A Short Mother's Day Ride

Mother's Day was threatening rain all day, so I was trepidacious of going out for a long ride.  Still, I wanted to get out for a little time at least.

I took a 6 mile ride, down to a natural area near my house, and to a beach. 

It was not beach weather, but it is always nice to look at the lake.

I love all of the ferns sprouting up!

I was out for about 40 minutes, averaging 9 mph.

The week looks pretty rainy.. so there might be a damper on riding for the week.  Today is my day off, and I'm getting Penelope a tune-up, bringing her to the bike shop in my husband's truck, instead of biking, because thunderstorms are in the forecast.

All repaired - and an amazing meandering morning ride

Repairing Penelope, curious cat at hand

Last night, my husband helped me replace my bike tire, so that I wouldn't be grounded anymore.

Ready to head out for a ride, new tire all ready and raring to go!

Today is my day off, and I had to drop something off at my daughter's school, so I decided to take my Penelope to do it.  From there, I continued where the path led me, though I had not been on the path before.  I had seen the bike path behind the school before, but didn't really know where it led.

Follow the bike route

I simply followed where the path took us.  It was a very nice ride, and the path was pleasant. 

Pretty path

This "map" will not help find anyone's way.  Weathered beyond belief.

A lovely little bridge

I ended up heading to the library to pick up a book, and then back home by another route.  I would have kept going on the path, but I neglected to pack any food.

Home again. 

I might go out on another ride this afternoon.  We'll see.  In all, though, it was fantastic to simply go out exploring.  This was a 16 1/2 mile ride, which is the longest one yet for me this year.  I was still slow (8.2 mph average), but I wasn't hurrying.  This is faster than I was before inflating my tires to the proper amount.  We'll see how much faster I can be after I get my tune up next week!