On the Trail Again

Well, I went a couple weeks without any bike riding. Weather and, well, weather got in the way. I did start walking to work, weather permitting, which has helped keep me moving. Although my scale is not showing any improvements in the downward direction.

In any case I managed a 22 mile ride last Sunday. Went up to the Cannon Valley Trail for the first time this summer. Did the eastern half from Welch to Red Wing and back. It was a remarkably beautiful day with almost perfect temps and sun. It was not a particularly photogenic day, which simply means that I was too interested in riding and listening, smelling and feeling the day while riding to stop and take pictures.

There were a few as I played with the camera.

But the best was getting to Red Wing and riding on down to the riverfront--

and right there in front of me, soaring and circling up the Mississippi was a Bald Eagle.

Yes, I am entranced by these amazing birds. Their size and grace as they glide and soar is magical. That they have come back from the brink of extinction is even more amazing here in our area- even in the city where I live.

This was the half-way point of the ride on Sunday and was worth it. I am seeing my cycling improvement, managing longer continuous segments with fewer and briefer stops. My goal by the end of the summer is to do the whole Root River Trail from Fountain to Houston- about 42 miles- in one day. I am aiming for Oct. 5, but that could change.

I do know that the purchase of my Trek 7000 last year was one of my best personal investments in a long time!

Now if my scale would only start showing some improvements.