface, it was terribly rutted.

On my way~

As usual, being on the trail in the fresh air felt great.  There were more people at the park than I've seen in months.  I think the nice weather & longer days motive everyone to get outside & enjoy the spring-like weather.

I-29 foreground, I-80 east bound background

I rode further out the trail heading north that connects with the road going east to the Wabash Trail head.  It wasn't until I turned back south toward the park & the wind hit me in the face, I realized I'd be riding right into it on my way back.  

Shadow under I-29

The train cars were just sitting under the Interstate.  Being under the thunder of the interstate is a novel experience.  

Campground~

More of the dead trees have been cut out of the campground.  Some that I know were alive last season have also been cut down.  I hope some of the Mulberries were saved.  It's always such an oasis of quiet, after the noise of riding along the edge of Veterans Memorial Hwy.

The Lake through the trees~

The ride south along Indian Creek was a bear!  The wind was really gusting.  I ended up in Turbo & hanging onto my sun bill to keep it from blowing away.  It was a relief to make the turn at the SW corner of the trail system & turn east again.  The wind coming at me from the side was preferable to head on.

The Lake~

I had my ultrasonic dog barking deterrent with me today.  I put it in my front bottle holder so it's handy if I need it.  Two ladies walking a young German Shepard were ahead of me.  I announced my presence & watched as they grabbed at the dog & pulled him off to one side.  He instantly fixated on me & began trying to lunge my direction.  I pressed the button as I was going by & it was amazing to see him instantly freeze in place!  At the least, it distracted him long enough for me to get by!  

When Finn is riding in his cart with Butch & I, I follow behind.  He loves to bark like a fool at every person we pass.  The last time we rode at Lake Cunningham, he learned quickly if he did, I would press the button!  It's been a very helpful training tool & I highly recommend it.

Heading back~

The trail above is one of the least used, probably because it's a long walk from any of the parking areas.  Another reason it's my favorite.  As you can tell, the sky was such a clear blue!  It's getting so close to spring, you can smell it in the air.  I hope it's long, wet & mild!