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.

May in March

The thermometer reach 81 yesterday in Omaha! A record (I believe) for March 13. It was a great day on the bike, and lots of folks taking advantage of the weather.

After Tuesday coffee, I met Zach at Xtreme Wheels. Time to convert the hardtail (Trek 4300) again - removed studded tires and platform pedals. Getting the bike ready for a season of riding Wabash Trace. Made plans for lunch tomorrow.

Back home to get ready for my ride. Was great to be kitting for a bike ride wearing bibs shorts and short sleeve jersey! Sunny day, with a breeze out of the SSE. decided on the road bike for today's ride.

When i got the the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park, I saw Dennis there. Was gonna be his first ride of the season. We started off together along E. South Omaha Bridge Rd (Lake Manawa Trail). His destination was the Indian Creek Bridge; My destination was the Western Historic Trails Center (or further).

It stopped for some water at 2 miles. Dennis did not catch me up (being his first ride if the the season, he said not to wait for him). Stopped again at Indian Creek bridge for my normal water stop. From there it was flying down the trail with the tail wind.

Decided to ride on over the levee to check the trail conditions (and add some distance of the ride). Ran across Art and John (?). Last time I met Art (I thought his name was Wes) on the trail, he was riding with Mike. (See Bike Riding Weather - Feb 22)

After a nice visit, I rode on the levee to I-80. Today's photo was taken in the river side of the levee. It shows the destruction done to the trees during last summer's floods.

A stop in at the Trails Center to visit and wish Dewey a belated "Happy Birthday". It was back on the trail heading to the car. Wind was picking up, so decided riding Veteran's Memorial Trail (instead of Indian Creek Trail) back to Lake Manawa. It was still rough riding the section in the opens and a strong head wind. The reward was the last 2 miles. The wind almost blew me back to the car -- very little
pedaling.

Good 17 mile ride.

Flood Aftermath

Fifties and sunny in January - I'll take it! A little cooler yesterday. I could not pass up the opportunities to ride my bike.

Yesterday was the first ride for 2012. I was not up to par - my heart monitor was giving me high readings. I took it easy and rode 9 miles. It was about 45 degrees with filtered sunshine. Glad I wore my extra layer of sweatshirt and heavy tights.

Today it was about 55 when I headed out to ride, with full (for January) sun. Was gonna wear light tights, but they felt too warm. Decided to try the leggings I purchased for last winter.

They were just the trick for the temperature. Being the first time I tried leggings, I was not sure if they go over or under the short-bibs. I started with the leggings over the shorts.

Within 2 miles riding, the leggings were starting to slip down my leg. Stopped along the trail and pulled up the legs of the bibs, lulled the leggings up, and then brought the legs of the bibs back over the leggings. I rode another 10+ miles without issue. Though I did not need to, about 3 miles from the end of my ride I re-adjusted the leggings.

Now, I know what it LOOKS like guys are wearing shorts over tights -- its leggings!

Now, as for the ride it self - I rode from the Wabash Trace Trailhead or to I-80 behind the Trails Center. I wanted to see what looked like since the flood. I had seen photos, wanted to see for myself.

Not sure who all worked on clearing the mess - but they have done an awesome job. Thanks for your efforts!

The trees near the lower section near the levee have been desecrated. Looks like a tornado went through the area - trees every which way. (upper photo)

At the benches along the trail, I could see the sand dunes that were deposited during the flood jutting into the pond. They must have been sand bars some 6 feet thick! (see lower photo)

Stopped in to the Trails Center to sign the visitor's register. Jam and Bread was just getting going, so kept my visit short. Picked up a flier for "Xtreme Winterfest" bike ride - being held Saturday morning.

Had to Get Out to Ride

Today was the day I am/was planning to head South for the Holiday. After breakfast, I rested and worked on packing.

About noon, I stuck my head out of the door (probably to take a load to the car0 and I decided I just HAD to ride this afternoon - even if it means delaying my trip. Hell, It was over a month since i was last on one of my bike! I quickly donned a cycling kit, grabbed the road bike, and headed for the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park.

Figured the Trace might be a little soft (warming up this afternoon). Headed towards Manawa on the pavement. Was about 42 as I started riding.

Stopped by the mountain bike trail area (river-side boat landing). Trail Leader was in the area 9saw his truck, not him). Took a couple of photos. Today's blog photo shows the sand/silt that was deposited during the flood this year.

My original destination was the Trails Center. With the month off the bike had taken its toll on me. When I got to Indian Creet Bridge, I decided just completing the loop around the lake and back to the car would be enough.

Sunny, light breeze, 48 degrees on the way back home.

Gave me just enough drive to get the bikes loaded on the car rack. Basically finished packing. Now sleep time.

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.

Sunday Morning Ride

John and I headed out from our normal Sunday Morning Ride. We meet at Panera Bread in Council Bluffs, have our coffee and "breakfast". A little after 9am, we roll out.

Most Sundays we ride from Panera, to and around the South side pf Lake Manawa to the Western Historic Trails Center. I stop at the Mountain Bike Trail area (Missouri River boat landing) area to check out the water level. Today, I noticed that they have started scraping the mud off the road. (See top photo). Going to be a big job with all of the silt that has piled up.

John mnetioned that the are pumping out Lake Manawa. Not sure why. (Is it because of the zebra mussels?) Maybe they are just lowering the level - Ihave reported earlier this summer about the high lake levels,

The Road around Lake Manawa is closed. They have hoses/pipes across the road for the pumping. What we could see from the Indian Creek Trail, one pump is running and they have 2 other "over the levee" systems to install.

Nothing note-worth the rest of the ride to the Trails Center.

When I was the the Trails Center, I got some of the scoop on the "water rescue" behind the Center. A bicycle rider tried to negotiate the flooded paved trail.


Apparently he got out of the trail and lost his bike in the water! From the lower photo, you can see that you are not sure where the trail is after it drops into the water. I have ridden that section of the trail regularly and would not try to find my way though the water. The water is just too deep, nasty, and trails curves.

Bet he needed to be hosed down if he fell into the water!

Wind was kicking up when we headed back to Panera Bread. Slowed down the return ride. Still, was a great day for a bike ride!

Iowa Riverfront Trail

Yesterday was the day to get a hitch installed on the new car. Figured it was a good time to head out to check out the Iowa Riverfront Trail. Had not been up North on the trail since the flooding (trail was closed).

The river continues to drop. How we are seeing the damage done. Today's photo showed what was the riverfront parking lot at Harrahs (near the golf course).

Please be careful riding the trail - there are numerous places where hoses from flood pumps are crossing the trail. Most are covered with hard pack (almost paved) over the hoses/pipes. Two spots have flat "pipes" across the trail.

The river is still high, but I could see some of the damage that was done. There are trees uprooted, land washed away, and new sand bars in the river. Not sure it is was water damage or working to shore up the levee, but a section of the Dodge Park Golf Course fell victim to the flood.

Much of the paved trail will need to be replaced - damaged from vehicles driving down it for inspections/maintaining the levee.

The trail is closed at the golf course. The lower section of the Harrah's parking lot (and the bike trail) is still under water. Basically, consider the Iowa Riverfront Trail is closed from the Trails Center to Dodge Park Golf Course.

I was less than a mile from getting back to Council Hitch (where I was getting the hitch installed) when my phone rang. Car is done. Good timing. Stopped at Xtreme Wheels to get the hitch. Zach was busy, but his friend Joe installed the rack for me. Now I need to get some rock in the low spot of the driveway so the hitch doesn't drag!

River Dropping, Lake Rising

The Missouri River level continues dropping. I hear that some sections of the Interstate north of CB are being inspected for damage. It's not pretty. Three months of the river flowing over the highway has taking its toll.

We got word that the CB end og the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge will reopen on Saturday. Plans are to open the bicycle trails on the levees very soon (maybe the weekend?). Sure looking forward to that. There are sections still under water (highway underpasses. Behind the Trails Center, under Harrahs).

Not to mention the clean-up that will be required. I am sure the trail will be covered with muck and silt. Word is that its still Mid October before the river is back to "normal".

Low spot of the Veteran's Memorial trail just east of S 24th St is now dry (though the barricade is still up). Lake Manawa Trail east of the nature trail parking lot is still underwater.

Meanwhile, with all of the rains, the level of Lake Manawa has risen. The entrance and part of Boy Scout Island is underwater (see photo).

Lots of Ground Water

The Missouri River is SLOWLY receding. But, with all of the rain we received the last couple weeks, the rain has no place to go. Pumps have been running around the clock to transfer ground water into the river.

Lake Manawa is over its banks. This photo was taken on Aug 25th. The lake level was even higher Sunday (Aug 28th).



Lake Manawa Bike Trail is flooded in places. This photo was taken just East from the Nature Trail parking lot. There is another flooded section between the Nature Trail and the road to river boat landing.



Veterans Memorial Trail is flooded in the low spot East of S. 24th St.

Water has been partially crossing Western Historic Trail near the Trails Center. With so many trails STILL closed from the flooding, there are a lot of bicycles out on the roads and streets. Please watch you for us cyclists.

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!

City Morning Ride

Another hot and humid morning. But, I needed for some miles before breakfast.

Parked at Super Saver in Council Bluffs. Destination was the N 8th St entrance to Big Lake Park. (I should say - to the barricade at the road.)

When I have driven there, there are "No Parking' signs there. The road is flooded almost to the level of the railroad track. That is this today's photo. I was thinking of riding over the the N 15th St area near the Sheriff's Dept. With the heat and humidity, I called it a morning and returned to Super Saver for breakfast.

6.9 miles for 38 minutes riding time.

Road Closed - We Get the Idea

Two weeks agi I first saw this collection of signs at Lake Manawa. The sign is at the bicycle trail and road to the river boar landing (mountain bike trail area). The road was a popular spot to view the rive and the flooding.

That day, I figured they wanted folks off the road and out of the area because of levee work. Since the signs are still up, it seems they really don't want anyone over that way. Hope I will not get in trouble for leaning my bike (parking) at the sign (LOL).

A new map of trails closed due to the flooding has posted by Council Bluffs. This shows more closures than the June map.

Anyway, this morning parked at the Nature Trail and headed West and the bicycle trail. At the signed shown here, I transferred to the road. Followed out normal route around Lake Manawa to TSC. There, instead of riding through the streets, I rode the new bicycle trail along Hwy 92, and down along E. Manawa Road.

The newly completed trail still needs grass planted and a good sweeping (or heavy rain) to clean the trail surface. Rode over to the Lake Manawa Trail and back to the parking lot. About 6.5 miles so far.

Not enough mileage, to started lap 2 around the lake. This time at the North short, I rode over to the shelters and boat ramp. Stopped for some G2, and back to the maine road.

It was 80 when I started, 85 when I finished (basically 7am to 8am). Sunny, light breeze from the South (no wind at the parking lot - just lots of mosquitoes). 14 miles in 1:09 - pretty good speed for me. Oh, I was on the road bike.

Summer Sign

All over Council Bluffs, we encounter these signs. So much of our bicycle trails are on the levees. With the flooding this year, the levees are off limits. In addition to this, we are treated to truck and equipment traffic all over town working to re-enforce the levees.

No access to the levee at the river boat ramp at Manawa. Even had barricade across the bicycle trail before the road.

Today I rode from Lake Manawa to the Trails Center. The Trails Center was closed (on July 4th!) The parking lot was packed with equipment (guessing for the levee re-enforcement).

The trail between the trails center and the baseball diamonds is partially covered with water. Believe that is ground water seepage from the river. Never seen the trail there under water.

On the positive side - construction of the trail along E Manawa Drive is almost completed.

I have never seen so many riders on the streets to ride around Lake Manawa. Have to ride someplace with so many of the trails closed.

Flooding Overview

Yesterday I got up to Lewis & Clark Monument to view the flooding from that vantage point. In the middle of a Monday morning, there were not too may folks up there. The view sure illustrates the extent of the flooding.

I am trying to find a photo I have of Big Lake in its normal state. The river has swallowed the lake. You can see I-29 disappearing into the water. On the way back into town, I was going to take photos of the flood waters under the railroad trestle. Lots of "No Parking" signs there. Guess I will ride the bike one day up there for the photos.

National Guard troops are paroling the levee. I sure hope the levees hold. The river is expected to be this high until well into August. Don't think levees were expected to hold the river that long.

Riding the Trace

With all the flooding along the Missouri River, bicycle riding has taken a turn. The longest ride on paved trails in Council Bluffs is Valley View, 5 miles one way. The options are riding the streets and roads or riding the Wabash Trace.

Over the last week, I took two rides on the Trace from Silver City to Malvern. I was surprised to see the Silver Creek is quite low. Might be a bit higher now, with the rain this week. Some change from the Missouri!

Friday's ride was solo. Took a few more photos of the Silver Creek Bridge. Trail surface was pretty good, just a couple soft spots.

Sunday, I rode with Dennis. With the rain Saturday night, the trail was a little soft. Slowed me down some. We headed out from Silver City about 10:30 as it was going to be a warm and humid day. Though there was a breeze from the SE, there was basically no air moving on The Trace. We were both dripping with sweat when we got done about 12:30. I stayed inside the rest of the day (computer work).

Lots of traffic on the Wabash Trace Sunday. More than I have ever seen before between Silver City and Malvern. Does the flooding (closed trails along the river) put more traffic on the Trace? Sure seemed to, Dennis and I both expect to ride the Trace more this year because of the flooding.

Home and Flood Report

Monday I drove home from Deerwood, MN. Had a good time at the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival. Talked with one of the organizers, commented on a couple things I liked and did not like about the festival. She said they are planning to send out a survey (which I had recommended). Uneventful drive home - just tired. Still was able to pick up the mail and stop by the bike shop to check on my road bike.

Tuesday, I just could not get out of bed. Over slept and missed breakfast. Did got out and about in time for my doctor appointment (physical). No problems other the aches and pains from the crash and age. Picked up the road bike (was in for its first annual inspection and tune-up). Rest of the day - crashed.

Wednesday I just had to get out on the bike, even though I was a bit tired. Parked at Lake Manawa (at the nature walk). Plans were to survey the trails so see how far I can ride. Here's What I have found, so far.


Heading toward the Wabash Trace - Mosquito Creek is flooding the trail under the railroad.


Construction of the new trail connecting Lake Manawa Trail to the Veteran's Memorial Trail (East side of Lake Manawa).


Missouri River Boat Ramp Parking Lot - and our mountain bike trails).


Bridge over Indian Creek - Note the people on the far end of the bridge. That's National Guard patrolling the levee. Officials do not want the public on the levee, at all.


Indian Creek under Highway 92.


Veteran's Memorial Trail at S. 24th St.


Iowa Riverfront trail behind the Western Historic Trails Center.

Under Water

Today I took a bike ride to survey the Missouri River flooding. Parked at the Wabash Trace trailhead. Not sure how far I would be able to ride.

The first think I noticed was that Mosquito Creek is lots higher. Only needs about another foot of water and the trail under the railroad will be under water. The next low spot is just before the trail climbs up onto the levee (just West of the nature trail). Only takes a few more inches and the trail will be under water. That trail section is on the other side of the levee from the river!

Forecasts are for another 5-7 feel ride in the river. At that point, seepage through/under the levee could flood Lake Manawa!

When I got toward the river boat ramp road, there were new barricades with cable/chain across the road. The above photo is what I saw when I got to the levee closest to the river. The parking lot is almost covered in water. Its gonna be a long time before we get out to ride Manawa singletrack.

My next stop was the Western Historic Trails Center. There, I was advised that the water if over the trail past the Center. Higher water than last year. Even the trail bypass is also underwater.

After a granola bar and some water, it was on over to the bike shop. Visited a little and made arrangements for first annual inspection for the road bike. Planning to leave it at the shop while attend 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.

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.