Ahead of the Storm~

 Yet, another beautiful day.  Mid-70's & hardly any wind.  With a storm forecast for tomorrow, I almost didn't get in a ride!  When I tried to air the bikes rear tire, couldn't get the valve to take any air?  I checked the front tire, went back to try again on the rear, to find it flat!  I called Mari Jo, who suggested calling Xtreme Wheels in Council Bluffs.  I called & told Tony my problem.  He had time in the early afternoon to fit my bike in.

I loaded the bike & arrived right on time.  Tony diagnosed a faulty valve & replaced it!  I was amazed at how quickly he wheeled my bike out of the backroom shop!  He refused to take any payment.  I promised to recommend him to my friends.  With Shadow back on the Bronco, I made the short drive to Lake Manawa.

Cottonwoods & sunshine~

I have to admit, I'm tired of shades of brown.  There seems to be just the tiniest hint of green showing here & there.  Not enough to cover the browns though - yet!  The Old Farmer's Almac predicts a warmer than normal spring, dryer too.  As if we aren't dry enough?  Over the weekend we had another Red Flag warning.  I'm sure this is unusual for this time of year.  The day before I spent breaking branches to fit in our little fire pit. I managed to get one of the three huge piles along the creek, burned. Last year, I didn't burn at all.  It was either too windy, or too dry. 

Dirt works off E. Lake Manawa & Navajo street~

Semis with side dump trailers are running along E. Lake Manawa drive, from the Navajo street location.  Dirt is being moved; I'm just not sure what direction.  All of this has to be connected to the detention ponds being dug along E. Lake Manawa Drive.  The air was thick with dust & dirt.

Three Engines~

I was stopped at the intersection by the truck traffic.  Once safely across, I continued out to the quieter, east side of the park & turned north toward I-29.  This is quiet, as long as the trains aren't going by on their way to Mid-American!  

Rich Iowa soil, soon to be homes~

This is Phase I of the E. Lake Manawa Subdivision, by Turn the Paige Homes.  Just the beginning of construction on 40 single family residential units.   From what I've read, what remains of the 93 acres will be sold to other developers.  Prospective purchasers will be able to apply for downpayment assistance.  I couldn't find the total number proposed for the entire subdivision.

Eagle's nest~

I was riding the edge of the old campground when I spotted a Bald Eagle in a tree along the road.  I was just trying to get his photo, when a loud diesel truck startled him & he flew off.

Change, as always, is inevitable...  This type of high-density housing near natural areas, is what drove us from WA state.  Affordable housing has been in the news, as the numbers of homeless climb in the Council Bluffs area.  The total number of housing units currently proposed is 500-600.

I enjoy every minute I have riding the less congested trails around the lake.  Soon, I can see park use climb to overflowing.  Especially since it's the only large park within many miles of Council Bluffs.

Bridge at Indian Creek~

As you can see in the above photo, the trees just this last weekend started showing the first blush of green & buds!  The grass too, along the creek is sprouting a hint of green.

My favorite break spot~

I always save my favorite trail to the lake for the last part of the ride.  Without the usual wind blowing & no boats yet on the water, the quiet was so peaceful.  I can imagine what it was like when the surrounding area was more rural.  Or the fun of the lakeside amusement park.  

Tomorrow the storm is coming, but today you would never know!  Thursday is the first day of spring & it's coming in like a Lion!

Fall in the Air~

 At around 8 p.m. tonight - fall officially arrives.  The weather the last two-days has been exceptional,  especially after our Tuesday of record breaking heat.  Yesterday, our Garden Club group took a trip to Kimmel Orchards in Nebraska City.  A hay ride, tour of the facility & shopping made for a day of fun. 

Kimmel Orchards

Today, was a nice as fall weather can be!  Cool, mid-60's, overcast & no wind made it the perfect day to try my luck.  I planned to ride from Mineola north to Council Bluffs on the trail.

Bridge over Keg Creek~

I hadn't ridden this section of trail all the way to Council Bluffs since April of 2020.  I do ride it from Mineola to Margeritaville & back.  It's one of my favorite rides in the fall & colder months.  The 8-mile round-trip isn't bad when you climb the grade on the way there, then get to enjoy the downhill on the way back.

Keg Creek~

It's such a pretty area with some really nice, more territorial views than the section south from Silver City I usually ride.

"Cowboy Pass"~

Always bitter-sweet too, since the six-miles south of Council Bluffs is the only section where horses are allowed.  It was one of the places Farah & I rode often.  We'd even gone all the way from Mineola north, before we realized the rest of the section of horse trail had been abandoned & was totally overgrown.

Margeritaville~ 

Margeritaville had new refuse containers, new flags & was looking very picked up for nearing the end of the biking ride season.  I didn't stay long, as I had no idea how long it would take me to get to Council Bluffs. 

Underpass - Council Bluffs~

I was moving right along!  Doing a really nice speed & even coasting in spots.  I'd forgotten this section is one that reverses the usual 3% uphill grade going north & downhill grade going south.  Here, Margeritaville is pretty much at the summitt of the hills & from there, you're droping down into Council Bluffs.

Trail-head, Council Bluffs~

Arriving at the northern most trail-head, I'd covered the ten-miles in under an hour.  As usual, the smell of cooking food coming from Tastee Treet was so tempting!  I'l learned my lesson the first time I'd done this though!  Having a root beer freeze, then riding the uphill grade back was not fun!  

A stop at Tastee Treat!

I bought some smoked brisket for my dinner & ended up tieing it to my pack on the back of the bike.  I just had a tiny cup of the Dole Watermellon soft serve!  

Going back was a bit of work, but not difficult.  Especially since I've been riding all summer.  There were more riders on the trail than I usually see, but I'm sure the wonderful weather contributed.

On the way back to Mineola~

The cloud cover rolled in again & the temperature felt like it had dropped.  Two groups of H.S. cross country kids were running on the trail & the tractor was out cutting the bush back along the sides.  The fumes from the tractor were no fun, I felt for the kids running.  I had an opportunity to pass & took it. 

Mineola, under it's canopy of trees~

Besides dodging all the walnuts, the last four-miles of downhill was as fun as I remembered!   I love the view of town, even when the townsite is obscured by trees.  A totally different view, dependent on the time of year.  

OTR - Julesburg, CO to Council Bluffs & Home!

 All the parking spots were full when we pulled into the rest area.  Butch picked a place out of the way.  I was thankful it was close to the restrooms.  It was well after midnight, by the time we went to bed.

We woke to snow, maybe 3" on the ground & windblown, leaving a drift below the passenger side door.  It was late morning when Butch took Nika out for a walk.  They were gone quite a while, Nika loves snow.  

Big Red, Trailer full of pinto beans in tow~

The shades of white, lent a stark outlook to the day.  By the time Butch & Nika returned, I had the cab organized for the day.  With the snow continuing to come down, the roads would be interesting.

Colorful Colorado!

Driver's heading west, were talking of chaining up.  I looked at the weather east, then texted Kathy, who was kind enough to agree to pick me up in Council Bluffs.  She confirmed no snow in Glenwood & it wasn't due to come in until late, if at all.

Smoked pork chop, potatoes & carrots!

We had enough time I decided to fix a meal for Butch.  I'd given up deciding whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner!  I'd just bought a new little hot air fryer on Amazon.  Just cooking for one, it was so quick & easy.  I brought it along & it worked perfectly to brown the pork chop. We used the microwave for the potatoes & carrots, but if we'd had more time, I'd have browned them too.

Rider in the storm~

We pulled out right on time at 1:30 p.m.  

1:36 p.m. Icy surface~

We were cruising right along; the tricky part was being passed by other tractor/trailers.  The snow off the edges of the road would fly up & cause a white out in front of us.  Thankfully, it didn't last long.  

As you can see from the few minutes between the photos, the storm intensified.  Butch stopped at a Love's to fuel near North Platte & we were back on the road.  Eventually, we ran out of the storm & by nightfall, the sky was almost completely clear.  

1:42 p.m. Intersection of I-80~

We pulled into Sapp Brother's in Council Bluffs, about 9:30 p.m.  Kathy was waiting & helped us get all my things transferred to her car.  My husband gave me a final goodbye hug before climbing back into Red's cab & heading to Love's for a shower & rest break.  He'd be back on the road in ten-hours with Joliet, IL as his destination.  

Kathy's car was so full, Nika sat on my lap & stared at Kathy the entire drive home!  When we arrived, she was so excited to be home!  She exploded across the backyard when I turned her out.  Kathy helped me carry everything in & I had a piece of her pumpkin cake!  Thankful for good friends, after Kathy left, I couldn't wait for a shower & fell into bed...  

I'm super thankful I had the opportunity to experience a few days of the challenges my husband faces - every day & night with this occupation.  He's always been the best at anything he tackles & OTR driving is no exception.

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!  :-)

Windy & Warm Sunday ~

 Sunshine, warm temperatures, humidity & wind.  We stopped for a donut on our way north.  We decided to leave from the Wabash Trailhead at Council Bluffs.  This is northern most point of the trail & connects to the Lake Manawa trail system.  

The bikes are ready to go~

The parking area was almost full, but there was still several spots open.  Most riders were going out on the Trace.  Instead - we took the paved path along the side of  E. South Omaha Bridge Road.

Looking up at Interstate 29~

A sharp turn to the south & the trail goes under Interstate 29.  Another turn to the west & we connected with the trail along Manawa Drive.  It was great to have the big dark clouds over us, blocking the hot sun.  We could hear the noise from the traffic above, but not for long.

Mosquito Creek~

Can you guess how this creek got it's name?  Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be an issue now!  Riding into the wind & out in the open, we were glad when we turned into the park.

By the time we reached the west side of the park & were riding the long stretch along Indian Creek, a big cloud rolled in.  It started sprinkling, the rain drops felt so good!  We made the turn east & crossed the bridge.  The trail across the south end of the lake & through the big Cottonwoods is my favorite.  

Butch~

The clouds continued to follow us.  Just shortly after we'd stopped, another rider came by from the opposite direction.  He pointed over his shoulder & yelled;  "Turkey"!  Sure enough, we could see a big tom turkey off to the side.  I stopped, got my phone & just as I was taking the photo, he disappeared into the underbrush!  I couldn't believe how fast he was!  He missed his photo op!  :-)

Butch adjusting his seat~

This was Butch's longest ride to date on his new bike, he adjusted his seat, adjusted mine a time or two & moved my handlebars just a little toward my seat.  

We were riding around a blind corner, one of the few on the trail, when suddenly coming at us was a large group of five or more riders, on rental, electric bikes.  They took up the entire trail & were going too fast...  The guy in the lead yelled at his companions & they avoided us in the nick-of-time.  We'd seen the rentals at the trailhead.  Butch said we'd have to try them sometime.  The problem I see - is people unused to riding - or trail etiquette - renting them.

Going under the train tracks~

Leaving from the trailhead, added four-miles to our ride.  By the time we were back at the Bronco, we'd covered 11-miles.  

Our route~

We loaded the bikes - then - since it was on our way home...  We had to stop at Tastee Treat!  Their pulled, barbeque chicken & hush puppies are my favorite!  I topped that off with a root-beer freeze!  I think we consumed at least as many calories as we'd burned!  :-)

First 2021 - Point-to-Point Ride~

 It was cold, the wind was blowing, making it even colder.  The sun was shining, this was the day Butch could drop me off  at the start of the Wabash in Council Bluffs.  It would be a one way ride from there - to Agriland in Malvern - 22-miles.

12:20 p.m. On the trail, heading south~

I wore a thermal long sleeved shirt, my North Face Thermoball vest & Carhart jacket.  Once I was warmed up, I removed my vest.  Working up a sweat in the cold wind, was no fun.  Again, this section of the trail is always bittersweet.  It's the one section of the 62-mile length open to horses.  Farah & I rode it often.

Speedy, at the entrance to the horse trail~

A long & gradual climb for six-miles, to the bike party spot of Margaritaville.  Improvements are under way, I'm sure the two houses in the area are not happy about it.  The parties can get loud, I'm told.

1:15 p.m. Margaritaville~

There are picnic tables, a swing & the hitching posts are still there too.  Farah & I used this as our lunch spot.  We'd have to turn back - but with Speedy I continued on. What I like about it most - is on to Minneola - it's almost four-miles of downhill!  So very much fun!

Mineola in the distance~

A new bench was installed, I did stop again to take a few photo's.  It was far from the only stop I made, putting my jacket on, taking it off etc.  When the sun was out, I'd warm up, but when a big cloud came over, the temperature would take a nose dive.

2 p.m. At ten-miles~

Leaving this trail-head, I knew I'd have two-miles of uphill to the top of the long hill.  It was a grind...  I only stopped once & even tried first gear, but it felt like I was going nowhere.  Sweet relief to reach the summit.  Now, it would be 2-miles of downhill, with the last mile to Silver City concrete.

2:30 p.m. 14-miles.  Crossing the new bridge at Silver City!

I was happy to arrive - this would be my longest break.  Mari Jo was expecting me, she said something about "Crazy to ride in this cold & wind."  She thought I'd be turning back north, but I explained I was going on south & Butch had the bike rack.

3:27 - a short way out of Silver City~

I stayed longer than I should have, getting warm in the shop, felt so good!  I inhaled the few peanuts I'm brought along.  Now, I only had 1.5 hours to get to Agriland.  My directions to Butch were, if he didn't see me by 5, he was to pick me up in Silver City.  I knew he wouldn't be happy if he had to drive back to Malvern to get me!  My best time before my injury had been just under an hour, but I didn't want to take any chances.

Dutchman's Breeches~

The Dutchman's Breeches were still in bloom, but starting to fade.  I had to stop to get one more photo of them.  I made my best time of the ride on this eight-mile stretch.  First, I know it well & second, the wind was still at my back.

4:20 p.m. Malvern!

I couldn't believe I'd made it to Malvern in just under an hour!  I was proud of Speedy!  :-)  We headed on over to the shop.  It was so cold, the big doors were closed.  Just as I went to open the man door, it was opened by Butch!  He'd been coming out to see if I was close!

Thirty-minutes to spare!  Yippee!  We left for dinner at Tobey Jacks - yummy conclusion to a long day's ride.