Tag: bicycles

On Today’s Bike Ride: American Sky Blue

Today provided a fantastic morning for getting away from screens and the indoors.

Screenshot of weather app showing 77 degrees and sunny
Perfect day for bicycling

Bicycling has been a challenge around here lately because we had a major flooding event a couple of weeks ago that decimated many area trails. However, our hardworking Parks and Rec employees have performed amazing feats of restoration on some sections already. Not all, though.

Two orange traffic cones on a deeply rutted gravel trail
I didn’t go that way

I was able to make it to the area lake that is my most common destination with few problems. But I decided to mix things up a little and sit on the opposite shore from the one where I usually hang out, get a little change of perspective. I found a bench in the shade where I enjoyed the breeze and the smooth expanse of American Sky Blue above me.

Lake with shelter house on opposite shore. Blue sky above.
American Sky Blue

Many birds also seemed to be having a good time, judging by the amount of chatter.

Screenshot from Merlin app, identifying Red-winged blackbird, American crow, Carolina wren, northern cardinal, red-eyed vireo

Advice to self: get out into the real world as often as possible.

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On Today’s Bike Ride: New Trail and Blue Heron

After a brutal, snowy winter followed by an exceptionally wet spring, Freida and I are hitting the trails again. I was able to add a new experience to my new experiences list today thanks to the city adding a new section of trail into the network.

The Perche Creek Trail branches off from the MKT and eventually will extend to allow easy travel.

Paved bike trail approaching a bridge. Sign says Perche Creek Trail.

Oh, look! One of my favorite things–a bridge!

Paved trail bridge with tall rails on either side.

Scan the QR code to learn more. Phase 2 is scheduled to be complete in 2027.

Sign on bridge: "Perche Creek Phase 2 Development.
Anticipated opening of phase 2, Fall, 2027.

But for now, if you don’t want to lift your bicycle over a guardrail and continue on the road (which I know people have and do), it’s kind of a dead end.

paved trail ending at guardrail with road on other side. Red pickup on road.

But it’s a pleasant ride, and I got to see a blue heron.

Great blue heron in mud at edge of large puddle
Pondering

I hope to get out for a ride at least once a week and build my stamina back up. Today’s ride was 13-14 miles or so roundtrip. Not too bad. Here’s to more pedaling adventures!