tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58051801951170234402024-03-13T22:15:51.829-05:00Mustang Dreams....Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.comBlogger547125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-78009540783616027752018-08-26T12:37:00.001-05:002018-08-26T12:37:32.220-05:00Red Shoe Ride - 2018<br />
Red Shoe Ride 2018 - What a wonderful and challenging day with the best group of gals ever! <br />
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The Red Shoe Ride benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Mo. Here it is straight off the site:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">"All proceeds support the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Missouri, which provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill or injured children. The Ronald McDonald House gives children a place to play after a long day at the hospital; parents a home for a good night’s sleep and a warm meal, near the hospital; and families relief from the financial and emotional burdens of traveling for their child’s medical care."</span><br />
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And here is a shout out to all the people and businesses who donated items for the ride and a shout out to all the volunteers! Without all these people an event like this would not happen.<br />
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Before I begin with the pictures...if you have been looking for that 'something extra' to do but don't know what, why not volunteer? Whether it is for the Ronald McDonald house or some other group. Think about it.... ;-)<br />
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Now on to the ride....last year I rode the 20 mile ride. It was my first organized ride AND the longest distance I had ever ridden. I was riding by myself (Brian didn't have his bike yet) and had a great time! Last year I said I was going to ride the next mileage up the following year...and I did! I rode the 35 mile route (which ended up being 38 miles) but this time due to some route changes there were HILLS! BIG HILLS! YIKES! My hill work has consisted of small rollers...nothing long and/or steep. And this year I had friends to ride with! <br />
This year Brian rode his first organized ride - he rode the 20 mile route! Great job baby!!!!<br />
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Self portrait after we arrived...this is the starting line. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ0iOz26Npo/W4LC7ZCqeJI/AAAAAAAAbyE/XftrY9Ymq6YPyBliAIp51V4dZEZs92NJgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_081843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ0iOz26Npo/W4LC7ZCqeJI/AAAAAAAAbyE/XftrY9Ymq6YPyBliAIp51V4dZEZs92NJgCLcBGAs/s320/20180825_081843.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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There were five of us that were going to try to stick together - all of us are from our Women's Ride Wednesday group. We also picked up a sixth person that one of the gals met last year. Yep, this was going to be epic! <br />
(Unfortunately one of our WRW gals got hurt a short ways into the ride so she couldn't finish the ride...that left five of us...that gal is okay...just upset she couldn't finish. She has Bike MS coming up so had to take care of herself to be prepared for that)<br />
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Here we are...waiting for the official start 'call of the wild'...<br />
The 35 milers and 50 milers (formerly 62 miles but route changes shortened the route...but that didn't stop some of them from putting in a 62 plus mile ride!) started together.<br />
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Our group is riding out....woo hoo! I am under the starting line waving to Brian.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq31LbBQfsc/W4LC_rjd_6I/AAAAAAAAbyM/7nnJ-xRafR0AWq_MiPNLeFdmrhsWnPeVACLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BUs%2Bcoming%2Bthrough%2Bstart%2Bgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1600" height="279" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yq31LbBQfsc/W4LC_rjd_6I/AAAAAAAAbyM/7nnJ-xRafR0AWq_MiPNLeFdmrhsWnPeVACLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BUs%2Bcoming%2Bthrough%2Bstart%2Bgate.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Three of us from our group lined up on the way out...<br />
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E and I on the roundabout shortly after the start...I am sporting my Cheshire Cat jersey. :-)<br />
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(I met her at a rest stop last year - she was doing the 35 and I was doing the 20....we started riding together this year and she has been joining our Women's Ride Wednesday group)<br />
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And here is the back of my Cheshire Cat jersey.<br />
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We don't know this gal but we saw her riding last year too. We love her bike - she is so cute!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l_xdtC7k-Y/W4LEdp0jHiI/AAAAAAAAby4/hV6BBdL4S5QohAgaa1Y66iaRUQIsDHx-ACLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BCute%2Bgirl%2Bon%2Bbasket%2Btassle%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l_xdtC7k-Y/W4LEdp0jHiI/AAAAAAAAby4/hV6BBdL4S5QohAgaa1Y66iaRUQIsDHx-ACLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BCute%2Bgirl%2Bon%2Bbasket%2Btassle%2Bbike.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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I was going to try to put the pictures in order...TRY being the key word here. I sort of got them in order....sort of.....but they are mostly random.<br />
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Up to this point we had one rest stop (darn it, didn't get pictures of that one...I wanted pictures of all of them because those volunteers stood out there a good chunk of the day in the heat and wind to take care of us!)<br />
After the first rest stop we had a few rolling hills to warm us up then we came to our first big long hill. It isn't steep, but I am told it is 1 mile long and gradual. Here is the deal, it feels gradual at first...then the thighs start burning and the lungs are begging for more air (remember, I am not a climber and have not practiced climbs like this) so the rest of the hill seemed very steep!<br />
But.....WE MADE IT!!!! And we are still smiling! We took this after we caught our breath. <br />
I can't tell you how proud I was of all of us! Nobody quit...we all made it to the top of that hill! <br />
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A and J heading out from one of our self designated rest stops at the top of another hill. If you make the picture big you can see the rolling hills...it was a beautiful ride!<br />
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Why don't pictures show how steep something is? This is a nice down hill run - love the down hills! If you make the pic big you can see A almost to the turn. This was a nice stretch of much appreciated shade.<br />
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HA HA! This just makes me laugh...one of my favorite jerseys so far!<br />
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Rest stop #2 - snacks, water, gator aid, and some smiles and encouragement. <br />
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One of the bigger groups heading out after a quick break.<br />
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Here are a couple of the special volunteers at the rest stop. <br />
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Now, at this point we have already conquered Old Plank Road hill (the mile long gradual 1st real hill of the day)...now we are to the biggie that is steep! The first part is steep - it levels out for a short bit (which means not as steep) then around the corner it feels like it is almost straight up! No joke!<br />
We are taking a quick break on the 'not as steep' part before we tackle the last half.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1zPFRLgqk/W4LEjdES_PI/AAAAAAAAbzM/3z9T11scmK418QZ2KYe_4TL4FGw4uK_vACLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BEdie%2BAshely%2BJulie%2Bmid%2Bway%2Bup%2Bbig%2Bhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD1zPFRLgqk/W4LEjdES_PI/AAAAAAAAbzM/3z9T11scmK418QZ2KYe_4TL4FGw4uK_vACLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BEdie%2BAshely%2BJulie%2Bmid%2Bway%2Bup%2Bbig%2Bhill.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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While taking a quick break several riders went by us...as in they rode the whole hill in one try! <br />
If you make the picture big you will see one of the riders that passed by us...<br />
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WE DID IT!!!! A and J made it up first and I was struggling....they started cheering and shouting that I can do it and that kept me going! Thank you girls!!!!! Dang it was tough!<br />
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If you look at the road to the right and it disappears there is a reason for that....it drops! It drops to a bottomless pit! Okay, that is a bit of drama but it is STEEP! This was the top of the worst hill and we took a break with some others. This was the hill I was most scared of. I knew I would have to walk part of the hills and I was okay with that....heck, I didn't care if I had to crawl (okay, I would have cared about crawling) I just knew I was making it up the hills one way or the other. I RODE up this hill! I AM SO EXCITED AND HAPPY!!! And tired...and my thighs are burning...and I am trying to catch my breath....ha ha! <br />
I thought this was the last hard hill....silly me! Nope! One more to go... <br />
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Here comes a lone rider up that hill...we watched several riders on the hills and WOW! They are so fit and I am very impressed and in awe of them!<br />
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Yes it is hard, yes it is hot (mid to upper 90's) and it is hard. But there is always time for some smiles with friends! <br />
I wonder if anybody was home and wondered what we were doing at the edge of their driveway...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RxXwAphnkw/W4LEvtSaT1I/AAAAAAAAb0g/OLLjehLkfnU7293Ab9LfgKCe4lcu_PpeQCLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BSelfie%2Bwith%2BJulie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RxXwAphnkw/W4LEvtSaT1I/AAAAAAAAb0g/OLLjehLkfnU7293Ab9LfgKCe4lcu_PpeQCLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BSelfie%2Bwith%2BJulie.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Rest stop #3 - McDonalds in Ashland, Mo. Yes, we rode the back roads from Columbia, Mo to Ashland, MO! I still giggle with excitement when I think about that....we rock!<br />
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And who else rocks? The volunteers at the McDonald's rest stop! There was another gal working outside with this one and I didn't get her pic, darn it! The other gal went inside to order some of us ice cream cones. There were salty snacks, cookies, yogurt parfait things with fruit, cups for drinks from the fountain inside...they took care of us!<br />
Thank you all!!!<br />
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Bikes parked along the fence at McDonald's in Ashland, Mo.<br />
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Our group enjoying a break. We knew at this point the only hills we would have are the rolling hills. Here is another shout out for someone. BK from CycleX bike shop! He is one of the owners and one of the SAG (support and gear) drivers. He drives the route and is on call when someone needs help whether it be a mechanical break down or to help a rider that is having problems. <br />
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Ice cream cone time!!! We were tapped out...we needed our Calcium group to continue. That is my story and I am sticking to it! :-)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oLn_qw6lJU/W4LEqM4EhrI/AAAAAAAAbzw/WcStDZSF_dguiDASlZLJ1hcGZk38_0nWQCLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BMe%2BAshley%2BEdie%2Band%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bat%2BMcDs%2Bstop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oLn_qw6lJU/W4LEqM4EhrI/AAAAAAAAbzw/WcStDZSF_dguiDASlZLJ1hcGZk38_0nWQCLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BMe%2BAshley%2BEdie%2Band%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bat%2BMcDs%2Bstop.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The scenery along the route of this ride was so beautiful! Back roads, rolling hills, big hills, farm country, shaded areas, sunny areas, a lot of animals to see...<br />
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Here is another thing. This ride was ALL road! No getting off the road and taking part of the bike trails. ALL ROAD! I really have come a long way....I still get scared when vehicles drive by me but I am getting more comfortable and can really enjoy the ride. It also helps to have like minded people around you. Safety is important but don't forget to have fun and also enjoy the beauty around...<br />
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My bike wanted her picture taken with the big machinery. I think it was love at first sight!<br />
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These are the markers on the road for the ride. There were signs in some areas and in the rural areas there were the stickers...they were easy to see and follow. Each color represented a certain mileage. The green was ours and the yellow was for the longer route. <br />
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The rolling hills....<br />
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There were only a couple sections of road that were very busy. Most of the ride was like this...<br />
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We are on the last stretch before the airport loop. No shade the rest of the route...and LOTS of wind! We hit some major head winds along the whole route but the last 12 or 13 miles had strong head winds and side winds. Some of the side winds would hit me and I felt like I was getting shoved off the road into the ditch! Thankfully we all kept it upright!<br />
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The airport tower! Woo hoo! Only a few miles left!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIUVj4D6bFM/W4LEaL6fbaI/AAAAAAAAbys/hhSPmXSjDQk-vjeOfl5NB2D_B7b5WpOgwCLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BAirport%2Btower%2Bahead%2Byay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1313" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIUVj4D6bFM/W4LEaL6fbaI/AAAAAAAAbys/hhSPmXSjDQk-vjeOfl5NB2D_B7b5WpOgwCLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BAirport%2Btower%2Bahead%2Byay.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
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After seeing the airport tower I slowed down a bit so the other two can regroup with me (the other two gals were ahead of us)....I saw someone out of the corner of my eye and thought it was them. Nope, it was this guy. He was happy to see the airport tower too. :-)<br />
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Rest stop #4 - our happy volunteers! Thank you two!!! They were set up in the middle of the roundabout right off the exit ramp of Hwy 63. It was very windy on the top of the hill...glad their tent was anchored down real good.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-VTBMGWfnI/W4LGuVAzDrI/AAAAAAAAb1Y/amKv_5vt-E445b9GSMytDhUidCRyPkEYACLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BVolunteers%2Bat%2Broundabout%2Brest%2Bstop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-VTBMGWfnI/W4LGuVAzDrI/AAAAAAAAb1Y/amKv_5vt-E445b9GSMytDhUidCRyPkEYACLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BVolunteers%2Bat%2Broundabout%2Brest%2Bstop.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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WE FINISHED! WOO HOO!!!! We met Brian under the rider/volunteer tent and rested a bit while drinking more water. What a fun day! Huge accomplishment! <br />
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First thing I wanted to do was get a picture of Brian and I. I forgot to take my helmet off....<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ-Ns2HUUik/W4LElbQ2s9I/AAAAAAAAbzc/V-V3dKWOy4wGoMEclXxo3-xyLJq_TI_5gCLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BFinished%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bwith%2BBrian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ-Ns2HUUik/W4LElbQ2s9I/AAAAAAAAbzc/V-V3dKWOy4wGoMEclXxo3-xyLJq_TI_5gCLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BFinished%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bwith%2BBrian.jpg" width="260" /></a><br />
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Sexy hair without the helmet! Ha!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbk8_9iYEi4/W4LEkYPafAI/AAAAAAAAbzU/-u9213Scf_k5Bahwo7qCSy6LYeFNf2KngCLcBGAs/s1600/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BFinished%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bwith%2BBrian%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="975" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbk8_9iYEi4/W4LEkYPafAI/AAAAAAAAbzU/-u9213Scf_k5Bahwo7qCSy6LYeFNf2KngCLcBGAs/s320/8-25-18%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BFinished%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bwith%2BBrian%2B2.jpg" width="270" /></a><br />
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What a great ride to benefit a great organization. <br />
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First of all, I am so blessed to have gotten to ride with the group I did! Every time I ride with them on Wednesdays we always laugh and I am always happy to have a group I am comfortable with. <br />
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Second of all, I am so happy to have a sport to do that is fun and healthy! I think about where I was last year compared to this year....wow, I have come so far! And I am very proud of it! I am definitely going to keep on pedaling. It is for the heart and soul...and for rides like this.<br />
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This was the hardest ride with the biggest hills and strongest head winds that I have ridden so far. What a challenge...but what a great accomplishment for all of us! <br />
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It was hot and the heat got to a lot of people. After doing the 50 mile July 4th ride and knowing how horrible I felt afterwards I knew I needed to do something different this time. On the July 4th ride I was fine while on the bike moving but when I stopped I was a little shaky. When I got back to the parking lot I was VERY shaky and couldn't hardly stand up. I didn't understand it because I thought I ate and drank enough on the route.<br />
Here is the deal - when you think you drink and eat enough on the route - EAT AND DRINK MORE! So that is what I did this time. At the end of the ride I felt pretty darn good! My legs were stiff after I had been sitting down a while but nothing I couldn't stretch out real quick. <br />
The next big ride I think I will try to eat and drink even more. I am finding that I like the long distance rides with lots of great scenery so I need to take care of myself. <br />
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The ride started and ended at the SEC Beerfest in Columbia, MO. Honestly, I am not so sure about that. Registration for the Red Shoe Ride went up $15 this year and even though we are told we get free admission ($45 value) did we? Did the $15 go to the Beerfest to help offset cost? I don't know....but I have heard things. If I pay another $15 (because I know putting on an event like this does cost money) I want to know it is all for the ride, not the Beerfest. Maybe give options for a discount admission to the Beerfest if someone wants to hang out (and many did....but many also didn't). <br />
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Here is my biggest gripe! One of my friends was sitting in the rider/volunteer tent with leg cramps. For a while she couldn't hardly move BUT she paid her full registration which included a pint glass and pizza at the end of the ride. The glasses were in another tent on the opposite side of where we were! The lady at the pint glass tent wouldn't give me a glass for her - I was told she could get her own glass when she can walk again. And the expression on her face and tone of voice when she said it was as dry as you reading it on my screen. All my friend cared about at this point was getting home but I wanted her to have her fun goodies. I understand there are rules, especially at something like Beerfest, but it would have been nice if the riders were able to pick up their glasses when they checked back in.<br />
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So, other than my gripe at the very end, I am happy how things went. My friends leg cramp got better after she got home, the girl that was injured after we started is doing better and I am excited for next year! <br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-13496242256111763022018-08-20T20:45:00.001-05:002018-08-20T20:45:45.204-05:00Trip up north to visit family...Part 1...Minnesota...<br />
I try to get my Mom up to visit her (our) family at least once a year....we just made our long weekend trip and had a great time!<br />
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Mom and I in the back seat while my Auntie M is driving around trying to find the restaurant/bar...in a town of like 50 people! Okay, it is a little over 3,000. Ha ha! That is one thing I look forward to when we go visit...the laughter! <br />
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We went to surprise my Aunt Judy. Oh my goodness, she was sooooo surprised! She had no idea we were coming! <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--x-Ur_8HH58/W3akDpfMxuI/AAAAAAAAbtg/QNESAkVKAsEagfCzBSDkDYTnQYjxemmAACLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BJudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--x-Ur_8HH58/W3akDpfMxuI/AAAAAAAAbtg/QNESAkVKAsEagfCzBSDkDYTnQYjxemmAACLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BJudy.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Then there is Aunti M. who doesn't know how to make silly faces. She only looks cute! <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXPuPAvZpZ4/W3akEu6rbbI/AAAAAAAAbto/YsHDDCwP4RgcUgeAAd_2--dt9mc569oeQCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BM%2BFunny%2BFace%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXPuPAvZpZ4/W3akEu6rbbI/AAAAAAAAbto/YsHDDCwP4RgcUgeAAd_2--dt9mc569oeQCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BM%2BFunny%2BFace%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUz7TkUE-DQ/W3akFYmpFjI/AAAAAAAAbtw/ci6E-0_JB5MQYrZgQhPnZ7mOGKOy1wa-QCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BMarianne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUz7TkUE-DQ/W3akFYmpFjI/AAAAAAAAbtw/ci6E-0_JB5MQYrZgQhPnZ7mOGKOy1wa-QCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMe%2Band%2BAunty%2BMarianne.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Mom and Aunt Judy....Mom is the baby of the group.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z70nT5VT7TQ/W3akH3az6JI/AAAAAAAAbt8/2ryjthid7nUnHbSa_-7KwM0se6w-IpWRgCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMom%2Band%2BAunty%2BJudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z70nT5VT7TQ/W3akH3az6JI/AAAAAAAAbt8/2ryjthid7nUnHbSa_-7KwM0se6w-IpWRgCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMom%2Band%2BAunty%2BJudy.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Mom, Aunt Judy and Uncle Carl (Judy's other half). We had lunch at Kim's Saloon and Grill. It was busy but not too busy so we had time for lunch and time to visit a while. My Taco Salad was yummy!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-He99Bjy_DA0/W3akHyZt3GI/AAAAAAAAbt4/cVIf4soNdns-nK7LUIDlSjp_ILW8eHyNACLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMom%2BAunty%2BJudy%2BUncle%2BCarl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-He99Bjy_DA0/W3akHyZt3GI/AAAAAAAAbt4/cVIf4soNdns-nK7LUIDlSjp_ILW8eHyNACLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BMom%2BAunty%2BJudy%2BUncle%2BCarl.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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My cousins are raising deer! These are two bottle babies...and they are so friendly! <br />
They were curious about Mom.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsRVzkYgzm4/W3akDNQ8MGI/AAAAAAAAbtc/-bMUkzK2S88KX-sgzU1_4tLaGqZsNneOgCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BFawn%2Bkissing%2BMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="785" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsRVzkYgzm4/W3akDNQ8MGI/AAAAAAAAbtc/-bMUkzK2S88KX-sgzU1_4tLaGqZsNneOgCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BFawn%2Bkissing%2BMom.jpg" width="157" /></a><br />
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Mom got to feed the youngest one.<br />
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This is not Daddy but he will be a Daddy someday. Meet Stoney!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blELbDWnEaA/W3akPYskgVI/AAAAAAAAbug/WmDe_Pjgjt44Vi_7gmFR7uc99Ff7f656QCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BStoney%2Bthe%2BBuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-blELbDWnEaA/W3akPYskgVI/AAAAAAAAbug/WmDe_Pjgjt44Vi_7gmFR7uc99Ff7f656QCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BStoney%2Bthe%2BBuck.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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He let me touch the velvet on his antlers....it was so soft! There is a doe that lives with him but she has not been handled. I still don't know anything about raising deer but I know a lot more than I did before I got there. You don't just 'catch' deer and pen them up. There are a lot of rules and regs! <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCFWDC1xg-Y/W3akOloWp1I/AAAAAAAAbuc/h0zVjgdW_MgWMYcFDEAa5FGb6Pj1HbYBACLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BStoney%2Bthe%2BBuck%2Band%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCFWDC1xg-Y/W3akOloWp1I/AAAAAAAAbuc/h0zVjgdW_MgWMYcFDEAa5FGb6Pj1HbYBACLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BStoney%2Bthe%2BBuck%2Band%2BMe.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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While Mom was getting some visit time in I took a bike ride! Yep, I took my bike with me 'just in case I had time to ride." :-)<br />
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We were in the town of Wabasha, MN - it is next to the Mississippi River and a beautiful little town! On our way to visit my Uncle in the nursing home I saw the entrance to a bike path...it wound around the edge of a pond thing then down town along the river.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OA8HYxeO2k/W3akBud1GCI/AAAAAAAAbtU/IMwxDaaM25gonxMJPIRxtHhB-BxGJicYgCLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BBike%2Bon%2Bpaved%2Bpath%2Bin%2BWabasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OA8HYxeO2k/W3akBud1GCI/AAAAAAAAbtU/IMwxDaaM25gonxMJPIRxtHhB-BxGJicYgCLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BBike%2Bon%2Bpaved%2Bpath%2Bin%2BWabasha.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Wabasha is a beautiful town....this is a town I could move to but it would have to be the old part in an older river house. I rode through a newer section with some big new homes and no....<br />
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See that bridge? That is the one I am going to ride over! Funny thing is I knew how to get to the bridge by car, but for some reason I had to make two loops around town to finally get to the bridge entrance. I see things very different while riding a bike!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnmqvAULu0E/W3akMp9kbPI/AAAAAAAAbuY/5fBKiXUKnRE1dHIdBuNugRJV8d3UpKdFACLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bshowing%2BBridge%2BI%2Brode%2Bacross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnmqvAULu0E/W3akMp9kbPI/AAAAAAAAbuY/5fBKiXUKnRE1dHIdBuNugRJV8d3UpKdFACLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BSelf%2BPort%2Bshowing%2BBridge%2BI%2Brode%2Bacross.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I am under the bridge I will be riding across. How cool is that? Pretty darn cool!<br />
This was my second loop around to get to the bridge entrance....I was getting closer! Ha ha!<br />
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There is a lot to see along the river road (small street that follows the river then circles around back into town).<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjLBJ7nvMng/W3aj8eTZYwI/AAAAAAAAbtI/T5bXPZFnMCkX5y7iAbZLf5bSvtlaPYOQACLcBGAs/s1600/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BBike%2Bby%2BRiver%2Band%2BIndian%2BSculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjLBJ7nvMng/W3aj8eTZYwI/AAAAAAAAbtI/T5bXPZFnMCkX5y7iAbZLf5bSvtlaPYOQACLcBGAs/s320/8-11-18%2BMN%2B-%2BBike%2Bby%2BRiver%2Band%2BIndian%2BSculpture.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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While making my second loop around town I saw this black squirrel. I saw a few black ones while I was there and they are so pretty! I was told there is another section of town with white ones...I never saw them.<br />
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WELCOME TO WISCONSIN!!!! <br />
And so it begins.....I rode across the bridge and am now in Wisconsin! My goal was to make it to the Creamery in Nelson, WI so I could get an ice cream cone. Funny thing....I got there at 6:04 and they close at 6:00. If I would not have had to ride around town twice to find the opening to the bridge I would have made it! Ha ha ! That is okay....we are leaving in the morning to visit another Aunt and Uncle....the Creamery opens at 9:00 a.m.! Ice cream cone - getting my calcium group for breakfast! (And I did too!)<br />
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There are some parking lots and boat ramps along the road from MN to WI. People also canoe and kayak in these waters and I am not 100% sure, but I thought I saw some water trail signs with arrows. I am assuming that is for the paddlers so they know where to get out. My next goal is to kayak out there....so many birds! And maybe a sea monster!<br />
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On my way back to MN....the water was like glass!<br />
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Most of the time I had a pretty wide shoulder to ride on. The other half of the time I did not have a lot of room. I am still trying to find my comfort zone riding on the roads....yep, very scary but also very fun and exciting! I felt so free! <br />
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WELCOME TO MINNESOTA!!!<br />
Almost back to the big bridge. It is not steep riding over it but it is long and uphill so I got a workout! You would have thought I would lose some weight. Well, not if I am eating ice cream cones for breakfast. ;-)<br />
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There is enough shoulder on the bridge...I had to stop to take a picture of the evening boaters on the Mississippi River.<br />
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WOO HOO! I AM RIDING OVER THE BIG BRIDGE!<br />
Why is this so exciting other than the fact that I put on my big girl panties and did it?<br />
I love bridges! This is sooooooo awesome!<br />
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I got back to town, made another loop then found the bike path that went down another main road. I rode it to the end and back...<br />
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My bike ride was 17.25 miles and wonderful! It felt good to get out and it felt good knowing Mom and Auntie M could visit without worrying about me.<br />
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The next post....visiting my Aunt and Uncle in La Crosse, WI<br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-18611953598931100532018-08-16T17:27:00.001-05:002018-08-16T17:27:43.384-05:00Frogs and Cicadas...<br />
This little guy (or gal) was on the hay tarp...what a cutie!<br />
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I love cicadas. Don't know why...I just do. I have never seen a green camo one before. My Mom and I were traveling north to visit family and it was upside down trying to put itself upside right...it was by the gas pump. I moved it to the shade by a storage building....we are guessing it was getting ready to shed.<br />
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That is all I know about that.....<br />
<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-67636285981904706592018-08-05T22:35:00.001-05:002018-08-05T22:35:28.528-05:00Vacation Day Bike Ride to Boonville AND longest ride for me so far!<br />
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I took a vacation day Friday to do whatever I wanted...and I wanted to ride my bike. No time limits, no schedules, just me and the bike checking out fun stuff with new eyes.<br />
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First let me say how blessed I have been....I have got to drive and ride in a vehicle and have seen some neat stuff! I have ridden my horses different places and have seen some neat stuff...but different. Everything is different from the back of a horse. I rode a motorcycle for a few years and it was the same thing...I saw some neat stuff...but different. And now I am riding a bicycle and I marvel at the things I see with new eyes! And riding a bike is just like the other stuff....I can make a short distance last all day because I love to take time to look at the small things. <br />
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So what is the first thing I show in the pictures...not small things! Ha! The Bluffs....I LOVE THE BLUFFS!<br />
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One of the small bridges I crossed over had several turtles basking in the sun on logs. They are smart turtles! They hear the 'thump thump thump' of the bike rolling over the boards then see the shadow hit the water as I lean over. SPLASH! In the water they go....except for this big guy! The one on the log on the left stayed there....you can see one of the others floating to the right.<br />
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Then a gar (fish) swam by as I was watching the other turtles....I counted 9 turtles floating around waiting for me to leave...but only got pictures of a couple.<br />
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I am at 22.45 miles and not quite half way there. No worries....I will sit and rest a while. It was hot but there was shade and a breeze right here...<br />
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Relax a little bit this way....<br />
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.....and a little bit that way.....<br />
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.....checking out my cute socks.....<br />
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I topped off my water bottle at the New Franklin trail head and I put flavor in the water. The water is not cold - I don't like uncold water in plastic - so the flavor helps me drink more. This is Berry Blast by Mio. It has electrolytes and B vitamins. Good stuff!<br />
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I am trying to learn to eat better on longer rides. You would think this would be simple....eat and drink a lot, right? The last 50 mile ride I did I felt horrible afterwards....so shaky and just bad. I went to Gears & Beers happy hour at CycleX this week and one of the presentations was nutrition and hydration on the trail. I took those tips and hints with me on this ride and it did wonders! I had these (oh so yummy!) and I also brought some chewy things with sugar in them. I alternated between the two and tried to remember to drink more than I thought I needed to. Success! By the end of the ride I felt great (except for the chaffing).<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78A0sS3Agvo/W2ZGZTL4xkI/AAAAAAAAbmU/474d8aeNn_UpVIsGsxbWkghVMq5-iarZQCLcBGAs/s1600/8-3-18%2BBike%2BRide%2Bto%2BBoonville%2B-%2BClif%2BBar%2Bon%2BSeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78A0sS3Agvo/W2ZGZTL4xkI/AAAAAAAAbmU/474d8aeNn_UpVIsGsxbWkghVMq5-iarZQCLcBGAs/s320/8-3-18%2BBike%2BRide%2Bto%2BBoonville%2B-%2BClif%2BBar%2Bon%2BSeat.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Almost to the half way mark...and made a quick stop at the Santa Fe Trail sign. I rode up the sidewalk to read some of the other stuff. Wow, we sure are spoiled compared to what they all lived like a long time ago!<br />
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LUNCH IN BOONVILLE!!!! I was hungry! Burger and Fries with some unsweet tea. They are so awesome here! They also filled my water bottles with ice and topped them off with water. They said they get a lot of cyclists in and do it all the time. I am telling ya, there is nothing like ice water in those bottles on a hot sunny wonderful day!<br />
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There is a bike rack around the corner of the building...and a neat mural! Now that I am looking at it I realize I didn't get the whole thing. Hmmmmm....just might have to go back again! ;-)<br />
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I have never ridden a bike to the Boonville Railroad bridge...until now! I have only seen it from a vehicle. I was on my own time schedule so why not take the time to check it out? I am so glad I did! Wow, what a neat piece of history! This bridge was almost no more....I am so glad it is still here and there is a path to walk part way over. The construction is very impressive!<br />
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Playing with photo filters on the phone....there is a curved viewing area on each side of the walk way looking out over the river. <br />
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This is as far as you can go...I am sure many bikes have had their picture taken here. :-)<br />
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As far as we can go...a close up...looking across.....it is amazing trains went across here!<br />
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These train tracks go the other direction...I have always wanted to jump a train! I hear it is a little bit illegal...I have an attorney on speed dial just in case (I used to work for him). :-)<br />
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Time to head back....there is a good part of the trail that is not shaded but no worries...I had a nice head wind along this section. It sure beats no air movement!<br />
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When I got to the old elevator I know I was getting close...<br />
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These guys left from Clinton, Mo earlier in the day and they are headed to Columbia. They had a nice long ride! The plan is to make it to the end of the Katy within 2-3 days. Hope they made it! One of the guys made his longest ride a few days before this...I am not remembering but it was under 20 miles! <br />
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So I am getting closer and closer....it is hot, I am tired, did I say it is hot? I am getting close to Rocheport and am so excited I made it! This is me all excited about it!<br />
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Then I realized I parked in Rocheport LAST weekend! THIS morning I parked at Scott Blvd. in Columbia! Another 12 miles to go...which doesn't sound that far but I had some chaffing going on that makes 12 feet feel far! Ha!<br />
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I am pedaling along, I have shade and a breeze, and who do I see on the trail? BRIAN! He is on call for work so parked in McBaine, which is fairly close to where he found me. We rode back to McBaine together and I headed back to complete my ride to Scott Blvd. Oh, it was tempting to have him load the bike up...but I really wanted to make this my longest ride - and I did! 55 miles!<br />
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It was such a great day...just me and my bike. I went as fast or as slow as I wanted, I slowed down enough to look at cool stuff, I had time to think about the Katy and what it was like when the train was still running through here. And the settlers from way back....making their way across this country in wagons with horses and oxen and whatever else they could bring with them. Wow! They were some tough people!<br />
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Until later...Karen and Tripp who had a talk with me tonight, letting me know that yes, he is a mustang and they traveled long distances back in the day when he was younger...but he is over it and totally okay with me going on these adventures! ;-)<br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-74046368179004812612018-07-29T19:20:00.002-05:002018-07-29T19:20:42.621-05:00Bike Ride...sometimes no plans are the best plans ever!<br />
Most of the day was gone...ran errands, got a couple things done...and I knew the weather was supposed to take a turn Sunday so I wanted to get a bike ride in. Brian was not feeling well so I headed out...<br />
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...I had no idea where I was going to ride so I made it up as I went. When I got to the stop sign in Harrisburg I thought to myself "right or left?" I opted for right since I had not been to Rocheport in a while. While driving I was trying to decide which direction I would ride from there....again I opted for right. There would be less people and I wanted to ride to the big clay tile elevator building that I never get tired of looking at.<br />
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Heading out of Rocheport there is an alpaca farm...this little guy was hanging out by the pool with a kitty friend (in the chair). Life is good!<br />
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As many times as I have ridden by this place I have never noticed the alpaca quilt block on the barn. I love quilts so seeing the blocks on barns is a bonus for me. :-)<br />
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The tunnel going out of Rocheport...hard to believe trains took this route. I read that this is the only train tunnel on the Katy Trail. <br />
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This was my view most of the evening. I only saw two people on the way to my destination unknown, and three on my way back. <br />
There are gates like this when there is a road crossing. I stopped because of the lone tree I saw while riding over the road...<br />
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It might not be the Big Tree at McBaine, but it is a Big Tree in training...<br />
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My Chinese Zodiac sign is the serpent (I say serpent instead of snake because it sounds way more cool!) And look who I found on the trail! A nice black snake that tolerated me moving around it. It doesn't look like it in the picture but it was every bit of 3 ft long. <br />
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I made it to the Hwy 40 bridge...not too far from my clay tile building...<br />
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And here she is...the 1921 clay tile elevator...<br />
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Not too far down the trail is the New Franklin trail head...up to this day Brian and I have not been past this point. I stopped to read the information on the wall that had a lot of neat information, got a drink and ate a protein bar, then decided to "go just a little bit further to see what is around the corner."<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9kvXjLzoPk/W1322WF2CbI/AAAAAAAAbiE/guG8UQvoCssG66HtHkEL02usQb5U3KOHACLcBGAs/s1600/7-28-18%2BBike%2BRide%2B-%2BNew%2BFranklin%2B-%2BTrail%2BHead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1391" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9kvXjLzoPk/W1322WF2CbI/AAAAAAAAbiE/guG8UQvoCssG66HtHkEL02usQb5U3KOHACLcBGAs/s320/7-28-18%2BBike%2BRide%2B-%2BNew%2BFranklin%2B-%2BTrail%2BHead.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
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AAAHHHH!!!!! I love trains and want to live in a caboose! Can you believe this is what was around the corner?<br />
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Another surprise when I decided to "go just a little bit further".... the Santa Fe Trail monuments. Each monument has a story on a plaque below it. It was very interesting! <br />
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I was watching my time because there were still chances of rain and I didn't want to ride too far back in the dark. (I put lights on my bike just in case I forgot to pay attention...) <br />
So what did I do? Decided to "go just a little bit further...." and I rode by Franklin, Mo.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDiI3vcJxPw/W133SQGWBpI/AAAAAAAAbik/YP4ICSZxDkkFvCgjpQxLAhjky2tisVaJQCLcBGAs/s1600/7-28-18%2BBike%2BRide%2B-%2BFranklin%2B-%2BPhoto%2BBomber%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDiI3vcJxPw/W133SQGWBpI/AAAAAAAAbik/YP4ICSZxDkkFvCgjpQxLAhjky2tisVaJQCLcBGAs/s320/7-28-18%2BBike%2BRide%2B-%2BFranklin%2B-%2BPhoto%2BBomber%2BMe.jpg" width="294" /></a><br />
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I have heard of the Katy Roundhouse campground and the Roundhouse but I have never been to either. I heard the campground is very nice in case you all want someplace to camp along the trail. From what I saw, the campground and the RV part both are nice.<br />
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Here is the Katy Roundhouse. It is hard to see what it is and what it did in the day because of all the growth, but when I leaned over the fence I could see the rounded rock wall. I need to do more research on this particular roundhouse but from what I read, most of the ones in the United States have fallen apart. There are a few still operating and are open to the public...who knew? Now you all do!<br />
When I read about what it does I learned that a long time ago train cars were good at moving one direction - not both, so they would go to the roundhouse to get turned around - kind of like a record on a turntable - then go the other way. I am sure there is more to it than that...but right now that is all I got.<br />
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I decided to go "around the next corner" to see what was up and I saw some landmarks. I am so close to Boonville how can I not go all the way?<br />
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I followed the path and saw another cyclist...he is ahead of me (look for the red arrow). He stopped on the top of the bridge so I stopped to ask questions... He was loaded down so I know he had a cool story! He had just left Columbia and was heading to North Dakota on his bike. He is going to visit friends in South Dakota, go on up to North Dakota then zip on over to Minnesota. Hang out there for a little while then head back to Columbia. How cool is that? And here I was wondering if my legs would get me back to Rocheport! Ha!<br />
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Me on the 'new' Boonville bridge taking a selfie of the Boonville Railroad Bridge behind me. Next time I will ride to the bridge. </div>
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When Brian and I would drive over this bridge I would ask myself if I could ride my bike over it. Now I know the answer - YES I CAN! WOO HOO!<br />
I rode over the whole 'new' bridge....HELLO BOONVILLE! OH MY GOSH! I RODE TO BOONVILLE FROM ROCHEPORT! I really wanted to explore some more and just keep going but my time line was tight...the skies are blue this direction but I was watching a few thunder boomer clouds around me that were very active and I didn't want to ride back in the dark AND rain.<br />
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On the way back I saw a couple stretches of trail that looked like Fall....<br />
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When I made it back to Rocheport I didn't have the number of miles I wanted, so I decided to go the other direction a couple miles. I am so glad I did! I was blessed with the most awesome sunset kissing the bluffs...<br />
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The sun setting...oh how I wish I could have gotten the colors to show up like I was seeing with my own eyes. Thank you God for the extra awesomeness before I headed home!<br />
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What a great ride! I really could have kept going! I was hoping for 30 miles and got back to Rocheport with 27. I decided to ride a while longer and decided I liked 31 better because I don't like even numbers. I ended up with 31 1/2 miles. Yay me! <br />
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Bike riding...it has done so much for me! Not only for my health but getting out to see things I have never seen before. And back to health....if I am feeling my anxiety kick in or I just plain feel ugly inside, I get on the bike and everything changes. <br />
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Until later....Karen and Tripp who told me it was okay with him if I rode the bike in double digits. Tripp (my mustang horse) has always thought riding mileage in double digits is stupid! :-)<br />
<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-47312243403106669542018-07-04T20:48:00.001-05:002018-07-04T20:48:22.151-05:00Fourth of July CMC Ride - 50 miles with hills!Thank you to the Columbia Multisport Club for putting on a great event! This is my first year to ride it and it was so much fun! It is a free event and has a few different mileage routes to choose from.<br />
23, 50, 75 and 100 miles. All routes are on roads so we had to listen and watch for vehicles.<br />
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Some photos are ones I took, some are from Brian and some are from Liz. Thanks you guys for taking pics! <br />
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What mileage did I pick? 50! Spoiler alert....SUCCESS!<br />
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I almost talked myself out of it....I have not slept well the past few nights and when I woke up at 4:00 a.m. I decided I was tired - even though I slept 4 hrs in a row (that is good for me!). I layed there then told myself to get my butt out of bed in case I decide to go....then I walked outside and it was already muggy and gross. The second time I almost talked myself out of it. Ha! I decided what my problem really was....I was scared. Scared of not completing the mileage I wanted to ride. I asked myself "Girl, you need to at least try! At least start! What is the worst that can happen? You call Brian to come get you?" So I hurried to feed critters and got ready to go. Brian brought me in to town to be my support crew, and he ended up being support for others too. :-)<br />
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We saw a couple hot air balloons on our way to the ride. I love balloons...they were gorgeous!<br />
I was nervous and excited about the ride and I was riding solo - I was one of the few not meeting with friends. (As luck would have it, the girl behind me in this picture is one of the girls in the group I ended up riding with).<br />
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Smiles before I got started.....<br />
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Here is a group shot of most of the people who are riding....I am on the far right trying to stay out of the way.<br />
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All mileage riders took off at the same time....out the driveway and UP the first hill of the day. :-)<br />
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I read the route but was not 100% sure what the directions were (Brian ended up loading it on my phone...but I didn't need it....I met three gals and we rode together...they knew the way)<br />
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I don't know how to pace myself...I try, and I think I do a good job...until I don't. I didn't want to ride too fast too early and pooter out on the last half of the ride so I was trying to pedal steady and hang in the back of the group until I figured it out. I ended up following three gals for a while then a few miles down the road asked them if they were riding the 50. They were....we introduced ourselves then we rode the rest of the ride together. I have to tell you all....riding by myself on a horse is very different than riding 50 miles on a bike by myself. Having some fun people to talk to and share stories with make it so much more enjoyable!<br />
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My three new friends riding down the road...<br />
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Brian met us a few spots along the route and took pictures. Here we are coming off the outer road....Brian joked about this picture. Of course I am signaling that we are turning but Brian said it looked like I was saying "Look, I have friends!" Ha ha!<br />
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Brian let us get ahead of him before taking this picture...<br />
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The four of us pedaling along...<br />
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Me and my new friends at the 'snack shack'.<br />
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There was one stop set up and it was run by volunteers. There was all kinds of fruit, salty items like pretzels and chips, water with gator aid if you wanted to add it and some visiting. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked out there in the middle of nowhere next to the hot asphalt. You all rock and you are appreciated!</div>
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Close up of the back of my Garfield jersey...love it! :-)</div>
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We are leaving the 'snack shack'...</div>
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The clouds and skies were beautiful today! There were times I thought we would get a pop up rain shower but it never happened. </div>
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A few self portraits along the way...<br />
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Okay, look at the road on the picture above...now look below. It was bumpy and it also had long dippy trenchy lines - kind of like it was at the beginning of being stripped for some work. I was worried my tires would get stuck in the lines and I would get bucked off. It all worked out...and it was good experience. <br />
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I got a new phone a couple days before this ride...my other one was pootering out. Boo! This phone does not have the awesome 'touch the screen anywhere and it takes a picture' feature. Mine is a few generations older and you would think they would keep this awesome feature. I love you Samsung but come on...don't take away the good stuff! Anyways, Brian told me about a setting that will put a floating button on the screen. I still have to know where the floating button is but it is better than only having one option. I was practicing...<br />
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Route Z...we are only a few miles from our start point. Okay, maybe 10-12 miles...give or take. I lose track of distance and don't remember what my bike computer said. :-)<br />
OH! And the hills! The start of the ride had several hills - for me this was a big deal! I have not ridden hills and have been talking (talking doesn't get it done...does it?) about needing to find some hills to practice on. Anyways, I sure don't remember Route Z having as many hills as we rode. Holy smokes! I don't normally cuss...well, I didn't used to. HA HA! <br />
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This was the last shady area before getting back...so we took a quick break. We were joined by other riders who found water that was turned on so everyone topped off water bottles. Thank you church for the water!<br />
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This is one of my favorite pictures...Brian took this and there is chickory in the front with awesome skies above...and our group looking so small. (you have to click on it to make it bigger to get the feel) <br />
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I MADE IT!!!!! And still smiling!!!<br />
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My goal was to finish the ride in 6 to 6 1/2 hours. I figured that was an average of 10 mph plus a few stops. We finished in 5 1/2 hours! And we took some long stops...so I am very happy. And sore. Ha ha!</div>
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I was very blessed to have found this group of gals to ride with. The pace was good, they were fun, and they don't realize it, but they kept me going.</div>
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I really need to work on my nutrition. I did take a couple of Clif Bars with me (love the chocolate mint) and I thought I ate good at the 'snack shack'. While riding I was fine, but when I stopped I was very shaky. As in VERY shaky! When the ride was done and I stopped by the car it was worse and I felt horrible. How can you feel horrible and great at the same time? Well, I did it! I walked around a bit to try to calm the shakes down. So - I need to figure out what to do better to make sure that doesn't happen on these long rides. Brian was wondering about my blood sugar...will explore that. We went to get something to eat and I felt better....and now? Other than being a bit sore I feel GREAT!</div>
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What a fun day! </div>
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-44909987463475017742018-05-28T17:27:00.002-05:002018-05-28T17:27:33.025-05:00Pigtails II Ride - 51 miles on a bicycle...<br />
Hello Blog! It has been so long! I have missed you!<br />
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There are a lot of pictures in this blog entry (from myself, Erica and Sue) and some of them are out of order... Me and two friends from our Women's Ride Wednesday group went to Ankeny, Iowa for the Pigtails II ride and WE HAD A BLAST!!!<br />
http://pigtailsride.com/<br />
I highly recommend this ride! Put it on your calendar...May 18, 2019! It is a women's ride and after the ride the after party is for everyone. There were some guys that rode with their gals on the ride but not very many. <br />
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The ride is noted as 48 miles long and is a 'there and back' ride. I wanted to ride over 50 miles so between the ride from the parking lot to the check-in spot and going a little farther at the bridge, we got 51 miles! Woo hoo! We would have ridden to the next small town but the weather was a concern...as it was we only had to ride 1 1/2 miles in pouring rain on our way back. <br />
The ride is on a paved trail the whole way with no real hills. When I got tired I could tell when I was going on an uphill grade but it was not bad at all. And when you ride with friends and meet a lot of new people the distance is not as long as you would think. The update e-mails we received said there were over 800 women signed up for this ride and I was a bit nervous. I was picturing a big pack of riders taking off at the same time like a race. Not like this at all! Whew! The start time was from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. so everyone was leaving when it suited them. So if you are a newbie and/or nervous about big groups, this really is a great ride to get your feet wet! <br />
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The big adventure started with our hotel....the hotel I saw on hotels.com is NOT the hotel we pulled up to! Well, it was, but the picture I saw was not a current one and the receipt was under a different name...it was a rental name. (I will contact hotels.com with the update...it is more of a 'housing' rental place versus a hotel/motel for out of towners) We will just say it was disgusting and did not give a feeling of safety....We did not stay and the guy who ran the place did not seem surprised or hesitate to refund our $$$. He was so nice and the best thing about the place! We found a place much closer and much more expensive, but the feeling of safety was worth every penny! I have used hotels.com several times and this is the first time a place was not what it was supposed to be. Anyways, after we found our new place we laughed about the old place...Sue said when we walked in the guy probably thought we were in the wrong place. :-)<br />
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The adventures continued from here...and wow! So much fun and this place was amazing! We got into town Friday evening and went to the High Trestle Trail Bridge...we found a parking lot and a dirt trail that went to the paved trail. The dirt trail was another adventure! It was narrow and curvy, and there were bike signs with a picture of a bike on a steep down hill line to warn us of hills. Yikes! It was pitch dark so with the curves and ups & downs I got disoriented with our headlights moving so much. It was fun but scary at the same time! On our way back we stayed on the paved path to the road, then rode the bikes to the parking lot. (The next day in the daylight we saw a closer parking lot)<br />
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Welcome to the High Trestle Trail Bridge! It is lit up in neon blue and it was breathtaking! My bright yellow wind jacket glowed under the lights...<br />
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Riding over the bridge...<br />
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The awesome trio! Erica, Sue and myself. <br />
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Our bikes lined up on the bridge...<br />
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Sue and I at the entrance of the bridge. Actually it could be the entrance or the exit. These huge pillars are at each end.<br />
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The next morning we showed up at Jethro's. A breakfast buffet with BACON was included in the fee. We also got lunch and a jersey along with some freebies at a couple of stops along the way. <br />
https://jethrosdesmoines.com/jethros-lakehouse/<br />
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BACON!!!!!!<br />
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Here we are, getting ready for ride day! (Sue, Erica, Me)<br />
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We are heading out of town...Sue had Percy, her cute stuffed pig, riding in her back pocket. Percy did great the whole ride! <br />
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Out of town and riding on the trail...<br />
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Our first 'out of order' picture. At the opposite side of the bridge there is a 'lookout' area.<br />
This is approx 24 miles in to the ride...and we felt great!<br />
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AAAHHHHHH, riding over the bridge in the daylight! Eric stopping for the view...<br />
Both day and night are equally as beautiful on the bridge! <br />
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One of the stops giving away some freebies...<br />
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Getting my fruit group! And it was quite yummy if I say so myself! <br />
I don't normally drink and ride (anything..bikes, horses, motorcycles....) but it was warm and I was sweating so I was sure it would not stick around long. Plus the trail was wide and smooth and not packed full of people or obstacles - yeah, it would be just fine. And it was. My first time drinking this stuff and it was GOOD!!!<br />
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Me and Sue over the bridge...<br />
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The Madrid Tigers had this painted on the wall of one of the tunnels. <br />
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Hello! Me riding and loving every minute of it! Sure can't tell that rain is on the way, eh?<br />
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Just rode thorough the tunnel...I love tunnels and bridges!<br />
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Me and the pillars that are at each end of the big bridge...<br />
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Sue and Erica riding down the trail...<br />
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Sue heading towards one of the small tunnels...<br />
She is wearing her jersey they gave us for the ride. I got that style and Erica got the Mountain Bike style. <br />
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Hey! Who are those good looking ladies on the bridge? Oh, us of course! :-)<br />
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The freebie tent set up outside of the Nite Hawk Bar and Lounge. I wish I could have gotten a picture of all the bikes parked outside in front and around the side of the building. I have never seen so many bikes in one place before! FUN!<br />
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Yes, a buffalo. It was sharing a small grassy area with some cows. Are they growing Beefalo? I think they might be.<br />
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Heading in to one of the towns...<br />
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Erica riding on the High Trail Trestle Bridge. I love this picture! She is a member of the Big Tree Cycling Team and is wearing her jersey...she represents well! :-)<br />
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This is where I got my fruit group. I decided to have my fruit group because this day was full of new things for me, and since I have never had a Bud Light fruit group I might as well add to the 'new things' and give it a try. Glad I did! This picnic table was very long on and on wheels. It is a rental! Very cool!<br />
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Sometimes we did the passing...and sometimes we got passed...<br />
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We rode several miles and I saw trails signs about horseback riding. We finally saw two riders!<br />
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This canoe is hanging inside Jethro's BBQ place. We have bees so I was drawn to the paint job. :-)<br />
Brian on the other hand knew the brand that was painted on the side and he even knew how to pronounce it. :-)<br />
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A view from the lookout spot at the end of the bridge.<br />
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Riding across the bridge with Sue behind me...<br />
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There were a lot of riders out but it didn't feel like it. Even though we would come across some bigger groups we had to get around, most of the time it was like this. We would see people but there was plenty of room in between.<br />
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Sue and Percy Pig passing the BBQ sign...<br />
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I am still in awe of this unique bridge!<br />
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This scroll was painted in the tunnel with the painted tiger. Short version - have respect for the trail and others.<br />
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The opposite side of the tunnel (same side as Scroll) there was the Trestle Trail painting. <br />
Sue taking a picture of me taking a picture of her...ha ha!<br />
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Outside the Nite Hawk...<br />
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The view from the bridge...<br />
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There was a photographer taking pictures of the groups and individuals going over the bridge. These are out pictures...<br />
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What a fun time! On our way back we caught a tail wind and rode a few miles at over 20 mph! My fastest ride speed ever! We were watching the big storm cloud and rain heading our way. We almost made it back....the last 1 1/2 miles we got wet! I was scared of the wet pavement but we kept on going! More to laugh about!<br />
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There were a lot of laughs, two of us rode farther than we have before, the weather was mostly great, the friendship is even stronger....yeah! Great times!!!! There were all kinds of bikes! Road, gravel, mountain, fatty's, recumbent, and not sure what the other ones were but they were like an elliptical machine. These ladies had to stand up and ride their elliptical the whole way - and they did! There were young ladies, middle aged ladies, a little bit past middle aged and some way past middle aged. The one thing we all had in common besides being women on bikes is the smiles! SMILES SMILES SMILES!!!! <br />
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Thanks Erica and Sue for going with me and for a great time! And thanks to our guys for holding down the forts so us gals can go ride for the weekend!Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-16455254469465377632018-01-14T09:12:00.003-06:002018-01-15T20:13:50.315-06:00What? Mid 50's in January?<br />
This calls for playing hookey from work!<br />
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This is also my third ride on the new bike. Woo hoo!<br />
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Brian and I took 1/2 day vacation to go ride bikes. I have been telling him about the route we take on our Wednesday Women's Ride so we rode most of that. We skipped the ride through town and started at Stephens Lake. There is a paved trail right next to the lake and another that goes around the park...very nice place to walk or ride bikes.<br />
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Stephens Lake area is in a Riparian Forest Buffer Zone. The short version of what this is: an area that is either left natural or is re-established with trees, shrubs, grasses, etc. along a stream or river. It helps with water quality & habitat. The 'You are Here' marker on the second picture down is at the bottom of the hill and there is a lot of tall grasses along the trail, then it goes to woods.<br />
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It has been quite a while since Brian has ridden. He got sick and that lasted a very long time! (I was worried...but that is the same 'bug' that a lot of people are getting and it just has to run it's course...ugh!) He also did something to his back and the idea of riding bikes did not give him warm fuzzies....so happy he is better and wanted to ride with me today! :-)<br />
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He surprised me and himself on this ride! He rode farther than we both thought he would! Yes, he was sore! Hee hee! Hey, it happens...even to people who ride a lot.<br />
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As we got a ways down the trail we decided I was going to ride to our Wednesday night turn around point then head back and catch up with Brian. My first selfie at the turn around point without the girls. I miss you gals! :-)<br />
I headed back and made the sharp turn into the tunnel under the road and guess who is there? YES! IT WAS BRIAN WITH A BIG SMILE! No picture because I had no idea he would there and I was not prepared!<br />
I turned back around to catch him; when I came out of the tunnel I saw him at the top of the switchback (turn around point) waving at me...still with a big grin! If you look close (or click on the picture to make it bigger) you can see him waving. My position is just outside of the tunnel.<br />
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On our way back I decided to take my first pictures from the seat of this bike. AAAHHHH!!!!! Exciting for me! Brian was zooming up behind me....(we love down hills)...and I now know I can take pictures while riding this bike! My position on this bike is different and I am riding with the drop bars so up until now I did not take pictures while riding. But now...Yay me!!!<br />
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Brian was making silly faces as he blasted past me! I wish I was quick enough to get the one of him right by me...it was too funny!<br />
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A couple pictures of us in the Riparian Buffer Zone. :-)<br />
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The day was gorgeous! Temps were perfect, it was overcast most of the time, the wind was not too bad, and I was with my best friend! Priceless!<br />
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Brian test rode my bike around the parking lot when we got back and he loves it! A much different ride than his Mtn Bike. We are learning that bikes are like horses...you can't have just one. Ha ha! So we will budget for a gravel bike for Brian in the near future.<br />
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We had to go to the bike shop because I am embarrassed to say (but I will say it anyways...) that I could not check the air in my tires. I had to count on the 'feel' test. I have presta valves and I thought our pump/gauge combo were for schrader and presta valves both. I didn't think to You Tube it before we left...I have learned a lot from You Tube! Anyways, I asked Brian if he was okay me riding to the bike shop and he can meet me there in the car (he did 9 miles and said that was enough for the day).<br />
Made it to the shop and they showed me how presta valves work, then I You Tubed it so I remember. :-)<br />
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My first solo ride across town....AAAHHHH.....the excitement! The nerves! The excitement again! AAAHHHH!!!! So, it was the first time I got to push the button at the cross-walk at Stephens Lake, then wait to make sure traffic really was going to stop at the flashing yellows. I don't like walking across a street on foot so RIDING across one during the busy time of the day was a big deal for me.<br />
And it was my first time riding through town by myself! I feel like a little kid who is allowed to ride her bike to school for the first time all by herself! I was so excited and proud of myself!<br />
All other rides through town have been with our Wednesday group.<br />
I know this would not be a big deal to a lot of people but for me? BIG DEAL! EPIC! AWESOME! I DID IT!<br />
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BIKE REPORT....oh, I don't think I have ever told what I am riding. It is a 2018 Specialized Diverge E5 Comp - women's version. It is called a gravel bike...what I call between a hybrid and a road bike. At first glance it looks like a road bike and it can be ridden on gravel and paved roads and does great on both. I needed something that could handle dirt trails (and our dirt roads) and also be great on the paved roads and trails and this bike fit the bill. I will do a better report about the bike itself later.<br />
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Back to the report....This was the best ride so far! I know it is only the third one but it was amazing! Here is how my rides have played out so far:<br />
1. Took bike to town (it was cold) to test ride...I rode 8 miles just tooling around, practicing clipping in and out of my pedals, trying to figure out my gearing etc. So my mind was on everything all at once. It was a great ride but not relaxing.<br />
2. It was colder than heck! 11 degrees! But I wanted to ride the first day of the year. We took me and the bike to a small town close by....I rode 3 miles and my finger tips were frozen. They hurt so bad so between that and still getting used to clipping in and out of my pedals and riding on town streets and having my face wrapped up to keep warm I was still concentrating on a lot of things at one time. Still a great ride and was so happy I did it! But not relaxing.<br />
3. Then we have this ride...AWESOME! The temps were perfect! Mid 50's and not too windy. I was very comfortable temp wise and I am getting more comfortable with clipping my shoes in and out of my pedals. I was able to relax and enjoy the ride more while practicing and experimenting. So yeah, this was the best ride so far! And I know they will get better every time I get out there.<br />
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As I write this, it is snowing...the ground is covered....so I don't think I will be riding today. I will fix the flat on my Mountain Bike...it is the back tire. It would have been much easier for my first tire repair to be on the front. I want to have the Mtn bike ready to hit the trails at the Conservation Area AND to try out my new pogies! (Pogies are covers that go on the handle bars...will block wind and help keep hands warm).<br />
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Until later...<br />
<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-50730683521085667262018-01-11T20:05:00.005-06:002018-01-11T20:05:46.637-06:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
I rode the last day of 2017 and I wanted to ride the first day of 2018! <br />
I already knew I could not handle what I did the day before...so I did the next best thing! I bundled up and pulled the Mountain Bike out and rode around the yard a few times. The dogs loved running with me and I got in a ride!<br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!<br />
<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-34038360614033929632018-01-11T20:02:00.001-06:002018-01-11T20:02:28.036-06:00Brrrrr......last ride of 2017...<br />
What the heck was I thinking? I will tell you what! I was thinking the sun is out and I want to ride on the last day of the year! Of course it looked warm from inside the house... I bundled up and Brian took me to Sturgeon. That way I could practice on the streets and get some fresh air...nice fresh frozen air! <br />
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BRRRRRR!!!!!!!!<br />
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Do I really want to do this? Yes I do!<br />
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Here I go....heading into town....<br />
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Now I am in town....a couple people have driven by and did a double take. </div>
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WHO IS THAT CRAZY PERSON ON A BIKE? I BET SHE IS COLD!</div>
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I am in town and had to stop....my fingers were frozen and hurt so bad! I took off my outer layer glove thinking maybe they were too snug with my fuzzy ones underneath....I was going to head back to my starting point and call it a day...I can do this!</div>
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I am almost back....waving and trying to look happy and NOT look like I have frozen fingers! Did it work? Ha ha!<br />
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Woo hoo! I made it! I was beginning to wonder, and why have I never noticed the road out of town is a slight uphill grade? <br />
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We got some snow on December 24th....Mardi wanted his picture taken with the bike in the snow. Isn't he cute?<br />
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Back to the ride...I survived! I am so glad I did it...it was so much fun even with cold fingers!<br />
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The worst part was my frozen finger tips. They are always very cold sensitive so I am not surprised they hurt as bad as they did. I was just hoping they would be a normal cold. I want to find some fabric and make pogies that will fit this bike. A friend made me a pair for my Mountain Bike. They are covers that go over the handle bars and there is plenty of room for your hands to slip in...you can shift and use the brakes with room to spare...they should block the wind and are water proof. They do have bar mitts but I would rather make my own if I can. If not - Bar Mitts it is! <br />
My toes were cold but not unbearably cold. I will want shoe covers if I do this very often...and as of now I am thinking I would at least like it to be in the 20's. <br />
I was wearing a double layer of pants and my legs were cold but not unbearably cold. <br />
My torso was in four layers and I stayed very warm...even sweated.<br />
My face....ugh! I need to work on this...I don't like to cover it up because my frozen breath on the inside of the scarf grosses me out! But the air was too cold to breathe normally....so I went back and forth. On a while off a while. I just feel claustrophobic and because my breath was freezing I couldn't get a deep breath...and like I said, it is gross!<br />
I had a headband around my ears so they were fairly comfortable but the top of my head was cold. I will need to get a thin hat to wear under my helmet. Again....if I ride in the 20's it isn't that bad.<br />
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So there you have it....my last ride of 2017!<br />
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Here I come 2018!<br />
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Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-64568345836326523182018-01-11T19:07:00.001-06:002018-01-11T19:07:40.387-06:00My first real ride on my NEW BIKE!<br />
I wanted to get out and ride and also practice clipping in and out of my pedals. I headed to Flat Branch Park in Columbia....there were not many people out....probably because it was cold and cloudy. PERFECT! I didn't have to worry about running in to anybody.<br />
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I rode down the trail and back, plus rode a few side trails up and down some small hills to get a feel for the gears. I ended up riding 8 miles. :-) <br />
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One of the paintings in a tunnel. There are a lot of tunnels around town to go under the streets. I love them! <br />
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Have I mentioned I love bridges? Why yes I have!<br />
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Oh my gosh, trying to get my phone camera propped up to take a picture was a challenge! I don't know how many pictures I took...a lot! And only a couple I could use. Ha!<br />
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Hellloooooo!!!!!</div>
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I had a great ride. There are a couple small parking lots along the trail so I did circles in them too...just wanted to ride and get used to the feel. One guy sitting in the park said "You are riding an awful lot of circles" and I I laughed and told him I was practicing. He said I was doing a good job! :-) </div>
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I did not get comfortable with the gearing up and down the hills but that might have been because I was also thinking about being clipped in my pedals. </div>
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Well, if I was going up a hill and had to stop to rest, then forgot to unclip my shoes, I would fall over in slow motion....Yep, my glass is half full! </div>
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Until later...</div>
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Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-75334937947399631642018-01-11T18:34:00.004-06:002018-01-11T18:34:57.883-06:00New Bike Nights!!!! Woo Hoo!<br />
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Yay! Finally here! She was due in November but something happened...don't know what...but she did not make the November shipment. I looked at other bikes that could be here quicker (I already waited 1 1/2 months for her) but after all the mental "should I or shouldn't I?" back and forth I knew this is the ONE I wanted. So I would wait one more month...<br />
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AND IT WAS WORTH IT! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!<br />
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Angela called me that morning to let me know the bike was here and would be put together the next day. I was on my way to the airport to pick up my Mom so we stopped by on our way back. We opened the box to look....I was more curious about the color and IT WAS AMAZING! It is called Satin Cast Berry and it looks like a dark purple plum with a shimmer of satin over it..with accents of mint.<br />
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Angela and I checking her out!<br />
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Now to wait until the next day after work....it is going to be along night and day! :-)<br />
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The next night was officially NEW BIKE NIGHT! AAAHHHH!!!!! SOOOO EXCITED!!!!<br />
I was also taking the plunge and switching over to clipless pedals. There are little clips on the bottom of the shoe that clip in to the pedal. You have to turn your foot sideways to unclip and move your foot to the ground. If you forget to unclip or you pull straight up or back or sideways, your foot won't come off the pedal. Yep, you will fall over. Ha ha!<br />
In the first picture I am concentrating so hard because I was afraid I was going to crash into the row of new bikes. I really had to think about this...my feet were stuck to the pedals and I was a little freaked out. At first I felt claustrophobic...<br />
On the way back I was feeling it!<br />
(I am leaving out the part where I didn't get unclipped and I sort of leaned sideways into one of the shelves....it did not fall but someone got a flat protein bar...oh, I guess I just told about it...ha ha!) <br />
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Here she is, leaning against the counter all clean and pretty. <br />
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NEW BIKE NIGHT IS AWESOME! When I saw her the first time I was so happy I waited instead of getting something else. <br />
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I laugh at my bike journey...first I was saying "I am not paying $200.00 for a freaking bike!"<br />
Then I find a used one that fit me perfect (did not hurt my wrist) for a little over that. Okay, fine.<br />
I loved it and was so happy I didn't let my cheapo ways get in the way of this much fun!<br />
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Then after a while I thought I wanted a new bike. I was keeping the Mountain Bike but I wanted something that would travel better on the roads. So I gave myself an invisible budget....and found something I THOUGHT I would like. I was excited because it was $300.00 under my invisible budget. I talked to Angela about it, asking her all kinds of questions that she happily answered. Then she started asking me questions...starting with why I picked the one I did. Then she asked if I had ever thought about a drop bar bike. Nope, had not thought of it. I am old(er) so figured straight bars would be better for me. She let me ride one of their drop bar bikes on the Wednesday Women's Ride. At first I hated it but after almost 11 miles on it I felt comfortable and was rethinking this...I needed to ride it again...and again....and again! I rode it a few times because I found new things I liked about it and I also had more questions about how things worked. <br />
After a lot of thought and reading about bikes, components, etc., I finally picked my bike. Let's just say "What budget?" HA HA! I will say I have no regrets! I only have three rides on her as of this write up but I still have no regrets! <br />
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So, it is safe to say I have JUMPED out of my comfort zone! Ha ha! And I am so happy I did!<br />
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Until later...Karen and Tripp who still wishes he had his own wheels for his hooves but is happy he gets a break...<br />
Who is Tripp? He is my mustang horse...yes, a real mustang from out West. He was wild when I got him at age 4 in 2008 and now he is the sweetest love bug you have ever seen! Yes, I ride him. :-) <br />
Here is a picture of cute little Tripp. This is from a couple years ago...yep, I rode him in a rope halter and bareback pad a lot. <br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-15646717576694147762018-01-11T05:28:00.001-06:002018-01-11T05:28:19.853-06:00The Magic Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a windy chilly night, but not too chilly for our Wednesday night ride...to the Magic Tree!<br />
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This ride took a different route than our regular ride. I wish I could remember exactly how we got there because it was a nice ride! It was all in the dark when we started....we rode through town, we got to ride down a big paved hill which was so much fun, then we got on the trail. We rode the trail a while then went up a hill and popped out in a cul de sac...we rode through a neighborhood and saw a lot of pretty lights then there it was....the Magic Tree.<br />
The tree is so pretty and a popular place for locals and visitors both.<br />
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The tree is so pretty and magical...it was hard to leave but we knew we had to get back. It was a work night after all. :-)<br />
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The ride back was great BUT there was that big hill we got to zoom down....let's just say for most of us there was no zooming up! We did not take the road up but we did take the trail next to it up. I ran out of air about half way and had to stop. I walked a bit, got a nice big deep breath then got back on and finished the hill. The girls were cheering when I made it to the top! And this my friends is what makes this group so great! Sure, I did not want to have to walk any of that hill (but air is important) and slow anybody down, but everyone is so encouraging! When I heard the cheering I laughed, pedaled harder and was just happy! I love this group! <br />
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This was our last ride of 2017 together...look out 2018! Here we come!<br />
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Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-16211403590772964472018-01-10T21:13:00.002-06:002018-01-10T21:13:26.278-06:00Route 66/Elbow Inn Black Friday Gravel Ride<br />
Oh my gosh, what did we get ourselves in to? Me and one of our Wednesday night riders, Shelly, thought this sounded like fun (it was!). Neither one of us has every done a gravel ride so why not give it a try? We heard about a couple big hills but sure, we could do it!<br />
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As we were unloading bikes and checking tire pressures, etc., we heard several people talking (they all knew each other) about what rides they have done, the high mileage, the challenge of the trails, how they did on this ride the year before.....Shelly and I looked at each other and thought "Oh oh, what have we done?" HA HA! We were so nervous because it was something very new to us! I had already planned on going by myself but when she said she wanted to go I was ecstatic! Riding with her made it so much more fun!<br />
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Well, the ride was 35'ish miles....we did 15 miles. We were just shy of 15 so we rode to a bridge and back to get over the 15 mark. There was another couple who were not riding the whole thing so they told us about the short cut. While they rode all paved road back, Shelly and I rode a short section of paved road then picked up the gravel road that the other riders would come to. I am so glad we did! It was challenging (to us) and fun! <br />
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The first hill of the ride was brutal! Some people say they ride it all the way up....all I have to say is WOW! Part of it was almost straight up...yes, we walked most of it. Once we made it to the top we started riding again. It is challenging riding on gravel roads. Part of our challenge is we are what Brian (hubby) calls 'tourists', not competitors. Ha ha! Yes we are! We stopped for a few pictures and stopped to just look around. When we made it to almost the half way point we did not know if we would make it back before dark (not knowing the trail or roads) so that was when we decided to cut the route in half.<br />
The funny thing was when we were almost back to Devils Elbow, some of the other riders were zooming past us! We cut the route in half and were getting lapped! HA HA! <br />
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Shelly and I taking advantage of our first photo op...a railroad bridge...like less than 5 minutes in to our ride. :-)<br />
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The only thing missing was the train...yes, I would have moved myself and the bike. :-)<br />
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I like taking pictures of my bike...it is almost like traveling with a gnome and taking pictures of the gnome everywhere. OH! I need to get a gnome or a troll to bring with me! :-)<br />
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Part of the ride went off road...this was the easy part. The hard part (for us) was through the woods with lots of rocks and roots and being so close to trees on a skinny bumpy trail. It was so scary but also fun...I could not stop laughing and saying "Oh crap!" "Oh crap!" :-)<br />
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This was the first time I wore a backpack. I usually don't like anything pulling on my shoulders but this thing was very comfortable! My only problem was my 2nd water bottle kept shifting so it would feel crooked (because it was) but other than that, it was great! Carried everything we would need if we had a flat or a wound. Well, maybe not bone sticking out...I will make a note to add supplies for that. <br />
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This is the bridge we rode to at the end of the ride to get our 15 miles. It was such a pretty day and we could not have asked for better weather! The river and the bluffs were beautiful!<br />
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We had such a great time....and are planning for next year! Yay us!<br />
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We met some fun people who told us about other rides that we might try sometime. We are both working on our fitness so the idea of the fun rides sounds like something we would love!<br />
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Until later... <br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-22578638131345913872018-01-10T20:18:00.000-06:002018-01-10T20:18:02.125-06:00Wednesday Women's Ride on Sunday....for donuts!<br />
Angela put together morning yoga at the shop (it was awesome!) then a ride to the Big Tree for breakfast! <br />
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Donuts...will ride for donuts! <br />
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Oh my, another cold day...but such a great ride! <br />
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Here we are...a group of serious women riding for donuts and coffee!<br />
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How can we ride AND get donuts and coffee at a Big Tree you ask?<br />
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Our wonderful delivery guy!!!! Thank you John!!!<br />
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The goodies were set up on the bench...happy girls!<br />
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I don't usually eat donuts, but this was a special occasion. And let me tell you...it was a YUMMY donut!!!! I am not a coffee drinker so my sweetened (fake sugar) water was sour after eating my YUMMY donut! It takes more than sour tasting water to take this girl down! :-)<br />
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Fun group! It was windy and cold out...<br />
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Happy girls full of donuts and coffee...time to get started back to town. <br />
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The ride back was pretty good...my bike fitness is improving but my thighs still scream at me sometimes. I have a feeling they will for a long time...and that is okay with me! The more they scream the more I scream back. I might do it standing in one place.....but I get the last word! :-)<br />
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Until later...Karen and Tripp who wants his own wheels on each hoof... <br />
<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-22893201595203510682018-01-10T19:03:00.002-06:002018-01-10T19:03:37.921-06:00Monster Bike Bash - October 2017<br />
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Wow, this ride was all kinds of special! In my first biking post I mentioned a Yahoo Group friend who talked about biking and how much fun it was. After two years of reading her posts about how much fun she was having and how much better her health was is when I finally decided to get a bike! We were internet friends for a long time...WE GOT TO MEET IN PERSON AT THIS RIDE! AAAHHHH!!!!! I was so excited!!!!<br />
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Meet my friend Marna! <br />
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I just had to put the uncropped picture here too...check out the colors on this tree! AAAHHHH!!! So pretty!<br />
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Here is the whole family! Deron - Marna - Me (yes, I am now family) - Deron's son Orion. Their pup Teanna is in the crate and made the ride with us. Everything was decorated and there were puppy treats for other dogs on the trail. :-) She is such a good girl! Deron and Marna ride together a lot and I am serious...they know how to have fun! A couple of Fat Bikes make up their bike family (left at home this trip) and now I am wanting one of those! Ha! They live in snow country so have the perfect playground for them!<br />
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Miss Teanna looking all cute! She was such a good girl and thank goodness she had a coat! It was cold and damp. <br />
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Brian brought me in to town and helped me get webbed up. He also wanted to meet my internet friends! :-)<br />
It was a little colder than what we thought it would be so I had to improvise. My bendy spider made the trip on my helmet and a couple more medium size ones were hooked to the 'webbing' around my jacket. We also threw on several smaller black plastic spiders....which is funny because spiders freak me out. <br />
I forgot my ear cover so a man we met in the parking lot let me use his extra one. THANK YOU! I got his address through Facebook after the event and mailed it back to him so he can save someone else on a cold blustery day! :-)<br />
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My pirate friends who let me borrow the headband for my ears... For some reason my best picture of them is them watching Deron unload a bike. These two ride a lot and they ride all over the place! I have met the best people out riding! (bikes, horses and motorcycles) <br />
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Thank you Kevin Dingman for taking pictures! Selfies are great but capturing a moment like this is priceless! I feel like Marna and I have been friends forever and have seen each other on a regular basis....but this is our first ride together! Thank you Marna for letting our Yahoo group know how much fun cycling is!<br />
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Deron and Orion blazing the trail with little Teanna in her crate. Deron was a beast pulling that trailer! Orion had not ridden in a long time and came from out of town to ride with us. I also want to thank CycleX. Orion needed a bike so we headed over to CycleX and rented one that morning. They also fixed something on Deron's bike so high five you guys!!!! You helped make this a fun day for us!<br />
https://cyclex.com/ <br />
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Thank you Kevin Dingman for taking pictures along the route! I love this one...you can see my helmet spider and the one hanging off my left shoulder. HAPPY HAPPY!<br />
(To see more pictures and video of this event check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1350453811720384/?active_tab=discussion)<br />
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There was a lot of fun stuff going on along the trail. Some folks had a 'rest stop' with adult refreshments, there was music, and it was just FUN!<br />
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Here was some entertainment at a shelter along the trail. He had a neat skeleton sitting on his shoulders.<br />
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Orion trying to stay warm while we stopped to listen to the one man band and check out his skeleton friend. We also people watched...how can you not at the Monster Bike Bash?<br />
By the way, when I first met Orion and saw he was wearing tie-dye I knew he was good people! :-)<br />
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The next stop was in Huntsdale at The Station House at Katfish Katy's. Even though it was cold the band was playing and everyone was having some food, drink, and a good time!<br />
http://www.katfishkatys.com/<br />
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Next Stop: Rocheport Oktoberfest Music Festival. Woo hoo! They had a stage set up with music scheduled all day and into the night, and a couple blow up things. But at this point the best part was the fire pit! While we were there only one fire pit was going...and a lot of people trying to scootch in to feel the warmth.<br />
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Even dragons think it is fun to photo bomb! I knew I loved dragons for a reason....other than dragons are cool! :-)<br />
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Check out the nurse behind me.<br />
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Me and the blow up guy behind me hovering next to the stage...<br />
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Me hanging out with the big blow up guy and some of my new closest friends. :-)<br />
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This group was awesome! Simply known as The Dorothy's. Over the years they have dressed up with a Wizard of Oz theme....and yes, the high heels were worn while riding (Sunflower sugar mask girl). The gal said it was not as bad as what you would think...I saw her on the trail and she was zooming right along! <br />
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You never know what you will see while riding a bike! <br />
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Deron holding a snuggled up Teanna. She was watching all the silly people with interest.<br />
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Marna, Deron & Teanna, and Orion by the fire pit while listening to music. <br />
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The plan was to do a round trip ride but it did not work out that way. It was a cold day and I stayed warm enough.....and part of the time I felt like I was burning up. I figured it was crazy lady hormones so didn't think anything about it....until we stopped. I felt like my clothing was real damp - oh my gosh, can you say SOPPING WET? Yes, my shirts were sopping wet. I thought my jacket breathed because on cold windy days I can feel the wind through it....maybe it was not the wind....maybe the fabric was just cold feeling and I thought it was leaking wind. HA HA! I said "Leaking wind...." :-) Anyways, my coat did NOT breathe and since it was so cold when we stopped I got chilled. Brian came to the rescue...he brought the truck to pick us up and took us back to town.<br />
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We got to listen to music, hang out by the fire ring, visit with some people I used to work with, people watched (cool costumes) and listened to more music. <br />
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This really has been a fun bike year for me! I have ventured out to do things I would never have done before...and ride a bike for several miles? Ummm, no! But now it is "HECK YEAH!!!!" Even if it is too far and my legs are screaming at me. I am loving it so much!<br />
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And to meet my internet friends for the first time....priceless! In fact we are already planning to meet up this summer sometime to ride. We will head their direction and when they come back to visit family we will meet up to ride here. <br />
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Like all my rides so far I have learned a lot, and I like to mention a couple things.....<br />
Making sure my clothing really does breathe and make sure I have a kit put together in each vehicle so I am ready for any weather that comes our way.<br />
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What I did right....I SHOWED UP AND RODE MY BIKE! I talked to people (usually a loner) and I laughed a lot! <br />
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Life is good....<br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-53727926844159025122018-01-08T20:03:00.000-06:002018-01-08T20:03:11.225-06:00Our first town to town ride....<br />
Wow, these pictures are from October 2016...I will write as if it was today.<br />
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We have been riding but not as much as we would like. Even though our rides have not been that long or as often as we would like we both noticed that we were getting more comfortable and going a bit farther. Brian said "I want to do a town to town ride!" So we rode from Rocheport to Huntsdale! This is not very far for some but for us it was a big deal! Woo hoo!<br />
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The thing is, if we go the direction of Huntsdale we have to go to the tunnel first. There is something about the tunnel that is magical, mysterious...I don't know. It is a feeling we get going through....<br />
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We have had so much fun riding together! And look! Brian has a bike helmet! I was still riding in my horse helmet at that time. Hmmm, I just noticed how loose my strap is on my helmet. I can't stand anything feeling snug around my head and neck...but I will check to make sure my bike helmet isn't this loose....safety you know! <br />
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I wonder how many pictures we have of us at the Historical Marker...ha ha!<br />
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When we got to Huntsdale I was pleasantly surprised to see that The Station House at Katfish Katy's was reopen! The last time I was there it was empty and all that was there for refreshments was a soda machine that actually worked! A band was playing so we grabbed something cold to drink and hung out a while. The band was great and it was a lot of fun! Nice bonus to our ride! They are always having entertainment out there so I recommend checking it out! http://www.katfishkatys.com/<br />
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The leaves were falling and the colors were pretty along the trail...nothing like riding through the tree tunnel...<br />
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This is the Lewis and Clark Cave and it is on private property - NOT part of the Katy Trail even though it is right by it. They ask that nobody go in the cave (but people do), especially during a certain time of year because of the bats. Gray bats are endangered and use this cave in the Summer. The sign says not to enter the cave between April 1st and October 30th.<br />
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Well, we did it! Our first town to town ride! We made it through the tunnel then to Huntsdale and back. Yay us!!!! It was fun but oh my, our 'seat parts' were complaining! <br />
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Until later....Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-42005953499583081322018-01-08T19:39:00.000-06:002018-01-08T19:39:23.742-06:00Bear Creek Trail...a challenge!I don't remember how I found out about the Bear Creek trail...but I did. We left from Cosmo Park and it was gravel - big gravel. All was well...then there was the HILL! A big steep HILL! We were going down down down....and we survived. But all I could think about was when we came back we were going to have to go up up up! Ha ha! I was too busy keeping the rubber side down to take pictures of the hill, and when we made it to the bottom and looked back, it did not look that scary or steep. :-) But it was! It was both scary and steep! I swear! Ha!<br />
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It was a very pretty, fun, challenging (to us) trail and we can't wait to go back! Bluffs, creeks, board walk, wild life...it was a great place for some 'mental'...<br />
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I love bridges...and I decided I also love boardwalks which are almost like bridges.<br />
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Oh look! A bridge!<br />
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We ended up at a parking lot next to a road; next time we will venture out a bit farther to see where the path leads.<br />
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And that big HILL???? Yes, we had to go up up up! We both tried to ride up as far as we could...then we pootered out and walked. I tried to get started after resting but I kept skidding my tire on the gravel. I had to walk up to a less steep spot then I got going...holy smokes! It was tough but awesome! There are also some Mountain Bike trails through the woods and I would like to give those a try. I am not good at tight turns and tight spots to squeeze through...the only way to get better is to do it! Yeah? ;-)<br />
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Until later... <br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-9990122440397399102018-01-07T19:02:00.001-06:002018-01-07T19:02:16.529-06:00Wednesday Women's Ride....how it all started...<br />
So, I have been riding my bike as much as I can; my mileage is improving; my comfort level on the bike is improving; my love for the bike is growing; life is good!<br />
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BUT....Fear of the unknown...I have been like this with my horse riding too. For years I rode by myself. It started out as necessity....if I didn't go alone I would never ride. I can't spend my life waiting....so I go. Then I got used to it and I loved riding alone. The more I did things alone the more I was happy doing things alone. No stress...no pressure....no worrying about making mistakes (my horse act up or me doing something stupid on the bike to make people mad)... me going too slow for the group...me wanting to stop for pictures or to enjoy the scenery while other want to go go go...me not being able to go the same mileage as the others...you get the idea. IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I CAN DO THIS! YIKES! <br />
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I knew I needed to do what I have never done before...after all, I had a ride coming up that involved riding on paved roads - with cars! (Red Shoe Ride).....I needed to ride on roads. I was talking to a girl at work about it (she rides a lot) and she told me about this women's group she rode with; she told me to go see Angela at CycleX. https://cyclex.com/ She told me this was exactly what I needed...Angela would help me and it is a no-drop ride. I had to ask what that meant...it means I can be slow - they won't leave me. :-)<br />
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THIS WAS THE BEST THING EVER!!!!!!<br />
I have learned so much and have had so much fun!<br />
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I showed up and met Angela; she works at the bike shop and started this Wednesday night ride for women. She wants to get more women on bikes and wants to have a ride for all rider levels to have some fun and learn. I started out by telling her that I wanted to ride but I didn't know how to shift and I have never ridden in town. I have only been on the MKT Trail a few times with my Mtn bike. She smiled and said "No problem! I will teach you!" She let me ride one of their rental bikes (the same one I rented for the Red Shoe two weeks later) The ride was almost 11 miles and it was SO MUCH FUN!!!! She showed me how to shift (shifter is way different than my bike!) and explained shifting on the hills (yep, there were hills!). She explained how to ride through town safely (yep, we rode through town and I survived!). She showed me the hand signals they used and also the verbal signals the used to let everyone know it was clear to cross a street, etc. All of the gals on the ride were so nice and I knew I wanted to continue to ride with them. I didn't feel like an outsider at all.<br />
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OH! And the ride was all on paved trails! We rode through town to get to the trail. We made it to a turn around point (first picture) then headed back. Riding on paved trails...oh my gosh...amazing! Love it! <br />
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I don't have the picture of the first ride I took with them but here are a few pictures of us on other Wednesday night rides. They all have the Strava app so needed a picture to post. I finally installed the Strava app on my phone and I love it! It is fun to keep track of miles, routes, look at pictures, etc. I am still learning that too....<br />
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Here are a few pictures of our group...not everyone can make it every week so sometimes groups are larger or smaller than other nights....but every ride is just as much fun as the last. We just miss the ones who were not there.<br />
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This was one of our first very dark nights. I still didn't have a road/hybrid type bike and was not comfortable riding my knobby tire bike with the group. Which was silly...I should have ridden it! But you don't know what you don't know until you know it...and now I know it would have been just fine! :-)<br />
The good thing is I was test riding different bikes because I knew I wanted a new one. I was ready! So it really did work out. <br />
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The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving...it was me and Angela and it was pretty darn cold. She suggested doing a short ride to Stephens Lake and maybe do a couple laps around the place. Sounded perfect to me! We ended up doing five laps around the park...and oh my gosh, it was a work out! But let me tell you what, if it was not for me being with Angela who is wayyyyyy more in shape than I am, I would not have pushed myself. I would have made the 'couple laps' we agreed on and called it a night feeling all full of myself because I rode in the cold.... Thank you Angela for pushing me without really pushing me. :-) <br />
We stopped for our Strava picture with the Boone Hospital lights behind us...her bike computer said it was 21 degrees. And you know what else? I FELT AWESOME!!!! AND I FELT FULL OF MYSELF!!!! Ha ha!<br />
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Our last Wednesday Women's Ride of 2017....to the Magic Tree. I almost backed out of this one...I had been cold all day and it was a chilly evening. I am sooooo glad I went!<br />
One of the gals and her husband ride everywhere and he showed up at the tree to say hello and take pictures...and get his picture taken! The girls are holding him up while I am supervising. Ha ha! What a fun group!!!<br />
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Thank you to Angela and all the girls who have been riding with the group! You are all amazing and I love you all! <br />
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It finally got too cold to ride on Wednesday night so we are holding off until March. But that doesn't mean we won't meet up to socialize once in a while...yeah, socializing (and looking forward to it!) is new to me too. And if a weekend happens to have some nice weather whoever can get away from home will meet up to ride.<br />
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So if there are any other gals around the Columbia, MO area and wants to ride....I highly recommend checking out this group! I also recommend coming to visit the bike shop: https://cyclex.com/<br />
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Until later...Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-39137581123298848982018-01-07T12:42:00.002-06:002018-01-07T12:42:23.539-06:00Red Shoe Ride - 2017<br />
Red Shoe Ride - 2017<br />
Fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House...I have volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and loved it; I was very interested in this ride.<br />
http://www.redshoeride.com/<br />
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I heard about the Red Shoe Ride...but was scared to sign up. Yeah, scaredy cat again! But I knew that I REALLY REALLY wanted to do this! There was a 20 mile, 35 mile, and a 62 mile route. I told myself I was going to prep for the 35 mile. I knew I could do it if I just got my butt out there and rode! Well, I procrastinated then MADE myself sign up for the 20 mile before I procrastinated again...I told myself it was to teach myself a lesson for not planning like I should have. Ha ha!<br />
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I rode by myself most of the time. At this point I had ridden with the Wednesday Women's Ride group once (that will be in another post) so other than these gals, I didn't know anybody to say "Hey, wanna ride 20 miles with me?" I found out later they were all riding the 35 mile and was kicking myself! Anyways, look out 20 miles here I come! After all, that is only 10 miles twice...and I could do 10 miles! ;-)<br />
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This picture was taken after I got back and I am still smiling! I rented the bike from CycleX https://cyclex.com/ in town because I was not sure how my knobby tires would be on the asphalt parts of the ride. This is the bike I rode on my first night of Wednesday Women's Ride so I was comfortable with her. Looking for a bike or help with anything biking? Go visit the shop! They are awesome!<br />
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I have been watching what I eat....let me reword that...I have been being more aware and choosey about what I am eating so have not had a Snickers in months! The second to the last rest stop had these!!!! The ones with different wording on them! The first one I picked out of the box said 'Hot Mess'. Yep, I was meant to eat this Snickers! It was the best Snickers I had in a very long time!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd7CfZRUHNM/WlJZb589Y_I/AAAAAAAAavA/qjv87UDF2hkERhJvfIkToLlKgpRpD3atgCLcBGAs/s1600/8-26-17%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BWaving%2Bat%2BBrian%2Bwhile%2Briding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd7CfZRUHNM/WlJZb589Y_I/AAAAAAAAavA/qjv87UDF2hkERhJvfIkToLlKgpRpD3atgCLcBGAs/s320/8-26-17%2BRed%2BShoe%2BRide%2B-%2BWaving%2Bat%2BBrian%2Bwhile%2Briding.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Brian made it to town to see part of the ride...and he took pictures. Zoom zoom! Look at me riding off part of my Snickers! <br />
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I rode the last part with this fellow. He and his group were at the last rest stop and he said his wife and her friends ride faster than him....they were going to take off so he and I hung out. I told him he could go...I just wanted to cross the highway with the group then I would be fine, but he stuck with me. :-) Look at us...riding on a two lane road with NO shoulder! Yikes! And I didn't even know Brian was in this parking lot getting pictures...how cool! Thank you!!!<br />
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The 20 mile ride was part roads and part gravel trails through town. Where there are trails there are usually bridges...<br />
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After riding the 20 mile ride I was so glad I did. I think I got more road and trail scenery than the other ride and with my experience level, this was perfect! <br />
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What I did right:<br />
I SHOWED UP TO RIDE! :-)<br />
I took my time and rode my own ride.<br />
I was scared but I didn't let it stop me.<br />
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What I need to work on:<br />
Besides shifting...hee hee!<br />
I need to work on not talking so much! I saw people at the first rest top that I work with, so I stopped to chat, took pictures, hung out...then realized all the other riders were gone! Even though I had a map I have never been on this trail so I felt rushed to take off and catch up to someone...anyone. I didn't want to be close to them - I just wanted them in sight.<br />
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I am sure there are a lot of other things to work on and I did a lot of things right. I am trying to pick a couple at a time as I write this.<br />
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It was a lot of fun and I will for sure do the 35 mile ride in 2018 (although I am having this secret conversation with myself about the 62 mile...will see if I am prepared for that one...)<br />
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I want to say thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard to put this ride together! Every single person from the ones who put the ride together, to the ones who kept track of entries to the folks who took care of us at the rest stops. The rest stops all had a variety of cold drinks and munchies and they all made sure riders were okay.<br />
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This was my longest ride so far and it included some hills...I am proud of myself! <br />
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Until later... <br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-80993599870660663172018-01-07T11:30:00.000-06:002018-01-07T12:49:56.378-06:00Kaleidospoke Ride - 2017!<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was my first organized bike ride event...and as excited as I was, I was also very nervous! I am stepping way out of my comfort zone...it is time to stop doing what is comfortable (being a loner) and get out and try new things. Riding on a trail to a place I have never been to except by car...and doing it IN THE DARK! Yeah, I was nervous. But I am soooo glad I did it!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was in August so it was warm, but it was so much fun! You start at Flatbranch Park in Columbia, MO and ride to Twin Lakes Rec area then back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is the short version description on their web page:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kaleidospoke is a non-competitive, family friendly, organized night time GLOW bike ride along Columbia's <a href="https://www.como.gov/ParksandRec/Parks/MKT_Trail/index.php" style="color: #551651;">MKT</a> Trail (with illuminated bridges!) from <a href="https://www.como.gov/ParksandRec/Parks/Flat_Branch/index.php" style="color: #551651;">Flat Branch Park</a> to <a href="https://www.como.gov/ParksandRec/Parks/Twin_Lakes/index.php" style="color: #551651;">Twin Lakes Recreation Area</a> and back (just under 4 miles each way, approximately 8 miles round trip).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So I signed up (the day after I signed up they sold out of tickets! Whew! Just in time!). Brian was on call for work so couldn't go on the ride with me but he took me to town and met me at Twin Lakes. That way he was still close enough to work if he got called in and he got to see all the fun decorated bikes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The plan was to ride to Twin Lakes - there were going to be fire pits burning - they give you some more glow items and a baggie with ingredients for S'mores - you hang out at the fire pit making your S'mores - then head back. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
I got ready to go....packed what I thought I needed, dazzled my bike up with a few glow sticks, then hit the trail. Hmmm, maybe you have noticed that by now I have a bike helmet and I am even sporting bike clothes! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am loving my owl riding jersey! I decided I am a 'fun bright jersey' kind of gal! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This picture doesn't do it justice...there were several bridges along the route and the volunteers decorated them with lights. They were so pretty! Since I love bridges and I love lights I was happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am almost to the festivities....me by the lake with a couple glow sticks hanging off my handle bars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me sporting my 'glow'....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a lot of fun 'glow' at the lake! </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just got back to Flatbranch Park...Brian got a picture of me waving to him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The little girl behind me had stopped to do something to her shoe and Mom was ahead of us with a smaller kiddo on a bike so I hung out to wait for her then we rode in together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My thoughts on this ride?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!! I had to ask a couple people what to do when I got there because I didn't see any signs. Everyone was nice and helpful, and I got to do something very different than my 'normal'! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A couple things I learned:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I learned that I needed a better headlight. When I was riding alone it was not a problem because my eyes were adjusted to my light and my speed. When other lights passed me or came at me I had problems readjusting my vision. Yeah, my light was dim and that has now been fixed! :-)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also learned that just because a family/group rides together doesn't mean they practice trail etiquette. There were times when a family of 4 or 5 would be across the whole trail zigging back and forth so you couldn't pass. Sometimes they could hear you announce yourself and sometimes they couldn't....I won't lie, that was annoying. I will have to work on how to handle situations like that...another thing outside of my comfort zone. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes I will do this ride again and hopefully Brian can go with me! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until later... </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<br />Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-59755117751577506792018-01-07T10:46:00.000-06:002018-01-07T10:46:27.408-06:00The things you see from the seat of your bike...<br />
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(more rides from 2016)<br />
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Family ride days...there were times when Madison joined us for rides. They say that a family that rides (insert any activity) together stays together. Even if it isn't true because life happens, the memories will last forever! Which means in a way, the family does stay together! :-)<br />
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I have seen this building thing from the road for years....it fascinates me. It looks old and like something I would love to live in! It looks like an old depot...which makes sense since the Katy Trail was a railroad. My 'Duh!' moment for the day! As much as I wanted to sneak over to look I didn't....it is on private property and I don't want to be 'that person' that screws it up for others. We are lucky to have the trail go by there. Who knows? Maybe someday they will have 'Depot Day' and we can explore up close and personal! :-)<br />
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Brian and his daughter Madison rode with me...at the time, this was one of our longest rides. <br />
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Cute little turtle along the trail...<br />
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Even bikes need a rest once in a while...<br />
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Madison was able to join us on a few rides...these are memories that Brian will cherish forever. <br />
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My picture of them trying to get a selfie.... :-)<br />
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The awesome tunnel! Look closely...Brian's arms are up in the air. I have never been able to ride with no hands. <br />
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Fun times!<br />
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Until later....Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-89704943808882627662018-01-07T10:10:00.000-06:002018-01-07T10:10:01.933-06:00Bike riding...great way to work on your 'mental'...<br />
When I started riding I needed something that would be fun AND help me with my fitness and health...including mental health. I needed something that would help me with balance...I have been a little 'off' and knew I needed something...just did not know what. I also needed something for my 'mental'...also did not know what. Just knew I needed something...<br />
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BIKE RIDING HAS BEEN GREAT FOR OUR 'MENTAL'! <br />
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I remember the first couple rides....getting to that 1 mile mark was WORK! And let's not even mention the sitting on the seat part! Okay, I just mentioned it....at first it was rough! Yikes! But the more we rode the better we got. They didn't even have to be long rides for the benefits to show. So just get out and do it...little bits at a time if you have to.<br />
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Then Brian and I worked up to 3-4 miles. When we would get ready to head out from Rocheport other groups would be talking about how they rode from Columbia. WHAT? FROM COLUMBIA? Brian and I looked at each other with wide eyes thinking "Wowwwww, they rode all the way from Columbia!" They were our new 'movie star' people. Ha ha! They were also a lot more fit than Brian and I. We want to be more fit so we can go far! What did we have in common with them? We were out doing something and we were smiling and laughing a lot! So we had 50% of what they were doing figured out! Yep, working on our 'mental'. <br />
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Brian and I working on our 'mental'...<br />
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We went riding the last day of the Pedaler's Jamboree weekend (May). https://www.pedalersjamboree.com/<br />
We saw a lot of groups heading back towards Columbia and you want to talk about fun! Some bikes were pulling trailers with big speakers so you could hear the music coming before you saw the people. Others were pulling coolers or camping gear. But it was not annoying....it was a big event and everyone was having fun! There were all kinds of people and bikes. You ride to Boonville and camp out...there is a lot of music and fun events along the way in the small towns you ride through. This event is on our to-do list... <br />
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We had a lot of rain and this 'No Trespassing' sign in the water tickled my funny bone. And the mosquitoes....OMG, they were horrible! Just keep moving quickly!<br />
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Here we are, sporting our horse riding helmets while working on our 'mental'....life is good!<br />
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Until later....Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-50497593799182970632018-01-07T09:44:00.000-06:002018-01-07T09:44:28.590-06:00I am 52...and took up bicycle riding! <br />
NOTE: Before anybody asks "Where is your helmet?" just know it finally shows up! The first few rides IF I remembered, I would wear my horse riding helmet. It is a Tipperary and yes, people looked...I know they were wishing they were as cool as me! Ha ha! They would look with interest...it was different. It was very comfortable and light weight so once I got into the habit of grabbing a helmet that is the one that went with me until I got my bicycle helmet that was even lighter in weight and has more air flow. So yes, a helmet while riding is now a habit. Is it a guarantee that nothing bad will happen? No. But if I can lessen the chances by having it on...I am going to do it. Okay, that takes care of that part of the story. :-)<br />
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It was a couple of years ago when I got my used Mountain Bike.<br />
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Short Story version: A Yahoo Group friend had been talking about bike riding and how much fun it was not to mention the health benefits. After two years of listening to her fun stories and her weight loss/fitness successes I bought a used Mountain Bike. The day I picked it up Brian's Dad got sick...so I did not ride my bike for almost a year. It was a busy time for all of us. Then I got time to ride my bike...and IT WAS FUN!!!! That is the short version. <br />
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Longer version....Brian and I went bike shopping...several times. Let me start by saying that I had not ridden a bike in a very long time, so I really didn't know anything about them or about our local bike shops. I have learned a lot since we started the search (and I am still learning!).<br />
Anyways, I did not know if I would love bike riding so I wanted a cheap bike...but it had to be comfortable for my wrist (broken a couple years prior and it was healing from a fusion). So we hit several Wal-Mart stores because nobody will ask if you need help...that gave me time to sit on several different bikes without being bugged. And let me add that 99.9% of the bikes I sat on had flat tires! That was VERY annoying! So all of my 'sitting' and not being able to actually pedal did nothing for me...oops, yes it did! We had fun looking, talking about the different styles of bikes, and looking up more information! :-) <br />
After a long time of 'looking' and 'sitting' a friend told me about Klunk in town. http://www.klunkcycles.com/ I was told they had used bikes come and go all the time, it was just a matter of being there when the right bike showed up. We stopped by a couple times and they didn't have anything.....then one day.....do you hear the angels singing? Yes, they had a used Diamondback Wildwood Mountain Bike. They had me ride it around the parking lot - I was scared to death because I had not ridden in a long time and they were watching...eek! - and I knew instantly that it felt GREAT! My wrist did not hurt at all! So Brian and I went to lunch to talk about it...it was more than I wanted to spend but not expensive...I laugh about that now! We went back and paid for it. I have had no regrets and it has been worth every single penny! <br />
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Like I said, I didn't get to ride it for almost a year because life happened and we were busy and doing a lot of driving back and forth to Brian's Dad's place and the hospital. It sat in the kitchen and I looked at it a lot and sometimes sat on it. <br />
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Then it happened....I had time to ride! I rode around the yard a few times but wanted to go RIDE! A REAL RIDE! I loaded it up in the truck and headed to Rocheport to ride the Katy Trail. I knew in order for me to want to do this more than once I needed to ride somewhere pretty...so I took the path along the river. Smart move on my part....it was beautiful and I have not felt that free in a long time! There is a certain freedom on the horses but this is a different kind of freedom. <br />
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Here is how much fun it is to ride a bike!<br />
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Weeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!! <br />
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After seeing how much fun I was having Brian got a bike. We love riding together!<br />
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Me sporting my horse riding helmet by the river. <br />
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I love bridges! My bike soon realized that she would be in many self portraits and pictures on bridges....well, any pictures! I love my bike and I love taking pictures!<br />
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The bluffs along the river are beautiful! I forget how small I am in this big world until I stop to admire the size and beauty of something like this.<br />
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With all of the 'modern improvements' in our country it is hard to picture the wild territory that Lewis and Clark explored. Sometimes I think I could have handled it because I would not have known what a real hot shower with running water was....can't miss what you don't know. </div>
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The river...the clouds...the breezes...pure beauty!<br />
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This tunnel runs the opposite direction that I first rode. Brian and I always make time to ride through the tunnel...very neat and just fun! Makes us feel like little kids! :-)<br />
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Turtles on a long in the wetland area...<br />
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So, it isn't just the ride. It is getting out, getting fresh air, getting the blood pumping knowing I am burning a calorie or two while having fun, it is seeing things we would not see in a car or on a horse (horses are not allowed on this part of the Katy Trail), it is the wildlife....<br />
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....it is feeling free!<br />
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So do I recommend this product to others? YES YES YES!!!! If biking is not your thing, find that 'thing' that makes you feel free. You won't regret it!<br />
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Until later....Karen and Tripp who likes me riding something else for a change. :-) <br />
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Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5805180195117023440.post-84271068965890118152015-02-22T20:18:00.001-06:002015-02-22T20:18:43.323-06:00July 2014.....animals....hay hauling....<br />
Yes, I am still trying to get caught up on blog entries. I asked myself why bother? Why not just start again beginning now? This weekend I was looking for a few pictures and as I was going through the blog, I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more...... <br />
So I will continue to get caught up. The blog is like a public diary and I really do love looking back. It reminds me of what I did wrong, what I did to improve, what obstacles I encountered and what I did right. It also reminds me of the things I did that were only dreams many years ago! <br />
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My friend Sharon sent home a bouquet of her flowers from her arbor. Thomas thought they were as pretty as I did! Thank you Sharon!<br />
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Laramie thinks they are purdy also. :-)<br />
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Horses.....my therapy. <br />
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Hee hee hee...it is things like this that get them in trouble with Brian. We have so much fence to fix and build better. Or maybe we should just plant all the greener grass on the other side...that should solve it, right? Ha ha!<br />
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My father-in-law got some old wheels from an auction, so I took a few pictures and played with the black/white settings and the cropping. I need to print them out and put them in some frames I have. That like many other things will be on my 'to-do' list.<br />
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There really is nothing to say about this....it is more of a feeling than anything else.<br />
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Epona and Tripp hoping to be cute enough to get hand fulls of grass from the garden area. <br />
Yes, they were cute enough! How can I deny them?<br />
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As you know, the summer was one of no riding because of the wrist. It is amazing what small area of the body can cause such big problems. But what I have been doing is working with Wyoming with things like this. He wore the big rubber pan for a while. Brian had mentioned he could tell I was doing things with Wy because Wy was making some changes for the better. Yay! That always makes me feel good. They are not huge changes, but any change for the better is a step in the right direction.<br />
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Laramie looking cute! At this point he has been with us almost a year. August 2014 will be his 1 year anniversary with us. We sure do love this little dog!<br />
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They eye of Ace...<br />
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This is the eye of an annoyed horse....annoyed because I am trying to get a cool eye shot with the sunflowers in the background and he wants to be left alone. They do show their pleasure or displeasure. :-)<br />
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And then all of a sudden they are happy again!<br />
HELLOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!<br />
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I love hauling hay out of this field. It is at Brian's Grandpa's old place, and it is just beautiful! Awesome sky, awesome clouds, and good help! We get enough hay for his Dad first, then we bring the rest back home. We usually get a couple big loads out of it.<br />
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Double checking the equipment before they get started....they found a bumble bee nest in it.<br />
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We wait in the shade while they take care of the bee nest. I hate they had to move it, but there was no other option. It was small and full of larvae.<br />
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Checking the moisture the old fashioned way....<br />
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Not much prettier than a field that is already cut and ready for baling and blue skies letting you know there is no race against rain.<br />
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Art comes in all forms.....<br />
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One of my many favorite photos...<br />
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Madison and I waiting until we are needed...<br />
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Madison in the hay field with us; she is always ready to help! She has been like that since she was little....stuck to her Dad's side like glue and ready to do what she can to help with whatever he is doing.<br />
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Madison endulges me during self portrait time! :-)<br />
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Madison was helping throw bales from the hay trailer to the flatbed trailer that will go home with us.<br />
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The fruits of everyone's labor...<br />
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This old cedar tree is changing form every year...<br />
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We got the hay home (2 hours away) and Madison helped unload. I could not lift anything (yes, the wrist) but I could drag them. So she was pulling off the trailer to me, and I would drag them to Brian for stacking. <br />
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I volunteered at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center for the summer session. It was AWESOME!!! I met the most awesome people, and watching what the horses do with and for the kids and adults warms the heart. It also is a big reminder of how blessed I am in so many ways. Not just because I am me, but because I have horses in my life every single day. I do need to get the wrist fixed before I do this again. Some of the horses like to pull on ya, and by the end of the sessions I was in a lot of pain. I am hoping to volunteer the summer of 2015 again.<br />
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And that my friends is the end of July 2014. <br />
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Until later...Karen and Tripp who is still enjoying his time off. Karen C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17821715845950939900noreply@blogger.com0