Manitou Springs. CO

I am on the road again.  Just over 600 miles yesterday from home to Manitou Springs, Colorado.

Was a stormy night at home Saturday.  That, and the normal problems sleeping before a trip, made it a long night.  There was a little rain in the air as I finished packing the car. Got on the road 3"45am CDT.  Stopped in Council Bluffs to gas the car.

The upper photo was taken along I-80 around Wood River.  The sky was getting light and the full moon was setting.  Did not get the focus quite right.

Stopped in Kearney for breakfast.  At Elm Creek, I dropped off the Interstate for the more "scenic" drive on 2-lane roads.  I have driven a couple times this route.  I just enjoyed the drive.  The weather has cleared and temperature climbed to 79 degrees.

I found some more old, abandoned buildings on the route.  These little towns of the plains have a treasure trove to photograph.  Got off the main road in Jennings, KS.  During scooping on block, I shot several good shots.

Another boring drive on I-70 from Colby, KS to Limon, CO.  I still J-76 from the Nebraska boarder to Denver is still worse.

Not much to see along US 24 from Limon to Colorado Springs. Saw several abandoned buildings like the lower photo. here.  I had to pay close attention as I neared the Springs. Route 24 takes a rather circuitous route..  It did not help there was a traffic jam near the I-25 interchange - sign indicated they were cleaning up a vehicle fire.

Found my Motel in Manitou Springs.  Had a problem with the room, I could not get a good internet connection. Interference with WI-FI from another motel.  Move from a room with a King bed to a room with 2 Queens.  The internet connection for more was more important than the size of the bed.

Headed a mile or so up the road to find beer and food.  The hotel desk clerk had suggested The Keg.  I was in heaven when a pint of Mass Transit Amber Ale was placed in from of me. The brew was crafted by Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs.  There were a couple of problems.

First, I had not seen any parking meters.  Another customer told me where to pay parking - as the police in Manitou Springs love their parking fines.  Took care of that, but the place was only serving a limited menu because of a kitchen fire in March.  No fried food (could not have my burger).  I settle on for the french dip.  Had a second pint to wash it down,

The town of Manitou Springs looked like an interesting place to shoot photos and wander around,  but, I was just too tired and had left the D-SLR in the room.  i headed back to the room and crashed into bed.

September Super Moon

Facebook is hosed this morning.  I cannot access facebook through any browser - IE, Firefox, Chrome.  So, my blog gets the photos until I can post them on facebook.

Super Moon over Dogwood Rd

Close-up of the moon - with the largest lens I have

July "Super Moon"

July 12th was the first of 3 "super moons" for 2014.  The super moon happens when the moon is closest to the earth (and appears larger in the sky).  Astronomers call this "perigee". Basically, its the lowest point of an orbit.

The July 12 super moon happened at 08.27 UTC (that's  02:27 Central time).  I missed shooting that night.  Ended up getting my shot July 12 at 22:32 Central (04:32 July 13th).

With all of my efforts shooting the April, "Blood Moon", I was able take this shot on my second exposure!

It has been a great year for moon-watchers.  There were 2 super moons, a "blue moon" and "blood moon" earlier in the year.  We get 2 more super moons on August 10 and September 9, 2014.

Do-Nothing (almost) Holiday

The heat continues. From the Rockies and East have been under a dome of heat. Did not looking forward to a bike ride this morning. First, I did not sleep well. But, I told John I would be at Manawa Nature Trail parking lot at 6am if he wants to ride with me.

Drug myself out of bed, kitted up, and loaded the bike to the parking lot. At 5:30 am, it was 78 degrees! While there was not any dew, the air was muggy and close.

No John, but saw the same couple with their dog heading out for their walk at 6am. Met lots of folks riding on the trail this morning. They have the same idea - beat the heat.

As I headed on the Lake Manawa Trail, the full moon was setting. Looking for a spot to capture the moon and the trail. Today's photo is what I shot. The orange-ish spot above and right of the curve in the trail - that's the full moon! The humidity (and perhaps smoke from Colorado fires) made it difficult to see the moon as it was setting. The haze shows up in this HDR photo.

The sunrise was also very hazy this morning. While the temperature was not that bad, I felt sweaty/clammy from the humidity. Decided on a short ride - just a lap of the trails around Lake Manawa.

Got in a 7 mile ride, came home and stayed in the house the rest of the day. After all, we are under an "Excessive Heat Warning" until Friday evening.

Packing, Bike Ride, & Eclipse

Got a good night's sleep last night. Yeah think the bike ride might have something to do with it? Did most of my packing of my clothes.

Set up for a bike ride with my cousin Don. We met at the Central Ave. trailhead on Paseo del Bosque. Rode South to Rio Brave. Stopping on the way back, asked some of the folks along the trail to take a photo of us. They were support vehicle for a Boy Scout 50 mile badge ride. Anyway, today's photo is of Don and me on the "Bosque".

Lunch was my treat. Don sprinted to the vehicles after our photo was taken. Pigged out on Village Inn breakfast, coffee and pie/cake.

Finished the day with visiting a friend I met on-line. We went West of town to watch the solar eclipse. LOTS of other foks had the same idea I did. Parked along the road West of Volcanoes Day Use area (Paseo del Volcan). It was a "happening"!

Back on the road in the morning. Tomorrow evening in Taos.

Full Moon Ride

The gnarly burn seems to be getting better. It will be a while - still areas of dead skin needs to be removed.

The hardtail has a bike rack. Yeah, something wrong about a mountain bike with a bike rack. Oh well, it takes stuff off of my back. Yesterday, I took my tools, etc out of the hydration pack and arranged all in the bag for the rack. Charged up the headlight, ready for a bike ride.

Windy evening, so Blaine recommended that we ride the Wabash Trace because of the sheltering trees. Randy arrived on his bike. Zack (and Night Train) brought up the rear (soon passing us).

Rode up to Margaritaville. Stopped for a rest, took group photos, and 3 of us headed back to the shop. Yes, the even got me in one of the photos.

Felt good to be back on the bike. Glad I was only planning to ride the 15 miles. Tired when I got home, but could not sleep.

Gnarly Burn

Over the weekend, the situation with my radiation burn got worse. Getting drainage through the dressing. Called the Advanced Wound Cernter and ended up with an afternoon appointment.

When opened up, the nurse said with was getting "gnarly". Much of the area is 2nd or 3rd degree burn. They were happy I came in, instead of waiting until my Thursday appointment.

Cleaned the area, broke a blister, and re-dressed the wound. THAT was not fun! Hurt damned bad.

Now daily cleaning and change dressing. Can't start any other treatment (like hyperbaric) until chemo is done. My chemo drug does not like hyperbaric oxygen.

Dropped the hardtail at the bike shop to get a rack installed. Full Moon Ride Wednesday night, hope I am healthy enough to ride.

November Full Moon Ride

Great turn-out for the ride last night - over a dozen. Too bad a couple guys had to head back, work calling. Weather was awesome for riding in the woods in November!

We headed out from the shop riding the paved trail to Lake Manawa. Regrouped in the parking lot at Manawa, took photos, then rode a lap. Casualties - one flat, one endo, caught lots of burrs, some muddy tires - a fun ride.

Thanks for everyone that turned out for the ride. There are a couple more photos on the Xtreme Wheels Cycling Club group on facebook.

Full Moon Ride

November Full Moon Ride - This Friday. We are meeting at the shop and riding to Lake Manawa. Then a lap or two on the singletrack. I rode there the other day - trails are in good shape except for one tree to watch for and a muddy/wet spot. After the ride we will head someplace to eat.

Bring your lights and helmets.

Xtreme Wheels
Friday, November 6th -- 6pm

Bike Rides and a Wedding

It was a blustery night for the October Full Moon Ride. Five of us headed out from Xtreme Wheels. Temperature about 50 and gusty winds from the North. Rode up to IWCC, tooled around the college, and rode back. Short ride - but kept the streak running.

No time to ride Saturday. Ham Radio breakfast then do a couple things before heading North for Roxzanne & Ryan's wedding. Brought the hybrid hoping to ride Sunday.

The wedding venue was Ponca State Park. Was a little cool, but the rain kept away. The ceremony was held outside, overlooking a Missouri River vista.

The Reception was at the Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center. It was a beautiful place for the wedding. Appropriate for folks that love the outdoors like Roxy and Ryan.

The couple took a ride on their "bicycle built for two".

The function was well attended by T.H.O.R, Psycowpath, and other bicyclists. Was a enjoyable party. Once the karaoke started, I had to call it a night. Was enough for me.

Roxzanne and Ryan Feagan, congratulations! Best wishes for your life together.

When I stuck my head out the door of my room Sunday morning - I saw frost on the car and it was still dark at 7am (I wanted to ride at 8). First frost for the season! Walking over to "breakfast", found it was a bit chilly. Decided to wait to ride at home when it was warmer.

After a nap at home, drove into CB. Rode from Xtreme Wheels, along the bike path. Planned to ride to the Trails Center. Dennis saw me there, so I rode up to the Bob Bridge and on to Big Lake with him. With lots of legs left, I decided to ride back the same way - giving me almost 35 mile ride. That ride took me over 2800 miles for the year, 600+ miles over last year's total.

Been Busy

Wondering where I have been? What's going - with no posts recently? I have been busy riding. Logging over 500 miles since I got home from the Southwest.

Also busy framing photos for a photography show. Plans are to bring some of my photos to Greenfield, IA to do a show there. Watch for details.

Last Saturday was Tranquility Tire Tantrum mountain bike race. Took over 550 photos there. You can see (and purchase) photos of the race at http://win-photo.photoreflect.com.

Still working on posting my photos are report of Echo in Arizona trip. That and compiling the photos for a souvenir DVD and conversion to B&W for the newsletter.

Oh, yeh - and 2 Full Moon Rides and a couple evenings of trail work.

June Full Moon Ride

About 20 riders headed out from the Xtreme Wheels for the June Full Moon Ride. This months ride was on the Wabash Trace up to Margaritaville. Folks brought their refreshments and some food. The bike shop supplied additional food.

Beautiful evening, and a great ride. Welcome the new Full Moon Riders; Good to see everyone. Watch for information about the July Full Moon Ride here, on the Xtreme Wheels Blog, and on Facebook.

Photo Shoot

Last night was a short night for me. Four of us did the Xtreme Wheels Full Moon Ride. The sunset was beautiful last night - it looked like the sun (fire ball) was setting right over downtown Omaha. Got home about 11:30.

Today was a day to shoot photos. Early breakfast with the ham radio group. Off to Platte River State Park for Battle Royale mountain bike race. I am still processing the photos - watch for the link here.

This evening I decided to head into town to snap some photos of the sunset. I was not disappointed.

April Full Moon Ride

I have been a little lax with blogging. Last Friday about 20 riders headed out from Xtreme Wheels for the April Full Moon Ride. We rode to Lake Manawa, re-assembling at the river parking lot.

From there, the fat tires headed into the woods for a dirt ride. Skinny tires rode around the lake. Everyone eventually ended at the Spillway for eats and/or libations.

My photos of the ride are on my photo store - http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=220828

FMR

Friday night was the March Full Moon Ride. My count was 18 riders (per a photo). Weather was nice when we headed out. We rode the trails from Xtreme Wheels to Riverside Grille.

At the Riverside Grille, we celebrated Blaine's birthday. Then headed up to the Bob Bridge.

Turned cold while we were eating. My fingers, toes, and face were pretty cold when I got back to the shop. A 27 miles ride - but took a lot out of me. Did nothing all day Saturday.

BTW - Photos of the March and February FMRs are on my photo site.

Snowy Full Moon Ride

Andrew, Blaine, and I braved the elements to do the first Xtreme Wheels Full Moon Ride of 2009.

By the time we headed out from the bike shop, the snow was falling heavily. There was a strong wind from the North. Sure happy we rode against the wind heading out. Very pleasant riding with the wind later.

We stopped at Valley View Park. By the time we stopped to take a couple of photos, our tire tracks were nearly obliterated as we recrossed the bridge over Mosquito Creek. Ended up at Village Inn for eats.

New Mileage Record

While I may have not blogged recently, I have been riding my bikes. Last night was the Xtreme Wheels Full Moon Ride.

Andrew, Blaine, Brandon, and I took off from the shop, heading to Lake Manawa. We had a little head wind on the way (the wind was biting with the temperature being near freezing). Great ride in the woods. Made a full lap at Manawa and headed back to the shop.

The 16.8 mile ride took me over the top on my record annual mileage. My log now shows 2167.85 miles. Still a couple weeks for riding. Will I end up with over 2200 miles?

Full Moon Ride

A quick report on last night's Full Moon Ride.

Three of us (Tom, Andrew, and Blaine) head out from the shop just after 7pm. Now, I had charged the battery on my headlight, but it died before I got to dinner (and I was conserving battery). Guess its time to buy a new battery.

After a dinner at the Riverside Grill, we rode up to the top of the bridge, then headed back to the shop. Over 50 miles in the last 2 days.

1900 and Counting

My trail bike is repaired! Still waiting parts for the hardtail. :(

Yesterday was a gorgeous day - 60 degrees, nearly calm winds, not a cloud in the sky. Had to head out on the bike.

The dirt trails are too wet from the rains over the week. Decided to ride around Council Bluffs. Started from the Xtreme Wheels, stopping at the Western Heritage Trails Center. Rode the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the end at Big Lake, down N 8th St, and stopped at campaign headquarters. Finished back at the bike shop after over 25 miles, 2+ hour ride.

So far, the rebuilt fork is functioning fine.

Great ride and took my riding log to over 1900 miles for the year.

Full Moon ride this evening, Omaha Bike Summit Saturday, Bike Bash (banquet) Saturday evening.

June Full Moon Ride

Well, I have been getting behind in blogging. Made it home from my trip last Thursday. Started recovering (yes recovering from vacation - that's the way it is when retired).

Friday was the June Xtreme Wheels Full Moon Ride. We headed up the Trace to Margaritaville. It took 2 "bob"s to carry the food and refreshments. Burgers, dogs, and brats were grilled. Also had some potato salad and cole slaw.

Some of us had to get up early, so headed home - getting back to the shop about midnight.