Welcome!

It's a new year and time once again to give a new look to this blog. New graphics and colors. Same bike writer!



This blog is created not only to track my own progress on my biking journey but it is intended to also assist others who have either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis or both like I do. I hope as you read about the progress I have made that it gives you inspiration and hope that you can overcome the dibilitating effects of these conditions.



If your doctor agrees that you should be capable of expanding your limits read on and don't be afraid, just listen to your body and give it challenges. Biking is a great non-impact form of exercise and greatly enhances flexibility and range of motion.



It's not a substitute for Doctor visits, taking your meds or otherwise getting off your health plan but it auguments what your Doctor does for you and can give you a better quality of life. Go for it!





Tuesday, April 23, 2013

New Bikes

A new bike is the coolest thing!

My friend, named Deb also, just got a new bike and I accompanied her on the maiden voyage.  We took a ride out to a nearby park, cruising through the gravel back-roads.  For this time of year the roads were unexpectedly dry and in places freshly graded and not in others.  If you're not familiar with riding gravel roads, fresh grading is not desirable.  While it cuts down on the pot holes and washboard effect, it's a bumpier ride on the newly turned chunky gravel.  On even the worst washboard roads you can usually pick out a path of hard pack down the middle of the road and since they are low traffic roads, it's easy to ride right down the middle of the road. A hard packed dirt or gravel road can be nearly as smooth as pavement, for a bike anyway.

Deb Anderson's new bike
Today's ride took us out to Independence Lake.  The park is run by the County and they have planned a $4 million dollar renovation with the addition of a new water spray park.  There was an older small one at the end of the park, located lake side.  This one is located closer to the entrance, it's bigger and will offer more play stations for kids, shaded and covered pavilions for picnicking  plenty of lounging chairs for moms and dads, a changing area and food concessions. Workers were putting on the finishing touches while we were there and since a gate was open I got a chance to get inside and take a few photos. That is, before I got shooed away by the workers.




 Some might argue that the park is already under-utilized and that an investment of $4 million dollars is a lot for a park tucked out of the way, however a recently added disc golf course has increased participation at the park and undoubtedly the new attraction will boost attendance as well, once word gets out about it.  While there are many lakes throughout the area, most are private or can only be accessed through a public boat launch, so if you don't own lakefront property or a boat you have no way to enjoy the waterfront, swim or cool off in the summer heat.   Independence lake is a hidden gem, that has a paved bike trail and several wooded hiking trails that are for foot traffic only, allowing multiple uses and enjoyment.  Cyclists can enjoy a loop around the park while riding through wetlands over boardwalks, wooded areas and lakeside views.  Hikers can amble unencumbered by bicycle traffic while birding or just enjoying the quiet surroundings.  There is a look-out tower for bird watchers deep within the park.  There is an abundance of fowl as evidenced by my friend who had a turkey vulture nearly swoop down on her while on the path yesterday. As we rounded a corner on the boardwalk we startled a pair and one just wouldn't let up on my friend and for a moment I thought it was going to land on her.


All in all it was a great day to be out for a ride, one of a small handful of really nice days so far. It was a good chance to enjoy the outdoors with little wind, mild temps, abundant sunshine and we made the most of it.  Sunshine and Bonny Blue skies warmed us inside and out!


Lucky for me I went back to the bench before leaving for the ride home, good thing because otherwise my phone would have been left behind.  If you look close you can spot it on the bench. 

2 comments:

  1. What a great ride with a lovely new blue bike! Wishing your friend many happy miles :)

    That looks like a good investment to me, I'm sure many people will benefit.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kate, I'll be sure to pass it on to my friend Deb Anderson!

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