Ride to Trails Center

Since the last day I rode, we had lots of clouds and 2 storms that left us a dusting of snow.  Anyway, the weather finally started turning into Spring temperatures.

At noon, it was mostly sunny and in the low to mid 50s.  Light breeze from the East.  HAD to get out for a bike ride.  Kitted up, loaded the hybrid on the car and headed to the Wabash Trace Trailhead.  No plans for just how far I would ride.

Stopped at Indian Creek Bridge for a rest and some water.  Visited with another rider.  Turned North on Indian Creek Trail.  As I neared Veteran's Memorial Trail, I decide I was feeling good enough to continue on to the Western Historic Trails Center.  After all, I had not been there yet this year - needed to show my face.

As I parked the bike, I realized its Thursday - Jam & Bread day.  Stopped in long enough to sign the register.  Sat on the retaining wall for eat a granola bar and drank a bottle of G2.  Time to head back to the car.

Knew I would have to take it easy on the way back as I was basically riding into the wind.  Rode at a steady 9-10 mph.   Stopped for a drink of water once I was along E Manawa Drive.  When I was ready to turn over to Lake Manawa Trail, I stopped for a little more water and starteded sucking on a shot blok.  Knew one would help me make it back to the car.

Climbing up after tunnel and RR trestle,  I knew that I had made the right decision as for length of the ride.  Exhausted and legs almost shot when I got back to the car.  Loaded the bike and headed home.

Great ride!  Re-hydrated with more water and PowerAde Zero.  Topped the afternoon with my large salad.  It will feel good to get horizontal in bed this evening.

Today's photo is my hybrid at the Trails Center.  With very little color in the photo, processed it in monochrome and added some sepia tint.  OH, I ended up with 16 miles, the longest ride of the season (so far).

Holiday On The Trails

Western Historic Trails Center
Holiday On The Trails
3434 Richard Downing Ave
Council Bluffs IA
51501

December 7th-9th 11am-3pm
Craft show with Christmas tree’s all decorated and for sale! With Lights and tree Skirt All Ready to go!
Doll clothes & Scarf's &Hats
Decorative Bottles & Wine Racks
Geode’s rocks & Quilts

Free Event

Friday 7th Evening
Jam 5pm-9pm
Family Crafts 6:30-7:30pm

Saturday 8th
12pm-2pm Free Photo with Santa.
Used Book Sale
Free Kids & Adult Crafts 12pm-3pm
Council Bluffs Recycling Center
What can & can’t you recycle

Sunday 9th
Free Holiday Crafts for Kids & Adults 11am-3pm
For more information 712-366-4900

Construction Along Mosquito Creek

Awesome weather for a bike ride today. Was about 70 deg a little before noon when I headed out from the Wabash Trace Trailhead. Destination was the Western Historic Trails Center.

Had a little problem getting the computer running right. Took some adjustment of the pick-up on the fork.

The last time I rode the Lake Manawa Trail, there was some construction along Mosquito Creek. They have been building a couple of bypassed. Not sure if they are for work on the levee or storm sewer.

Last year, when they had to work on the levee, They detoured the bike trail down to normal ground level and covered it with very coarse rock. This time, the trail level is being maintained at levee height. And, its being PAVED!

Nothing else noted along the ride to the Trails Center. Visited with the folks there. I had not been there for a while. July I was riding at sunrise. The Center is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Good visit, great ride, awesome weather.

Why I Prefer to Ride Alone

Yesterday I got my road bike back from the shop and planning to take it with me to Minnesota. Today was my chance to make sure everything was ready for the trip. Told D that I was planning to ride pavement about 9am, from the Wabash Trace Trailhead.

On the way to the trailhead, I stopped in to get the car serviced. Was at the trailhead about 8:50. J was already there (did not know he was riding too), Before I got my shoes changed, the other 2 were ready to ride (still not 9am). I like to take my time getting going, so feeling rushed, I was already not happy.

I was told to head out. Stopped quickly to reset the computer and headed down the trail at about 10 mph (into the wind). Over the last couple weeks, D has been saying he was not in shape, and to take it easy on him. Withing 1 1/2 mile, he was passing me and picked up the pace.

We used to stop at Indian Creek Bridge for hydration. I stopped, we had to flag down D. I rode most of the rest of the way to the Trails Center by myself. At the Western Historic Trails Center, I had to re-adjust my saddle - it had slide nose down on the ride. Used my multi-tool. D had a allen set, which allowed me more torque. Drank my G2, refilled water, and a quick visit with Dewey.

Once again, I brought up the rear. After all, I was not in a hurry. Wanted to enjoy the weather. After the hydration stop at the bridge, D wanted me to lead out so he could draft off me. Then complained that my speed was changing too much. So, I made it even more difficult for him to draft (by this time I was steaming inside). For info, I have problems keeping constant speed on the road bike because the bike wants to go faster than my body can keep up pedaling. So, not thinking, I speed up, and coast to bring back down to speed. Rode the rest of the way to the trailhead in silence.

I'll say that last summer when J and I rode Sunday mornings, I never had those issues. We just enjoyed the ride and the morning. Exhausted and depressed when I got home. Held mail for the trip and crashed to bed. Now trying to finish up my packing.

Yes, I've Been Riding

From my blog postings, you might think I have not been riding. Oh, contrair'. Just not much to report nor shoot a photo of. Have been getting out on the paved trail from Wabash Trace Trailhead Park towards Lake Manawa. Two rides to and around Lake Manawa. Riding the streets - not been that way since the Veterans Memorial Trail opened. Also was a little gun shy with all the glass shards on VM Trail along E. Manawa Drive.

The other ride was from the trailhead to Western Historic Trails Center. A frequent destination for my rides.

The weather has turned warm (almost hot), so have started riding mornings. This morning started with coffee, computer work, and conversation at Panera Bread. From there, it was my bike ride. Stopped by along Navajo St. to take this photo of the hybrid overlooking Lake Manawa.

On to Xtreme Wheels to pick up my road bike, want to bring it on my upcoming Minnesota trip. The bike got new shoes, new bar tape (with gel pads), and annual check-up. Sam's Clubs for supplies and gas the car. McClelland for voting (primary election day in Iowa). Now rest and start packing for the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Festival.

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.

Xtreme Winterfest Bike Ride

Yesterday was the 10th annual bike ride. Weather was much better than last year.It was in the mid 30s when the riders started arriving with their bikes at the Western Historic Trails Center.

After a cup of coffee, riders pedaled the 2 1/2 miles on the bike path to Riverside Grill. The Grill offered overpriced chilli, hot dogs, and chips.

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.

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!

Mountain Men Rendezvous

This week has been the Mountain Man Rendezvous at the Western Historic trails Center. I stopped by there yesterday morning after breakfast to check it out.

Since it was relatively early in the morning, there were not many visitors. One of the vendors was cooking up breakfast. Of course, I had already had mine. Visited with one of the "Mountain Men). we is a VietNam vet. Had a good conversation.

In the afternoon I was back one the bike. A few more visitors of the gathering. Since it was mid-afternoon, I was getting a little hungry. In 2009 I was in the 4-corners area. Kept seeing signs about "frybread".

Had never tried it. Since they had some at the rendezvous, I just had to try it. What I got was much like a large, flat doughnut. The "bread" was sprinkled with sugar. Washed it down with lemonade. Got my sugar fix for the ride back.

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.

1000 Miles, Finally

This year has been rough to rack up the miles. Nasty winter, flooding all summer (all Council Bluffs levee trails closed - and it more than half of the trails), stifling heat and humidity in July, A-fib meds slowing down my heart rate, and some depression from not being able to get out to ride (lessens the desire to ride).

This morning I just HAD to get out to ride this morning. When I logged yesterday's ride, I saw that I need 15 miles to hit the 1000 mile mark. After coffee at Panera and a stop at the car dealership (that's the topic for a later post), I parked at Lake Manawa Nature Trail parking lot. Rode the trails and streets to the Trails Center.

Added a little by riding the N side Lake Manawa park, and a mile past my car (and back). Anyway, I made my 1k.

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!

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.

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.

Grade A+ Day and Ride

The weather forecast today was for sunshine, 10 mph winds from the South, temperature in the lower 70s. Sound like a great day for a bicycle ride. The weather is suppoed to go south later in the week. If I was gonna log some miles, today was the day.


Wanting to log some miles means riding the road bike. Aired the tires and loaded the bike on the car. Grabbed a light jacket, not sure how it would be out in town. Drove to the Wabash Trace trailhead.

Temperature at the trailhead was 68. Loaded up supplies on the bike. Left the jacket, hoping I would not need it. By the time I started down the trail next to Mosquito Creek, I knew I had dressed properly.

Had a good ride (even into the wind - such as it was) to Indian Creek Bridge. Stopped for a quick dring of water and headed up Indian Creek Trail with the wind. I could have pushed the speed, but was just having a relaxing ride. Still maxed out at about 18mph.

On over to the Western Historic Trails Center. Dewey saw me dismounting the bike. When I entered the building, Dewey told me that someone I had ridden with in Wisconsin had been by last Friday. Figured it was Bill (from MN), my first ride at the Festival of the Trails. The photo on the right is of Bill.

Hope you are reading my blog, Bill. I am planning to attend this year's Festival of the Trails. Looking forward to seeing you again at Festival. Thanks for the inaugural ride. Hope you had a good ride while you were in the area (Dewey said you were on your bike when you visited the Trails Center).

From the Trails Center, rode up the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the "Bob Bridge". Decided to ride up the the center of the bridge. Construction on the Omaha side of the river, North of the bridge is getting near completion. New residence building and addition to the Gallup campus.

Lots of dirt being moved in the Iowa side of the river at the Bob Bridge. All of that construction is for the new Council Bluffs Riverfront Park. Even with the economy, CB is continuing develop and construct parks and trails. A progressive city.

Back down the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the Trails Center. Stopped long enough to fill my water bottle. Then, over to Xtreme Wheels. Relatively short visit there. Consumed my bottle of G2 and a granola bar.

On South into the wind down Harry Langdon and South Avenue back to the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park. Just short of 25 miles, and 2 hours and 15 minutes of riding time. Just an awesome day and ride.

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.

RIP Dick Zion

Yesterday was one of those days that I just HAD to get out to ride. Not really enthused, but had to get out. I loaded up the hybrid and donned my kit. Headed to the Wabash Trace Trailhead.

Rode the paved trail toward the Trails Center. The only "dicy" section of the trail was ice on Indian Creek under Hwy 92. Rutted ice that would throw a rider, specially with the 28mm tires I was riding.

Made my normal stop at the Trails Center. Signed the book. Back at my bike, Dewey called to me. He told me that Dick Zion (another of the folks at the Trails Center) had died. It was a shock for me. We had become more than just acquaintances at the Trails Center. He suggested some web sites for my photography. I showed him my work, kept him advised on trail conditions. He was always interested in my miles and health.

Checked my archive, hoping that I night have taken a photo of Dick during my visits, but it looks like I had not. The above photo is copied from the obituary. Gonna miss you, Dick.

From the Trails Center, I rode into town to stop by the bike shop. Had not been in a while since last week I was suffering the bug going around. Kept me in the house (except for coffee & breakfast) for much of a week. Told Zack about Dick's passing.

On to the car. Ended up with over 18 miles. Really tired after the ride.