Windy Trail Ride

Tri-County & the Douglas Trails: 54.54 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 4 hours 26 minutes, average speed 12.2

Is the bike season officially here? Snow is still in the forecast but on this beautiful day we need not worry. The temperature shot to 80 degrees on the sunny side of the trail. We started off on the Tri-County Trail near Eyota and biked the complete trail to Plainview and back in the morning for a total of 27.73 miles but we weren’t ready to quit just yet so drove to Rochester to bike the Douglas Trail to Pine Island and back to add another 26.81 miles to today’s ride. The trail was very busy with walkers, skaters and cyclists. It’s great to see everyone enjoying the trail.

April Miles: 198.33
Total 2013 Miles: 277.92

Riding the Trails

Root River & Harmony-Preston Trails: 60.39 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 5 hours 39 minutes, average speed 11.3

 

This late April snow storm surprised us but didn’t last long. We were back on the bike the following week!

The temperature took a huge jump today—into the 70’s—and we seized the opportunity to add more April miles on the tandem.

Because of the strong winds, we drove to Lanesboro to bike the trails. In an effort to prepare for the COWs Spring Rally in Lake Geneva, we coaxed our legs to climb all the hills we could find on these two bike trails.

We stopped in Harmony at the Crunchy Side where Miles welcomed us back with free drinks. The people of Harmony sure seemed to be happy to see us return—many smiles and street conversations with the locals.

 

 

 

 

Bring on the Heat!

Dover Loop: 20.56 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 1 hour 42 minutes, average speed 12.0

With temperatures still in the 30’s and snow still coming down, we take advantage of any sunny day we have to get out and bike. I would guess that we are about one month behind our usual biking conditions this spring. Where are the 60-degree temps of last year? Maybe next week the snow will stop, the winds will be mild and the sun will shine for more than one day per week. The COWs spring rally is only 4 weeks away and we need to get in shape for some hill climbing—bring on the heat!

Spring Ride

Dover Loop: 20.53 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, average speed 11.7

The sun finally came out today so we took time to enjoy it with a short bike trip to Dover for supper. The temperature was in the 40’s and by our standards, that’s a heat wave!

Because of the weather this spring, we have not been getting our usual warm-up miles but we have still been busy with bike business. We are building a recumbent trike that will be used for on and off road biking. Not sure what color to paint it yet but we have a few months to decide. Dennis will also be taking a stab at lacing/building the wheels for this trike—this may take some time but I have confidence he can do it.

Looks like more rain/ice in the forecast so we don’t expect we’ll be out on the bike again anytime soon. Oh well, more time for trike building.

Trail Miles

RRT—Lanesboro to Preston+: 26.88 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 2 hour 18 minutes, average speed 11.6

We packed the tandem in the van and headed to Lanesboro after calling to check on the condition of the Root River Bike Trail. We were told the trail “should be in bike-able condition.” We pedaled just past Preston when we had to turn around because of that wonderful white stuff that just won’t melt away this spring. The trail was full of debris caused by the heavy snows forcing tree branches to snap and fall onto the trail. We had to swerve around many low limbs and downed branches. It looks like we can still expect some winter-type weather to continue through April but we will continue to watch for that small window of opportunity to get back in the saddle.

This was also the last day the full trail will be open before a section from Lanesboro to Whelan closes for repairs. Six bridges will be worked on and pavement will be widened with a planned reopen for the month of July.

All was quiet and peaceful along the trail with only a few walkers and fishermen about—all friendly people just trying to get out and enjoy spring 2013.

Early Season Warm-Up

Boyum Loop: 15.43 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 1 hour 22 minutes, average speed 11.2

It’s April already and we still don’t feel like the biking season has arrived. The snow is still on the ground and the temperature is trying to move into the 50’s but the air is still cool causing us to stay close to home. This short trip around our neighborhood provides many hilly challenges and is great for getting our legs reintroduced to climbing. By ride’s end, we were warmed up and the sun was shining but not for long. By late afternoon, the snow returned with fat white flakes falling to the ground. Maybe the next time we ride the snow will be gone, the wind will be minimal and the sun will shine for an all-day riding trip.