Fall Commuting

Last week I had second thoughts about commuting to work on my bike. The weather was changing and in the morning it was chilly. Riding to the office wasn't that bad, I had Lance to keep me company. It was the riding home! Lots of wind, and sometimes rain and by myself.

This week has been glorious! Our temps are in the high 70s and riding is great. It won't be like this for much longer. A cold front is coming through and I have decided to try to commute through October and then reassess.

 I've commuted on my bike 8 months out of this year. More than the prior year.  Thing is...it feels weird to drive a car to work! Like I'm violating some kind of oath. Crazy!

Bike Date- Wyandotte Co Lake

 Hidden in these trees are some great mountain bike/ hiking trails. Yesterday, Lance & I took the day off together. We went into the city to check out a used bike store & some thrift shops. We scored all the way around on our second hand shopping. Then we headed to Wyandotte County Lake to ride the mountain bike trails.

Now I am a beginner. This was only my third time riding a mountain bike trail and the first time for this particular one. Man it took it all out of me. I'm cautious, which makes me slow, which makes me unsteady going over rocks and the like. It was so beautiful back in the trails but they were really wearing me out. I did a few miles of track and told Lance I was done. I sent him off on his own & grabbed a blanket to enjoy the view.

The Irish Bike, passed onto me from Liam.

I felt a bike like a Debbie Downer since I wasn't enjoying it like I normally do. For some reason I was not patient with myself, which now means that I'll have to go back several times until I master these trails. They are close to home and really well done. Next time I won't push myself. I'll just do a few loops until my skills improve.

All in all it was a great day.

The Katy Trail

Beginning of our journey in Hermann, MO

 Over Labor Day weekend Lance & I hopped a train with our bikes. Destination, the Katy Trail. This was our third ride on the Katy. We road the middle section, the only section we hadn't gotten to. It was a fast 126 miles and helped us determine that 50-60 miles in one day is a good goal. You move along but don't have time to check out sites along the way.

 We really enjoy ourselves when we are out "touring". There is a great sense of freedom. We carry our tent and some food and the rest is up to fate. We've been lucky enough to take a few short trips this year.

Tunnel at Rocheport, MO

Tree down! We encountered 3 trees down on the trail. We worked together to carry the bikes over the trees.

I can't wait until we have a chance to do this more than just for a long weekend!

Winner!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of us. Totally thrilled. I love him.

And He's gone

Lance & Steven

 Steven, our Warm Showers guest for two days headed off to continue his journey. We spent two evenings pouring over maps and talking about where he'd been & where we'd been. He is finishing up his time in KS. It was his first trip here and he was amazed at the quaint little towns & the history he was able to find here. Listening to his stories sparked my desire to travel my own state a bit more. By bike of course.

I have an idea stirring around the back of my mind. 1 month, touring across our state...could we make it happen in 2013! Would any of our children be interested in joining us? What would we do with our dog? Would the shop let Lance off for that long? Like a little seed, I feel the idea rooting & growing.

But back to Steven...we enjoyed hosting, giving a safe, warm place for a fellow traveler.  We tried to stock him up with things he might need before his next stop. We also tried to feed him well and share what we had. It was good for us. We have plenty and even though Steven isn't needy, it was a perfect opportunity for us to do for another. Warm fuzzies all around.

"We have to pose!"

Our First Warmshowers Guest

I signed us up for Warmshowers.com a few months ago. I've been anxiously awaiting someone to roll through Leavenworth and need a place to stay. Well, we were finally contacted! Steve is on a 5000 bike tour raising money for LiveStrong. He showed up last night and will stay until tomorrow morning. Today he is wandering around Leavenworth. I look forward to hearing what he thinks of our little town.



Bike Tour de Life 5000-Miles-thru-OKKAMOKYTNAR-Sep-Dec-2012/194475580613916

Redline Champion

Lance raced hard in 2 different classes over the weekend. He wound up with a 4th in 20" & a 3rd in Cruiser. I am so proud of him. I know he's bummed he didn't pull a #1 plate in both but he had crazy competition and racing is racing. No two races go alike. He's a strong rider, and can keep up with the guys who are competing nationally. I love that man. This race was "Race of the Day". Everyone was talking about it. It's rare to get caught in traffic and still work your way to a #1. Way to go honey!