NaugaBike

Familiar Trails

2009-12-02T13:52:00.004-06:00

The last couple days were awesome, weather-wise. Monday I rode the hybrid for a pavement ride. Just wanting some miles, again.

Yesterday it was back in the dirt at Lake Manawa. I had not ridden my hardtail (Trek4300) for a couple weeks, brought it for the ride. Besides, the trail bike (Fuel EX7) was along for the trip to Wisconsin. Didn't want the hardtail think I didn't like to ride it!

Perfect wind direction - WSW. Was into the wind on the way over to Manawa. Rode the west side first. The peeps have been busy building the log fence again. Have to talk about that in the next time we do a trail day here. I do not like the "fence". It is "confining". Have problems riding that section.

I had heard that there is a tree down at Manawa - Tony's Playground. It is a good sized tree - one that can't just be moved - will need to be cut. Across the trail in 2 section just at the exit of Tony's Playground.

Was good to be back on familiar dirt again. Couple days off, now. Then Full Moon Ride Friday night at Lake Manawa. Charge up those lights!

A Bike Ride and Drive Home

2009-11-29T08:43:00.006-06:00

The weather this past week has not been good for riding - lots of damp and cool. Wednesday turned into rain and overnight snow south of Milwaukee. Spent Thanksgiving Day driving to Kenosha, dinner with family and visiting with my mom.

Being off the bike since Monday, I was ready for a bike ride. Friday was a sunny, though little chilly, day. Headed out from my mom's apartment. Rode over to the lakefront. Went south to Eichelman Park and back north to Carthage College.

Today's photos was taken Friday afternoon at 44th St. and Kennedy Dr.

Yesterday was a beautiful day - sunny, high of about 55, light wind. Alas, I spend the day driving. Made it home last night.

Forecast is for some nice weather Monday and Tuesday, then the bottom drops out of the temperature just in time for Full Moon Ride Friday(?).

Wisconsin Riding

2009-11-24T15:48:00.008-06:00

This week I am in Wisconsin to visit friends and family. Getting in some riding, too.

Sunday I rode the Fox River Trail. It was a 1.5 miles for his house t the trailhead. Most of the trail section I rode is paved. There was one section still crushed gravel. Brought the full suspension trail bike since I was planning to ride some dirt.

Was a good day for a ride - lots of folks on the trail. High just over 50, mostly sunny, light breeze from the south. I turned around when I hit the second unpaved section. That was enough for me for the day - made it a 24 mile ride.

The first photo here was taken on the Fox River Trail.

Monday I was a little further south. Finally I was able to ride some of the trails at Kettle Moraine State Park - North Unit.

Checked in with the Forest Service Office and bought my vehicle and bike passes. My plan was to ride Greenbush trails. They looked to be about my speed s I walked a little there 2 years ago. WRONG - as I headed on the trail with my bike, it turned into rougher, lots of wet roots and rocks. The weather turned to fog and mist. I rode Loop 2 and headed to the New Fane trails. The Forest Service office told me that those trails are a little easier.

The New Fane mountain bike trails is a stacked loop system. Loop 1 is a very easy, nearly flat trail. It was a good 1/2 mile ride to get back into riding singletrack on unfamiliar trails. Loop 2 (1 mile) is a little more difficult. There were a couple spots where I walked the hill.

I rode onto Loop 3. This 2 mile loop is a bit more challenging. By the time I got to the intersection with Loop 4, I decide to not push myself. After all, I was riding alone and on unfamiliar trails. I already had a good workout, so it was time to ride the trail on to the trailhead.

The mountain bike trails here are hill. They mostly follow the contour of the land. Lots of short up and down with a few level spots to catch your breath. I was able to speed down some of the hills, hitting 13 mph!

The New Fane trails are just the ticket for my riding ability. They were fun, enjoyable and challenging, while not pushing over my head. Next time, I will head there with the goal of finishing all 4 loops. A great day (weather not withstanding) dancing on the pedals. At New Fane I logged 4.3 miles, average 5.1 mph, max of 13.0 mph.

Last evening I was thinking of riding pavement today. When I got up. my legs told me "NO".

Catch Up Time

2009-11-24T15:33:00.005-06:00

I have been slack about blogging the last couple weeks. Not that I have not been riding my bikes, just doing other things.

Since the last post, I had been riding the Wabash Trace and paved trails in Council Bluffs. After the nasty month of October, we got some decent weather in November. My favorite section of the Wabash Trace is from Silver City to Malvern. That's a easy 17 miles r/t. Many times I ride on to Mahr Road make the ride 20 miles. If really energetic, I got the While Cloud - making the trip just over 25 miles.

However, before my trip to Wisconsin, rode a lot on the Council Bluffs trail system. Here, I can log some miles on the hybrid. Of course, I have to check out the construction at Playland Park and Big Lake Park.

A week ago, I hit the 3200 mile mark. Thats 1000 miles over last year's total.

Hug a Vet Today

2009-11-11T06:04:00.003-06:00

This morning I will be heading to town for breakfast. Hy-Vee is hosting their annual free breakfast for veterans. Thanks, Hy-Vee.

I send warm wishes to my fellow Vets. To my Nam Vet friends, "Welcome Home".

Another Sunday on Wabash Trace

2009-11-09T13:04:00.002-06:00

Another sunny, windy day. And, an unusually warm day (about 20 degrees above normal!). Warm wind from the South - a good direction for a ride down the Trace.

Headed out from Silver City. Rough riding into the wind - could make about 9 mph. Stopped on the Silver Creek Bridge. Dennis was also on the Trace and stopped at the bridge. Visited a little with him. I headed South, he headed back to Mineola.

My drive train started slipping - in 3 and 5 from the largest cog. I stopped in Malvern to decide if I will return or ride on, saw that my problem was a vine in the drive/around the cassette. Pulled the vine off the drive trail and did a quick test ride. Proper shifting is back!

So, rode on to the South from Malvern. Found a deadfall over the trail at mile 384. Not surprising with all the strong winds we have had this Fall. My last ride on the Trace there were 2 deadfalls between Silver City and Malvern. These had been cleared. In spite of the large number of dead trees, the Wabash Trace Crews do a great job keeping the trail open.

Made it down to White Cloud. That's 12.5 miles, so time to turn back. The section down to White Cloud is due East/West. Rough riding with the stiff cross wind. Stopped at the West Nishna bridge for a photo. Another stop at Malvern to refuel. Finally back to Silver City.

Big Lake Construction Status

2009-11-09T12:43:00.004-06:00

Saturday I made my "Tour de Bluffs". Sunny, upper 60s to lower 70s. Some wind from the North.

Dirt moving is progressing where Playground Park was. That is just across the Bob Bridge from Omaha.

Riding on North on the Iowa Riverfront Trail, I stopped at Big Lake Park for a rest stop and see what has been doing. As you can see in the top/left photo, there is a new, rock retaining wall around the lake. Folks are already fishing from the ramp. Construction continues. New concrete trail (some just poured) looks to be encircling the lake. There's a new fishing/viewing path on the East side of the lake (lower/right photo).

Biked over the the North lake to check on the new boardwalk. No progress there.

Ended back at Xtreme Wheels. Nice ride on the hybrid (and no flat!).

November Full Moon Ride

2009-11-07T10:56:00.004-06:00

Great turn-out for the ride last night - over a dozen. Too bad a couple guys had to head back, work calling. Weather was awesome for riding in the woods in November!

We headed out from the shop riding the paved trail to Lake Manawa. Regrouped in the parking lot at Manawa, took photos, then rode a lap. Casualties - one flat, one endo, caught lots of burrs, some muddy tires - a fun ride.

Thanks for everyone that turned out for the ride. There are a couple more photos on the Xtreme Wheels Cycling Club group on facebook.

Meeting with IMBA

2009-11-06T09:41:00.005-06:00

MONDAY, NOV. 9
6PM
OLD CHICAGO, 78TH & CASS

Ryan Schutz (IMBA's Regional Director) will be visiting on November 9 & 10 to do a "Scoping Visit". He'll be here to get a lay of the land, and facilitate us through the process of creating what we hope will be a master plan of our green space/trail system. With your help, we... can identify our existing green spaces, parks, greenways, preserves, etc, and also identify the gaps and potential connectors.

On Nov. 9th, he would like to meet with the THOR advisory board members and those interested in playing a role in learning more about organizational building.

Full Moon Ride

2009-11-05T16:45:00.000-06:00

November Full Moon Ride - This Friday. We are meeting at the shop and riding to Lake Manawa. Then a lap or two on the singletrack. I rode there the other day - trails are in good shape except for one tree to watch for and a muddy/wet spot. After the ride we will head someplace to eat.

Bring your lights and helmets.

Xtreme Wheels
Friday, November 6th -- 6pm

Checking Out Manawa

2009-11-03T06:00:00.005-06:00

For several reason, yesterday I decided to ride a Lake Manawa. I had not ridden the trail bike (Trek Fuel EX7) since the end of September; Full Moon Ride is coming up Friday; Needed to ride some dirt; Had not ridden in Manawa in over a month; A little gun shy with all the flats on the hybrid.

Most of trail is in good shape. A couple of soft spots. Fast Track again has standing water and muddy spots.

Tree down across the trail in Riverside Real Estate. A couple branches were across the trail. Some tree debris clean-up could be done at the wet spot in Fast Track.

So, if the showers (forecast for today) miss Manawa or a light, we could do the Full Moon Ride to Manawa Singletrack?!

A #10 Day - (almost)

2009-11-02T06:27:00.007-06:00

It was in the upper 60s yesterday afternoon when I headed to town for a ride. Brought the hybrid for a pavement ride on the bike paths. Mostly sunny, light breeze from the south.

Stopped at the Western Historic Trails Center. From there, rode across the "Bob Bridge" to Omaha. Stopped at Lewis & Clark Landing for a break - Gatorade and Clif Bar. I have been over the bridge many times, yesterday I stopped to take a photo of my bike straddling the state line.

Back on the Iowa side of the river, I headed back. Planned to ride down the Veteran's Memorial Trail to the construction of the new bridge. That plan was scrubbed when I got a flat at the I-80 bridge.

Getting tired of the flats on this bike. Three flats in the last 4 rides. I had ridden about 300 miles on the new tires without a flat. Now 3 in 100 miles. Will be stopping at the bike shop later to do post mortem on the tubes.

With no more spare tubes with me, I canceled the part of the ride to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge construction. Got back at the bike shop and was able to mention the problems to Blaine. For now - think I will ride one of my mountain bikes for a few days. (Have not had a flat problem on them - other than the goatheads in AZ and NM).

Special Note: Xtreme Wheels is now operating under winter hours schedule. Shop opens at 11am.

Calendar Special

2009-10-27T10:16:00.003-05:00

Tom Winfield Photography has a special for its customers. If you order 10 or more digital photo files at win-photo.photoreflect.com, you will be mailed a free "Bicycle Trails" calendar. Previous orders DO count.

All of the 2009 Psycowpath races (except Ponca), R&R Wedding, Bike Bash 09, and BHFTF photos are available. Go to win-photo.photoreflect.com to place your order.

If you just want a copy of the calendar, contact me by e-mail. photos(at)tomwinfield(dot)com. Calendars are $15 plus $3 shipping.

Looking for a gift for your racer? Watch for details on availability of matted and framed photos.

3000 and Counting

2009-10-25T17:03:00.003-05:00

The weather was cloudy, winds from the north, temperature about 55. At least it was not looking like rain! (Yesterday I got caught in drizzling rain.)

Was not sure how far I wanted to ride - see how I felt. The 3000 mile mark was near (less than 32 miles needed). Headed out from the bike shop. When I hit Indian Creek Trail, the wind hit me head-on. It was relentless, but I pedaled on at about 10 mph.

Stopped at the Trails Center. Feeling pretty good, so continued up the Iowa Riverfront Trail, past the Bob Bridge to N. 25th St. Since it was just a couple miles to Big Lake, I went on (wanted to see what progress has been made there). At Super 7, I got a flat - probably a pinch flat since it happened just crossing a rough drop at the road crossing.

Repairing the flat went pretty good (since I just had to fix on Monday). Thanks to the pump Dennis got me, I was back on the trail. At this time - do I continue to Big Lake and back on the Iowa Riverfront Trail - or ride though town to just get back to the bike shop?

I opted finishing the ride. Work continues on the lake shoreline. Does not look like anything more was done on the boardwalk.

Flew back down the trail (mostly a tail-wind). Ended with the ride against the wind from Manawa to the bike shop. All-in-all, I good ride. And, I hit my 3000 mile mark (800 miles over last year's total).

New Facebook Page

2009-10-25T09:09:00.001-05:00

This morning I published a new Facebook page - Tom Winfield Photography.

The first show of my photography has closed. Have mixed emotions about the show. It was great to get my work out where it can be seen. Sales were underwhelming.

On the other hand, orders for photos of the mountain races are still coming in. Watch for a special offer.

Show closing this Evening

2009-10-23T18:03:00.006-05:00

Have been in Greenfield, IA today. This evening is the closing of my photography show. Some visitors in the E. E. Warren opera House. Several made positive comments about my work. Now, if a few more could have bought a calendar or photo...

Well, at least more folks have seen some of my work. I need to get busy on selling the calendars. Don't want to end up with them un-sold.

Calendars are $15. Add $3 for shipping if you want it mailed to you. Contact me at naugabike(at)tomwinfield(dot)com.

Now, we need some sunshine so I can get out and ride more. Need 53 miles to break 3000 miles for the year.

Race Across the Sky

2009-10-23T04:27:00.013-05:00

Last evening I attending the showing of Race Across the Sky - a movie about the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race. Some 1400 mountain bikers head out from Leadville, Colorado for a 100 mile grueling out and back race, all at over 10,000 ft! The showing was a one night event, held all over the country (?).

Race Across the Sky is a documentary film about the race. If there was a "Star" of the film, it would have to be Lance Armstrong. Before and after the film the feature included panel discussions including Lance, several time winner (and 2nd place finisher) Dave Wiens, 3rd place finisher Matt Shriver, the race promoter, and one more guest (that I did not catch the name).

The best one word description of the film - Awesome. It was inspirational - a woman racer that overcame a crash with a car that almost cost her life. It was heartbreaking with the senior racer that cried because he did not make the 4 hour cut-off at the Twin Lakes check point.

The scenery was beautiful. The aerial shots give a great view of the race venue. The graphic animations shows the race course and gives you a idea where the shots are taken.

Now, while I have never raced other than one at Lake Manawa, I can feel for the riders. They endured the trail, the altitude, rain, sleet, hail, and 100 miles on a mountain bike! Hats off to everyone - if you finished or not, were there as support, worked as a volunteer, or just attended the race.

The schedule at the theater showed the film lasted 195 minutes! No way - just over 1 1/2 hours.

Am I going to ride that race? (That's what some of my friends asked - in jest, I gather) No Way! Now I would like to shoot photos as the racers come up and down Powerline...

A "Must See" film, for mountain bikers, road riders, racers, race fans, or know a cyclist. A treat for a guy like me that knows some of the local racers. Great to see them in the film.

Thanks to Kim West (The Kim West Radio Cycling Show - KXNO, AM 1460) for the promotional tickets.

Sunday on the Wabash Trace

2009-10-19T05:45:00.011-05:00

The weather forecast was for sunny, warmer (basically normal), with winds from the South. I debated riding dirt at Manawa or the Wabash Trace. Mike R, one of my Facebook friends, posted a ride from CB to Silver City. I was ready for a ride with some company, so decided on the Wabash Trace.

It took some time for everyone to get assembled and head out. Dennis (one of my riding friends) didn't wait. He was only going to ride to Mineola, anyway. Six of us (Trasey, Mike, Dave, Lynn, Greg, and I) headed out.

We stopped for refreshments at Margaritaville. Another rider (Keith?) stopped to visit. Another stop at the Mineola Trailhead Shelter. Finally to Silver City. We stopped at the bar in Silver City for refreshments.

It was getting near 4pm, I decided its time for me to head back. Jared arrived at the bar as I was getting ready to ride home.

On my way up the hill to Margarataville, I was passed by Steve S (formerly of Activate Omaha, now of Iowa Bicycle Coalition). Steve was on his way back from a ride to Imogene.

Steve rode with me the rest of the way to the Council Bluffs trailhead. One the ride South, we left CB about It took over 2 hours to ride from CB to Silver City (with stops), 1.5 hours to ride back. Was back at the CB trailhead about 5:30.

Bike Bash 09

2009-10-18T08:39:00.004-05:00

Last evening was Nebraska Cycling Association's annual awards banquet. Awards were presented for road racing and mountain bike racing.

The function was held in Mallet Lodge at Platte River State Park. The evening stated with a spaghetti feed. Soda and a keg of Fat Tire quenched the thirst.

The evening's entertainment was capped off by a slide show with the Year in Review for the Psycowpath season.

My photos of Bike Bash are at: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=220828

Back on the Bike

2009-10-18T07:38:00.003-05:00

After a week off the bike, it sure felt good to ride yesterday! It was a busy week, with 2 trips to Greenfield, IA regarding my photography show. The weather did not cooperate, either. Most of the week was overcast, cold, and drizzling rain. Yuck!

Yesterday was still overcast with 20 degrees below normal temperatures. But, I had to ride. Loaded up the hybrid and headed into town.

Rode from Xtreme Wheels to the Bob Bridge and back. A ride of just over 26 miles. Riding time was 2 hours.

Was not trying to set any new speed record. Ended up with the fastest pace since I had changed my meds. Rode at just over 13 mph pace.

Show Opening

2009-10-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

Today was the opening of my photography show in Greenfield. Weather was cool, overcast, and some rain. Not a pretty day. Sun peeked out for a couple minutes. Rain again in the evening.

The show is being held in an old opera house. The structure is being refurbished/renovated. I got a tour the the building this evening. The original proprietor (E. E. Warren) lived in an apartment of the building. This evenings photo is of the building with the light drizzle in the air.

Some visitors came in to tour the exhibits. Many commented that they liked the photographs (but then who would say they didn't like them with the photographer right there!)

No visitors in the evening open hours. If the weather improves overnight, I want to ride the T-Bone trail (Atlantic to Audubon, IA).

Photo Show Information

2009-10-13T18:53:00.008-05:00

My show is being held in the E. E. Warren Opera House, on the square in Greenfield, Iowa. Greenfield is about 80 miles east of Council Bluffs, on Hwy 92.

The show opens this Thursday. October 15th (my birthday). I will be present for the opening and to sign my calendars.

The show will be open on October 15th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, and 23rd. Hours are 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 8pm on those days. Free admission!

Those wishing to purchase a photo in the show can sign a reservation form during the show. Calendars can also reserve a calendar when I am not at the show. Payment and delivery will be handled the Friday evening at close of the show.

My plans are to also have a book of some of my other work. Prints of those can be ordered. Details will be available during the show.

Unfortunately, the show schedule does not let me to bring some of my photos to the Bike Bash on Saturday the 17th at Platte River. However, I will have calendars available for sale.

Show Set-up

2009-10-12T06:23:00.004-05:00

Made it to Greenfield with my photos. One casualty - one glass was cracked. Will have the replace that.

Met a couple of the folks with the Opera House. Visited with a local reporter from one of the local newspapers. Hope the show goes well.

Now, if the weather cooperates, I will ride when I get home. Would also be nice to ride the Raccoon Trail later this weekend when I had back toward Greenfield for the show opening.

My First Photography Show

2009-10-11T07:27:00.005-05:00

Over the last couple months, I have been busy framing some of my prints. At this time, I have about 40 framed. This effort is to sell some of my prints.

Through a friend, I was put in touch with the E. E. Warren Opera House in Greenfield, IA. Granted, the 70 mile drive does not make it convenient, but the price is right. From the ad in the local newspaper, you can see that I will be sharing the space with another exhibit.

Most of the prints I will be showing are landscapes including some trails. A few of those include a bicycle in the photo. To illustrate some of the other subjects I shoot, there will also be a couple of prints of flowers, mountain bike race, and still life.

Predominant size is 11 x 14 print framed out to 16 x 20. There will also be a few 8 x 10 (framed to 11 x 14). Lastly, a couple of larger prints, up to 20 x 30 (framed to 24 x 36).

The photos can be purchased. My "Bicycle Trails" calendar will also be available for purchase.

SNOW!!!

2009-10-10T06:46:00.004-05:00

Its only October 10th! What gives?

Here's what I saw this morning when I opened the garage door...

Yes, they have been warning about this all week. Buts its just too early for snow. We never really had a summer. Now right into winter (at least for a couple days).

I am NOT ready to put the studded tires on the hardtail.