First Ride of Summer ~

 We had just enough rain Sunday morning to add humidity to what was to be another day in the 90's.    When we returned home from a Father's day drive, the wind picked up & blew the heat & humidity out!  Within just an hour or so, temperature's dropped substantially.  

Today, was as I'd hoped - Cooler!  I spent the morning mowing, then after lunch, loaded Breezy for the drive to Silver City.  Mari Jo had a appointment, Butch was driving an activity, so I was on my own.

Breezy watching the corn grow :-)

Butch was telling me - with the new modified corn - it's expected to be waist high by the fourth-of-July.  A change from when I was a kid & knee high was considered on track.  The 70's felt almost cool in the shade on the trail.  There was a lot of wind & some good gusts, more than we'd had a home.

On the trail~

It's so lush & beautiful this time of year, enveloping the senses.  The wind even kept the insects away.  The limbs blown down last week, had been removed.

At the Trestle, 14-miles to Imogene~

My leg was stiff & sore today.  Of course mowing for a few hours, before riding,  probably didn't do it any good.  Doing without the Gabapentin for a week now, has been difficult.  It covered more than just the ache & pain of my leg. 

I'd taken two bottles of water & emptied one by the time I reached Malvern.  I took a short break in the shade by the little depot.  I'd only seen three riders on the trail.  With the nice weather, I was surprised there weren't more.

Today's break spot~

I went to the far side of town to where the trail crosses the main road & passed Fast Stop before turning back.

Breezy & a BIG friend!

A few months ago, the wind actually blew the big bike down!  Since then, it's been reinforced with additional braces to the concrete pad.  The antique town sign, adds a nice touch.

The rear view~

I started running out of steam on the way back.   When a large cloud came over, the temperature would drop & once it almost felt like rain.  This section has seen a lot more rain than we have in Glenwood.  There was one place in the shade where my front tire slipped on the wet surface.  The trail was heavily rutted in many places.

Coming into Silver City from the south~

It was a relief to see town up ahead.  When I downloaded my stats though, my overall speed was actually up 2/10ths of a mile over my last ride here a week ago.  It was super hot that ride, which is probably the difference.  I missed my visit to Butch's shop & my cold coke too!

Walkin' The Wabash ~

After a somewhat stormy Sat., Sunday dawned a ten!  With so many gray days last week, we both wanted to get out somewhere & enjoy the spring weather.  With the parks closed, the Wabash beckoned.   We thought about getting the bikes out, but with the recent rain, we expected it would be too wet.

Leaving Silver City~

Nika was none too enthusiastic...  Butch put the pinch collar on her & she knows Dad doesn't allow any pulling!   Her expression tickled me.  Something like;  "If they would just walk faster..."

It's a tough time of year for me - still...  I can't help but think of all the rides Farah & I enjoyed when the weather was this perfect.

Of course Not...

But - no - we never did ride this portion.  The last time Butch & I rode our bikes, it was from Mineola to Silver City.  Today - we wanted to see what was beyond Silver City.

Smaller little creek~

There were very few bike riders out.  One group of four or five were at the pavilion in town, definitely not practicing social distancing.   From the trash along the trail, it seems they're also not interested in picking up after themselves...

Of course - bikes don't damage the surface...  Old dried ruts from a wetter day.

We just moved off to the side as they went by.  Several riders did acknowledge us, most didn't  & only one guy thanked us.  (We were wrong about the trail being wet.  It was bone dry!)

Silver Creek~

We could tell the trail was getting close to water.  The birds seem to be more active near the creeks & no wonder.  It was such a pretty area, perfect for a picnic table.

Beaver dam~

We were both surprised to see the Beaver dam!  It looked like they've been busy, just upstream from the bridge we were on.  Again, I was so surprised at the number of bridges!  We didn't count them, but I think we crossed at least seven or eight.

Who could this be?

The wind was blowing, but not bad.  I'd started out with a jacket, but it was soon tied to my waist.  I'd also forgotten my Garmin.  Boy Scout Troop 513 had added new mileage signs from milepost 14 to 15, showing each 1/4 mile.

New signage!

We turned around at four-miles out. It had been a long while since I'd just walked much distance. My legs could feel the difference from just the elliptical! Unable to go to the Y - I'm back to using my stationary bike. 30-min. on it at level 4-5, gets me 8 miles.

Where we turned back~

Nika's attitude brightened as we turned back :-)  She reminded me of a barn sour horse!  She was ready to return to the truck!  After all, it was past her dinner time!

Back in town~

Town was totally deserted.  We still plan on going to The Hood, when the restaurants & bars open again.  We've heard they have a mean burger!

Butch's new project :-)

Butch turned toward Malvern to show me his latest project!  He'd made a comment at work regarding the Fast Stop in town?  Wrong question to ask!  With the help of a couple of the men - guess who did an amazing job of cleaning it all up last Fri.?  He still has more to do, but the change was impressive!

I'd planned on going over for lunch one of these nice days.  After walking the trail, I think I'm going to get my bike out & ride from either Mineola or Silver City to Malvern.  The trail goes right next to Fast Stop & only a block from Agriland & the city park.  If I'm too tired for the ride back - I know who to ask for a lift!