In Blew the Cold!

 We'd enjoyed some really beautiful fall days!  Sunshine, not a lot of wind & even with warnings of cold weather to come, it was hard to believe it.  I'd spent Saturday pulling Zinnia's & Virginia Creeper from the hill between our backyard & the marsh.  It took me most of the day.  Then, I decided the front yard actually needed mowing one more time!

One of the few curves in the trail~

Since Sunday was the last forecast nice day, I had to get the bike out!  I hadn't ridden from Silver City to Malvern for a while, so left from Silver City.  Mari Jo was just leaving town on the trail too, going north!  We took a few minutes to chat before heading our separate ways.

Open views ~

It was a total joy to be out in nature on such a fine day.  I only saw two other riders going north on my way.  I stopped at the pond for my break.

2:21 p.m. Boehner Pond - looking north~

No one was at the campground, nor the little park.  The sun was warm & there was just a light breeze when I arrived.  I tried getting a call through to Butch, but didn't have service.

2:42 p.m. Boehner Pond - looking south~

Within just the 20 minutes I was there, the weather changed dramatically.  The clouds rolled in & the temperature must have dropped at least 5 degrees.  The wind picked up too, first from the north, then changing direction & back again.

Increasing cloud cover & wind~

The farther I rode north, the darker the day was.  I added my coat over my vest to keep warm.

Spark of brilliant reds~

I did stop to get the above photo of the bright reds against the wood of the big old tree snag.  Such a contrast of color.

Silver Creek from the trestle~

At the trestle, all was quiet, no sound except for the blowing wind.  I didn't stick around long.

Almost back to Silver City~

Rain never did happen, it didn't feel like rain, it was more of a pressure variant I could feel.  I pulled my fleece headband out of my pack to keep my ears from freezing!  The Explorer was the only car parked by Happy Trails.  I'm sure going to miss returning to visit with Mari Jo at Happy Trails to warm up before the trip home.  

Warming Up~

 The temperatures are moving up into the 80's.  We've also shifted from the dryest May on record last year - to the wettest May on record - this year.  Quite a difference & a welcome one after three years of drought.  Tinkle Branch creek actually scoured some of the grass along the edges of the bank with the last storm.

The corn is growing!

Another Wednesday afternoon & as usual, I was ready for a ride.  As the month of May comes to a close, the days continue to warm.  I'm continuing to acclimatize, at least I hope so!  Working around home I work up more of a sweat than I usually do riding.  Shadow makes a nice breeze, which helps.

Lush greens~

The Walnuts, one of the last trees to leaf out, are finally contributing to the shade on the trail!  There were more people on the trail today than I'd expected for a mid-week afternoon.  I'd dropped Finnigan off with Doris.  The two of them really enjoy their time together.

Approach to the Silver Creek Trestle~

I've now discovered the downside to the new deck planking.  It's black & the surface absolutely absorbs & radiates a tremendous amount of heat! I doubt there will be as many riders stopping here for their break when it's a sunny day!

More lush greens~

I still can't get over how quickly the country can go from the barren browns of the winter months to the incredible greens of spring & summer!  Almost an ocean of greens.  When the wind is blowing, the undergrowth & trees provide a wave like action too.

The Trestle~

At least the crews left enough of the larger tree cover to shade the approach to the bridge, which is where I usually stop anyway.  I rode on into Malvern, did the usual town loop & stopped at the pond.  Troy was mowing & we chatted for a few minutes.  I called Butch too.  By the time I was ready to leave, it was later than usual.  

Silver Creek - downstream~

Here too, the scouring of the banks from our big rainstorm is plain to see, along with the silt turning the water so brown.  Obviously, this creek wasn't named after a storm!

Heading back - Upstream~

It would have been interesting to be out here during the height of the flow!  From this point on, I decided to open Shadow up a little.  I used the PAS system & gears to speed up to 15-16 mph.  I still wasn't using the fastest setting, but the sport mode was fun.  I was only a few minutes late returning to pick up Finn.  He usually knows when to expect me & is waiting by the storm door.  Another beautiful day's ride~

More November Sunshine ~

 Now that Happy Trails is closed for the season, Mari Jo has time to ride.  With the time change, I decided to leave home 30-min. early for Silver City.  I was pulling into town just as Mari Jo was ready to leave.  Perfect timing.  We both commented on the great weather as we started out, but the super dry conditions are so obvious everywhere.  

Mari Jo & the bikes~

Mari Jo, as usual set a good pace, she dropped it down a bit for my benefit.  I feel very lucky to be able to continue to ride the distances I do.  Mari Jo said I might consider, more, shorter rides.  I might - if I were closer to the trail.  But I also enjoy being out longer than a short ride would take.  The feeling of working until I'm physically tired is something of an addiction.  Whether it's from riding a horse, working in the woods, mowing, or riding a bike. I've always looked for a way to burn my excess energy.

Creek~

Being able to physically withstand the activity, of whatever type will eventually be the limiting factor.  My last accident has tried to slow me down the most.  Mari Jo mentioned my left ankle doesn't flex as I peddle anymore.  At least my foot stays on the peddle!

Wide Angle of the Trestle~

A somewhat eerie afternoon, only one farmer out in his field on a tractor.  A huge cloud of dust giving away his position long before we saw him.  Most of the fields have been cleared already.  The moisture content of the crops isn't ideal.

2:08 p.m. Silver Creek~

We made good time going to Malvern & stopped at the Depot for a short break.  It ended up being a little longer, it had been a while since we'd had time to chat.  We were back on the bikes & heading north as the sun moved lower in the sky.

3:33 p.m. From the Trestle~

By the time we'd returned to the trestle, the day definitely had the look of an early fall evening. In Silver City, Mari Jo split for home.  I returned to the Explorer.  Once home, I was amazed at how quick dusk came & dark followed!  Now - we've moved into the shorter daylight hours of fall, like it or not.

The Thunder Rolled ~

 With the welcome rain, the heat & humidity have soared.  The end of last week was close to miserable.  I'd go out & be soaked to the skin in minutes.  Any exertion felt like I was carrying a heavy pack.  Today was supposed to be a few degrees cooler - if the upper 80's is cool.  The humidity too - had dropped just a little.  

As I left Glenwood & turned onto Gaston Rd., the clouds turned dark & the rain hit hard.  The wipers were hardly clearing the windsheild, even on high.  But just a couple miles later; in Silver City, the clouds were off to the west & it was dry.  

A couple were at Happy Trails & had just come in off the trail from Malvern. They said the trail south bound was in pretty good condition, with only a few soft spots.  I decided to go. 

Lush & wet~

When I left, I didn't think I'd go all the way to Malvern.  But after reaching the Trestle, the sky was clearning & the clouds were to the west.  The rain had dropped the temperature & there was a light breeze.

Silver Creek - west from the Trestle~

Plenty good enough for me to continue on south.  The creek was muddy & higher than it's been in forever, so good to see.  Just as I stopped - I saw a deer standing right in the middle of the creek!  By the time I got my phone out to snap that perfect photo - she'd crossed into the woods.

Clouds to the West~

When I reached the open section of trail at the dirt road crossing, the clouds seemed to be moving to the north.  It looked like the further south I went, the more rain had been received.

At the Pond~

When I reached the park, the sky had changed!  It looked like the storms were moving in from the east, unusual for us.  The clouds were heavier & more ominous looking than earlier.  I called Butch, but we didn't talk for long.  I had a feeling I'd better move on & start my return  of eight + miles soon!

At the Trestle again~

By now, it was obvious the afternoon had changed!  I could hear the sound of the rolling thunder from both sides of the trail.  No lightening so far, thank heaven!  But the loud booms of thunder were more than enough to keep me motivated.

Silver creek~

Looking down - I saw the strangest pattern in the water!  It looked like rain drops were hitting everywhere, but it wasn't yet raining!  The wind wasn't blowing either, but the thunder was almost non-stop.  I decided standing in the middle of a steel bridge - over water - was not the smartest thing I've ever done!

3-miles to go~

We'd no more than cleared the Trestle when the rain hit!  It was instantaneous & the wind was gusting from the east!  Every stroke of the pedals became tougher as Smokey's tires started sinking into the softening surface of the limestone.  It gets incredibly slippery too, as does the wood decking on the bridges.  It was a long three miles until we reached the concrete at the edge of Silver City.

Looking back the way I'd come~

Mari Jo was standing under the cover at Happy Trails watching for me.  She said they'd received a good downpour while  I was gone & there was a weather warning for another strong storm & hail.  She kindly got out her hose so I could wash the grime off Smokey before loading the bike.  In the few minutes that took - the rain hit town again.

Smokey & the Explorer~

I was more than happy to be inside Happy Trails & out of the rain.  I stayed long enough to wipe the water off, before heading home.  At home, even though we'd received .05 while I was gone, the sun was breaking through the clouds.  The weather predicition is for more unsettled weather this coming week.  No complaints - rain is welcome!

Ice on the Water ~

 Sunshine, warmer & no wind.  A day to be outside & enjoy.  I drove over to Silver City & was at the trail-head by early afternoon.  With the days getting so short, so quickly, I wanted to allow plenty of time.

Silver City~

I will say it was a bit chilly, in the low 40's & cooler in the trees.  But on the open sections of trail, the sun was warm.  With the trees again devoid of their leaves, it's quite a change of scene.  Back to stark & bright!

The trail~

Only the Catbrier had a few leaves left, hanging in the sun. 

Ice forming~

It's been cold enough, long enough now the creeks have the first layer of ice forming.  So beautiful & yet it seems early - not even winter - yet!  Just before the bridge, a familiar rider was coming my direction.  Mari Jo was on her way back north, we'd just missed meeting up.  We both commented we were a little cold, but it was worth it to be out on such a nice day!

Ice Forming on Silver Creek

The creeks are So low...  We need mositure so bad...  The latest statistics show Glenwood at 16" below normal.  I can personally attest to the incredible dryness of our soil.  We're supposed to be due for rain this coming week - it can't come soon enough.  I dread crossing the gravel roads if there's any traffic at all, which thankfully there ususally isn't.  The dust clouds carry for miles.

North from Malvern~

I did end up removing my jacket at the trestle.  My vest was enough as long as I kept moving.  I rode past the park to the arch by the depot, before turning back to take my break at the park. 

A very low pond~

As you can tell from the photo above - the pond is very, very low.  It's only fed by rainfall & that's been in scarce supply.  I have heard the harvest from our area didn't fare as badly as anticipated, but other issues affected the yeilds.  A little of a silver lining in an otherwise dusty season.  

Returning to Silver City, it wasn't long before my coat went back on!  I pulled in at home, an hour earlier than just over a week ago, to find the sun already setting behind the woods.

Ride into Spring~

 After a week of winds, today was both sunny & calm.  But chilly - very!  Mid-40's - even without much wind is deceptive when the sun shines!  I'd planned a ride to Agriland, but Butch called to say he was on the way to MO.  Not sure when he'd get back, I still wanted to ride my usual route.  Distance/difficulty - but not both at the same time.  It's not that the trail has steep hills, but they are long.

Happy First Birthday Speedy!

A year ago today, Speedy & I took our first ride on the trail.  I'd been out a few times before, but always with Butch.  That ride was only my second on my own.  The first was with Sunny, who Speedy replaced.

On our way

I continue to be in awe of the beauty of the countryside.  It's the quiet, the singing of the birds, the sounds of nature, so soothing to the soul.  The sound of water running over rock is rare in our corner of the state.

Speedy peeks over at the Beaver Dam~

There are a few places it can be heard - the Beaver Dam outflow, or the occasional area's where concrete was added for erosion control.

Phlox divaricate

I had to stop again, to admire the first bright colorful flowers of the season!  

Flowering Plum~

As I enjoyed the smooth concrete just north of Malvern, the smell of the flowering plum filled the air!  As sweet as any perfume.  Speedy insisted on another birthday photo! 

In town, I could see the big door of Butch's shop was closed, so I decided to take a break at the Malvern Depot.  Within a few minutes, I heard trucks coming down the road, the second one my husband was driving!  Good timing for my cold coke!

Speedy & the Floater~

I'd heard the term "floater" & now, can associate the term with the equipment!  Speedy, of course had to have her photo taken again!  

We didn't stay long, I'd broken this ride into two - on my Garmin.  I wanted to compare my ride south, to the same ride, back north.  My 310 XT, showed 8.43 miles & I had the same distance to return to the Bronco at Happy Trails. 

Mounds of Dutchman's Breeches!

When I spotted mounds of white, covering a hillside along the trail, I recognized the same little wild flowers who've made an appearance at home.  I couldn't believe I'd missed them on way south!  I like to think I see everything, but I don't.  I still spook when something comes from my right.

Silver Creek~

By the time I was back at the Trestle, the clouds were rolling in again.  I'd taken both my vest & light weight jacket, but had worked hard enough I hadn't worn either for very long.  I really like the new rear bike rack Raymace pannier bag!  It has a place for my water bottle, is insulated & has tie downs on top for my jacket.

I'd just loaded Speedy onto the Bronco, when Butch pulled in.  We walked across the street, to The Hood for dinner.  After 17-miles, I was starved.  I'm still trying to find the sweet spot between doing & overdoing.  This week was a bit easier - I had just the tiniest more bend in the knee & ankle.  My  average moving speed was up by another 1-mph.  Small gains!

Back on the Limestone!

 It has been just over six-months since I've ridden on the trail.  I certainly didn't expect it would be more than a few weeks, when I left for WA last September.  I'd been so looking forward to the cooler months.  Watching as the trees turned color & smelling the sweet scent of fall in the air.  But - the natural world had other plans for me.  In spite of it - I set a new goal.  To be back on Speedy & riding the trail by spring.

Today was the day!  Earlier, I'd asked Mari Jo if she wanted to ride at Lake Manawa.  Not nearly as quiet, or as scenic, but with today's weather scheduled for sunshine & a break from the heavy winds, it would work.  Yesterday, Mari Jo suggested we ride on the trail.  All the wind had one positive effect - it had dried the surface.  We decided on the Trestle over Silver Creek as our destination.  The round-trip would give us over 8-miles & be an easy start to my first attempt back on the limestone.

Our route~

I was so excited to be going, I forgot my phone & didn't even miss it until I was parking at Happy Trails. Oh well, a post without photos! Just a few miles out, we stopped on a bridge & watched as a pair of Hawks took advantage of the thermals. Mari Jo kept her speed down for my benefit. The trail was littered with small twigs & branches, but no trees were down.

Reaching the bridge felt like a pretty big deal.  The thought of riding there again, had kept me motivated through some dark hours.   

My last ride on Sunny - April 1st, 2020

The photo above, was taken my first ride on the Wabash, almost a year ago.  My next ride, I had a new bike - Speedy! 

On our way back, another rider stopped to talk to Mari Jo.  He mentioned he was just getting started riding again, after surgery on his knee to repair old damage from his Basketball days.  The recovery issues he mentioned, were exactly what I experience!  Getting up in the morning thinking I'll whiz along & by evening hardly able to walk.  It made me feel better to know I'm not alone.  We all talked for quite a while, the warm sunshine on our backs, felt so good.  Jeff was riding a bike with a titanium frame & rides gravel.  He explained Gravel Grinders work for total elevation gain over the course of a year.  His for last year was over 300,000 ft.!  Impressive!  Getting back on Speedy, my leg had stiffened up.  It took a while to warm up.  I was more than happy when we reached town.  

We were out for 2.5 hours & as Mari Jo said, it was the kind of day where we could have ridden on & on.  Not yet for me though - but two rides under Speedy's wheels is a good start.  I achieved my goal with a day to spare!