August Miles ~

 Summer seems to be going by fast.  It's easy to be lulled by the sweetness of perfect, warm days.  Of course, it is August & things will change quickly back to the heat the month is famous for.

South of Silver City, the corn is huge!

The wind was blowing more so than in Glenwood.  15-20 mph out of the south, southeast.  Riding into it, took effort.  The trail is always so beautiful & I love hearing the sound of just the wind in the trees.

Breezy with the Walnut trees~

The wind had blown one tree down, just south of town, but it was laying on the surface of the trail, so easy to lift Breezy over.  I passed one couple, the lady was riding a Townie!

On the Trestle~

It wasn't long, until I was riding in the shop doors at Agriland.  Butch had been working in the far end.  He pointed to a fan when he saw me.  With the higher humidity, my shirt was soaked.  Our coke was so cold - it was almost a slushy & so good!  I checked out my husbands latest projects, before leaving again for Silver City.  At least going north, the wind was mostly at my back.

Stinging Nettles~

Finally, I identified the rich smell!  It's the time of year the Nettles bloom.  There are so many, the smell fills the air.  Leaving Malvern, I was almost to the first small bridge, when I saw something moving at the edge.  This bridge has a good dip down from the level of the trail.  Someone had packed in dirt to reduce the bump.  Right in the middle of this dirt strip, the tiniest bird ever was taking a dust bath!  Why that particular spot was so special I have no idea - but he was sure cute.

Almost back~ 

A brilliant spot of orange flew up out of the blooming sunflowers & accompanied me down the trail for a way.  A huge Monarch butterfly!  He was so brilliant against the sun.  Back at Happy Trails, Mari Jo took off for home again, returning with several more huge, ripe tomatoes!  BLT's for dinner!

Exceedingly Warm~

 We're moving into the warmest/hottest part of our summer season...  Not my favorite time, since working or riding outside can be somewhat miserable.  I like doing both!  Today, slated as the coolest for the next two-weeks, was a ride day.

I unloaded Breezy in Silver City & stopped to catch up on the news with Mari Jo.  I didn't stay long, since just standing in the sun was enough to bring on the sweat.  The trail, with it's shade is always appealing.

Breezy enjoys the shade~

The Walnuts provide the most beautiful canopy.  Our big Walnut in the front yard, sustained it's first injuries ever, in the big wind storm that rolled through overnight on the 8/9th.  (Wind gusts of 60-80 mph were recorded.  last Sat., Butch used a 24ft. ladder to cut away broken limbs.  One is still so high up he couldn't reach it.  

Bright Blues~

It's always a somewhat magical feeling to be out in nature.  My addiction of choice.  I'm thankful I found a replacement for all the time I used to spend in an actual saddle.  At least Breezy' s saddle has helped me to stay in shape, more fun than the gym!

On the Trestle~

The humidity was very high, but a slight wind from the south helped a little.  

Break spot~

The coolness inside the Hwy 34 underpass is always welcome in this kind of weather.

The train~

I'd left a little early today & heard the train coming from a way off!  I put on some speed & managed to make it in time for a picture!

At Agriland, the big fans were blowing & Butch has several projects underway.  He was under one of them when I rode in.  Soaked half-way to my waist, I headed for the front of the closest fan!  A coke over ice revived me.  By the time I decided to leave, the high haze of smoke had begun to move back in & the clouds blocked some of the sun's heat.

Nearing Keys Road~

The photo doesn't do justice to the smoke in the air.  Omaha is right on the edge of where the smoke from all the wildfires is moving across the US.  A friend in Ohio - said the sky is white with it.  Here, the weatherman says it's keeping our temperatures down a degree or two.  It won't help going into the end of the month, when we're to get  feel's like temperatures in the triple digits.

Four-miles to go~

I appreciated the break from the direct sun on the way back.  I saw five riders out today, the most I've seen so far this season with the exception of the organized ride in June.  Finishing off the 17-miles, I cooled off in Mari Jo's shop before heading home.  It may be a while, before I tackle riding again.  It's the time of year the corn sweats!  You can smell it in the air, some evenings.  Into the 90's & humidity isn't fun & I'll take the comfort of AC!

Where the Tall Corn Grows!

 It had been over two-weeks since I'd been on the trail!  Time goes fast when you're having fun!  We were thrilled to have family visit.  Of course when they leave, I'm sad to see them go...  This day, I drove the Explorer with the new bike rack.  Watching the rear view mirror, Breezy didn't move At all on the rack.  Usually, driving the Bronco & using the older rack, the bike is in constant motion.  I may end up using the Explorer more.  I chatted with Mari Jo before leaving.

At the trail head~

If it looks hot & humid, it's because it was!  As excited as I was to be back on the trail, the heat/humidity was almost stifling.  I was only a couple miles south when I stopped to take a photo of the latest blown over tree.  As I was framing the shot, it settled another few inches.  I decided the best thing to do was to get under it as fast as I could.

Another downed tree :-(

There was, as always, lots of beauty.

I think these are Stinging Nettles in full flower~

Amid all the shades of green, any color at all stands out.  I didn't get walk over to make a close inspection.  My goal is to have as few bug bites as possible this season.

Breezy on the Silver Creek Trestle~

At times, the wind would come up & what a relief it was.  I surprised myself, by making it to Agriland in just under an hour.  I stayed in front of the big fan to cool down, while Butch got our coke & ice.  A busy place as usual, I stayed long enough to see some of the on-going projects.

Going back, it seemed in places like the humidity was even heavier than in others.  Of course the water in the pond added moisture I'm sure!

Cattails growing!

Our Verve Facebook page, still has somewhat of an on-going discussion about tires.  The ones on my Verve 3 were an upgrade & so far I'm happy with the way the bike responds to different surfaces.

A typical road crossing~

I don't' go flying across these or make any sudden turns, but it does take a little finesse to cross.

Tall, sweating Corn!

I was amazed at how much the corn has grown since my ride the end of June!  The two or three rain storms really helped.  I slowed down on the way back & took an extra electrolyte.  

New bridge at Silver City~

Wanted to get in just over seventeen-miles, I went past Happy Trails & over to the bridge before turning off my Garmin.  Once I downloaded my stats, I'd matched my last time over this route.  Not too bad after two-weeks.  My leg continues to improve & much of the pain in my ankle has resolved, making it easier to pedal in a more balanced fashion.

Settling into the Explorers comfortable seat for the ride home was really nice :-)

Forward Motion ~

 It was going to be a hot & humid day - but it was the day I had.  Butch would be at Agriland & if I was going to ride, a break half-way would be welcome.  The trail was still more damp than I imagined.  We've had no wind, which usually makes quick work of the drying process.

A mile south of Silver City~

There wasn't even a hint of a breeze & the humidity was enveloping.  At Mari Jo's suggestion I bought my first cycling jersey.  Mari Jo noticed & as I was leaving said;  "It even has pockets in the back."  I told her Equestrians aren't into back pockets!  She responded just as I hit the trail;  "Ice pack!"  Well, now, that sounded like a wonderful idea!  :-)

Breezy on the trail~

You can tell in both the above photos how damp the surface was.  Slippery in places too.  There's been questions on our Facebook Verve page regarding the tires that come with the bike.  Mine are an upgrade & so far I've not had an issue.  Of course I don't do many turns.  Crossing heavily graveled roads, so far, I've been fine.

Silver Creek - far from "silver"~

Water levels in the small creeks & Silver Creek, were up from the rains we've received.  As always with rain, there's more silt in the water.

I wasn't out to break any records.  Yesterday, weed whacking along the creek, I'd slipped & fallen backwards.  It bent my bad knee All the way back, until my heel touched my rear...  The pain was incredible & I had no idea if I'd re-broken - who knows what?  I felt something in the back of my knee give, maybe scar tissue?  I didn't think the knee joint was capable of bending so much since the surgery, but with the force of my backwards fall, it did!

With my extensive medical knowledge - not - I've decided if it did it once, there's should be more bend I can get.  Now, I'm pushing on it until it hurts & worked the entire ride to keep the ball of my foot on the pedal.

Nate takes me for a ride :-)

I surprised myself by making it to Agriland in an hour.  As I stopped, I had a huge cramp in top muscle of my right thigh.  Probably from the change I was making & not enough electrolytes.  Butch had all the fans going & my cold coke tasted so good!  I was about ready to leave when he called me over to where the sprayer had just come in.  Nate was willing to give me a ride!  What fun! 

Corn growing fast!

The clouds were welcome, as relief from the strong sun, but held in the humidity.  The only breeze to be found on this day, was what Breezy made.

Elderberry~

The wild Elderberry was in full bloom, so pretty against the green.  Our edible varieties at home have bloomed now too, I'm hopeful I'll be able to collect some before the birds get them.

Looking down~

In case you think there aren't deep ravines in Iowa, think again!  The bridges were built over some difficult terrain.

Wait for me!  :-)

Breezy, obviously, was in a hurry to get back!  I didn't see one rider the entire 17-miles.  The Wabash Trace has recently received another stellar local review.  I've very thankful to have it.  Butch & I joke about moving out toward Greenfield or Creston.  Both towns need School Bus drivers & there's an Agriland almost everywhere. :-)  He did mention too - I'd go batty without a place to ride & that's true!  

As to the new jersey, usually my cotton t-shirts are soaked half way down.   The new jersey was soaked too, but it did breathe enough, I think I was cooler!

Beating the Heat?

 No...  It didn't happen...  I was up early, hurried through some chores, loaded Breezy & was leaving the trail-head by 10 a.m.  I'd only managed one ride last week & was anxious to get back out.  

Where the trail meets the road, Silver City~

With the day & the week both scheduled to heat up to the mid-90's, I decided to try an earlier morning ride.  What I hadn't figured in, was the increased humidity.  Breezy was as good as her name & provided me the only breeze of the ride.  The trees along the trail provide shade, but they also hold in the humidity.

Mulberries!

Not far from town, I recognized the first sign of the summer season!  Mulberries littering the trail! I stopped to pick a few from the lower branches.  So very good & sweet too!

Ripe & yet to ripen~

I only saw one couple on the trail, coming from Malvern.  We met at the trestle.  They were complaining about the "blackberry" on the trail & what a mess it was making of their legs.  I didn't bother to correct them, as to the type of fruit, or mention fenders might alleviate the problem?  I'm still surprised fenders have evidentially gone out of vogue.  Just from a safety perspective, I'm happy to have them every time I hear a branch or rock hit.

Under Hwy 34~

This was actually the coolest spot on the trail today.  I stopped long enough for a drink.  The flies were out in force.  Even sprayed from top to bottom, they would land, but not bite.  I couldn't help but remember the rides where Farah & I were attacked non-stop.  At least Breezy doesn't draw them to us :-)

I made it to Agriland in under an hour, which surprised me.  I've given up Gabapentin as of today.  I'd cut the dose in half for the last four-days.  Today, is the first day in over nine-months I haven't taken one.  We'll see if I make it without any withdrawal side effects.  My thought was, drink lots of water & sweat a lot!  Both those were accomplished on this ride!   How do I know how the nerves in my leg are healing, if I'm still on a drug?  I'm going to find out.

Leaving Butch's shop at Agriland~

It was a relief to pull into the shade of the shop!  Butch had another surprise waiting for me - a Mexican Coke - over ice!  I'm really spoiled now!  I stayed in front of the fan for the 30-min. I was there.  My shirt was still soaked when I left.

Full on Lush~

Friday, the Malvern area received .25 of rain while Glenwood only had .08.  It was enough to soften the trail surface & came with a BIG wind.  The wind knocked down trees for miles on the trail, so my anticipated cool ride, didn't happen.  Over the weekend, the trail volunteers were out in force, clearing the mess.

Breezy enjoys the shade on the Trestle~

We were about 3-miles from Silver City when I saw Mari Jo riding toward me.  She'd had morning errands to run.  Still hoping to catch me, our timing was off today.  The heat was getting more intense by the minute & the flies were awful.  We cut our conversation short.

Tree on it's way down~

I'd ducked under this big tree on my way south.  It's an impressive example of how strong Friday's wind gusts were.  They didn't last long thankfully, but it's so sad to see such a big, otherwise healthy tree toppled.  It will have to drop lower before the volunteers & their chainsaws can get it cut.

17 hot miles to add to my tally.  Once home, Breezy got a shower to remove all the purple, squished berries!  The cold spray felt Grand!

Return of the Heat ~

 It took more gumption than I like to admit...  To load Breezy onto the Bronco & drive to the trail.  The week is warming up, with today the coolest - at low 90's & 42% humidity. 

Breezy ready to go~

Just as I was leaving Silver City, crossing the bridge & going into the shade of the trees, two birds were having a fit!  Flying around over me & making every sound of distress they knew.  Looking a few feet ahead, here was a very tiny baby bird, just old enough to get into trouble!  He was totally unconcerned his parents were unhappy, pecking at the limestone & having a fine time!   As I peddled by, he'd moved to the edge of the trail.  I think they were Shrikes - very pretty.

Mari Jo was riding toward me, on her return trip from Malvern.  She had on a sun hat I couldn't help but admire.  I have so much hair though - I just can't stand anything on my head besides a sweat band.

Breezy in the shade~

With the upcoming heat & humidity, the corn will be growing by the day!  It's already probably over six inches tall.  I set my pace, slower in the shade, more speed in the sun!  This section of trail is so nice, in that it's mostly shaded.

Just before the Trestle~

This heavy branch couldn't have fallen more perfectly!  Covering the trail from side to side:-)  Too heavy to move, I lifted Breezy over it at the left side.  I'm sure the trail volunteer will have it cut out by tomorrow.

On the Trestle~

I was taking my electrolytes & the wind helped to keep the day a little cooler.  It was just the 20 mph. blasts I didn't care for.

We made decent time getting to Agriland.  Butch had a surprise for me!  He'd bought a bag of ice to keep in the freezer of the new refrigerator!   My coke was served over ice!  Yum!  We sat in front of the big industrial fan long enough for me to cool off.  

I rode around the lake on the new concrete path, taking it to return to the trail.

Agriland from the Park~

Once on the way back, I took a couple extra water breaks.  The wind was mostly at my back, which was better than riding into it!

Iowa - summer beauty

If you overlooked the heat, it was a beautiful day!  The puffy white clouds managed to sail overhead several times when I rode out into what would have been direct sunshine.  Being a cool weather person, I don't plan to let the heat keep me from the trail!  This ride took me over 300-miles year-to-date.

Back on Track ~

 Today, slated as the coolest for the next long while, I drove the twelve-miles to Silver City.  After a short chat with Mari Jo, Breezy & I were on the trail.

Toward Malvern~

This section was the first I rode on my own, over a year ago now.  It's also become my go-to for afternoon rides.  It's the closest trail access from home.  

The round-trip on this section, is just about 17-miles.  The half-way in Malvern, at Agriland makes a perfect rest-stop, to visit Butch.  There's also no big hills, just gradual inclines, which have worked well during my leg's rehabilitation.  

On the Trestle~

Though warm, in the mid-80's, the clouds floating by overhead offered relief from direct sun.  In the shade of the trees, the temperature on the trail is probably five-degrees cooler.  There was just the lightest of breezes.

The river flows by~

The feel of summer is in the air.  The warming temperatures, after a somewhat strange & cool spring, is something many are looking forward to.

Roof tops of Agriland~

The roof of the shop can just be seen above the growing cattails in the marsh.  The birds love this area too.  I pulled into the shop, one of the men went to find Butch & offered me a coke, out of the recently donated refrigerator!  Now, the crew can buy & keep drinks cold, rather than using a pop machine.  I stayed to visit for a while, but wanted to be back in Silver City by five.

The Trail Arch~

Leaving Malvern near the Station, I noticed the flowering vines on the arch are almost ready to bloom!  They looked so dead earlier in the spring, it's always a surprise to see they survived another winter.

I took it easy today, my leg still sore from the weekend.  Even so, I matched my latest travel time on this section of the trail.

A beautiful view~

The sun was reflecting off the water in the creek.  An outflow from the nearby pond added the sound of running water.  

The latest seat I'm trying out, seems to be working.  My balance, stopping & starting on Breezy has really improved too!  I'm hoping I'll stay motivated to ride in the heat - this summer!

Catching up to Myself ~

 A very rare weather day for the end of May in Iowa!  Cloudy & cool - in the low 50's - just as the weatherman had predicted.

Butch took off work, to help me pick up Speedy from the Bike Rack, where she was packaged for shipment.  He loaded the big box into the Explorer & we delivered it to UPS in Council Bluffs.  Speedy is moving to MA!  I'll miss her, but Breezy has done a nice job of carrying me a little faster & easier on the trails.

Speedy leaves home~

  We picked up a sandwich at Runza, before Butch dropped me off at the north trailhead of the Wabash.  It was chilly!  I'd worn just a zippered hoody over a t-shirt, but brought my windbreaker!  

1:36 p.m. - on the trail~

With the breeze from riding, I stopped within a mile to put the windbreaker over my hoody!  The only person I'm competing against these days - is me!  I have all last season's ride stats on Garmin Connect to refer to.  When I decide on a section of the trail, as the months of my recovery have gone by, I compare my rides now, to the before rides.

Walter Scott Jr. Energy Center~

Of course, that doesn't keep me from stopping for pictures! Again, I was reminded of a typical Western, WA day. I was almost wishing I'd worn my thermal pants. It's a six-mile uphill grade out of Council Bluffs. Just a long grind. Once we were out in the country, I stopped on the bridge I enjoy for the nice view.

On the bridge~

I was ready to be done with the climb, knowing I had to be getting close to Dumfires.  I couldn't help but notice a brightly colored, new sign along the trail.  

Breezy by the Sign! 

Four-miles to Mineola, which meant Margaritaville had to be right around the corner.  I'd reached the crest of the climb!  Riding into the bike party area, I had another surprise.  My last visit in late April, I'd seen pilings in place for something...  The something had become a Cabana~ 

2:28 p.m. A new party cabana?

I'm thinking this must have been a donation of private funds, since there are so many bridges on the trail in need of repair?  Margaritaville has quite the reputation with the homes neighboring this particular area.  Trash bins full of beer cans tell the tale...

View from under the cover~

Situated with a nice view of the countryside, I'm sure it will get a lot of use! I'd only seen one other rider on the trail. He'd been heading the other direction too fast to respond to my "Hi"!

Since I'd left Council Bluffs a little late - I wanted to keep moving & looked forward to those next four-miles of downhill! Breezy breezed & yes it was a cold breeze! :-)

2:51 p.m. coming in to Mineola~

Such a fun part of the trail!  My favorite part for sure!  I shifted all the way to my highest gear & really built up some momentum.  I didn't stop, except to take a drink of my water & an electrolyte.  I'd need the energy for the next, uphill climb to the crest of the hill,  half-way to Silver City.  I was tempted to stop more than once, but didn't.  The top did come & with it the smooth concrete.

3:27 p.m.  The new bridge!

I planned a short break at Happy Trails.  Mari Jo was outside when I rolled in.  She is 100% sure now -  I'm a bit daft!  :-)  I went in long enough to warm up a little.  As Mari Jo looked up at the ominous dark clouds, her parting words were;  "You've just 8-miles to go!"

4:03 p.m. Leaving Silver City~

The fields have turned pale green after our most welcome rain!  I stopped & put my windbreaker back on!  I planned to be at Agriland no later than 5 & that's when Butch was expecting me!

4:31 p.m. On the Trestle~

I took another short break, the windbreaker came off!  I was working hard enough to be warmed up.  I also found a bite sized chocolate candy in my pack!  

Breezy & I really moved out on the last stretch of our ride.  Once we were on the concrete outside Malvern, I again moved right up to my highest gear & built up momentum.  I could see Butch's shop door still partly open!

The roads by the shop have been recently graveled, that slowed us down...  Once inside the door, I saw the Explorer & my husband waiting!  I'd pulled in just two-minutes before five!

Breezy & I deserved a ride home!

We finished the 22.22 mile ride with a moving time of 2:39 hours & total time of 2:57 hours.  Our moving speed of 8.4 was up a full mile-an-hour over my April ride.  I'd like to attribute the improvement to my leg's continued healing, rather than the new bike.  Just a little way to go - to match my fastest time from last season.  I was tired!  Breezy was fine!  :-)