Some Food and Accommodation Photos

Spaghetti and meat balls at at Canyon King Pizzeria. Two pieces of garlic toast.  Washed down with water and Sierra Mist.

Jacob Lake Lodge Patty Melt with fries.

Hearty breakfast at the Jacob Lake Lodge.  Scramble eggs, hash browns (a little dry) mome made wheat toast, and awesome patty of pork sausage.  Added water and coffee.  Food decent. service left to desire.

My half-cabin at Jacob Lake

Double bed side of the room

Rest of the room.  The door was to the stool and tight shower stall.

No grounded outlets, no wi-fi, no TV, no radio - and of course, no microwave or fridge.  And a "steal" at about $100 a night.

Quiet Las Vegas Weekend

After playing tour-guide Thursday/Fridat, I had a quiet weekend.  Was hoping to visit with relatives, but things did not work out.

Saturday,  I kitted up for a bike ride.  Stopped in a bike shop to get map(s).  Very nice new free maps were available for the Southern Nevada and Henderson, NV.  Grabbed the hybrid out of the van and ready for a bike ride on the Pittman Wash Trail in Henderson.  Alas, I had 2 broken spokes on the rear wheel. 

 Had dinner at the hotel cafe - decent order of spaghetti and meatballs.  Champagne brunch at the hotels Grand buffet. 

Met up with a couple guys from my Army Unit for lunch.  Was a little too much food, but good food at BJ's with a pint of beer. Great to see and visit with Nick and Alex (see photo). 

The afternoon/evening was spend napping and working on photos from the trip.  Headed back towards Albuquerque about daybreak. 

Stopped about 15 miles South of Hoover Dam to take a couple photos of the Colorado River downstream from the dam.  Late lunch in Flagstaff.  Was just getting dark as we got off I-40, heading to my house.

New Mexico 165

I was debate what to do for Labor Day.  It had been some time since I was on the road to take photos.  Decided to drive the "back road' up to Sandia Peak.

Checked the cameras (60D, T1i, & S95 - Canon) and loaded them into the car.  Stopped into Weck's for breakfast.  I have discovered Weck's "Nana's Value meals".  Smaller meal and good priced.  Had french toast, sausage, and coffee.

From Bernalillo, I crossed I-25 and headed up NM 165.  As I drove through the town of Placitas, I though "another day I will have to take time to scope out this town".  I saw several cyclist climbing the mountain.  Too much for me!

From the photo taken as I climbed out of the valley (see above), I was excpecting the top of the summit would be in the clouds.

At the edge of Placitas, the road pavement ends.  I was taking my time, enjoying the beautiful  day and scenery.  Soon, the road got very rough. At time, I was unable to make more than 5 mph.  The road winds up the Northeast side of Sandia Mountain. As climbing, the road was getting narrower and the brush/trees closer to the road.

I took my time. Stopped many time to shoot photos.  At one time, a cyclist on a cross bike rolled up the road past me as I was stopped to get a shot.

Being the monsoon season, the wild flowers were abundant along the road.  A couple times, the cyclist and I leap-frogged passing each other on the road. At one point, the road came clost to the edge of the mountain and we were rewarded with a view of the valley.  Took the time to get a photo of the cyclist and get his e-mail so that I could send him the photo,  He was visiting from Dallas.

At the end of the gravel, I turned up the mountain to Sandia Peak.  As expected, the peak was socked in with the clouds.  As I headed down the mountain, the cyclist friend and others were continuing climbing to the peak.

Down the mountain, I learned the mountain road I was driving is called "Balsam Glade Scenic Byway". I headed south on NM14 to I-40.  On west to Under and North to Rio Rancho and home. Photos from the drive can be seen on my web site.  http://www.tomwinfield.com/new-mexico/nm165.html

Since I had started at dawn, I was back at the house before noon.  Processed my photos and took a nap.  I was getting thirsty so dressed again and headed out to the local VFW post for a pint or two of Amber Ale.  The beer is good and inexpensive ($2.50) but don't think I will spending a lot of time there for a beer.  Being a private club, the smoke was terrible.  On the packed bar, I was sitting with a guy smoking a cigar, which he had a habit of aiming right at me, 

Bike & Brew Festival AND Big Mountain Enduro

The weekend of May 19022 will be a big one for bicycle enthusiasts.  There will be the 3rd annual Outside Santa Fe Bike & Brew Festival.  Add in the season opening of the Big Mountain Enduro race series. 

I have been able to attend part of both of the first 3 festivals.  In 2014, I tried riding a couple of the group rides, but the 10 miles and the altitude, were just too much for me.  Had a nice time at the opener with the brew and hand-made bike show.

Last year, it was cold and rainy.  Braved the rain to attend the brew tasting & bike show, but skipped most of the other events - played "tourist" instead. 

I have been debating if I should attend this year's festival or go to the Celtic Festival in Albuquerque.  If any of my Omaha friends are racing in Santa Fe, I would probable opt to the bike & brew festival.

Bosque and Brat

Had problems sleeping last night.  Went to the breakfast room and had some cereal, coffee, and apple juice.  Bach to bed and nap.  About noon, it was time for me to grab my cycling kit and prepare for a bike ride.

This would be my first ride if the year and it was 5000 foot altitude.  Was not sure how far I could/should ride.  I knew the best place to ride was the Bosque from the Montano trailhead.

Ended up with just over 4.5 miles.  Did not want to over-do this first ride.  Treated myself to a pint of amber ale, a brat, and fries at Spinn's (about 2 blocks from the trailhead).  My the time I was back at the room, unloaded the bike, and shed the cycling kit, I was exhausted.

Back to preparations for moving tomorrow - visit insurance agent to give him information about the difference property.  Selled of Wyoming Autumn property has until 5pm Monday to respond to my offer.

Spring 2016 Schedule

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

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

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

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

2016 Calendars

2016 version of my "Bicycle Trails" calendar are in stock,  You can pick up a copy (suggested price $15) at Xtreme Wheels Bike & Sport in Council Bluffs,, IA or contact me.

Kenosha Harbor Bike Ride

Was planning to ride my bike along the Harbor Sunday with a cousin.  I was just too fried from the reunion festivities.  Went out for breakfast with my mom.  Rested in the hotel room.  In the evening, I went over to the Brat Stop for a couple pints of beer and a brat.

While at the Brat Stop, I picked up a Packer/Brat Stop t-shirt.  The clerk checking out my purchase asked if I was/is in the military.  She gave me a 10% discount because of my Army service.

From my bike ride, went to Mom's apartment.  We went to DeRango's Pizza for an early dinner. I ordered a bottle of Fat Tire and cheeseburger with fries.  Mom ordered diet coke and french dip.  Drinks came quickly but it too forever to get out food.  Well over 1/2 hour waiting for our food.  I do not recommend this establishment.

A Little of Everything

Thursday night, I started getting cold in my room at the Quality Inn.  Tired to get some heat running. No Luck.  Found out that the hotel had turned off the HVAC system.  They could not come up with a heater to plug in the room.  Temperature was to get down in the low 40s, upper 30s the next nights. Registered my complaints, but it seemed to land on deaf ears.  After breakfast Friday, i moved to the next-door Motel 6.

Was a pain in having to move, but I did not have to load the bikes, i was able to ride them across.  Rained overnight and threatening rain off and on all day.  Not a day for a bike ride.  Grabbed my copy of Scenic Driving in New Mexico.  Drove to Pecos and up into the mountains there (Pecos River Canyon).  Nice scenery, but no much opportunity to photograph the landscape.  Was able to shoot some of the old, abandoned buildings. (upper photo).

Had tickets for the Handmade Bicycle and Craft Beer Show in the evening at the Farmer's Market.  Weather permitting, I wanted to attend.  Did not want to waste the $15 I paid the ticket for.  Weather was iffy, but decided to drive down to the Railyard.  Parking was a pain.  Eventually found a spot about 3-4 blocked from the show entrance.

Showed my ID, presented them my ticket, and received my hand stamp and wrist band. Wrist band was good for 1 free pint of beer.  Tabs were removed for each beer you had, up to the limit of 3 pints.  A bit disappointed - last year the entrance fee was $10 and included the frist pind AND a souvenir pint glass. 

Durango Bike Company has it usual selection a good looking mountain bikes (lower photo).  Visited with a local guy the does environmental studies and watching the regulators (for stuff they miss) and another that had lived in Minneapolis.. Last year, they had tables outside to sit at and visit in addition to the small tables to stand at while drinking your beer.  They had food vendors, but, again, no place to sit down to eat.  I had a second beer and visited with a guy in the area from Lubbock, TX.  He knows Copy Craft, the company that published my calendars. Had enough and headed back to the car.

Was rough walking back to the car. It was a bit chilly and spitting a little rain.  After standing for over an hour, my knee was giving my problems.  Was happy to get back to the car.  Headed back toward the hotel. 

Needed some supper.  Remembered Dr. Field Good was in the area.  They had a spot in the bar.  Had a burger and potatoes with large glasses of water.  Ready for bed once I got back to the room.

Bike Ride, Brew, and Burger

Took it easy Yesterday morning.  Had conversation with real estate agent friend to meet.  Want to update plans for possible moving. 

Beautiful for a bike ride.  Loaded the hybrid.  Google search showed a place for after ride brew and burger just a block from the trailhead where I was planning to ride from.  Drove over to the Montano trailhead with access to the Paseo del Bosque.

Got in a 8 mile ride from the trailhead North to Paseo del Norte and back.  At the end of the ride I felt surprisingly good.  But ready for refueling! 

Checked out Spinn's Burger and Beer at Coors and Montano.  Started with a large glass of water (got to hydrate) and a pint of Marble Brewing Amber Ale.  Food was the Original Spinn burger with chese and pepperbacon and fries.  After-ride re-fueling at Spinn's could become a tradition.

Rest of the evening, crashed and relaxed.  Processed a couple photos I took during my bicycle ride.

Cleaning the Bikes

You might recall my comments about muddy road yesterday.  I had to clean the bikes until I could bring them into the hotel room.  Last night, I left them on the car, backed hear the room door.

At dinner, Cousin Don and I arrived at a plan - I could get them washed at his place.  I wanted to visit him at his place and see more about his pipe creation and repair (smoking pipes) work.  He suggested he could make breakfast - probably better than the waffle machine breakfast I would get at the hotel.

It was not easy to get this New Mexico mud on the bikes.  The drive and sun turned the mud to adobe or hard-pan. Seemed that soaking the area with water, letting it sit of a little, and then it would be loose enough to wash off.  Otherwise, it was sticking like glue!  Got the bikes washed of and turned to thoughts of breakfast.

We feasted on blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs.  After breakfast he explained his pipe work.  I have to say, i would buy some of his pipes if I was still smoking.  He makes some beautiful smoke able pieces of art.

Relaxing in the room most of the day. Treated myself to a Heath Blizzard. Got the bikes into the room. Called my mom for Mother's Day.

Booklet Published

My booklet "Traveling with my Bicycles" has been published.  It is available for Kindle e-reader from the Kindle Store for $1.99.

This is my first attempt at e-book publishing.

As I find time, the e-book will be converted for Nook and tablet.  If there is enough interest, a paper copy may be published.

Grade A Bicycle Ride

Temperature in the 60s, light breeze from the SE, and bright sun - I will call it a Top Ten day, specially for mid March.  Had to get out for a bicycle ride.

Parked the car at the Western Historic Trails Center.  Rode my hybrid bike North on the Iowa River Trail.  At Ameristar Casoo, I saw the "B" Bicycle Station along the trail.  Think this is a great location as besides the Casino and its hotel, there are two other hotels on the property. 

Continued along the trail to Harrah's Casino.  Big gaping hole along the river where the river boat used to tie up.  Short of 5 miles from the Trails Center, I decided to turn back.  Could not sure when the Trails Center closed - did not to be locked into the parking lot. 

On the way back, I dropped down to along the river at the River's Edge Park.  Shot a couple photos of the "Bob Bridge" and the sculpture at the park.

Warmed up some food, re-hydrated with water and Gatorade.  Processed my photos and posted a couple photos to Facebook.  Now, with the blog posting written, its NAP TIME!

Traveling With My Bicycles

Wrapping up the editing of my booklet "Traveling With My Bicycles".  It tells a short story of what drove me to riding bicycles.  Most of the booklet is filled with how to create your "mulit-activity" trip.

Plans are to make the booklet available as an e-book for Kindle.

Preface -

"So, what are you going to do to keep active?" was the question my cardiac rehab folks asked in my exit interview. After weeks walking on the treadmill, I knew this was not the solution. My mom walks with a group. But walking the mall did not appeal me, either. Hiking is great, but "hiking" amongst the corn fields of Iowa?

As a kid, I used to ride a bicycle. Maybe that would peak my interest. I set out to look at purchasing a bicycle. I started riding local trails. Soon, I was taking a bicycle with me on trips. These trips combined my exploring nature, love of photography, and riding my bicycle.

The trips I take are not for folks that want to lay on the beach and work on their tan. They are trips filled with activity yet leaving time to relax, recover and reflect.

This booklet is a compilation of what I have learned planning and implementing these trips. It is not a recipe for the perfect trip. It is meant to cause you to consider ways to blend activities you enjoy with things you are passionate about into your travels.

 

Last Day in Albuquerque

When I got up this morning, started sorting bags for the trip home.  Cousin Don and I planned to get together for breakfast.  Traffic was terrible this morning.  I-40 crossing the rive was backed-up.  I drove up to Montano.  It was also a zoo. but made it to the Range Cafe about the right time (only 35 minutes for a drive that should have been 10 minutes).  Anyway, was a good breakfast and conversation.

Back to packing for the return trip.  Got some of the bags re-packed.  Want to just bring in one small bag of clothes, my camera, and laptop into the room in Oakely, KS. 

Quick change of clothes, grabbed the bike, and rode 8+ miles on the Bosque del Paseo.  Parked at Central and rode North to Montano.  Had the gentle slope working against me on the way out and a headwind on the way back.  Was a beautiful day for a bike ride.

Gassed up the car on the way back to the hotel.  Loaded most of the stuff into the car.  Just a few things to put into the car in the morning.  Have reservations in Oakley, KS for tomorrow night.

Bike Ride on the Bosque

I slept in today.  Probably the food and brew last night.  Was waiting to hear from another friend in Albuquerque about meeting at luch.  He had to cancel.  I just walked from the hotel to the Denny's almost next door.

That was a mistake.  Ordered the Senior waffle slap.  The waffle was overcooked and dry.  My one scrambled ess looked and tested like a pile if eggs on a buffet line.  The restaurant was noisy and the service was slow.  Will not be eating here again.

Since it was a Sunday and the temperature was in a sunny 70 degrees, I know trailhead parking lots will be bursting from the seams.  The only one I knew that would handle the anticipated crowds would the Alameda Lot on the Paseo del Bosque. 

As expected, the lot was packed - had to park in the overflow (equestrian) section of the lot. Pumped up the tires on the hybrid and headed South on the trail.  It was feeling good to be back on the bike, though I had some doubts about the ride.  After about 2.5 miles, I turned around to head back.  The ride was going well, but the ride back would be up-stream and into the wind.  Did not push it too much - my legs will be good for another ride tomorrow.   Treated myself ti a Heath Blizzard for doing the ride and celebrating the weather.

Also spent some time today starting web site pages for this trip. Napped and basically it a day.

Acadia National Park

Today was my full day to explore Acadia National Park.  With the problems betting up/down from my room, I planned my day's need so there would just be one trip down to the car and back to the room at the end of the day.

Cameras and water were the main requirements.  From descent to the car drove over to breakfast.  The hot breakfast was OK.  Scrambled eggs, sausage patties, home fry potatoes, waffles.  Poor selection of pasties.  Opts for small portions of eggs, spuds (they were cold) and sausage.  A cup of coffee and I was about ready to head out to the park.

Had to bundle up this morning to get out to the park.  The car was showing temperatures in the upper 30s when i headed out.  Don't think it broke 50 all day. 

While at the hotel, I stopped to fill my water cup with ice and found where the Post Office is (so i could get stamps and mail post cards.  Got 10 stamps and off to the park.  Drove the one-way loop road.  Wanted to make it to Thunder Hole at high tide/  The surf was pretty calm today, so the thunder was about a whimper.

Took lots of photos along the coast during the drive.  Turned North to Jordon Pond.  Stopped there and found a recommended bike riding spot.  Problem was that it was too cold yet.   Took some photos.  Will debate later about riding in the afternoon.

Yesterday was overcast.  So, I drove back up Cadillac Mountain to see the view on a clear day.  Back in town, I decided to check out the scenery on Route 3.  Drove down to Seal Harbor.  On up route  to junction with 233, heading back into Bar Harbor.  Along Route  233, I happened upon the 4-unit generator site that Bangor Hydro (they were the owners at that time) had.  One time I made the trip to Bar Harbor (and even all the way to Eastport) with the power company representative.  Stopped and had a brief conversation with a worker that happened to be there at the gen-sets.  He told me they were working to decommision the sit and remove them.  He had worked to the railroad, so familiar with the engines.  Glad I happened to take that road!

Soon after that, near the park headquarters, I found a parking lot where others were loading and unloading bicycles.  There was a junction of a couple carriage roads and the highway.  Had to check out the carriage road for possible riding.

It looked good.  Not wearing my cycling kit, I rolled up my right BDU pant-leg.  Got the hybrid off the rack.  I knew I did not have the computer on the bike and not up to changing shoes.  So, grabbed my gloves and helmet and rode on down the carriage road in my sneakers. 

Guessing I rode about a mile.  Too bad I did not have the time and the weather was warmer.  These carriage roads are a great place to ride,  The crushed rock is packed almost like pavement.

On the morning drive on the one-way loop road, I went again to check out Sand Beach.  A pretty beach.  On into town.  I was getting hungry. Found a parking space downtown Bar Harbor.  Selected the Dog & Pony Tavern (had noticed the place last night) for brew and burger.  I had their Real Ale Beef Burger with chips.  the bartender suggested the Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale.  I had shied away from these ales in Portland.  But the bartender told me the ale is not a fruity beer.  I tried it and enjoyed a pint.

Back at the hotel, I grabbed ice for my water cup and climbed to my room.  Copied files from camera cards to a portable hard drive.  By this time (with a full stomach) I was getting tired,  Took a nap for about 2-3 hours.  Woke up and processed the photo from today.

It won't take me long to load the car in the morning. Just worrying about the 2 trips down the steps (more so the one trip UP).   Early morning start heading West.

A Great Birthday

Slow start today.  Was at the hospitality room about 7am (before it was open).  Coffee and muffins were being delivered to the room.  As folks drifted in to the room, we visited for a while.  About 10 am, it was about time for me to kit up for my birthday ride.

Headed to Portland's Back Cove.  Got lost getting there.  Poor signing.  Eventually found the parking lot.  Unloaded the bike off the car.  Rode the 3.75 mile loop around the cove.   Surprising, the Back Cove Trail surface is crushed stone.  I thought it would be pavement.  That's why I had brought the hybrid.  Luckily, the trail surface was well packed, and nearly solid as pavement. Though there were very few bicycles in the trail today.  Most users were jogging.

Back at the hotel, I brought the bike back up to the room.  The refrigerator in the room had not been working.  Maintenance came up and replaced the fridge.Showered and back to the hospitality room.  Found out another of the group enjoys riding bikes (road and mountain). We talked about our bikes and rides.   He's also big into photography/ 

The group was planning dinner.  I was concerned about if the places had a lighter fare and something other than fish/seafood.   ! could get a burger at the place about 25 of us were going. So, I signed up for dinner - besides, I was not looking forward to eating by my self on my birthday.

Changed clothes for dinner.  I ate with the group at Saltwater Grille.  The 1/2 pound burger, fries, and cole slaw ended up being more than I could eat.  Was washing down the food with water and a bottle of local beer - Geary's Autumn Ale. 

Was a beautiful evening when I finished eating.  Some of us we outside on the deck for some air and enjoy the weather.  Took a couple of photos and it was time to laod into the hotel van back.  Visited a little after back at the hotel.  Took some more photos.  As I was getting ready to leave to my room, three of the wives started at chorus of "Happy Birthday".  Some of the others joined in before they were done.  Awesome end to a great birthday.

Upper photo is me on my birthday ride.  Lower photo is view from the deck at Saltwater Grille.

Stuff I See Riding My Bicycle

I started a new facebook group.  Its an open group.  From the description of the group:

This group is for folks that enjoy exploring by bicycle. Photos are to show interesting, unusual stuff and memorable landscapes you see while riding. 

When we are exploring by bike, we see so much than we see when traveling by motor vehicle. Photos here are things you probably would not seen had you not been traveling by bicycle. You bicycle does NOT need to be in the photo.

With the your photo, please provide where the photo was taken and a description of what we are looking at.

 Check it out and join the group.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExploreByBicycle

Cedar Valley Trails Festival

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

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

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