Petroglyph National Monument

After the ride i had yesterday, I needed a day off the bike. After breakfast (Denny's on San Antonio and I-25 - food was cool, particularly the sausage), and a couple tasks in the room, I headed for Petroglyph National Monument. Sounded like a good day to walk some trails.

Stopped at the Visitor's Center for info. From the Visitor's Center it was a mile drive down to Rinconada Canyon. The hike up the canyon is 1 1/4 miles one way. Take your time and look around, The pamphlet about the canyon highlights some of the petroglyphs. There are many more. If you just look for the highlighted one, you will miss a lot.

There is a easier way back - down almost the center of the canyon. Not as much climbing on that trail.

Still have some time and hiking legs left - so decided to drive up to Piedras Marcadas Canyon. This is the northern most section of the Park. The hiking trail is a little over 1/2 mile.

This canyon has many more petroglyphs. But, they are a bit further away from the trail. Many of the photos I took on this trail were taken using the telephoto zoom. That introduced in some movement while shooting the 3 HDR exposures. It looks that came out pretty good, but I would like to hike that trail again with my tripod.

Anticipating that I may come back to that trail, I turned around, heading back to the car, before I reached the last numbered (highlighted) petroglyph.

Back at the motel - soon to plan this evening's activities. Today's photo is a petroglyph in Rinconada Canyon.

RIP David Anderson

About noon, I headed out for my first bicycle tour of Albuquerque. I had mapped out the route using google maps - bicycle option. Brought one side pannier and the center bag for the rack. With the D-SLR camera, I needed to bring the additional carrying capacity.

As soon as I started out, I had problems with the pannier staying solid on the bike. One clip kept "unclipping". A couple times the bag completely dropped off the bike. Glad there was nothing breakable that I was carrying. I noticed that my right foot would hit the pannier. Eventually, moved the clip location on the rack - seems to have done the trick.

First stop was the Paseo del Norte Rail Runner station. From the I rode toward the Paseo del Bosque trail. Before I got to the Bosque, I came across the ghost bike for David Anderson. I tried to find information about David - no luck. Today's photo is of the ghost bike and memorial along the Paseo del Norte trail.

I exited the Bosque at Mountain Bike Blvd. Destination - Old Town Albuquerque. Found the visitors information office. Picked up more info there.

Last stop was Fat Tire Cycles. Visited there and picked up a couple small lights and shot bloks. At this time I needed a break from the ride. Most of the way back toward the motel, I was riding into a North wind. Grabbed the shot bloks and mopped one in my mouth for some energy.

On the last leg of my tour I saw an Office Depot. Rode other there and bought some printer paper. On up to the motel.

By the time I got to the motel, I was exhausted. A little over 24 miles and 2:40 riding time. Good ride, except for riding into the wind on the way "home".

I almost forgot to comment about the temperature. Sunny and upper 40s or lower 50s during the ride. (Official high was 51). When I got ready to ride I dressed in my cycling shorts, walking shorts, long-sleeve base layer, t-shirt, and wind-breaker. Before I left, I removed the base layer shirt. Most local riders were in tights. Some in heavy coats. Even saw on rider covering his face with a baklava! When almost back to the motel I saw my first rider in shorts.

Trip to Albuquerque

It was a tiring 2 day drive to Albuquerque. But I made it! Wednesday morning it was +1 in Omaha. The temperatures sloooowly climbed: 5 in KC at 10:30, 10 in Emporia at noon, 20 about OKC. Spent the night in Elk City. Highest temp On that day's drive was 24 deg.

For safety reasons, I drove through KC instead of Topeka. Did not want to take a chance of having problems out on 2-lane road. Added almost 100 miles on my drive.

Thursday morning it was 19 when I headed out. It was in the 30s in Amarillo. In New Mexico the thermometer in the car hit 54!!! It was 51 when I arrived in Albuquerque. I can handle this.

Checked into my room and headed to Fat Tire Cycles. Picked up a copy of the Albuquerque bicycle map (2009 addition - word is that the new 2011 edition is out). Once again, the staff there were very friendly. This was the same shop I used 1 1/2 years ago when I had flats from goatheads. Visited with Tony (Manager) there, finding out what's going on in town and trail conditions.

Preparations are under way to head out for exploring the bicycle trails. Hope to have some more interesting photos today. The photo on this photo was taken at a I-40 Rest Area in Texas.

Xtreme Winterfest Ride

It was a sunny, cool (OK cold) day, Over 40 riders assembled at the Western Historic Trails Center for the annual ride. Most riders arrived by motor vehicle, a few hardy souls rode from their residences in town.

We rode the 2 1/2 miles up the Iowa Riverfront trail to Riverside Grill. The Grill had a special for riders - Chili, foot-long dog, and soda for $6. (Think I got that right - I substituted a Winter Lager for the soda).

After food and refreshments, some rode on to and over the Bob Bridge. I headed back to the Trails Center and drove home.

Today's photo is a group shot of the riders.

Trails Clear

Yesterday was the day to take the hybrid up for a spin. Sunny, light breeze from the WSW, temp in the 30s. There were some clouds when I headed out from the Wabash Trace trail head, they started dissipating.

Had reasons to ride the hybrid. Wanted to checkout the fenders and how it would handle on slippery conditions. Well, did not really accomplish these goals as the trail was clear and mostly dry.

Council Bluffs Parks & Rec did a great job clearing ice/snow off the trails. I did not encounter a slick spot on my ride from the trail head to the Trail Center. The photo above shows the "worst" section of the ride. Thanks Larry Foster and Crew!

Though it was in the 30s, near 40 when riding, it felt cooled than yesterday. Even had a layer more on the core. Since the hybrid is equipped with SPD pedals, I had to wear my cycling shoes. With the neoprene booties, they were comfortable.

Logged 17 miles. Longest ride of the year. Unfortunately, it looks like the weather is heading south, soon.

Valley View Trail

Yesterday I rode the Lake Manawa Trail end-2-end (a little over 4 miles one way). Today, I once again parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead. But I rode North on Valley View Trail to Iowa Western Community College (end-2-end).

My goal was to check out the new connector past K-Mart in Council Bluffs.

From IWCC, I turned West on the trail along College Road. That trail had stopped at Mosquito Creek and the railroad track. Today, I pleased to see that the trail now continues past the tracks to Indian Hills Rd.

This is the new connector from College Rd to US 6 along side K-Mart. It was obvious there were plans to add a trail along the street - wide shoulder on one side and survey stakes. (See today's photo)

Rode the street up to the K-Mark parking lot and took a spin around the lot. Then on back to the trailhead. Another good ride. Low/mid 30s, breeze from the WSW, a lots of sunshine. Logged just over 11 miles.

The trail surface is mostly dry with patches of water/snow/ice. If (when) I ride tomorrow, I expect to ride the hybrid as I won't need the studded tires (except for short sections - where I will just have to ride carefully).

When I got home, I checked the CB Trails Master Plan, the trail along Indian Hills Rd is scheduled for completion later this year.

First Ride of 2011

This morning I had to take the car into the shop for a new battery. Back home, I just could not get moving. Sunny morning, in the 30s, no wind. Perfect - for January in Iowa, at least.

I was able to motivate myself to get ready for a bike ride. Too warm to ride singletrack. Figured the paved trails would be in a mixture of conditions - icy, snow covered, wet, and dry. Aired up the tires of my "Ice Bike" - Trek 4300 with studded tires and combo pedals.

Parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead. From the condition of the parking lot, I could see that the trail will be in the condition I expected.

Rode the Lake Manawa Trail to the Indian Creek Bridge. Today's photo shows the Lake Manawa Trail early this afternoon. I did not to push it too much today, so headed back.

Detoured to the river (mountain bike trail area). The river level has dropped considerably since I last rode there. Another detour to the lake. There were a couple folks out on the lake. Was thinking of taking a spin on the lake, but backed out.

By the time I was at the Nature Trail, the snow/ice was nearly melted from the trail surface. Ended up with 11.6 miles for my first ride of 2011. Forecast is for more rideable days this week. Xtreme Winterfest Bike Ride should be cool (low/middle 20s) and clean Saturday.