Purr-fect Bike Riding Weather

Yesterday was awesome bicycle riding weather.  When I kitted up, it was in the low 60s, sunny, very slight wind from the SE.  Was thinking of riding the road bike, but I have not checked it our for the season.  Settled on riding the hybrid.

The other day I was only able to ride 4 miles on the Trace, so did not want to over-do it.  Parked at the Lake Manawa Park Nature Trail.  Headed West on the Lake Manawa Trail toward Indian Creek Trail.  The photo here, was taken near the junction of Indian Creek and Lake Manawa Trails.

Was debating about wearing my light cycling jacket.  Ended up riding without it.  Was a little cool once or twice, but otherwise perfect temperture for a bicycle ride.

During my ride on Lake Manawa Trail, Zach (Xtreme Wheels) called with information about my heavy, slime tubes for this bike.  Glad I decided to ride the hybrid.  I could drop the bike off at the shop for one tube replace. Want to have the heavy,slime tubes on both tires for my Santa Fe trip.

My ride continued up Indian Creek to Veterans Memorial Trail.  Completing the loop around Lake Manawa.  Stopped to shoot a photo of the Lake Manawa State Park sign with annual Clean-up Day advertisement.

Quick stop at Panera Bread for a ham sandwich and apple for lunch when I get home.  Dropped the bike off at the bike shop.  Called it a day.

Off the bike for a couple days - drizzling rain and windy today into tomorrow.  Too nasty even to go to the Zoo.  Planning to check out the 1968 Exhibit at the Durham Museum tomorrow.

Bike Rack Issue and Ride

Passed on Tuesday Coffee - tired and did not want to deal with the coffee group. Was late morning when I headed to town for my blood draw, stop at the bike shop, and bike ride.

Talked with Blaine and we looked at the problem with the Yakima rack. Forgot to take a photo while it mechanism was open on Sunday. From the photo here, you can see the right latch finger was broken off (red plastic piece). The rack is useable for now. See what Yakima says about the failure.

From the bike shop I headed to Wabash Trace trailhead for a ride on my road bike. From what I could hear, sounded like my heart is in A-Fib. Getting the bike off the rack and ready for my ride, the heart monitor verified my diagnosis. that, and i have been sluggish all day.

Monitor readings were steady but high (at about 130 when normally mid 60s when prepping for my ride). Decided to just ride to and around Manawa. By the time I was on the last 1.5 mile section of the ride, I was fading.

I had been keeping hydrated on the ride. It might have had something about that I did not eat much the last 2 days. Before departing the trailhead, I drank a quart of PowerAde Zero and headed to Freddy's for some food. Felt better after the food, yet heart is still in A-Fib.

Beautiful day to be out of the bike. Forecast is great weather the rest of the week. Hoping to get out some more rides.

Toasted Legs

Weather forecast is for rain/storms for the next couple days. That's great because my legs need a break.

Sunday was climbing Dumfries hills on the Wabash trace (first time for the season). Monday was struggling up Indian Creek Trail into 15-20 mph wind.

Did it again Tuesday, just further. Rode the Manawa, Indian Creek, bike shop, Trace trailhead loop. Over 3 miles into the wind. Stopped for rest and visit at Xtreme Wheels.

Met another cyclist/photographer (LandonRayburn.com). Had a nice visit.

Greatest park of Tuesday ride was flying down Harry Langdon and South Ave riding the wind!

Yesterday I header off to the Western Historic Trails Center. Went past to I-80. Stopped at the Center and visited a little.

On the way back to the car, I stopped by Leach Camper to see what I can do to sell the RV. I might get $2-3K from Leach, could get $4-5k through Craig's List or such. In any way, Think I need to try getting it running to be able to sell it. Doubt I could get much to get it "as is".

Back to the ride. By the time I turned off Veteran's Memorial Trail, heading back to the car on Lake Manawa Trail, my legs were getting tired. Had the ride been a mile or two longer, I would not have made it. My legs were "toast".

I could hardly move last night. Looking forward at a couple days off the bike.

Today's photo was taken yesterday on Western Historic Trail at the baseball fields. No photo taken during Tuesday ride.

Bike Ridin' Weather

Thins mirning, I had a eye doctor appointment -- having a little problem with a blockage in the left eye. Been treating it since early November. Second shop in the eye this morning. The eye drops had not quite worn off at noon, but I had to get out to ride today.

Sunny with a little wind from the West. Temperature was in the low 50s when I headed to the Wabash Trace Trailhead. Brought the road bike. Headed to Lake Manawa with plans to ride to the Trails Center.

I was stopped just before I got to the Indian Creek Bridge. A bird-watcher stopped me to chat. Seems I was in the mood to visit. We spend 20-30 minutes talking. Turned out his name is also Tom. A couple other bike riders stopped by (Mike & Art).

The "filtered" sunshine changed to bright sun. We all went our own way. completed riding to the Trails Center. Stopped there and visited a little with Tereesa and Dewey. It was after 3:30 before I got back on the bike to ride to the car.

A quick stop at the bike shop and then on home. A great afternoon on the bike. Today's photo is the bike ride on Indian Creek Bridge.

A Brisk Ride

Another good riding day (for February). Sunshine and in the low 40s. The only issue was a brisk wind from the SSW. I parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead, heading for Lake Manawa.

Most of the trail surface is clear, just a couple small ice patches under the interstate. the tunnel under the railroad was mostly dry! But I am getting ahead of me. The ride almong Mosquito Creek was rough - a blustery head wind. Felt good to turn to the West at the pumping station.

The Council Bluffs has been doing a great job clearing the trail. Today's photo shows one of the more snowy section of the trail along the Lake Manawa Road.

Rode on down to the river boat landing. Several folks walking their dogs and fishing on the bank. One over to the Indian Creek bridge. Joe (XW customer) passed me as I was taking a photo. He stopped on the bridge and we spent some time visiting.

My original plan was to ride to the Trails Center or at least around Lake Manawa. But I did not want to face the wind again. Turned around at the bridge and headed back to the car.

Rode the Nature Trail to add distance to the ride and check the trail. One short section of the trail is snow and ice covered. All-in-all a good ride. Ended up with 19 miles, taking me to 140 miles for the year. OH - I rode the road bike today. Didn't want the bike to get lonely. Felt good to have the speed of the road bike with the head wind.

Some rain is forecast for tomorrow. Most of the rest of the week should be mostly sunny with highs in the low to mid 40s. Hoping to log more miles this week.

Check the Trails

Sunday it was farewell breakfast, load the car, and the boring drive home. I was able to see from I-29 some of the devastation caused by the flood. I was back home about 4:30 pm. Monday was re-supple, laundry, and recover.

Tuesday, I was ready for another bike ride on familiar bike trails. Wanted to see the conditions at Lake Manawa and behind the Trails Center. In the photo here, you can see that depth of the silt that was washed into the area. On my facebook page, there are other photos. The ground contour has changes in some areas as the silt was deposited by the water.

Behind the Trails Center, the water is SLOWLY receding, It will be a mess to clean up once the water is gone. In addition to the silt and debris, there are many trees toppled over the trail.

Great ride before the weather turned on Wednesday. Stopped at the bike shop on my way home. Had a nice chat with Zach.

Birthday Ride

It was a pretty nice day for my birthday ride. About 70, sunny, breeze from the SSW when I headed out from the Wabash Trace Trailhead. Before I saddled up, asked someone in the parking lot to take my photo.

Photo turned up good - and now using it as my FB profile photo.

Uneventful ride to the Western Historic Trails Center. There I stopped to visit with Dewey and a couple of bike riders. Story of more folks trying to ride the trail behind the Trails Center. At least they did not need a official water rescue!

From there, it was over to Xtreme Wheels. Wind was kicking up a bit. Chatted with Zack & Jay. Thanks for the T-Shirt, Zack!

Was a bit of work pedaling into the wind for the 4 miles back to the car. Still, an enjoyable ride and afternoon.

North Side Tour

Have been a little back in my blogging. Maybe I can catch up this morning.

After the frustrations dealing with the dealership last Thursday morning, I needed a bike ride. In the afternoon, I parked downtown CB and stopped at the bike shop. Had a particular reason to stop at the bike shop - drop off some calendars.

Decided to check out the trails on the North side of town. Rode city streets up to the Sheriff's Dept. The road to Big Lake is still barricaded (as of Thursday - see photo). Water is basically under the railroad and I could see lots of clean-up activity in the park. I would not be surprised to see that Big Lake Park open now or very soon.

As I rode Iowa Riverfront Trail, I realized that some of the pumps have been shut down. The river level is continuing to drop. Standing water along the golf course is receding (tells me that they are slowly getting the ground water level under control).

Survey stake all along the level. Some makings on the pavement - looks like sections that will be replaced. Some sections have been almost destroyed by trucks and equipment driving on the levee during the flood.

Shot the lower photo here overlooking the lower level of Harrah's parking garage. From what I could see it looks like the water is nearly gone in the lower level. They have lots of cleaning up to do, clearing all the water silt, but perhaps they may soon open the section of the bicycle trail there.

On the way back, I looked at the area South the the Bob Bridge where the CB was building the new park/green space between the levee and the river. The area looks like coastal tidal flats.

Lots of devastation along the river. Much of the island between the river and chute is gone (maybe more will be visible after the river level gets down to normal). Many trees have died and are dying from toppling in the storms and high water.

Waters Receding

After a week off the bike, it was time to get out for a ride. Weather was gorgeous when I headed out to the Wabash Trace Trailhead. It was a sunny, 74 degrees, with a slight breeze. Brought the road bike for some pavement miles. First destination was the Western Historic Trails Center.

Barricades where down as I headed out from the trailhead. A good sign that the mud had been cleaned from the trail along Mosquito Creek. As I approached the railroad underpass, I saw that the trail is clear - just a small bit of water still draining from the hill/mud.

Ground water around Lake Manawa is still very high. The low spot near the Nature Trail parking lot is still under water. Next stop was at the Missouri River boat landing. More of the road and larking lot are now visible as the waters recede.

At the Trails Center, I rode up to the levee to see the conditions of the trail behind the center. Its going to be some time before this section of the trail is dry, cleared, and rideable. Today's photo shows the trail behind of the Trails Center.

Uneventful ride to the bike shop. Stop for a rest and G2. Finished the ride down Harry Langdon to the trailhead. Grade A bike ride.

Lake Manawa Trail

The week continues to be a beautiful week for bike riding. Thursday and Friday I parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead and headed out for the Trails Center.

At the trailhead, there still are signs that the trail is closed. Again near the bus bar, and at the end of E South Omaha Bridge.

I had heard that the water was down and could get through there. The worst of the mud has been cleared from the trail. Looks like there were waiting for the "mud" to dry when it can be swept off. It is dry, except for one short section under the railroad. (today's photo)

Thursday was a bit breezy - winds from the NNW. It was rough pedaling up Indian Creek into the wind. Stopped at the Trails Center for the normal visit. Next stop was Xtreme Wheels, then back down to the trailhead. A good 19 mile ride.

Friday, I started off with the same route. Wind was not as bad, but still basically from the North. Instead of riding up to the bike shop, I rode back via Manawa - did not want to ride Harry Langdon with Friday afternoon traffic.

The two rides where enough that I made my first 100 miles week this year.

Valley View Trail

Today, I just needed a short ride before my drive tomorrow. Decided to check out the new pavement which completes Valley View Trail. Dennis had told me that it was completed.

Parked in the K-Mart lot. Last fall I had ridden the new street along the side of K-Mart. Then I noticed that it looked like there would be a bicycle trail in addition to the new street. Sure enough.

Rode from the North end of Valley View (US 6) to the South end at the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park. Its a 5.2 mile ride. Today's photo is of the new section of Valley View as I headed North toward K-Mark.

After that, I dropped the road bike off at Xtreme Wheels for its one year check-up. In that year, I logged 1321 miles on the new bike.

Now packing up the car for my trip mountain bike festivals. Watch for reports at CAMBA's Festival of the Trails and Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival.

Missouri Rising

Yesterday, as I took my bike ride, I dropped off the Lake Manawa bicycle trail to check the water level at the mountain bike trails. From water near the trail, I could see that the river was higher. Sure enough, it is. (See photo).

On the news, I heard that the Corp of Engineers will have to release more water from flood control dams because of the fast snow melt in Montana. This is the 3rd year in a row that the singletrack at Manawa has been flooded.

An article in the Omaha World-Herald confirmed what I heard. Basically, we can expect that the river level will continue to rise in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area.

After that disappointing scene at the river, I headed on over to the Western Historic Trails Center. They were having their Thursday "Jam and Bread" so just stopped in to sign the guest register and using the bathroom.

On over to Xtreme Wheels. Visiting a bit and talked about printing note cards. Watch for news about sale of note cards with scenes of the Wabash Trace.

After my ride, it was time to start up the lawn mower and begin harvesting the hay crop that is my lawn. Had to stop to refill gas - and the mower now will not start. Have to find out the problem.

Recovery Ride

Yesterday, it was about all I could do was get out of bed in the morning. Just exhausted from the ride on the Trace Sunday. But, weather was sooo nice, had to stretch my legs with a pavement ride.

It was about 11:30 when I parked the car at the Wabash Trace Trailhead. Noticed Dennis' truck parked there. Unloaded the road bike from the car and geared up for my ride.

Light breeze, think it from the West or NW. Temperature was in the mid 70s with bright sunshine. Great riding weather.

Stopped down by the riverside boat ramp area (mountain bike trails). As I expected, the Missouri River is higher - more flooding between the levee and the river. Today's photo was taken at the entrance to the West mountain bike trail.

On over the the Western Historic Trails Center. Visited a little with Dewey. Rode on over to I-80 for a little more mileage. Then over to Xtreme Wheels. Rested a little there. Zack was busy selling bikes so did not much time to visit with him.

On down to the car. Chewed a Shot Block to get ready for the climb over the tracks. Turned out to be a good recovery ride - just short of 20 miles at about 10.5 mph.

Tour de Bluffs

Tuesday was blood draw day (to check on my coagulation) and group breakfast. I was itching for another bicycle ride.

Once again I parked the the Wabash Trace trailhead. As I was prepping for my ride, Dennis drove into the parking lot for a bike ride. We visited a little as I finished loading stuff on the bike.

As we started down the trail, Dennis said "see you later" as I would be riding faster than him. When I got to the Indian Creek bridge, I stopped for water and see if Dennis caught up (his goal was riding to the Trials Center). After over 5 minutes, I headed up Indian Creek into the wind,

Stopped by the Trails Center to visit, spending about 20 minutes. No Dennis. At this time, I was was feeling good enough to ride on around town - our "Tour de Bluffs" route.

Under the Harrah's parking lot, I stopped for a couple photos. Wanted to get a photo of the swollen Missouri River and the road bike. The above photo also captures the Omaha skyline.

On up Iowa Riverfront Trail to Big Lake. Stopped there for some G2 and granola bar. From there, down N 8th into town and Xtreme Wheels. Stopped there for a visit and order some ShotBloks.

Down through town and South on Harry Langdon to the trailhead. Good ride. After the ride, went to Sam's Club for some groceries.

Road Bike Ride

After walking the trails Sunday, I was very tired. Had problems getting moving on Monday. After my morning chat, I was back in bed for a nap. Eventually go up and found it was good weather for a bike ride.

Quickly gathered up my kit. Aired up the tires on the Super T (road bike), and headed to the Wabash Trace Trailhead.

As I approached the Mosquito Creek bridge, I noticed new bicycle lanes markings. (See photo).

There was a fairly stiff breeze from the North. With that, I flew down the trail to Lake Manawa. Stopped at the river boat ramp/mountain bike area. Wanted to add the portion of a miles from the ride and check the river level. Took a couple photos of the flooded trails.

Slugged up Indian Creek Trail into the wind. At Veteran's Memorial Trail I turned over toward the Trails Center. Had not been there since surgery. Stopped there to visit with Dewey.

From the Trails Center, back East to Indian Creek and north into town. Stopped by the bike shop. Ordered another Sigma PC3 heart monitor. After a visit with Zach, it was south with the wind to the trailhead and my car.

Mana-Swamp. Again

It has been too long since I was on one of my bikes. The weather and 10 days in the hospital separated me and the bikes. Yesterday, there was just no way that could not ride.

I knew that I needed to take it easy. While my medical procedure was normally carried out as out-patient, I had to be hospitalized because of coumadin therapy. It took a week after surgery to get my blood numbers correct.

The day was partly cloudy with a rather brisk wind from the NW. Parked in the lot at the Lake Manawa Nature Trail. From there, I would have my ride into the wind first, and the wind could blow me back to the car.

As I rode the Lake Manawa trail I soon noticed lots of standing water. This was not looking for the mountain bike trails. Made a short detour to the river to see the rived level. As expected, Section of the Lake Manawa mountain bike trails were under water (see photo).

Back on the trail to Indian Creek bridge. When I turned into the wind, I was not sure how far I would make it before turning back to the car. While I was wearing my heart monitor strap, I had forgotten to attach the monitor to the bike. So, did not push it. Kept up a 7mph+ pace.

Rode the SW loop - Manawa, up Indian Creek, to the bike shop, back down Harry Landon to Lake Manawa. Just over 14 miles at 9.5 mph. I rode the hybrid. Figured that was better to make sure not straining my back.

Forecast today is for winds from the SE. See where to ride today.

To Clip or Not Clip - That is the Question

At age 57 I bought a bicycle. I had not been on a bicycle since I passed my driver's license test. When I Stopped in at Xtreme Wheels in Council Bluffs, IA, I was looking for a way to exercise to continue my rehab after a stroke and open heart surgery.

The bike Bill had me try was a comfort bike - Trek Navigator 200. The last bike I had did not have any gears and I pedaled backwards to brake. As my bicycle knowledge grew, I learned these are now called “fixies” with coaster brakes.

Anyway, I had enough confusion with all of the levers on the handlebars. The last thing on my mind was what kind of pedals the bike had. Since then, I have learned that my bike was equipped with “flat” or “platform” pedals.

Not sure just when the subject of “clipless” pedals entered the discussion at the bike shop. As I started riding more, I had problems with my right foot falling off the pedal. My foot was “walking” off the pedal. My stroke left damage on my right side.

The folks at the bike shop and I started discussing my options. I did not feel comfortable being “tied” to a bicycle with special shoes and pedals with bindings. We decided on some toe clips for my pedals.

This solved the problem of the foot falling off the pedal. Now, I started experiencing a new problem. It was difficult to get my size 12 shoes onto the clips. Add to that, it seems that the pedal is always up-side-down. If I slipped my foot out of the clip when riding, the clip would strike the ground.

Back to the drawing board.

The only way to keep my foot walking off the pedal was to tie the foot to the bike – clipless pedals.

“Clipless” pedals. You “clip” into “clipless” pedals. Huh?

Ok, this is the way it has been explained to me. First there are just plain old pedals. The pedals I grew up with. The next iteration is the pedal with toe clips. You slipped your foot/shoe into the toe clip.

Here's where the problem comes in. What do you call the pedals without toe clips which binds pedals to the shoe? Of course “clipless” pedals. Duh...

The first clipless pedals I tried are Shimano reversible pedals. One side of the pedal is a flat pedal, the other side is SPD clipless pedal. Nirvana! – I could clip in when I want, yet flip the pedal riding a flat pedal if needed.

These pedals are great for those of us newbees. A twist of the foot disengages the clip – much like early ski bindings. On my trail bike, I still use those pedals. When I am riding unfamiliar trails, I like to ride with the flat side so that I don;t have to think about unclipping if the trail gets gnarly and near the upper limits of my skill level.

Alas, the reversible pedals are not quite Nirvana. I still have to find which is the clipless side. Murphy's Law saws the flat side is always up when you want to clip-in. The clipless side is always up when you want to ride a flat pedal. Since my hybrid is only ridden on pavement, I equipped that bike with Shimano SPD pedals.

It didn't take much time before I also converted my hardtail to clipless pedals. The one exception is when I change the hardtail into my snow/ice bike. In the cold temperatures I like to ride wearing warmer hiking boots. Then, the hardtrail gets reversible or flat pedals.

When I bought my road bike, I had the bike shop install SPD pedals. OH! And my shoes – I only have mountain bike shoes. Sorry purists – not ready to spring a second pair of shoes for riding my road bike.

Spring has Sprung!

It was a great bike riding weekend. Sunday morning I headed to the Mall for breakfast. Panera Bread is in the middle of a move. We were talking about checking out Mickey D's. I was the only one to make it.

It was already in the 50s at 9am. Took a little nap (tired after the dirt ride yesterday). Then prepped the Super T (road bike) for a ride. Drove to Wabash Trace Trailhead Park. Gonna be a busy day on The Trace, too.

The route today was Lake Manawa Trail, Indian Creek Trail. Veteran's Memorial Trail and Western Heritage Trail to the Trails Center. Stopped in for a visit and time for a granola bar and G2.

Retraced my way back to Indian Creek Trail, turning North to S. 16th. From there the connector to S 8th and to Xtreme Wheels downtown. A little more visiting and talking bikes.

Rode down Harry Landon Blvd and South Avenue back to Wabash Trace Trailhead Park.

My day was not finished. After a quick change of clothes at home, it was off to Aksarben Village for a THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) Marketing Committee meeting.

Today's photo was taken at Lake Manawa Mountain Bike Trails (Long's Loop) on Saturday during my dirt ride - a shameless ad for THOR.

Miles Not Accumulating Very Fast

Its December. Living in Iowa, we are happy for any decent riding weather we get. Have to take advantage of days like yesterday - mid 40s, mostly sunny, and a slight breeze from the West.

I headed into town for a bike ride. Parked near Xtreme Wheels. Rode my "Tour de Bluffs" route. Logged another 22.6 miles.

The Missouri River seems to continue dropping. Good news, we don't want more flooded trails. I need to air the tires in the Fuel EX7 to checkout the trail at Lake Manawa.

Along Veterans Memorial Highway (Iowa Rt 92), the trail blocked. Construction company boring a horizontal hole under the roadway. Looks they may be at this for a while. Take care when riding this short section off trail.

Stopped in at the Trails Center - restroom, sign guest book, mid-ride refreshments. Restrooms are few and far between in the winter. On the "Tour" the portable facilities are removed for the winter at the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park and Big Lake. That leaves me the Trails Center (but don't count on it on Mondays and holidays) and the bike shop.

Over the last week, I finished writing my Christmas Letter. It is starting to show up in e-mails. Over the weekend snail mail. Normal breakfasts and coffees. And the first Christmas Party of the season - Thanks Roxzanne and Ryan.

See if my legs want to ride this afternoon. Then its Second Friday Art Tour in Council Bluffs.

Made it - 2000 Miles

The last 2 1/2 weeks has been rough for me --- no bike rides. Yesterday, I finally broke the streak.

Sunny day, temperature in the low 40s, but a bit windy from the North. Forecast is that the weather will be going down the tubes over the next week. Had to ride.

Headed out from Xtreme Wheels North to Big Lake. The photo above is my road bike on the marshland observation bridge at Big Lake. Continued riding Iowa Riverfront Trail to the Western Historic Trails Center.

Being it Thursday, Jam and Bread was in full swing. I stopped for a granola bar and bottle of G2.

The new paving on the Western Historic Trail is completed. When I got to Indian Creek Trail, I had a decision - South to Lake Manawa or North back into town. Since I needed 22 miles to make my 2000 miles for the year, I opted for the ride down to Manawa.

The Missouri River level has continued to drop - great to see that.

By now, the wind seemed to pick up. Just in time for my ride into the wind. I grabbed a shot block to suck on, and headed North. Since I had forgot to bring the heart monitor, I took it easy. The climb up the bridge on Harry Langdon was brutal. Once I dropped down to South Ave, I know I had it without bonking, with some legs left (but not much).

Relaxed a little at the bike shop and headed home. Mission Accomplished - 2002 miles for the year! Nothing like the 3355 miles I ended up last year, but a good effort with the weather, floods, and treatments.