Back to the great outdoors! Another warm day - warm - mid 80's - way better than hot! I was looking forward to a ride, but not too long, after a couple days on the road. I drove to Agriland, parked the Bronco & asked Butch to pick me up in Imogene.
South of Malvern~
It is cooler in the shade, but with the trail damp & sticky, the humidity was again, very high. At least when you're cruising along at about 8-mph., the breeze makes it tolerable.
Coming out into the open~
I've done this section one other time & remembered most of the route. Once I was out there & working - I was very glad I'd decided against the round-trip.
The native grape vines have taken over this entire hillside! I have yet to try the fruit - maybe later this summer.
Speedy~
The corn on the other hand, is getting huge! It's a little way off the trail here, but in places it's growing along both sides of the trial & so tall it totally blocks most of what breeze there may be.
White Cloud Railroad trestle - over the W. Nishnabotna River ~
It was a relief to get to the trestle. There & could appreciate the little bit of breeze coming off the water, drink & take another electrolyte.
The River~
On past the river, is the longest wood bridge on this section of the trail. Scenic - I stopped again in the shade. It was a typical Iowa late July day.
On the bridge~
Not too many miles further, is a dirt grade B road. It still looked a little muddy. I did what's become my usual routine - walked Speedy lightly across. Speedy's tires aren't wide & are not narrow, so they usually do just fine.
All I could see ahead - on the dirt - was butterflies! Yellow, blue & Painted Ladies! The yellow butterflies stayed together as did the blue. The Painted Ladies on the other hand - were everywhere! I realized my going through would spook them, so setting the camera to video, I continued down the trail. In seconds, the air was filled with butterflies! Such a unique experience - especially without much depth perception!
Tree down~
Just a few miles from Imogene, a big tree was down... I'm always sad to see any really large tree go down - anywhere. A big healthy tree - uprooted by the wind. I walked Speedy under the branches - where someone had broken a few off.
Arriving in Imogene - two large groups of riders were getting ready to leave. There was a huge older bus, I think must have provided transportation for some. One group heading south, the larger, north. I was ever so glad to be off the trail. I'm spoiled, having it to myself most days.
Imogene~
Pulling in at 4:35, it had taken us just a few minutes over two-hours to travel the 14-miles. I was surprised at my time, considering the stops I'd made. Butch was coming for us at 5, so I sat on the side of a big metal roller to wait. The picnic table area was still full of the biking group.
Electra~
I have to mention, how happy I am with Speedy. Electra still makes a fine bike. Fun to ride, easy to handle & as Butch found out, easy to work on. I've been happy to find at least one day a week to date, where the weather isn't too miserable to ride. I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather of fall & even riding in the winter. I may be pulling out my riding thermals after all! :-)
