A Sunday Ride

Had to get out for a bike ride yesterday afternoon.  It was a cool morning, upper 40s when I headed into town for coffee. 

It was near 3 pm when I headed out for a ride.  The hybrid is in the shop for tune-up, so aired up the tires of the road bike.

When I climbed on the saddle of the bike, I was surprised how much higher the ride seems to be from the hybrid.  I had not ridden the Rail for nearly a year.  As usual, the Rail seemed to push me for riding faster.  Had the bike up into 12 along the Lake Manawa Trail - had not done that in a while. 

I had parked at the Lake Manawa Nature Trail lot.  When I got to Indian Creek, I was debating to turn back or ride around the lake.  After a rest and slug of water, I headed up Indian Creek Trail for a loop around the lake. Stopped along the golf course to take this photo.  Had not noticed previously but someone had created a fallen soldier/MIA memorial in their front yard.

Finished up my 7 mile ride.  Was tired but felt good.  spent the rest of the afternoon and evening writing in my memoirs and selecting photos for them.

Welcome to Albuquerque

My first day in Albuquerque was not without its problems.  Therefore the "tongue-in-cheek" title of this posting.  Called my cousin about meeting for breakfast.  Seems he was not up yet.  Headed to the breakfast here in the motel.  He called at I was eating my waffle. 

Decided on breakfast tomorrow.  He was not up for a bicycle ride as he had some pipes (he makes some awesome looking pipe - the kind you smoke).

Unloaded the bicycles from te car rack and stored into the room.  Moved some other stuff from the car into the room.  Rested and prepared for a bike ride.  Great weather for a bicycle ride - mid 50s and sun, a little wind from the South.  Riding the North Diversion Channel Trail as I could ride from my room.  Riding the Bosque, there would could be issues with parking at trailheads with the weather.

Rode North to Paseo del Norde and took a break.  The photo here is my hybrid at that location.

Riding much slower on the way back as I was having a headwind and the trail is a little up hill in this direction.  About 4 miles from the motel, I realized I had a flat on the rear.  Stopped at the big tree alone the trail (at tree I have photographed several times) to contemplate it i walk the bike to the room or try to change the tube.

A young man stopped on his bike to see if I needed something.  Worked in a bicycle shop in Kentucky and is here in the Air Force.  He changed the tube for me.  He also noticed I had a broken spoke.  Looks like this bike has to go into the shop in the morning.

By the time I was nearing back to my room, I was just about spent.  Walked some of the last 0.1 mile.  Bonked or very close to it.  But, damn, I got in 11 miles!  My first ride for the year.

When i got to my room, the key card would not work.  Went to the office.  Asked the air-head clerk (some one that checked me in last night) is she had programed the key for just one night or the 8 nights left on my stay,  She did not answered my questions.  Just gave m a song and dance that is should work when I get back tomorrow night - if not they would program it again that night.  

Changed clothes and headed for Applebees.  All the way back on my ride i was thinking of having a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich at Applebees.  I was not to be.  They have dropped the sandwich from their menu.  DRATS!  Settled for a bacon-cheese burger, fries, and a brew.

Gassed the car and picked up a couple quarts of Powerade Zero to replenish my electrolytes.  Early to bed tonight..

First Ride of the Year on The Trace

You may wonder what has been happening since not many blog postings.  Over the last 2 months, I had a CT scan that showed a mass in my left lung.  Eight nights in the hospital for a biopsy - which showed the mass to be lung cancer.

My doctors let me make my trip to the mountain bike festivals - I needed the break.  On return, it was more tests (MRI, PET scan, Pulmonary Function) and doctor appointments.  We (doctors and I) decided to treat the mass with radiation.

A week of heavy, pin-pointed radiation treatment and all of the trips to the doctors took it toll on me.

The Spring was rainy.  When I felt like riding, it was a pavement ride.  Today, I decided it was time for this year's first ride on the Wabash Trace.  While it was a bit windy (from the North) the temperature was perfect (mid 70s) with filtered sunshine.  Parked the car in Silver City.

Mounted the GoPro camera on the handlebars of the mountain bike (my Trek 4300).  Since I knew I would be battling the wind on the way back, I rode non-stop from Silver City to 305th Street.  Ended up with a little over 40 minutes of video.

My original plan was hoping to make it as far as the Silver Creek Bridge.  When I crossed the bridge, I felt pretty good, so continued another mile to 305th.  This made the ride 5.5 miles one way.  Figured that was plenty for this ride, knowing I will be riding into the wind on the way back.

Shut down the GoPro at 305th and stopped several times on the way back, taking still photos.  This gave me time to rest at times on the way back.  By the time I got back to Silver City, I was exhausted.

Lots of folks riding their bikes on The Trace today.  Don't think I have ever seen so many along this section of the trail.  Had to be 20 or more that I met on the trail in my 11 miles ride.  Think everyone had the same idea - could not pass up a day like this without spending part of it on a bicycle.

Today's photo was taken about 1/2 mile North of 305th St.  The foliage along the trail is very lush, not surprisingly with all of the rain, humidity, and heat over the last couple weeks.

Ride on the Bosque

Overcast and rain most of the day yesterday. Was good weather to process photos and figure out why could not get internet. Sometime Friday night at the motel, I lost internet connection to my laptop. Could connect via the tablet. The short story is that the motel ISP had to reset their server/modem.

This morning had brunch at the Range Cafe with cousin Don. Great to catch up on family. Offered to ride with me, but he was doing work on his briar pipes.

Awesome day for a bike ride. Was not ready to do any climbing today, so rode the "Bosque" (Paseo del Bosque) from Central Ave to Paseo del Norde and back. Sunny 59 degrees when riding.

When I got to Paseo del Norde, I knew I could make it to the end at Alamedia - but also knew i would have to pedal into the wind on the way back to the car. Glad I turned back when I did. A couple times I hit some strong head wind. Enough that i was wondering if i could make it back to the car.

I dropped a couple gears and toughed it out until the wind abated a little. My legs will thank me once I get horizontal in the bed.

Council Bluffs Bike Paths Open

This week, we got the word that CB was planning to open the
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Saturday morning. With that came the plans to open the levee trails. Levee trails will be open during daylight hours only.

I was looking forward to check out the trails and take a few photos. This morning John and I headed out for Sunday Morning Ride. From Panera Bread, we rode the new section of the Veteran's Memorial Trail to Lake Manawa Trail. Detoured down to the river to see the level.

On over the Indian Creek bridge. I had ridden to the bridge last week, so know how full the creek was. Stiff headwind greeted us as we rode up Indian Creek. At Hwy 92, I was surprised to see that the water level had dropped enough to ride under the bridge. (see photo) Even the trail had been cleaned!

Smooth sailing (pedaling) on over to the Western Historic Trails Center. Its still some time before the water will drop enough to ride on past the Trails Center. Short visit with Dewey. Time to pedal back to Panera so John can get home and mow the lawn.

OH, I should say something about the weather. Cold front came through yesterday. Our ride this morning was done under sunny skies, temperature in the mid 60's, and a stiff NW breeze. Glad I had long sleeves and a jacket for the ride. Cool for Labor Day Weekend.

Storm, River Rising, & Bike Rides

Thursday evening the area was hit with severe storms. The storm packed strong winds (60-90mph) and softball sized hail. Storm track seemed to be from Omaha (the airport was hit), Council Bluffs, and down the Wabash Trace.

Mineola was hit very hard. Volunteers sprung into action to clear the Wabash Trace. At this writing, the trail is open from Council Bluffs to Mineola. Another crew cleared the trail between Imogene and Ike's. They are working on the section down to Coin. No report yet Mineola to Imogene.

As it that wasn't enough, 1-3+ inches of rain fell on the area. The already swollen Missouri River rose a reported 19 inches in the Omaha area.

With the storms, I took Friday off the bike. Back on the bike Saturday and today. Saturday's ride was from Lake Manawa to the Trails Center - just to get out for a ride. Weather was just too nice to not take a ride.

Today, John and I did the second "Sunday Ride" of the year. And second one in a row! Sunny with a light breeze from the South (just enough to freshen the air). Sunday morning ride starts after coffee/breakfast at Panera Bread in CB. Rode from Panera, to and around Lake Manawa, over to the Trails Center, and finally back to Panera.

Took a short detour to see the river level. I had not been over there to see the level recently, and there was a couple of riders there (we weren't the only riders past the "Do Not Enter" sign). From the photo above, you can see that the river level is about a foot below the high water mark.

Took a short break at the Trails Center. Signed the guest book, refilled water, and headed back.

Had been riding the hybrid. Felt good to get the variety and speed of the road bike this morning. Rain again in the forecast for early tomorrow morning. Looks like another day off the bike.

Finally, Bike Riding Weather (for a day)

The summer has not been conducive for bike riding. The heat and humidity has been nasty. If it's not too hot in the morning, its pea-soup fog. Last Wednesday I was able to get out for a 14 mile ride. This morning, I wore my bibs and brought the hybrid on the car for my trip to Panera for "breakfast".

Was hoping John or Dennis might ride, too. John was planning antenna work and Dennis also had other plans. So, I drove over to Lake Manawa for my ride.

Rode up the East side of Lake Manawa on the new section of Veteran's Memorial Trail. At Leach Camper, I crossed Indian Creek on Highway 92. Back onto the trail almost to Veteran's Memorial (South Omaha) Bridge.

"Trail Closed" signs and barricades where down or moved to the side at S 24th St and at the OHV park. Rode past the National Guard trailer in the parking lot. It was the first time for me riding over to the bridge so was a little confused when the trail dropped down into the river and had to walk over to the bridge. (Upper photo).

Rode on over the bridge. Wanted to find that spot under the bridge that Jodi and Greg like (Bridge Trolls). I found it and shot the lower photo there. Spend some time exploring the trails there at S. 13th St and Veteran's Memorial.

When I was finishing crossing the bridge, I noticed activity at the National Guard trailer and CB Police car entering the lot. Decided it was not a time to walk pass the downed "trail closed" sign I saw earlier (when I was already past point of now return). Grabbed the bike over the railing and rode along the shoulder of the road back to the trail at the motel.

At S. 24th Street, The barricade is now back up across the trail. I was not ready to end my ride, so rode over to the Trails Center. Visited there, had my bottle of G2 and headed back to the car.

With Veteran's Memorial Trail blocked at S 24th, I rode the street from JCPenny to Leach Camper. Back onto the trail (and shared "bike lane") around the East side of Manawa. Good timing, it was getting a bit warm when I ended my ride (about noon). Logged in 20+ miles in just under 2 hours. Good ride!

Races and a Ride

Saturday was Maskenthine XC Classic mountain bike races. It was a long day. About 130 miles one way, a stop for breakfast, the races, and drive back home. Left the house before 6am, got home after 5pm.

The last Psycowpath race I shot was back on May 1st. And, it showed. I am not pleased with the quality of the photos I shot Saturday. I did get some good shots, but just too many with improper exposure and/or out of focus.

I will do some touch-up before sending files to purchasers. For my customers, if you wish to look at a touched-up proof copies before purchase, I will provide them.

The hosting company for my photos is updating servers. That has been delaying me publishing the photos. They are saying server should be back up to full speed Tuesday.

My legs were really tired by the time I got home. But, I got up for a Sunday ride. Surprisingly, I felt great, ready for a ride Sunday morning.

I rode the Sunday Breakfast Ride with Denny D. Was just the two of us. The ride started from the Wabash Trace Trailhead. We rode around Council Bluffs on the bicycle paths, stopping at Hy-Vee on N. 16th for breakfast.

From there, on city streets through Council Bluffs. That was the real "tour" de Bluffs took place. Exited downtown to the South and rode Harry Langdon to the Mall. Back on the bicycle path to the trailhead.

When I got home, I just undressed and climbed into bed. Too tired to do much the rest of the day.

Sunday Breakfast Ride

Its time for a Sunday Morning Ride. I had not having much luck getting Dennis and John to ride this year (Dennis did 1 Sunday Ride). Since Denny D was having his Sunday Breakfast Ride on the Iowa side of the Missouri, I decided to do that ride this morning.

We met at the parking lot across from Rick's Boatyard Cafe. A small group (5 of us) but a good ride.

Headed out from the parking lot, over to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Turned left onto the Iowa Riverfront Trail. Rode that trail to Big Lake Park. From a restroom break, I took the group up to the new boardwalk over the water lilies.

We encountered flooded trail at the end of the boardwalk. Photo moment - Denny, Vince, Kathy, and Dee (hope I did not get any of the names wrong).

Back south on the Iowa Riverfront Trail past the bridge to the detour behind the Western Historic Trails Center. Since the detour is gravel, the group decided to turn back and ride back across the Bob Bridge and to Hollywood Diner. Breakfast!

We started our ride at 8am, stopped at the dinner at 9:40 for breakfast. When back at the car, my computer showed 17.8 miles. Short of my 1000 miles for the year by under 3 miles. Guess will hold that off until tomorrow.

When work is done

Sunday was time for fun and relaxation.

I started at Panera to post the photos I took during the trail class and workshop. (Oh yeah, and the BBQ). Then it was meet up for the bike ride with IMBA Trail Care Crew.

This is the FUN part of trail work - the BBQ and bike ride. We had a pretty good turn-out for a Sunday morning ride at Swanson Park. It was the most climbing I have done this year. With in my condition, I was only able to ride about 2.5 miles in the woods.

After a couple laps at Swanson, some went to Jewell. It was enough for me, so headed to Iowa. Stopped at Xtreme Wheels to drop off Psycowpath race posters. Most of the afternoon was spend napping or chatting on the computer.

Yes, I am Still Riding

Just in case if you are wondering - I am still riding. Have not commented much here after my trip to Rapid City for the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival.

Last week I rode a couple days at Manawa to get my dirt fix. Sunday we had out first Sunday Morning Ride from Panara Bread (Mall of the Bluffs). This is our "Tour de Bluffs" route. Took a couple days off with the rain (my sore butt was appreciative).

Today I needed some repairs done on my car. It ended up to be an all-day affair. Good the opportunity to ride while the car is in the shop. Ended up riding 42 miles (the most I have ever ridden in on day). 110 miles in the last 7 days.

Today's ride included 2 miles in the dirt at Manawa. Manawa is in good shape - so planning to ride there tomorrow.

A Busy Week

I got a little behind in my blog this week, and it has been a busy week.

Sunday Morning Ride was back. Made our Tour de Bluffs. The first problem we encountered was mud under the railroad bridge on the Manawa Trail. A reroute was well used. Stopped at the Lake Manawa mountain bike trails - areas are still underwater. Nice morning, threatening to get hot. Rest stops at Indain Creek bridge, Riverside Grill, and Hy-Vee. Rode a different course from Hy-Vee to S 16th - I did not like it. Taking down N 8th, Dennis would ride sometimes on the street, sometimes sidewalks and ride the crosswalk, other times riding the wrong side of the street.


Monday I headed out to check the readjustments made to the rear shifter on my trail bike. While riding, I logged my 1000 miles so far for the year. That's over 200 miles over last year at this time. That's great, considering the lousy weather this Winder and Spring. Now if the trails will only dry out so i can ride some dirt...

Tuesday was a recovery day - and more rain. URGH

Wednesday Morning Ride - it was Wabash Trace or Pavement. Suggested to Blaine (no one else riding) the do the Tour de Bluffs, showing him the route downtown. Bike shifted great. Pretty good pace, good ride.

Over Thursday, I read about burning fat - sprints with a higher gear. Friday, I thought I would ride the FX and put the hammer down. URGH, there was a problem with my heart monitor - so could not push it riding. After getting back at the shop, I rode over to the mall, to buy replacement battery, still the same problem - receiver no getting the signal. For some reason, the Nike receiver is now was only working with the Nike chest strap. Previously, I could use interchangeably between the Nike and Sigma monitors.

Saturday was trail work at Wilderness Park in Lincoln. I grabbed the directions from the THOR web site, and could not find the trail crew. Checking at the various trailheads that I knew, I gave up and decided to ride at the Pioneer Blvd end. Quickly blocked by a big dead fall. One final attempt and I heard a weed wacker along Old Cheney Rd. Changed back to my jeans, grabbed my bike, and headed to the trail. Did a little work, a lot of visiting with the folks from Lincoln



Ended the week with another Sunday Morning Ride. No one else was riding, so I headed over to Rich (ZQG) QTH to check out SWIARC Field Day. The ride means about 3 miles on the Wabash Trace. LOTS of clean-up needed there. Greg has work time planned for Tuesday, about 4:30pm from the CB trailhead. Thanks to those whom have made the trail "passable" in the mean time.

Spring has Sprung

Overcast Tuesday, was threatening rain, but the weatherman said not until later in the afternoon - if at all. Brought my trail bike with me for breakfast. After breakfast I drove to the Wabash Trace trailhead, heading toward Manawa to check out the MTB trail conditions. Solid, except for the ditch on E Sidewinder. Rode more than planned - did the East side. Temp in the 60s.

Wednesday dawned clear, crisp, and cool. Another good weather for our Wednesday Morning Ride. Once again, layers started to shed during the ride. My riding was not at its best. Still enjoyed the ride.

Today - Wow. What a beautiful day for a ride! After our computer coffee, it was time to get out and ride. Clear, sunny, no wind, in the 60s. Went to the bike shop, changed some clothes (did not need the long sleeves) and headed out up the Trace. Good pace up the hill and flew down. My old Trek 4300 LOVES riding the Trace. Over 13mph average! My best pace of the season (I rated the ride A+). Took a couple of photos - Spring has sprung on the Wabash Trace.

Lots of riding the rest of the week, and weather forecast to be great. Council Bluffs Mayor's Bike to Work Ride is in tomorrow morning. Friday Night MTB Ride at Manawa that evening. Bellevue Bike Club's Ride is Saturday. Sunday is our Ham Radio group Sunday Morning Ride and the Platte River Marathon race.

Sunday Afternoon Ride

Just HAD to get out and ride this afternoon. Thin clouds, little wind out of the SW, temperature in the lower 30s. Took a ride form the Trail Center, up to N 25th St. and back. Got a good cardio work-out on the way back (into the wind). Was careful though, to make sure it did not got too high (got up to about 145).

Still one section is mostly snow covers - and was very icy over that little rise between Ameristar and Harrahs. Should have wore my hiking boots instead of cycling shoes, my feet (specially left one) was getting a little cold by the time I got back to the Trail Center.

Still, always good to get back on my bike.

Have been working on a mount for my camcorder. Have to get a different or additional pieces between the clamp and the camera. I would like to mount the camera above the top tube - need something longer to get the camera up in the air more. Hope to have a chance to get over to Rockbrook Camera in the next couple days.

Solo Sunday Ride

My legs were sore last night from the ride yesterday. Slept VERY late - the body needed some recovery time. I was thinking of just taking down lights from the eaves of the house.

When I got out the weather was pretty good - nice, "filtered sunshine", mids 40s day. I did my work removing the lights (climbing up/down the stepladder). Found that my riding mower had been repaired and returned, so stowed that in the garage. It was time to change clothes and RIDE!

Started from the Trail Center, rode to the trailer park. I was hoping Indian Creek trail might be clear. From the trailer park connector - is sure did not looking like. With that, I returned to the Trail Center.

My tires were still soft from letting some air out of them yesterday. With the trail clear, I pumped up the tires and headed toward Ameristar.

Was thinking of going on up to Harrahs, but that section of the trail was still snow covered. I rode that section 4 times yesterday, not wanting to do that again.

It was not a long ride, and I did not push it. I rode a "recovery" ride. Just what I needed.

Dirt!

The morning was overcast and threatening rain. I was planning to attend a ham fest. By the time I was heading home, the sun was shining bright and the temperature was raising. Zach (Xtreme Wheels) said that people are riding the Manawa mountain bike trail. I hightailed home to get change and get my bike.

AH--- DIRT!

The trail is in pretty good shape. Just a couple (the usual) soft spots and muddy areas. Rode for just over an hour. Could tell that I had not ridden much the last week - the hour was enough. But, the ride did get ride of my headache from the noise of the flea market.

Xtreme Wheels Century

No, I did not ride the 100+ miles today. But I was up bright and early to take some photos. A good turn out, great weather. Hope every had a good ride.

After the Century Ride start, I took my normal Sunday Morning Ride with Dennis. Was a gorgeous day - Was in the mid 70s and no the light wind. We got stuck by a train - waiting about 20 minutes. Made it was a long ride. The rest kind of rejuvenated me.

After the ride, I headed home to process the photos. Left a CD at the bike shop.

Backing up a couple days, we had a good Friday Night Ride at Lake Manawa. The trail was in mostly dry (just some slick/soft/muddy spots). The sunset is starting to cutting into our riding time.

Sunday Morning Ride

I was planning to ride yesterday, but did not feel like riding - so came home after Ham Radio breakfast.

No way missing the weekly Sunday Morning Ride. The morning was clearer than it has been - we even saw downtown Omaha from Indian Creek Trail - rather then the haze accustomed to! Neither Dennis nor I were riding as our best. My legs were getting "heavy" within the first 5-7 miles. After walking things out a little I was ready to go again.

Still made the ride at an average of 12.5 mph. And, went over 1200 miles for the year.

Damn, it felt good!

Weather yesterday did not cooperate to ride. Even was not sure about riding this morning for our Sunday Morning Ride. The 2 of us (one wimped out on us) headed out under overcast skies. The paths were damp/wet in some areas, but we did not get any rain.

This was the first time in the saddle some Wednesday, and "Damn. it felt good!" No record breaking pace, but steady. When I got back to HyVee, I was really feeling good. Just what I needed.

The pedestrian bridge across the river is starting to take shape. I am anxious to be able to ride over to the Omaha side of the river.

A New Record Pace

Dennis and I set a new record pace for our Sunday Morning Ride -- 14.04 mph! And that was on my mountain bike - how I love riding that bike!

The conditions were perfect -- light/calm wind, sunny, mid 70 when starting out. We made our normal stop (off the clock) at the Western Heritage Trail Center. The rest of the time we flew (for our ride) up the trails.

Lots of traffic on the trails this morning. noticed that the Wabash Trace trailhead parking lot was full. Lots out riding and walking this morning.