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!

Two Completions!

 Best day of the week, we'd had quite a bit of rain yesterday & some overnight.  Butch checked the trail for me in Malvern & called to say it was rideable.  After lunch, I drove to Silver City.  Mari Jo was outside her shop.  The construction foreman had just opened the new bridge!  She grabbed her bike & we went right up to the trail!  Mari Jo - fittingly - was first across, followed by me & Speedy!

First riders on the new bridge!

We felt pretty special to be the first!  (All those cookies for the crew paid off :-)  The original bridge had been over one-hundred years old.  This one should last forever...  Mari Jo has her shop open now.  I left town from the south end.  On my own for the first time - since early last Sept.

Leaving Silver City, southbound~

The buds are starting to open on the trees!  A beautiful lacy, light green.  I felt SO good to be back out in the great-wide open!  Everything so beautiful, the air fresh from the rain.  A Bald Eagle had flown over me on my way here & a huge hawk took to the air.

The wild plums are blooming!

I was torn between seeing how fast I could make the trip & stopping to admire the beauty. I made plenty of stops! It was just too nice of an afternoon, not to take the time to enjoy the sights & sounds.

Speedy - now a year old!

Just short of a year from the first time we were at the trestle.  Even with my knee & ankle still swollen & sore, I'm in much better shape now than I was then - when I'd just started biking.  The train cars in the river I'd commented on in last years post - I've recently been told - was from an actual train wreck.  

Near the river!

Only four-miles to go & the last one on the concrete.  Speedy set her own pace & we were still going to be at Agriland within the time window I'd told Butch to expect me.

Agriland from the trail.  Butch's shop far left, red roof~

The trail was sticky - but Speedy's tires didn't sink in.  It looked like Malvern had even more rain than in Glenwood.  I didn't take any photos during my visit.  Butch took some when I arrived.  I'll have to see if I can find them on his overloaded phone.

Our first shared Coke of the season, tasted So good!  I stopped by the office to say "Hi" to April.  I'd had so much fun riding - I decided to go ahead, cowgirl Up & ride another eight-miles back to Silver City.  

Changing weather & the pond~

I wasn't a mile out of town, before I realized I'd probably made a poor decision.  The temperature had dropped & the wind had really come up.  Blowing right at me, out of the North, NW, the same direction I was trying to go.  I dropped down to second gear & had to work for every rotation of the pedals.  When I tried to coast, the wind almost pushed Speedy backward.

Mid-span of the Silver Creek Trestle~

I only made a couple short stops.  I knew if I stopped for too long, my leg would stiffen up & it would be even harder going.  As I reached the edge of Silver City, I saw Butch's truck come down the street & park by the shop.  He jumped out & took more photos.  If they turn out - I'll post them later.  Mari Jo was waiting too.  I got the "look"!  :-)

Butch helped me gimp up the short hill to the trail, so we could admire the bridge.  It's unbelievable the resources it takes - for what looks to be - a simple project.  The huge crane, a huge excavator, several other track hoe's etc.  All that's left now, is the remaining dirt work & clean-up.

It's really a beautiful bridge.  I love the rust color & it will only look better with time.

From the north end, looking south~

As I was riding back, I was thinking about how very good smoked brisket sounded for dinner.  When I mentioned it to Mari Jo she laughed & responded that The Hood was serving smoked brisket!  A perfect end to a milestone ride.  My overall speed went up 1.2 mph, but is still 2-3 mph slower than my best time from last year.  Thanks for a wonderful 17.10 miles Speedy! 

Driving the Farmall!

A very warm day, but again, low humidity!  With even more heat, possibly a record breaking 100+ coming at us over the holiday weekend, I wanted to get in one more ride.

Field of drying corn~

 Silver City is pretty much my go to on hot days.  The section of trail from there to Malvern is mostly in the shade.  It was Friday, Mari Jo & I had made plans to exchange a pint of my zucchini relish for one of her Chile sauce!

In the shade~

 The temperature drop of the shade is always very welcome!  Speedy made really good time all the way to Agriland.  Butch had the hose & was spraying off the apron to the shop.  After sitting in front of the fan, we took a walk-a-bout to see what projects he'd worked on during the week.

The 1942 Farmall

I just love the old tractor the crew has restored!  Butch asked me if I wanted to drive it?  I thought he'd said;  "Take a ride."  My mistake!  There's no room for two-people on this tractor.  Before I knew it, I was in the seat, being shown how to start it up!  Wow!

Driving!

 I cleared the shop door & kept it in second!  That was plenty fast enough for me!  I just can't imagine the hours farmers spent on these plowing the fields.

Butch took it for a spin too, so I could get video.  He, of course, upped the speed.  The front end still needs work, but the plan is for the old tractor to have a new job moving tanks around the yard.

Notice the seat spring!

 Nothing like todays modern equipment, but I'm so happy it will still have a useful job!  I knew it would be a long, hot eight-miles back.  There were only a few birds braving the heat & a few squirrels still running out for the walnuts.

Under the train trestle~

I surprised myself, grinding on the uphill grades & only making one stop for water.  Back in Silver City, I finished loading Speedy, then chatted with Mari Jo in the coolness of her shop.  Butch arrived & we had dinner at The Hood.

Rockin' Out~

A wonderful day - cooler, less humidity - I'll ride!  Of course my timing was a bit off.  First, the Bronco needed gas.  I realized I'd forgotten my phone, back for it.  Out on Hwy 34, made the turn toward Silver City.  Stopped - road repairs - 15-minute wait.

All the work was out of sight, at the bottom of the long hill~

 To all who still think Iowa is flat...  Wrong!  We do have big & long hills, usually one after another.  I thought Speedy's chain might need oil.  I'd forgotten mine, but Mari Jo was out & offered to show me how to do it.  Well, she pronounced Speedy's chain just fine - not dirty & not in need of oil!

Corn!

 Once on the trail I had to take a photo of the corn growing along both sides in places.  It's almost a claustrophobic feeling when you can't see out...  It's so funny to hear people talk, about how they're ready for the corn to go down & views to open back up!  It's only five feet, but now I understand the sentiment.

The long trail~

 There are at least four sections between Silver City & Malvern where the Walnuts are just magnificent.  Arching high over the trail - giving me a strong feeling of awe.

I really pushed myself today, peddling seemed so much easier than my last ride with the sticking break.  Cooler weather & a dry trail were wonderful.  Even though later than Butch had expected me, I'd made really good time. 

Ready to leave Agriland~

 Butch had my Coke so cold there were ice crystals in it!  Perfect!  We sat in front of the fan, cooling off, before I started back.

My first "rock"~

 I bought some oil-based colored pens & tried a small design on a rock.  No words of wisdom, but I thought it might be fun for someone to find.  I left it at a height where possibly a younger rider might spot it.

Speedy by the rock on the bridge rail~

 I always enjoy this trail - something new to see every ride.  This day, it was a tiny mouse, running as fast as he could to cross the trail before Speedy's tire got to him!  :-)  You have to wonder why he just didn't wait until we'd passed.

Heading north~

I made it back to Silver City just before Butch arrived.  Mari Jo mentioned we should try dinner at the The Hood, across the street.  The Friday night special was smoked ribs, potato salad, baked beans & fresh sweet corn-on-the-cob!  We didn't take much convincing!  If we find any more good restaurants on the trail - I'll never cook again!

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, figured it would be too wet.

Leaving Silver City~

Nika was none too enthusiastic...  Butch put the pinch collar on her & she knows that 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 tried for the or out-of-shape for the ride back - I know who to ask for a lift!