Loaded up and Gone

After breakfast Saturday morning, Don and I tackled loading the rest of my stuff into the POD,  We gave ourselves the goal of being pack and on the road Thursday morning.  As I would pack a box, Don was loading in into the POD.  We was also looking at other things I may want to load and thigs he might like to take off my hands.

We put in some long days and were exhausted after dinner time.  We took time off for making the usual Sunday and Tuesday coffees at Panera Bread.  Thursday early morning, we were packed up and the POD was locked.

Said my "good-bye" to my house for the last 30 years.  Was an emotional "farewell".  Off to Panera for coffee.  Spent about 1 1/2 hour there visiting and saying "good-bye". 

Then, it was on the road heading southwest.  We decided to take it easy on the way back, spending the night in Dodge City.

Made Dodge City in planty time to tour the old Boot Hill museum.  Had a pint of beer at the Long Branch Saloon.  Checked into the hotel.  Walked across Wyatt Earp Blvd to Bad Habits for brew and burger.  All the times I had been in this bar, never seen it so busy.

We were exhausted and crashed into bed.  On the road about 6:30 in the morning.  Drove to Liberal where we had breakfast.  When we got Don's place in Albuquerque, my nerves let loose - my stomach rebelled from the nerves.  Got my car out of Don's lot and drove to my Rio Rancho house.Saturday morning, Don came up and we unloaded his van.

Iowa and Packing

Before leaving New Mexico, I stopped by Boot Barn for some summer season western dud.

I made in back to Iowa just before Memorial Day.  Spent nearly a month sorting and deciding things I wanted to move to New Mexico.  One of my Omaha friends came out a couple times to help me sort, pack, and load the moving POD.

The packing was slow going.  As the weather heated up and the humidity came up, I found it difficult to keep motivated. Kept up my routine of Saturday breakfast at Super Saver and coffees Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at Panera Bread.

The month was also filled with final visits to my health care providers in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.  I had become friends with many of them, having been with them for many years.  

Soon enough, it was getting close to a month where I needed back to New Mexico to pick up mail, pay bills, and see my new family doctor.

PODS

I got on the road back to Iowa very early Thursday morning. My route took me up I-24 to Springer, NM.  From there, it was US 56 to the Dodge City, KS area.  Crashed that night at the Rodeway Inn. 

Another early start, taking the diagonal toward Salinas.  Next up to York, NE, and finally I-80 to Council Bluffs.  Stommed in at the bike shop to pick up the two bikes which were prepping for the move.  Post office for mail, and finally back home.

The moving PODS was delivered today.  Now, the real work can begin.

Packing is going slow.  Masking a mess in the house pulling out stuff I want to pack to move.

Spring 2016 Schedule

My Spring is soon filling up.  Next week I am paying off my Iowa mortgage.  In the next week or two, I will be in Albuquerque to buy a house.  Then back to Iowa to pac up the POD with the items I want to move with me.  Back to ABQ to close on the house purchase there.

Once I have packed up my "stuff" from the Iowa house and its in storage or en route to New Mexico, There will be a sale of personal effects left in the Iowa house.  Finally, that house will be put on the market.

I do not see any way I can fit in my Army reunion into this schedule.  About that same time I have final CT scans and visits with my doctors before changing to New Mexico doctors.

Hoping to fit in this bicycle and craft beer festival as I shuttle between Iowa and New Mexico.

Loess Hills Tour

Sunny, though a little chilly, morning today.  Loaded the camera equipment in the car when headed into town for Saturday breakfast.  After breakfast, I was a little tired, but decided to head the car North towards Harrison and Monona Couties.

Stopped at the Harrison County Visitor's Center.  Picked up the Loess Hills travel guide.  From there, North to Pisgah.  Drove the Fountainblue loop (see photo).  Checked out Preservation Canyon State Park. 

Back a Pisgah, drove the scenic byway to the Preservation Loop. Took that loop to Turin, IA.  By this time, I knew I was not going to see very much color in the leaves.  Some leaves were off the trees, most had not turned yet.  Maybe another week.  Did get several photos of old, abandoned (or nearly abandoned) barns.

Headed toward home.  Crops are about half harvested in this part of the state.  Lots of equipment in the fields in the afternoon. Was tired by the time I got groceries out of the car and into the house.  Did a little computer work and crashed to bed.

This evening, received a call from my Aunt Audrey.   My mom is in the hospital.  Fell in the afternoon, broke/cracked 3/4 ribs.  She's going to keep me advised. 

Decorah to Coon Valley

Slept in a little.  Motel breakfast, and loaded the car (did not bring much stuff in for the 2 nights).  Went into town to the bike shop.  See if they could fix/replace the computer.  Found out the sensor was a little out of adjustment.  They lubed the chain and ran though the gears.  No charge.  Gave them one of my calendars.

On to Effigy Mounds National Monument.  Watched their film and checked out the 3 mounds near the visitor's center.  No way my legs would make the 2 mile hike to the next mounds.  The Ranger suggested I drive down 8 miles further and check out Pike's Peak State Park.  Great view of the Mississippi River from a bluff.

On back North and East to Coon Valley, WI.  Stopped a couple times for some photos - Trains, river lock and misc landscape.  Cousin Peg found me call her on the phone in my car.  Got directions to the house and settle in for the evening.  Cousin Kay and her husband also came over the Michigan.  Nice visit.

Day in Decorah

Knew it was going to be a hot and humid day.  After my morning shower, I dressed in my cycling kit before breakfast.  After motel breakfast of biscuit & gravy, I was ready for bike ride.

Did good selecting my lodging - just 2 blocks down the street to the Trout Run Trail.  Started riding clockwise, riding as far as the fish hatchery, just short of milepost 5.  Took me just past where the Decorah eagles are nesting.  This section of the trail is pretty level and easy.  Another mile and the hills start.  Not ready for heavy climbing so turned back to my starting point.

When I got back, i still had legs left and feeling good.  rode further almost to milepost 1.  At this point, the trail is down between the levee and the river.  Decided to turn around and get back to the motel.  Good timing.  I was getting tired and did not bring water/Gatorade with me.  Stopped at the convenience store at the highway and started refreshing my electrolytes.  The last 2 block gentle climb to the car was rough.  Bike computer was not registering, so not sure just how fat I rode.  Guessing it at 7-8 miles.

Stowed the bike in the room, started processing photos from the ride.  Second shower of the morning and crashed on the bed.

Afternoon was for playing "tourist".  Drove to the fish hatchery.  Put the big lens on my camera, so it I could find the eagle nest,  I am pretty sure I was successful (see lower photo).

From there, i was scouting the trail - wondering if i should try riding other sections tomorrow morning.  On to the North side of town to check out the waterfall in Dunning's Spring Park.  Beautiful place.  Back to the room to process photos for afternoon nap before dinner.

At the convenience store just down from the motel, the suggested food at the Stone Hearth Inn (next door to my motel).  I was thinking of eating downtown at T Bock's Sports Bar & Grill.  Both had local beers on tap.  Stone Hearth being next door to the motel won the day.

Had a pint of Toppling Goliath Tsunami American Pale Ale.  It was the best of the local beers for the area.  Chowed down with an Iowa breaded port tenderloin (the kind the is about 3 times the bun size).  Topped off dinner with ice cream with chocolate syrup. 

Forest City to Decorah

Internet was still out at my friend's place.  Had some breakfast and loaded the car.  Before 10 am i was o the road heading East.  I noticed there was a paoved bicycle trail along the South side of rt. 9 East out of Forest City. In Manly, Iowa, I stopped to take a photo of an old locomotive and caboose on display.

Chuck has suggested stopping at a local park near Osage, IA.  A natural spring in Spring Park near the Cedar River.  Fount the park and took a couple of photos of the spring.  Nice little park with vault toilets, shelters, tables, and discus golf.  Camping is also available in the park. (see upper photo)

On towards Decorah. Rails-toTrails trail along the South side of Rt 9.  It is the Prairie Farmer Trail, from Calmar to Cresco.

In Decorah, I found the Visitor's Center downtown.  Picked up trail maps and area information.  Went to my motel (little early and my room was not ready, yet).  Drove back downtown to take some photos.  interesting architecture in the town. Prominent on a hill is the Winneshiek County Courthouse. 

Driving around town I found the local Trek bicycle dealer.  Visited and got the skinny about the Trout Run Trail.  Next door they had sandwiches and ICE CREAM!  really enjoyed at large "Tornado" (their version of a DQ Blizzard).  Back to the motel to settle into the room.

Two brewery "tap rooms" in town.  Just like in Mason City, they are tap room - no food served.  Was able to find the Toppling Goliath Tap Room on Collage Drive.  Had a pain of Murph's - thier amber ale.  Their web site says you can order food for delivery.  Was going to do that but the gals behind the bar seemed to have no interesting waiting on me past the pint of beer. 

Drove back to Water Street (main drag in town0 and found Mabe's Pizza.  I was not looking for pizza, but they have sandwiches.  Ordered my bacon-cheeseburger with fries.  They had "Dorothy's" on tap - also from Toppling Goliath.  Did not like this beer. Too light and fruity.

In the morning, I can pedal from my room.  Its just 2 blocks from the motel to the Trout Run Trail!  Be on the trail early in the morning before it get hot and muggy.   Called it an evening.  Got a sick during the night - something I ate and drank did not agree with me.

On the Road Again

Heading to North Central Iowa for Operation LZ - Viet Nam veteran welcoming home event in Forest City, IA. Hit some torrential downpour just North of Story City, IA.  Got off the interstate and saw this interesting farm structure. 

House Moving

No, I am not moving, yet.  Yesterday a house came down the road, here.  Word is it was being moved from Council Bluffs to Treynor.  First indication I had was a letter from the power company that our electrical service could be interrupted for a house move.  My power was cut about 10:50 Thursday morning.  Next came the power company trucks dropping the wires.

And the county police started arriving and directing traffic.  L52 (257th St) was blocked south from my house.

The police left sounding sirens - seems there was a traffic accident in the area on US 6,  Traffic was heavy.  Several factors adding to the traffic:  Folks wanting to see the house move, house moving entourage and all their vehicles, and detour around the highway accident.

The Deputy Sheriff told me there is a delay - the "trailer" hauling the house blew a tire.  Grabbed the longest lens for my camera.  From my driveway, I could see the house was almost down to Cottonwood Rd.

Eventually, the house was on the move, again.  These Iowa hills are rough for moving something like a house.  As the house came closer (topping the hill just south of me) I saw a farm tractor pulling the house.  A friend of the tractor owner said the farm tractor was need in addition to the truck to haul the house up the hills.

The caravan moved across the neighbor to the South.  Surprisingly. the raised the house high enough to clear the mailboxes.  The next hurdle was turning the corner in front of my house.

With the slope and turn, the truck did not have the traction to move the house up the hill,  The faarm tractor was again called in for power.

To negotiate the intersection, the crew had to slip the truck sidewise and bring the house forward.

While all of this jockeying around crew discussion was happening, I too the opportunity to look at the dollies under the house.  Guess it the engineer in me!

Each dolly was equipped with a hydraulic mechanism to raise and lower the load.  I notice that not all of the tires were the same size. All same in one dolly, but verified from one dolly to another. 

Next, they used the truck and tractor to bring the house up to the intersection.  It took the power and traction of the truck and tractor to turn the house.  Several times, the crew has to stop and raise/lower the rams on the dollies.  At some time, they had one or two workers under the house steering and leveling the dollies.

It was an event for the community.  Several neighbors stopped by to witness to move.  In the photo are the mailboxes in front of my house.

Eventually, the house and the entourage headed East down Dogwood Rd.  The turn of the house from Northbound 275th to Eastbound Dogwood Rd took over 45 minutes.

Finally, the power company line crew was on the move to restore power.  Ended up I was out of power for about 3 hours.

I have not idea how much it cost to move a house like this one.  I did not think it was anything special.  Doubt I could have justified the cost of the move versus building new.

Car, Bike, Photography

Tuesday, heading out for morning coffee, dash of the car light up with braking/ABS system lights and messages.  It did not seem to be a big problem for driving.  I drove to town for coffee.  On the way home, I stopped by Lyle's where I get my car work done.  Made arrangements for repairs on Wednesday morning.

Loaded the hybrid bike on the rack on the car.  I decided to ride bike and take photos around town while the car was in the shop.  Had then change the oil and filter while in the shop - it was due.

First area of town for photography was the historic 100 block of West Broadway (photo above). This is just a block from the shop where my car was working on.  Photos like this lend themselves to Black & White.  Had my good D-SLR and Point&Shoot cameras with me.All my photos were taken with the Canon 60D.

From there, I rode over to Bayliss Park.  It was a beautiful day for a bike ride and photography.  The fountain was running with a full head of steam.  Lots of kids getting wet playing along the fountain  After taking my photos, it was time for the bike shop to open.  Stopped by the crew at Xtreme Whels Bike & Sport - just a block from Bayliss Park.

I was happy to find that the brake/traction system problem was just a broken wire.  I was back home with car repairs done, new photos, and a visit with the bike shop all before noon.

Sac & Fox Trail

After the family picnic and reunion, I had the 1 1/2 hour drive to my hotel.  I wanted to check out a bike trail near Cedar Rapids - and needing the photos for my calendar.  From the maps, it looked like the Sac & Fox trail, along the Indian Creek, should be interesting and photogenic.

A great trail.  I would have enjoyed riding longer but the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes turned up quickly. Addition to the crushed limestone bike trail, there is a dirt/tree bark walking trail system in the same area.

Family Picnic

The Winfield Family picnic/reunion was held in Elkader, Iowa on July 4th.  I was on the road before sunrise for the 320 mile drive to the other corner of Iowa.

It was a pretty good attendance, considering the distances the family is not spread.  Photo here is the Winfield siblings and their spouses that were able to attend.  L to R -- Jack and Jean Heick,  Edna & Rich Winfield, Ruth Gillmore, Dorothy Winfield, and Margaret Risi.

Humid Day for Bike Ride

A little behind in writing and posting here.  Friday, I had to get out for a bike ride.  It had been about 3 weeks since I was back from Albuquerque and my last bike ride.  The day was a bit warm and humid.  Filtered sunshine, but no wind.

Decide for a ride along Valley View Trail.  Had not been on the trail in some time.  It was great that I could get some miles in, but no committed to a long ride.  Lots of opportunity to decide it was time to turn around and ride back.

Parked at K-Mart.  Felt pretty good riding.  Stopped at 2 miles for some water.  Continued down to Hwy 92 (about 4 miles).  Another stop to hydrate.  Stopped at some benched about hald way back.  Stopped to rest the legs and drink my bottle og Gatorade.

The 8+ miles was about all I could do in the humidity.  When I got home, the body craved food and liquids.  Ended up eating a whole pizza and a quart of Gatorade.  Worthless the rest of the day.  Need lots of sleep the next day.

Bicycle Festivals

Its time to check out the bicycle festivals for the 2015 season.  Last June's storm put a cramp on my bike festival attendance.  The only festival I made was Outside Bike & Brew in Santa Fe.  Hoping to get to more this year.

This list is no way meant to be all-inclusive.  I am concentrating on those in the "Heartland" and those I have or may attend.  Dates of RAGRAI are only included for reference.  It would be to sacrilegious to omit the biggest in Iowa (my home state).

May 13-17, 2015 Outside Bike & Brew Santa Fe, NM

http://outsidesantafe.com/

May 29-31, 2015 Tour of Kansas City, Kansas City MO

Gran Fondo on Monday, May 25

http://www.tourofkc.com/

June 19-21, 2015 Black Hills Fat Tire Festival Rapid City, SD

http://www.bhfattirefestival.com/

June 25-28, 2015. Crested Butte Bike Week, Crested Butte, CO

http://cbbikeweek.com/

July 10-12, 2015 Bicycles, Blues, BBQ Festival Clear Lake, IA

http://bicyclebluesbbq.com/

July 19-25 RRAGBAI Sioux City to Davenport, IA

http://ragbrai.com/

July 25, 2015 Tour de Fat, Twin Cities, MN

http://www.newbelgium.com/Events/tour-de-fat/minneapolis.aspx

August 15-16, 2015 Kraus-Anderson Bike Festival, Duluth, MN

http://bikeduluthfestival.com/

August 22, 2015 Gran Fondo Cedar Valley Cedar Falls, IA

http://granfondocedarvalley.com/

September 4-7, 2015, La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival LaCrosse, WI

http://www.explorelacrosse.com/event/la-crosse-area-bicycle-festival/?instance_id=8890925

Rain Damage to Road

Over the last week, we have had a couple heard downpours.  Deep channels are being cut into the gravel road.  (see photo).  This condition is usually worst on steep hills (where one wound think it - fast running water).  The big problem comes when meeting traffic.  The other day, topping a hill and meeting an oncoming vehicle, the right side wheel cropped into the rut.  The rut grabbed the tire - and I fought to maintain control.

When I moved here 28 years ago, I thought the gravel roads around here might be paved by now.  Looks like no chance.

Iowa Pottawattamie County L52 between US 6 and State highway 92.

Awesome July Weather

We don't get many days like this in July in Iowa. Yesterday was one of these days with awesome weather,   Early morning sunshine with temps in the 60s.  Afternoon sunny high of 85 with only a slight breeze - just enough to freshen the air.

The painter called to meet and look at the job.  Told him I would be home shortly after noon after I take a bicycle ride.  Loaded the hybrid on the car and headed to Lake Manawa for a bike ride.

The thermometer in the car said 74.  At the sheltered parking lot at the Nature Trail - it was almost "hot'.  Topped off the air in the front tire (could not the valve to open on the rear - but it felt good enough), loaded the bag on the bike, donned my helmet & gloves and off for my ride.

With the rear tire issue and fact that i had not ridden in 1 1/2 months, I kept my ride close to the car.  Rode the Lake Manawa Trail to the levee overlooking the river boat ramp.  Docks are out of the rive.  Could see the stain in the grass from the flooding.  On over to Indian Creek.

Decided to turn back instead of making the loop around the lake  Getting back near the car, took the trail to the lake.  Looked like it would have been a great day to be on the lake.  Back to the main trail, rode the nature trail just to add some distance to the ride,  Ended up with about 6 miles.

Was very tired when i got home and stowed the bike in the garage.  But, could not relax too much because still had an appointment with the painter.  Long story - short, the painter never showed up.  I did not have a phone number to call him.  See if he shows up today.  Didn't do much else except recover from my ride and read a book.

Cedar Valley Trails Festival

How have I ever missed this festival.  According to the information on Bike Iowa, its the 19th Annual festival.  Over the last couple years I have traveled to Rapid City, SD,  Hayward, WI and Crosby, MN for bike/trails festivals.  This one is in my own state!  Last time I found one in Iowa was 2 years that the MidWest Mountain Bike Festival was in Quad Cities.

OK - I guess you want to know the dates.  June 13-15, 2014 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  This year the festival is being held in conjunction with the Iowa Trails Summit and Family Fun Day.

For more information, check the Bike iowa web site page:  http://www.bikeiowa.com/Event/7846/cedar-valley-trails-festival?utm_content=buffer596c0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Exploring the New Iowa Riverfront

Today was an awesome bike riding day.  Temperature in the upper 60s (near 70), slight breeze, and partly cloudy.  It had been ages since I rode the Iowa Riverfront trail North from the Western Historic Trails Center.

As i passed under the I-80 bridge I noticed that much of the bike lane pavement had replaced.  I really needed it.  Had been destroyed from heavy trucks parking on the bike lane.

Big change as I rode under the Harrah's parking garage. The casino boat was gone.  I had heard that it had been moved down river and no longer being used as a casino.

The big change, and my destination for my ride, is the new Hanafan Riverfront Park (upper photo). I had not seen the new park since it had been completed.  Also, I knew there was a function at the park - a celebration of kite flying.  The crew from the Trails Center called for me as I was riding the hybrid.  Brought that bike because with the rack and bag, I could pack my good camera.

Resting on the bike, I guess I was sitting too heavy on the top-tube.  Broke the kick-stand.  After my visit at the park, stopped for a couple photos and headed back.  On the way to the park, I rode the levee trail.

On the way back, I took the trail down along the riverfront drive as far Harrah's.  Greeted a guy on a fat bike - looked like he was also exploring the trail. It was a great day for exploring by bicycle!  Noticed the fruit tree blooms near Ameristar Casino.  Grabbed the D-SLR and shot a couple photos of the blooms.  (lower photo)

A quick stop at the bike shop for a new kick-stand.  Home, processed photos and blogging.

Kanesville Krusher

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a race.  The venue was Lewis & Clark Historic Monument in the Loess Hills of Council Bluffs. This was the second race in the Psycowpath Mountain Bike series for 2014.  The singletrack at Lewis & Clark Monument is considered the most demanding course within a 3 hour drive of Omaha.

The day started at 8am with a trail runner race.  The race was followed with podium awards and photo ops,   At 10 am, the bicycles took to the trail.

First into the singletrack were the marathon racers.  These fold were pedaling up and down the hills of the Monument for over 4 hours.  Right behind them were the Category 3 racers followed by the junior racers.  These groups rode one lap of the 5 mile trail.

The Category 1 and Category 2 racers took to the trail about noon.  There were riding 4 and 2 laps of the course, respectively.  During the later race, I had had enough for the day and headed home.  Before packing up my cameras, I had a double cheeseburger cooked by the THOR "grillmaster".  Host for the race was Greenstreet Velo.

As usual, photos I took of the races are posted on my race and events web site:  http://win-photo.photoreflect.com.  Photo files can be purchased from the web site.  Photos posted on the web site are "proof" jpg's.  If you place an order, I will reprocess the file from the camera RAW.