A Bike Excursion

Heidlebeere came up for a visit a while back and brought her bike and trailer so of course we had to go for a ride.  The community we live in has a pretty good set of trails that I get out on when I can.  So we did a bit of a tour, kind of showing off the place.

So we loaded up the little kids in the trailer and off we went.  I had to admire Heidlebeere.  She did some calculations and figured that the trailer and kids all came to about 100 pounds. That can be a lot of weight after a while.  All along the way we kept checking with her to see how she was doing and she was keeping right up and doing just fine. Even holding back occasionally for us old folks.

She and Brombeere were very tolerant of me.  I like to stop for pictures wherever I find them when out on my bike.

We saw some cool scenery, got to some places I haven't been for a while.  It was a good time.

Some times the trails go through some pretty nice areas, very pretty.

A boardwalk through a wetlands area.  I think boardwalks are fun.  They make a fun sound as you ride over them.

Sometimes, along the way, there were scenic lookouts.  Places to stop and enjoy the view.  If you stop and keep still its not unusual to see some wildlife.  However, this trip we didn't see anything big.  Just birds.

Part way through the trip we stopped for a rest in the shade.  Cool shade and cold water.  A good combination on the trail.

The kids rode quite nicely in the trailer.  They seemed to enjoy it, though they did get a little impatient for the ice cream stop we were planning. Still, the ice cream stop was near the end of the ride and they were very patient.

Sometimes we were on the streets.  But usually on quiet streets with little traffic. A fun part of the ride, especially when it was downhill.

A little later we stopped again for a water break.

We offered the kids a drink but they were holding out for ice cream.

This is where we saw the ducks.  We were passing through a park and the duck were used to being fed  When we stopped they came over, hoping for a handout.  But we hadn't brought anything.

Still, they came right up to you.  Reminded me of the old movie "The Birds" when they all began coming over.

Finally we made it to the ice cream stop.

The kids' patience finally paid off.  They were quite happy with the stop.

Having a little fun playing on the bike rack.

Then it was back in the trailer for the trip home.  Only four more miles to go.

And then we were home!   The total ride came to 18.33 miles in two hours.  An average speed of just under 9 miles an hour.  It was a good ride.  One little incident where a bike chain came off while heading up a steep hill but that was easy enough to put back on and be on our way.  We were all tired but it was a very nice day for a bike ride and a very nice ride.  We may have to do this again!