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.