Black Wings Back

February 13, 2011: The ride today was under the wings of Buzzards again! Also called Turkey Vultures, Chicken Hawks, and just plain Vultures, these gliders grace our sky when it is warmer. I don't see them in the winter. For this area, these big black birds leave around the end of October or early November. They are almost always back in our sky during February. For me they are indicators that Spring is just around the corner. Yes, there will be more of February, with it's cold. And there is always March to get through, with all the gray sky. But, the wings and sounds of summer are already hinted at.

As I rode out of town a voice hailed me from a doorway, saying, "No fair, I'm jealous." She was referring to the fact I was on my bicycle riding. I waved and yelled back, "Come on!" There will soon be more of us bicycling. I anticipate the restart of our weekly rides. Melt snow, melt!

Coming Soon to a ride near you.

Saturday's ride (1-15-2011) was a short 13.5 miles and I don't even look at average speed this time of year. There was one thing different about the ride. I could hear birds again!

The time riding with the birdless silence seemed long and dreary this year. From the flurry of their Fall activity, when they gathered into flocks, to the solemn silence in their absence, was a subtle change. At first I didn't appreciate the fact they were gone. Oh, there was a noticeable absence of wings and bodies in motion. I think my mind expected the activity to return soon. After several weeks with the birds becoming fewer and fewer, my ear searched for the sounds. Every ride confirmed there were not many fliers left to catch my eye with their flitting from branch to branch. The rare bird motion was quickly seen and I would turn to appreciate the mover. The quiet was confirmed again and again. My thoughts could not conjure enough memory to know the birds would return in summer numbers. Sights I beheld turned to still things, like snowdrifts, bare branches, and fields full of corn stubble. Sounds I sought were cold winds, tires crunching snows, or approaching autos.

It was such a surprise, even though it should have been expected, to hear the birds again. And what a joy it was to hear, "I am here," spoken in bird song. "I know you," my mind recalled. "You sound like the summer I remember from so long ago." And my eye searched for the motion so sure to accompany the sounds. Then, the sound was accompanied by sight. A small group of Robins was there, seeking something to savor. They flew a short distance and seemed to agree on what the group should be doing. Enjoying their motions, I rode by them, remembering flights over green grass instead of snow.

The warmer days will be coming soon. There will be a certain need for patience, as storms will surely intervene. I'll listen for the singers of Spring to be. They will find food and nesting sites while winter winds yet bite. All of us will be poised for passions. Mine for pedaling past wings in motion and theirs for procreation. Surely we are blessed with an earth tilted on its axis. Without winter to silence the commotion around us, how could we know the thrill of life renewed with warming sun?

Crunchy

October 12, 2010 saw us leave a little before the 5:30 pm start time. We are trying to make use of all the daylight we can find. 22 miles at 13.6 mph.

Our wheels made crunching sounds as we rolled over the dry leaves on the trail. One could almost imagine locomotive sounds as we passed miles of rail-trail. The crunching sounded like steam, whistling wind, or singing steel as our wheels crushed through the leaves.

It will only be a few weeks until the sun is low enough we can't get an hour of riding in after 5:30. I'm already looking forward to next year!

October 5, 2010

Not much happening this time of year. The days are shorter and cooler. "Let's ride where we can stay in the sun," was the quote of the day. We had a good ride with 28 miles covered at an average speed of 13.0 mph.

The new parts of the Cardinal Trail are exciting. The trail lures us farther and farther. Hope to ride to Muncie soon.

Big Trees

Our stop in the Humbolt Redwood State Park put us in big trees. We camped in a second growth area with trees growing in rings from the stumps of big trees that were cut years ago. There were bear proof boxes for us to put our food and items that had touched food in.

Our next stop took us thru Fernbridge, Ferndale, Rio Dell and Scotia, California. The road lead thru Stafford, Pepperwood, Redcrest, Weott, Myers Flat, MIranda, Phillipsville, Redway, Garberville, and Benbow, California. We stayed at Richardson Grove State Park.

Piercy was one of the next towns, and at Leggett we began our journey on route 1. There was a climb from around 500 feet above sea level to over 1500 feet above sea level. Then we made a ten mile descent to the ocean and on to Westport. It was interesting to go from the big trees to the ocean in one day. The sounds and smells of the waves were different from the silence of the forest.

Cleone, Fort Bragg, Mendocino and Albion, California were towns we traveled through. After Elk, California we camped near Manchester, California. Some of our group hiked about one mile to the beach and experienced the very cold water of the Pacific Ocean. It seems there is a Humboldt Current that flows past Alaska and brings cold water down the coast. The water in the ocean is always cold.

On through Point Arena, Ca., we traveled through Anchor Bay, Gualaia, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Ca. The day was rainy and cold, so we stopped at Fort Ross, Ca., and spent our only night in a small motel. All the shivering riders were happy to be in rooms instead of tents.

After Jenner and Bodega Bay, Ca. we turned inland to go through Valley Ford and Tomales, Ca. On through Marshall, Ca. to a camp near Pt. Reyes Station put us in our final night in tents.

We road Sir Francis Drake Blvd through Samuel P Taylor State Park and our last views of Redwoods. On to Lagunitas, Woodacre, Fairfax, Ca. Then through San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur and Gorte Madera, California put us in Sausalito. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, California and the trip was over.

California

We have made our way down the Oregon coast, staying at Sunset Bay State Park, Port Orford, Brookings, and in the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park. Through Trinidad, and stayed last night between Arcata and Eureka, California.Tonight should be in Burlington Camp Ground in the Humbldt Redwoods State Park, near Weott, California.

Wild Coast Trip

Started our bicycling from Eugene,OR. and pedaled to Florance, OR. the first riding day. It rained for first day and night. Some sun on first ride and then rain again. Everything is wet. Logging is a large business in this part of Oregon. We encountered fast, noisy, logging trucks hauling huge loads of wood. I'll post some pictures of logged areas when I can.

From Florence we cycled to Sunset Bay State Park, near Charleston, OR. Some of the riders went down to Cape Arago and saw sea lions, seals and surf.

Friday, 9/10/2010 we are on the way to Humbug State Park, near Port Orford, OR. Fishing is one of the local ways of making a living. Fresh crab, and other sea food are for sale. I enjoyed a salmon burger. Wind off of ocean is cold.

Neighborhoods

8/24/2010 was a short slow ride. 10.7 miles at 10.6 mph average. We stopped early so one rider could get back the the church council meeting that evening. Still a good ride. We talked about houses and where various folks lived or had lived, as we rode thru neighborhoods near the church.

Around and Around

This evening's ride was 22.3 miles at a 13.3 mph average. We tried something for the first time. Instead of meeting at First English Lutheran Church, we met at the Cardinal Trail parking lot adjacent to Industires Road. I stayed at the church until our normal 5:30 p.m. start time and then drove to the parking lot. At 5:45p.m. I was on the bike and riding north on, the as yet unopened section of, the Cardinal Trial.

We covered just a little over eleven miles before there was no more pavement to ride on. The paving machinery, in the middle of the trail, required we dismount and walk around. Toward the north end of our journey there was a bridge not yet repaired that we also had to go around. Other than those two obstacles, our wheels went around and around.

Oficially this portion of the trail is not open yet. In the short time we were riding, there were at least twenty folks using the trail. It was a testiment that there will be demand for the completed trail. Families, couples, single riders and friends hiking were all eager to enjoy the benefits that this railtrail offers. It will sure be nice when it is complete. It's wonderful already.

Promise of things to come

Tuesday 8/10/10 was mostly on the Cardinal Trail. The section of this trail north of Industries Road has seen a lot of work in recent weeks. The base coat of asphalt is in place for several miles. Although the trail is narrow on this coarser aggregate, it is still an enjoyable ride.

We traveled 20 miles with an average speed of 12.9 miles per hour. Time constraints were a factor in our ride. With more time we would have continued north. The trail certainly holds a promise of good rides to come. We talked about riding to Muncie, Indiana in the near future.

It is a credit to the persistence of interested members in our community that the Cardinal Trail is near to adding many miles for folks to enjoy. Bicyclists, joggers, and I'm sure a few pet walkers will all benefit from the beauty and safety of the soon to be completed sections of this rail trail.

You gotta have heart

Tuesday 8/3/2010 saw a quicker ride that usual. We rode 15 miles at an average speed of 13.6 mph. Now I know that doesn't sound very fast; but, when you consider we started through town at our usual relaxed pace, and stopped for traffic signs and lights, and rode several hills, it was a good workout. Once out of town we raced down a hill, approaching 30 miles per hour. Then the race continued up the hills and out of the valley we had descended into. I remember thinking that my mind wanted to do the things I did in my youth. Sprint, stand on the pedals, and spin up hills were my mind's goals. The heart with clogged arteries, and a stent, didn't agree with that thinking. I'm happy with my physical condition, especially for my age. I just had to realize I can't keep up with younger or lighter riders. You've got to have a healthy heart to race like a kid.

Cycling is...

Tuesday evening, July 13, 2010. My brother rode with us. For someone who is primarily a softball player, his riding a bicycle was a brave act. He had no problem keeping a good pace and it was great to show some of the trail we ride. We covered 11.1 miles at an average speed of 10.3 mph.

The ride would have been longer but, near the north end of our portion of The Cardinal Trail, it rained. We rode home in rain. An interesting comment, after the ride ended, was, "Bicycling is all wet." We were able to smile about the rain and tried to recall the first half of the ride, which was dry.

Happy Birthday

Tuesday 7/6/2010 - One of our members was going to celebrate his 70Th birthday tomorrow! 11.8 mph average and 12.3 miles. A new rider to the group was there to, "Get back into riding again," since his triathlon age group had changed. He just celebrated his 65Th birthday. I rode with this triathlete years ago and it was exciting to see him back on the road. When asked if we had bumped the pace up too much, the reply was, "If we had gone any faster you would have lost me." We do get a little excited from time to time. Our speed will still be what the slowest rider can tolerate.

Other accomodations are extended if a rider requests. This ride was only about an hour in length because one of the riders voiced a need to be back in town for a 7:00pm party. Our goal is to experience an hour or more exercise and meet the needs of each member of the group. Join us for an enjoyable evening any Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Ride Between the Hedge

Tuesday June 29, 2010 was the last ride of June this year. 20.1 miles at an average speed of 13.3 made an enjoyable evening. The temperature was in the low seventies and humidity was low. A north wind encouraged us to ride that direction first so that we would have a wind assist coming home. There was an comment this evening, when we were on the unfinished portion of the Cardinal Trail, north of Industries Road. As we rode side by side, between "Jewelweed" (Impatiens capensis) plants that were at least waist high, he said, "It's almost like riding between rows of hedge." We eagerly await the completion of this trail and know there are many folks using it already.

I will say that the wild raspberries, along the nearly completed Cardinal Trail, have been harvested as quickly as they ripen. Certainly there are many resources that are utilized by trail users. It isn't just a trail to walk or bicycle on. The sights and coolness under trees are just a few of the wonders to enjoy.

A Few Hills

Tuesday June 22, 2010 was a northern route. We managed to get into hills on Buttermilk Road, Weiss Road, and Smyrna Road, north of route 121. One of our riders was hopeful to be able to ride up Elks Country Club Road south of the railroad tracks. After riding up and down most of the evening that last hill was not a problem. Our evening tour covered 11.9 miles at an average speed of 11.3 miles per hour. Church Council meeting and another event caused our ride to be shorter than usual. We try to accommodate the needs of each rider.

A highlight of the evening was a stop at one of the artisan springs in Glen Miller Park. The water has been cool and refreshing for generations. I am always surprised by the number of people who visit these springs and wonder if there really are benefits from the mineral water.

Murals

Our evening ride visited six walls in Richmond where work on murals has been started for our "Festival of Murals." It was exciting to see the progress and to know that more art work will soon adorn walls in our community.

We rode 18.1 miles at an average speed of 12.3 mph. Another great ride with good fellowship.

The Palladium-Item ran these words in an article recently:
"Nine artists have been selected to paint murals for this summer's Festival of Murals in Wayne County. In Richmond, six walls have been selected and matched with the following artists:

•Damon Reed of Chicago at Pete's Corner Cafe, 168 Fort Wayne Ave.;

•Diana Toschlog of Richmond at the Parker Company Building, 923 N. E St.;

•Justin Montavon of West College Corner at Bertie's Music Bar, 1129 E. Main St.;

•Joe Thompson of Center at Richmond Civic Theatre, 1003 E. Main St.;

•Amy Rheinhardt-Jackson of Indianapolis at Firehouse Restaurant, North D and Eighth streets;

•Mark Gardner of Centerville at Paust Printers, 14 N. 10th St.

•Amy Mitchell of Eaton, Ohio, will paint a mural on the Logston Building, also known as Grandview Pharmacy in Hagerstown; Carly Mattingly of Cambridge City will paint on the National Road Antique Mall in Cambridge City; and Pamela Bliss will paint on the US Bank building in Cambridge City."

What? Wet weather.

We determined to ride for an hour even with the threat of rain. At 12.6 miles, with an average speed of 13.9 mph, we didn't quite make our goal. Someone coming out of the church, before we began, said that it is sometimes more enjoyable to ride in the rain.

Attitudes toward bicycle riding in the rain are probably as numerous as riders. Many parts of the world, and some parts of our country, take rain in stride. If the local climate is wet, there is really no choice but to ride in rain. There are certainly many tools that a bicyclist can use to make rain more tolerable, if not enjoyable.

It is important to stay warm. Rain jackets and pants can hold moisture in so that the rider gets wet from a different direction. Some of the more sophisticated products "breath" and let body moisture out. A good quality rain jacket is probably the minimum that a bicycle rider in the rain needs. My experience is that the rider will be wet at some point in the rainy expedition. Keeping warm prevents the body from entering hypothermia. There are booties and shoe covers by the handful to choose from. An, "if all else fails" solution is to use empty bread sacks between socks and shoes. This won't necessarily keep you dry, but it will help stay warm. It becomes more important to be aware of drivers when it is raining since many don't expect to see bicyclists.

No Hills

Tuesday, June 1, 2010. This evenings ride was with three riders and we covered 18.4 miles at a pace of 12.9 mph. It was a sunshine evening with very little wind. One of the riders commented that the time for the ride wasn't a problem as long as we didn't get into hills.

We are fortunate to be able to find relatively flat routes or choose to head for the hills. Continental glaciation, in our geologic past, left moraines that Richmond is just on the edge of. We can choose to ride the out wash plains, which are flat. Going another direction puts us into the piles of earth the glaciers left behind, which we call hills. Tonight's ride was mostly flat and everyone was satisfied.

There is always time to talk while we ride. Fellowship is an important part of each weekly ride. Our pace is peaceful enough that everyone can keep up and rigorous enough that our heart rates are up.

We Wind Again

May is supposed to have flowers brought by April showers. There are still threats of thunderstorms in May. In fact, there are storms, and showers, and frosty mornings, and just about as much weather as a bicyclist would want. I suspect the threat of thunderstorms kept some of our riders from coming out tonight.


Only two intrepid riders fought the west / southwest wind. Our average speed was 11.7 miles per hour and the distance was 14.7 miles. In spite of the wind we had an enjoyable ride with pleasant conversation. The invasive wild honeysuckle was blooming at its best. The air along the trail was thick enough with their perfume that it was almost chewable. Another invasive, cressleaf groundsel (senecio glabellus), was filling fields with its yellow blooms. A lot of people mistake this plant for wild mustard. It has only been in this area since about 1988.

Wind will continue to blow in our lives and on our bicycle rides. I still feel we are winners when we brave the wind and complete our goals. We wind again is an appropriate statement for the completed effort. May many of our winds be from behind.

Delicious

A cool evening and lots of spring tasks reduced our number to two. We had a very enjoyable ride into a north wind. It isn't very often that the wind blows from the north, so we got to ride roads we seldom travel. Spring trees still bloomed and the views we shared from glacial deposited hill tops were gorgeous. Topping the beauty of the trees was an aroma so strong it was palatable. The lilacs were at their peak and the odor was delicious. It was almost as if we occasionally rode into an invisible cloud of perfume. The sweet smell was nearly enough to knock one off of the bike.

Our average speed was a lesurely 10.8 miles per hour and the trip only 15.7 miles. I found a nickel and picked it up. The treasure of a few cents was an small reminder to me that opportunities come to us and we can find them. Each bicycle ride is an opportunity, and I was thankful to be blessed liveing in a country where they can be taken advantage of. We also met several people on the Cardinal Trail who one of our riders knew. These were reminders that relationships are important and should be nurtured. I'm already looking forward to the next ride.