Ride Report 05/17/11 – Garnett – Iola – Garnett

Got to Garnett about 9:00am. Weather was beautiful. About 63 degrees and just a hint of a cloud here and there. Saw a couple unloading, they didn’t seem inclined to talk so I kept to myself. Unloaded, took a couple of pictures, and I was off.

The trail is in great shape as has been reported elsewhere. There was a slight red stain around dying plant life in the trail so I am assuming that the rangers have come through with herbicide. The other plant life was looking verdant. Trees were full of leaves and there were many flowers in bloom along the trail. I think I saw several wild roses off to the side. The only animal life besides birds before Welda was several rabbits. One needed his thrill for the day so he shot out in front of my tire and raced about 2 feet in front of me down the trail for about 20 yards. There were many deer tracks on the trail and a deer on the trail after Welda.

After Welda was my first opportunity to legally shoot the tunnel. It’s nicely made and seems set to avoid the puddling that has been a problem with the other two tunnels.

Stopped at the Colony trailhead since it is one of my favorite places on the trail to sit and stare at the horizon. I then went on my long leg of the trip, Iola and back to Colony without stopping. Halfway back, I seemed to hit a wall. I knew I was going uphill and the wind was against me, but I was putting a lot of effort into going 8 miles an hour. Then I looked down at my back tire. It had gone horribly out of true. I limped into the Colony trailhead and considered my options. Giving the back wheel a spin, it would always stop immediately. I had a spoke tool with me and knew that given enough time I could get it fixed. But I was on a tight schedule for getting back. I decided to loosen the back brake and take my chances.

Pedaling became much easier. The last 15 miles were a breeze. Downhill, something of a windbreak, and cycling without a brake on. Wow.

The only thing I have noticed was that several mile markers seemed to be missing. I may have missed seeing them. Let me know if you know of any that are missing. Seems like a good spot for a fundraiser.

On closer inspection, I managed to pop two spokes. Tightening was out of the picture. Time for a new rim.

I am going to try to get in some miles near my house today so I am in a little better shape.

As for warms-ups, I should get in a 50 and a 30 Monday and Wednesday.

Look forward to seeing you there.