Pedaling on~

 Butch left Friday morning, heading back toward IN.  As I usually do after he leaves, I cleaned anything I could find to clean.  Tasks I don't enjoy taking my mind off his absence.

Maverick~

Today though, even though the heat & humidity have returned, I wanted to ride.  When I pulled into Happy Trails Mari Jo expressed surprise that I was there.  Even mid-80's with humidity in the low 60's was a better forecast than the rest of this week.  Rain is expected later, that will really make things steamy.

Soybeans turning gold~

My energy level wasn't the greatest, but seeing the seasons begin to change is always uplifting.

Walnut canopy thinning out~

The Walnut trees are dropping walnuts everywhere.  Not as many, but larger than last year's crop. They are tricky to navigate & hitting them is no fun.

Tree down~

Thirty minutes into the ride, I found a trail block.  This one was tricky to get over, the split limbs on the right were just close enough together, the bike didn't fit between them.  Lifting Shadow over them both at once wasn't an option.  A rider who came from the opposite direction offered to help, but I declined & managed to angle Shadow, a wheel at a time, to the other side.

Cattails & Sunflowers~

The wetland near Malvern that burned last year, has completely recovered, except for some of the trees that had lined the trail.

Shadow turns over 400-miles~

I realized too, when I don't have the PAS system on, the bike doesn't record the miles!  Really?!  :-)  I usually keep it on.  Riding in the lowest eco mode balances out the heavier weight of the bike.  When my knees start hurting, it's time to either shift the PAS up, or gear down. 

Fields of gold~

I looped through Malvern, then stopped at the pond as usual.  Only two RVs were at the campground.  A Dad came riding in, holding a dog on a leash & with three little kids on bikes!  I was impressed at his skill!

Silver Creek~

It had been cloudy all morning, but by the time I left to ride, the sky was clearing off & the heat was climbing.  The lush greens speak for themselves.

Shadow on the Trestle~

I started moving out after I left the trestle heading back north.  I was tired, hot & the bugs were awful any time I stopped.  Shadow outran them!  Today, I saw no less than three couples riding e-bikes.  Now that I'm riding one, I have to stop complaining about them.  That said, I still have concerns about bikes capable of what I consider an excessive speed of 28 mph.  Way too fast for a multi-user trail.

I picked up Finn.  He had flushed a cat from under one of the bushes in Doris's backyard his last visit & had a great time chasing it over the fence.  Today, the cat held its ground & Finn would not stop barking!  Doris had to go out & convince the cat to scram!  The story had me laughing out loud!  :-)

Summer Begins~

 Forecast as the coolest day of the next week - the temperature was 84 degrees; humidity 73% & feels like 92.  Mari Jo had sent me a message asking if I'd ride this week.  I'd spent yesterday working outside, so today was the day. 

Our weather forecast going into the summer months sounds challenging.  With Ragbrai coming the 20th of July, a few more people are using the trail.  It's not a ride I'd have done, even a few years ago.  Held during the hottest & most humid time of year, it doesn't sound at all like fun to me. 

South from Silver City

My poor knee is still giving me fits, after almost three-weeks.  Whether a bone bruise or whatever, I'm still limping.  I found out the first time I stopped; it still didn't want to give me the support I needed to put my foot on the ground.  I slow down, apply both brakes evenly & hold them until I'm off the bike.

Into the Walnut trees~

The trail surface had several soft/damp spots.  I took the track that looked to be firm, but I could feel the rear tire slide a few times. The birds were in full song & a stiff wind helped keep the humidity at bay.  The trees along the trail offer shade, but in exchange hold in the humidity.

Good flow in Silver Creek~

I stopped at the Trestle, it's such a relief to see so much water flowing.  The rains we've received this spring are forecast to continue through much of the summer months.  I wouldn't complain & wouldn't miss moving all the hoses & all the watering.

 Growing on the Malvern Depot Arch~

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. maximowiczii 'Elegans'.  The stunning leaves of this vine are impressive.  I stop under the Arch to make a note of the time it's taken me to reach this spot.  It's interesting to see the difference temperature, wind etc. make in each ride.

Boehner pond~

After my usual circuit of town, I was looking forward to stopping at the pond.  The breeze off the water actually felt cool, even on such a humid day.  Only one RV camping & no one around today.

Shadow & a Mulberry Tree~

On the way back, Shadow decided to stop at this mulberry tree.  I spend quite a while picking & eating all the ripe berries I could reach!  My fingertips were purple before I decided it was time to move on.

Elderberry under the Walnut trees~

Elderberry look so brilliantly white in the shade of the Walnuts.  Soon they'll be covered with berries too.  No wonder the birds are so happy with all the native berries available.

A few miles further down the trail & I saw some type of animal/animals ahead in the center of the trail.  At first, I thought they might be woodchucks, but as I got closer, I recognized a large racoon.  With her, were four kits!  As I rode closer, she hustled the little ones off the trail & into the bushes.  Passing the spot, I watched & sure enough I was being watched by one of kits!  So darn cute!

The trail back~

I can't lie, it's enjoyable to be able to gear Shadow's torque-based PAS.  It makes riding so much easier on my knees & bad leg.  I've been averaging 11-mph on my rides, without pushing & staying at level one eco.  After 18-miles, I was still soaked with sweat by the time I was back to Happy Trails & the Explorer. 

Once home, I had the task of washing all the smashed & splattered mulberries off Shadow.   The battery was down one bar, (out of five) but that's after 35-miles of riding & today's stiff wind gusts.  It was my first time washing the e-bike & I was careful to stay clear of the motor.  I left the bike in the off position when I put it away.   When a cool day does come again, I may take Smokey out, curious if riding an e-bike keeps me fit enough to self-pedal the same distance.  We'll see, I'm pretty spoiled now!

Walk from the Pond~

 A bright sunshine day, after two days of gray & a little drizzle we'll call "rain".  Our total was .22 - it did get the ground wet - but that was about it.  I've wanted to get the bike out, but with 30 mph wind gusts - Lake Manawa didn't sound too appealing.  

Instead, I decided we'd drive to the little park in Malvern & walk the concrete portion of the Wabash, north toward Silver City.  The park is where I take my break when riding my bike.  (The limestone trail surface is deep into the freeze/thaw cycle now & not rideable).  We were the only ones there.

Finn - ready to go!

Amazon delivered Finnigan's new escape proof harness late last night.  I tried it on & the fit was just right.  A good excuse to go for a longer walk.  We'd gone out with Mari Jo & Gracie for the second time on Friday.  I forgot my phone, so no photos of us, walking in the cold drizzle with two very muddy dogs!  Mari Jo had tempted me to make the drive - with sugar cookie fudge & homemade rolls! 

Around the pond~

Today, was ever so much nicer!  Finn was on a mission - to mark every large tree.  Thankfully, there are only a couple!  We've been walking every day at home.  By about 3:30 Finn makes it obvious - it's time for his walk by standing halfway between the kitchen & the back door.  We walk the entire place & end up in the Cabin.  I turn up the heat & he sleeps on my lap while I listen to my audio book for a while before going back to the house for his dinner.

This dog would be gone in a flash, chasing a squirrel, bunny etc. if he were off leash.  A squirrel had run across the trail right in front of us on Friday & he about took me with him!  His kennel cough is gone now, he's gained a pound & is enjoying life.

Where's Finn? - Perfect camouflage!  

He blends in perfectly with the colors of the late fall landscape!  It's almost impossible for me to see him until he moves!  I was so used to Nika's wheaten color standing out against anything but snow.

Our turn-around at Jahnke Rd.

I'd forgotten to wear my Garmin.  I'm going to next time & keep track of Finn's miles on the trail.  We were just over a mile north of Malvern & at the end of the concrete. (I've entered our first three walks, manually.)

Heading back~

We made a stop at a corn field & hadn't been there more than a minute or two when Finn pounced on something in the field grass!  A second pounce & his nose went in up to his eyes.  Not wanting to continue on with him carrying a catch.  I pulled him back!

Ready to pounce!

Back at the pond, we took advantage of one of the benches to soak in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine, before leaving.

Finnigan's profile~

The days are so short now, with the sun so low in the southern sky.  I'll be much happier to be on uphill side of the winter solstice.

We sat for a few minutes, before he jumped down - turned towards me & starting barking.  It was obvious he was ready to go home!  He knew where the Explorer was & led me right to it.  Such a smart guy!  

(Adopt-a-Pet offered us a free gift.  I took the dollars off a DNA kit & ordered it.  I'm looking forward to seeing what different breeds make up our cute, smart & opinionated dog!)

Break from the Heat~

 Or so I thought!  The forecast was for lower 80's & slightly less humidity.  By the time I'd driven to Silver City it was already warmer than I'd expected.  Happy Trails was busy, I waved to Mari Jo & took off down the trail.

At Happy Trails~

I'd taken my usual two bottles of water, but I stopped just over a mile out to take the first of my electrolytes.  Even in the shade of the trail, it was much warmer than I like & no breeze at all.

Soybeans getting huge~

The corn is well over 5 feet tall now & completely encloses the trail where it's planted on both sides.  Again, a perfect block to any possible breeze.

The Walnut Grove~

Seeing the Walnuts & the shade they provide, made it seem cooler, but it wasn't.  I thought about turning back at the Hwy 34 underpass but decided to continue on.  The last mile or so of concrete is always such a nice reward after seven miles of limestone.

Arch at Malvern, looking north~

Riding all the way to the depot, I stopped under the shade of the arch to log my stats.  Any shade at all was welcome - but the only breeze - was the one Smokey made!

View from the north picnic area~

The southern picnic covered area was occupied, so I rode on around to the far end.  On a Sunday, I was actually surprised there weren't more riders out.  I made my usual call to Butch.  He was in the middle of a reset, on a strip of land between the Columbia River & Columbia Slough, just outside Portland, OR.  His weather, in the low 70's with a nice breeze off the water, made me very envious!  As we were talking, I could see a large line of thunderheads off to the north.  The weatherman had forecast storms later tonight, into early tomorrow morning. 

Silver Creek west, from the trestle~

The weather forecast was wrong.  By the time I was back at the trestle, the clouds had moved in.  With them, the almost constant, rolling sound of thunder.  I was more than thankful for the cloud cover though.

Tall Bellflower~

Here & there were the Bellflowers, still in bloom.  I've found a couple of these in our woods, so I hope to have more.  Native American's used the crushed root for coughs.  I felt a couple drops of rain, so picked up my pace the last few miles. The air was positively stifling...  No breeze, very still & humid.

Just two miles south of Silver City~

Once I was back into an open area, I had to stop to get a photo of the amazing clouds sweeping in.  There was no doubt now - rain was coming fast!

I got back to Happy Trails, loaded Smokey & went inside to say goodby to Mari Jo.  She was closing up shop & said if I hadn't shown up soon, she'd have gone looking for me.  So nice of her!  I'd driven just to the top of the first hill out of town - when the rain hit!  A torrential downpour!  I put the wipers on full blast just to see at all.  I drove out of it, but a steady rain followed me back to Glenwood.  I had just enough time to put Smokey away when the heavy rain hit.  

We've gone from very, very dry, to getting at least some rainfall every other day.  The grass is so green & growing so fast, the mowing continues to be non-stop.  At least I don't have to water! :-) 

(Interesting stats from Omaha.  April through June 6.00 - rain.  July alone - 6.30)

White Cloud Trestle - South~

 I said in May, I'd return to this section of the trail & today I did.  I don't like parking at the Depot.  The grade of the little parking area puts the rear of the Explorer too high for me to lift Smokey onto the rack.  Butch suggested I go to the park just across from Agriland.  It was perfect & easy!

Ready to leave~

I rode around the south end of the pond, out onto the trail & past the Depot.  Past the big bike art installation, I didn't stop for a photo.  It was definitely warmer & muggier than it has been & especially so - since there was very little breeze.

Toward Marsh Rd.~

The first section of the trail is a unrelenting uphill grind.  Once I was past Marsh Road, it's more rolling, but there's one section with heavier rock than I'm used to.  It gave me an appreciation of the riders who ride on the gravel roads.

Tall Bellflower~

I'd seen the above flowers blooming last year & have identified them.  They are such a pretty color & the only thing I've found along the trail blooming this time of year.

Sign in the tree to the right~

The trail was dappled with sunlight the last couple miles to the White Cloud truss bridge.   The signage is getting weather worn, but you can still make out the message. 

Imogene 10 miles~

No doubt about it, at least in my opinion.  It's a tough ride to go from Malvern to Imogene.  Besides today & another ride this May, going out 7-miles, I've traveled it twice one way & once, a round-trip.

Elevation~

The Garmin chart above shows the four rides, the one on the far right, longest & green line is the round trip. It was my first year back on a bike - riding Speedy - May 29th of 2020.  At just under 28-miles - I was so tired coming back - I got off & walked up the last of the big hills.  The two in the middle, I'd made it one way to Imogene & Butch picked me up there.  

I noticed my average speed had dropped after my leg injury, but now, partly thanks to Smokey, it's increasing again.  Even riding just over half-way today, it's a considerable improvement. My goal is to ride all the way to Imogene, sometime before this year is out, but I'll need to find a ride back!  

White Cloud Trestle over the W Nishnabotna River~

This bridge & the view from it, is beautiful.  It was erected in 1910 using 1884 parts.  At 305 ft. total, the main span is 115 ft.  It is a few years older than the Silver Creek Trestle, erected in 1923.  I have to admit, I'm in love with the old bridges & in awe of the engineering & crews that constructed them.

View upstream from the trestle~

The day had warmed & was very still, just an occasional slight breeze to cool me off.  I hadn't seen anyone on the trail.  The town of White Cloud, just a short way beyond the trestle, began as a mill & a ferry operated across the river.  Both White Cloud & Glenwood were started before there were railroads.

Crossing the narrow bridge~

In less you're on foot, this is a one bike at a time crossing.  There's about 6" left on each side of the handlebars.  

I made it to the cattle guard in the photo below & stopped for a break at six miles.  I called Butch & told him Smokey wanted to turn back. :-) I turned the bike around to face north & took a short rest break.

Starting back?

But then, I looked south.  There was one more rise & I really thought I might be close to the area I named Cottonwood Pass on my first ride.  Oh heck - what's another mile or so?  I finished the climb & started down the far side until I heard my Garmin buzz at 7-miles.

The trail continued; I turned back~

There was plenty of trail ahead of me for another day, six to seven miles more to reach Imogene.  Returning to Malvern, I'd have several miles of downhill grade!  Yippee!  It was a blast sailing along making my own breeze.  My t-shirt almost dried out!

Smokey on the White Cloud Trestle~

A coyote ran across the trail at one point.  He was moving fast & so was I.  More clouds had moved in too, giving the day a silvery glow & dropping the temperature a couple degrees.  After the bridge, it was a bit of a grind back to Marsh Road.  Once across, we were back under the canopy of the trees.  I enjoyed a final nice downhill into Malvern.

My route~

Coming into town, I whizzed along on the concrete portion of the trail, back to the park.  A good workout & a really enjoyable ride.  Two back-to-back longer rides did take a toll though!  Now, the hottest days of the summer season are due to arrive.  I'll be glad when they're in my rear-view mirror!

South from Malvern ~

 Another in a string of wonderful spring days!  As I stepped up onto the Cabin porch carrying two, one gallon jugs of water, I managed to trip.  I didn't do the back of my right knee any good at all. Regardless, I used Smokey to help me hobble over to the Explorer where I loaded the bike.

At the Depot in Malvern

My plan for the afternoon, was to drive to Malvern & ride south from there.  It's 14-miles to Imogene & I knew I wouldn't be doing a round-trip.  I decided to ride out about 6-8 miles, then turn around & return.  I had no idea if I would even be able to pedal, since walking hurt. Pedaling didn't seem to hurt at all & away I went!

Leaving - south

My first time doing this section of trail had been April 30th, 2020.  Butch had been working at Agriland & was picking me up in Imogene.  My second ride on May 29th of the same year - was my only time making a round-trip!  It wasn't just the 28-mile distance, but the hills the miles included that made it one of my most difficult rides.

Open views~

Without a ride back from Imogene, I wanted to see if what I called Cottonwood Cathedral - was within range.  I may work on this distance over the riding months to see if I can eventually do the entire round-trip.  

I discovered I had a problem - the first time I stopped to take a photo.  Stopping did not work very well.  I always use my right leg (less damaged) to put on the ground first.  My knee did Not like the job at all!  I stayed on the brakes & used the handlebars to take my weight.  Even doing so - the knee was very painful & more so every time I stopped.

Stunning spring day!

There were several groups of riders coming toward me - but no one traveling my direction.  More traffic than I'm used to on week days.  Three of the four times I've ridden this section, I was on Speedy my Electra.  Such a great bike, I still miss it!  The last time, May 12th of 2021 was on the Trek Verve 3.  It was a miserable trip ending in my first, one & only ugly dismount at Imogene.

White Cloud Trestle~

Today I was enjoying the ride so much...  I was very mad at myself for the unplanned injury.  I recognized the little cottage through the trees.  Someone told me it's available for an overnight stay to bike riders, but I've not confirmed it.

Little Cottage~

When I came up on the White Cloud Trestle, it was like visiting an old friend.  These bridges are such a historic reminder of the days the train came through.  The river here was low too.  I'd stopped to admire the day & the quiet when I hear a plunk!  I think I'd missed seeing a turtle or frog jump off a log into the water.

W. Nishnabotna River~

Since it was under 4-miles from Malvern, after a short stop, I kept going.  There are more creek crossing on this section of the trail, than the one closer to home.  The loess soils here erode at such an amazing rate.  It's obvious when you observe the depth of the creeks.

Creek from a bridge~

I was at about 5-miles & feeling the constant, but gradual uphill grade, when I came to the narrow bridge.  It too, has a deep ravine with a small creek.  I don't know why this bridge was built or re-built so much narrower than the others.  Maintenance crews certainly can't drive across this one!

Smokey at the narrow bridge~

When the GPS gave me just over six-miles, my knee agreed it was more than time to turn back, at least if I wanted to get back!  It was exasperating to not make it to my goal, but it made sense if I wanted to get back to the Explorer in intact.

Back on the White Cloud trestle~

Starting back - was fun!  I knew I'd been working pretty hard, but the fast downhill was great!  We zoomed along to the trestle.  From there on, the last few miles were more of the gradual ups & downs more common on the trail.

I was so lame when I got off for the last time, I used Smokey to hobble to the car.  At home, the ice went on the knee.  Now, I have to wait to see how long it will take to heal :-(