Apr 18, 2009

Chipmunks, Cardinals, and..... Buffalo??


Ahhhh, Friday was such a beautiful day! Sunny, slight breeze, and temps of 73F -- my kind of weather. I could be happy all year with weather like that! I spent the afternoon at the bike path.

Let me back up a bit... a few weeks ago, I sold the extra washer that's been sitting in my garage since I bought my house and used the money to buy a new bicycle. I've been wanting one for about a year. After some research, I found this:

GTw Nomad - Fitness Series

Not only did I get it on sale, it has some great features such as quick release wheels, grip shifting, and quick release seat especially made for female anatomy. This bicycle is considered a hybrid -- a combination of mountain bike and road bike. It's made for comfort as well as smooth and rougher riding conditions.

Since Friday was the first *really* nice day, I headed to the bike path! This path goes from Illinois all the way to Wisconsin. Tree frogs chirping, birds flitting from branch to branch, and chipmunks popping in and out of holes... I meandered my way along the path. It was great to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors!


Thus the title of this post: Chipmunks, Cardinals, and... Buffalo??

Yes, buffalo!


The entire length of the path is lined with trees, outcrops of limestone, wetlands, and creek.


The old railroad caboose sits on a horse ranch right next to the bike path:


Whenever I see this house, it *always* reminds me of my grandfather. For as long as I can remember, it has always looked this way.


This "shack" is very similar to one a man by the name of Frankie Shear lived in. Frankie Shear was a man who had a long beard that I've always imagined looked something like Rumpelstilskin. When I was a little girl, I had really long hair. My grandpa used to pull my hair to the front, pretend it was a beard, and tell me how I looked like Frankie Shear. My sister and cousins had long hair also, so he also did it to them. LOL! Grandpa (rest his soul) used to get quite a kick out of it.

By the time I ended my first bicycle trip of the year, I had ridden 13.7 miles! A couple years ago when I went biking with S on this same path, I barely made it 3 miles using his road bike (made for men).

***Sorry about the poor quality of photos, they were taken impromptu with my camera phone.

20 comments:

Emily in NC said...

Good for you, 13 miles, impressive. Glad you could get out and enjoy the nice weather.

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

Oh man now you have gone and done it.
These pics remind me of what I saw in Montana when we went in 2007 for vacation.
We so want to go and move there now.... these pics just make the urge come out more and more....
Come on God let me win the lottery and go back to your beautiful countryside.

Nancy M said...

13 miles? Hopefully your body won't rebel tomorrow. Good thing you got your ride in, sounds like we are in for a few yucky days! I think we traded positions today....I was doing yard work and cleaned the fish pond....YUCK!

Anonymous said...

what lovely country you have to bike in bet it is peaceful i am new to this blog thing may get one of my own going have just joined the group so slowly feelingmy way but really enjoying it so far lots of interesting things and lovely plp patricia from new zealand love the country music playing on your blog

Ranae said...

I could ride forever in that counrtyside, it's beautiful. Most of the paths in Rockford go along a busy road.
Good for you putting up the garage door opener.

Carolyn NC said...

Fantastic job - 13 miles! What a lovely bike path to go down - also nostalgic.

Mary said...

What a wonderful day Meari! The pictures are great even from your phone. Thanks for the info about the bike. I'm still researching bikes to find the best one for my size and the fact that I'm female. Good to know there are bikes made just for women.

Enjoy your bike rides with your new bike!

Hugs!
Mary

Rene la Frog said...

What a beautiful place to ride. I don't think I would have wanted to stop until the sun went down. Glad you are have such nice weather. It's been really goofy here, even got more snow on the mountain on Wednesday and by Monday we will be in the 90's

Shelleen said...

sounds like fun on the bike path. That bike sounds real comfy. I am thinking of getting one this year and would like to find bike paths around here.

Kristin said...

Sounds like a fabulous ride. Love the stories you shared with us.

Pike said...

You have had a great trip! Makes me wish I could still go riding (my wrists do't allow it).

Binky's Blog said...

I love your bike. Great scenery. Who knew. Buffalo in Illinois. LOL Congrats on your 13 mile ride.

Donna said...

Crappiness of the photos? I think they look quite nice. I was traveling along with you, imagining hearing all the sounds and smells. I love old buildings. In Texas there are several in old fields that I love to look at. Congratulations on your new bike and your ride!

Courtney Short said...

great picks - sounds like fun.. I have wanted to bike, but all the crazy dogs where I live make it kind of scary :-)

Courtney

Myrna said...

That sounds like quite and enjoyable day! Enjoy your new bike...

stitcherw said...

Looks like you had wonderful views on your ride, and quite an impressive amount of miles you traveled. Glad your new bike is working so well (and comfortably).
Sue

Melody said...

13 miles? I'm impressed. good for you. Looks like it was a beautiful day for a ride.

Kathy said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day biking. Beautiful scenery too.

Debra said...

Cool bike and I love the trail pictures. I haven't pulled my bike out yet this year, but I been doing a lot of walking.
DLS

Lillie said...

What a wonderful scene. Thank you
for sharing.