Bass Pro Shops In Council Bluffs

During one of the small rain storms I went to Bass Pro for the first time in Council Bluffs. This is just a small part of the store.

This gentleman tries his hand at the shooting gallery. The store is huge and a 'must see' if your ever that way.

Omaha River Front & Bob Kerrey Bridge

I had a little time after meetings today in Council Bluffs and Omaha to take a ride on the riverfront trail system in Omaha.

And check out the Bob Kerrey bridge.

I think this is the first time I've ever rode my bike across a state line. Cool!

Just after leaving the bridge on the Iowa side I spotted this on display near the trail in Council Bluffs... welcome to Council Bluffs Iowa...

Rain clouds passed over several times bringing very short showers lasting 10 minutes or so.

Here is a cool 'board-walk' area going from south of the Bob Kerrey bridge to the ConAgra campus.

These trails hug the Missouri River with the city skyline in the background.

Boat rides are avalable in the evenings and on weekends.

Man, "can" he ride!

This evening I rode into the office to do a little work, and on the way I ran across this cyclist loaded for bear with his aluminum can collection strapped down to the back of his whip. "Cans" must be the theme for the day.

I got a ride home from the wife and will get my bike from the office tomorrow on my way to a meeting in Council Bluffs... Hmmm, a Thursday meeting in CB??? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Oh yea! It's an expense paid trip to Taco Ride down the Wabash Trace trail tomorrow evening!!!

Today's miles to the office 1 way = 10.20

"Can" she be any sweeter? I think not!

Our anniversary is around the corner. We took the day off work to see the kids off on their first day of school and celebrate our anniversary.

Weeks ago she asked what I wanted, of course without missing a beat, I said "a new bike". She said what I already knew, "I can't buy you a bike, but if I could I would."

Well, to that I said, "How about a bank without a plug, to save up for a bike, one that we couldn't dip into for foolish things like feeding the kids or keeping the lights on?"

She shopped for one, but had no luck and eventually thought of a big juice can. She poked a little hole in the top to stick dollar bills through.

She gave me the can and $100 seed money. But, more touching was the fact that she is supportive of a new bike. (eventually) I couldn't have thought of a sweeter gift! Baby steps, but hey, I'm through dreaming about a new bike and now working toward getting one!

When I first opened it and shook it I could hear something in the can. I asked if she put money in it already. She said no, better! That instead of buying an anniversary card, she wrote me a love note and stuffed it in there. How sweet!

Nacho Riders have a great time tonight.

Riders meet at the Novartis Trailhead just South of O St. on 84th every Tuesday.

The long shadow I cast makes it look like I'm riding an old fashioned penny-farthing.

Horses and bikes sharing the path.

This little lady sped down the trail on her pretty pink bike.

Nacho riders on their way to Eagle.

It was a beautiful night for a spin!

Everything from carbon-fiber road bikes to chrome laden cruisers on the trail.

The guy on the left was on his first Nacho Ride while the lady on the right had done many.

Nacho riders arriving at the One Eye'd Dog Saloon in Eagle.

Bikes parked outside while riders refuel.

Yes, you can bring a 'date'.

Time for a cold drink and warm conversation.

Bikes everywhere!

A good crowd made the 10 mile trip to Eagle for the Nacho Ride tonight. There were lots of first time riders and the weather was pleasant. Seemed like everyone had a lot of fun tonight.

Read about past Nacho Rides on my blog by clicking here. And be sure to check the official Nacho Ride site for more info.

I rode to work and home today, then rode to the Mopac trailhead for the Nacho Ride before riding home for a total of 48.21 miles for the day.

Ride the Heatstroke 100—Sunday, August 23

From the GPBC site. Hot and humid in August? You bet! But Nebraska cyclists have endured the heat and pedaled in scorching sun time and time again. What better way to beat the heat than to ride in the Heatstroke 100 — if you dare! You can register starting at 7am the day of the event.

The 2009 Heatstroke 100 ride will be Sunday August 23rd. For the second straight year, the ride will start and end at the Strategic Air and Space Museum east of Ashland on Nebraska Highway 66 next to Mahoney State Park. From Interstate 80 take exit 426 and go 1/2 mile west on Highway 66.

The course consists of three loops: 24 miles, 35 miles, and 46 miles. You can combine these loops to get distances ranging from 24 to 105 miles. The routes explore the scenic Platte River valley between Louisville and Ashland and range as far west as Ceresco. The routes are on paved roads except for 1/4 mile of limestone trail approaching the Lied Platte River Bridge; this short trail is suitable for road bikes. Several SAG support stations and roving SAG vehicles will be provided.

Registration fees: $20 Individual or $40 Family if postmarked by August 1, $25/$50 thereafter. Ride day registration begins at 7:00 am. The ride starts at 7:30 am.

Here is the map.

Here is the registration form.

The commute, followed by a ride around.

I rode to work then on the trip home I met up with another cyclist and we took a spin down the Rock Island trail, then around the South Point trail, and finally home on the Billy Wolf trail. Today's miles = 31.93 miles.

The Nacho Ride is Tuesday.

Who knew you could have so much fun on two wheels? Everyone is encouraged to come out. Click here or here to find out more than you could ever hope for about the Nacho Ride.

Spending Sunday Spinning.

Early this morning I met up with my blog photographer / personal trainer near UNL.

We took the Salt Creek Levy Trail out to Pioneers Park so I could see if my bike weighed more than the giant old pillars. I held them both up in each hand. Honestly, I can't tell much of a difference between the two.

I knew my bike was heavy and slow, and that I need to find a light, fast cyclecross bike. But, now I have proof that it's heavy! Maybe this'll help the wife understand how much I need a new bike.

On the way back, being the outstanding athletes that we are, we were asked to bring our bikes down to the sidelines of the Huskers football field for 'good luck'. We were honored to do what we could for the team and obliged. Hope it helps this year. (actually, the gate was left open, so we seized the photo opp!)

Afterward I went to the office for a few hours of work, then met up with the family at the mall for back to school shopping before riding back home.

Today's miles = 48.63

Took the long way home from work today.

This morning I was glad to see that someone had trimmed the tree that's branches hung down so low over the Billy Wolf Trail that you'd have to swerve around it.

After work I took the Murdock Trail East to the 84th St Trail then North to the Mopac then turned West to go pick something up at a store. Afterward I continued West on the Mopac.

I seldom ride down the west end of the Mopac and don't think I've ever seen the mural painted on the privacy fence till today and finally got a chance to give the new 27th St overpass a try. It's sure nice and is far safer than trying to cross in those dangerous intersections.

I then continued home on the Billy Wolf Trail racking up 26.34 miles for the day.