This morning we rode the Arkansas River Path out and back from S Broadway and the river up to 21st N and Maize. It was a little over 25 miles. Coming back we had a pretty good wind against us. After the ride we went and had lunch and then stopped for frozen Custard at a place called Freddy's. Freddy was apparently a bike rider.



Ride track...

Tonight I decided to go for a short ride outside of town on a hybrid bike I recently acquired. Fields of milo, corn and soy beans, cows, barns, windmills, hay, hedge rows, hedge apples, oil wells and a animal carcass are just some of what I saw. Photos and video from my camera phone...









Video...

This morning we got around early (early for me) to go ride the Prairie Sunset Trail just outside of town before it got to hot. This rail-to-trail is now open for 8 continuous miles. It was a bit overgrown but still a nice ride. Spotted a young deer, a turtle, lots of bugs, bunnies and birds. The temperature was in the mid 80s.
The trail runs East from Garden Plain to 2 miles East of Goddard. If you're riding the entire trail I would suggest starting in Garden Plain as there is vehicle parking at a park near the railroad tracks where the trail begins. Photos here.

This is our 2nd time to ride this trail. (Here) is the first.

The Prairie Travelers is the organization responsible for the trail. You can visit their website here.

Video...



Map...

This morning we decided to brave the 90+ degree heat and go ride some new (to us) paths. We loaded the bikes in the truck and took off to the nearby town of El Dorado. There we rode the path that connects the town to the lake a few miles away.
El Dorado ride map, mileage & info. When we finished the ride we then drove over to Newton where we rode the Sand Creek bike path which connects Athletic Park and Bethel College. Newton ride map, mileage & info.

El Dorado bike and walking path...











Sand Creek Trail - Newton...








After riding in Newton we drove over to Hutchinson for a late lunch at El Potrillo.

Today we took a short trip to the near-by town of Hutchinson, Kansas (aka the Salt City) to ride the Jim P. Martinez -Sunflower Trail. Despite the 20mph wind it was a nice ride and a great trail. The trail follows the Arkansas River and connects several city parks, the largest being Carey park named for the Carey of Carey Salt.
After the ride we went and ate at El Potrillo and then stopped by Harley's Bicycles which I think is the oldest bicycle shop in Kansas. I purchased a shirt to add to the collection.

Video...



Photos...
1. Nova's new bike a Schwinn Cream.
2. Now vacant house belonged to my Aunt & Uncle (RIP) where I spent Thanksgivings as a kid.
3. Nova & her new bike..
4. Underground salt mine.

Ride map & stats...

Here's our usual quick ride we do frequently from our home on our cruiser bikes. Referred to as "the loop" (by us) this ride is all on bicycle path and sidewalk. From tonight...

Robert's post over at River City Cyclist reminded me we needed to go ride the new Chapin Park trails here in Wichita. Today we went to check it out thinking it my be to wet to ride after last night's rain. What they call the "multi-use" trail was good and dry due to the fact it's got such a thick layer of loose gravel. This thick layer of loose gravel also makes it difficult and no fun to ride (IMHO). I don't think it's feasible as a bike trail or at least not now. I don't know if this stuff will ever pack down but maybe then. There are some dirt trails down along the river but they were to wet to ride. This new park sits on an old landfill and edges the Arkansas River. It also has a dog park, model airplane field, picnic and restroom facilities. The park is 190 acres and is located at 3800 S. Hydraulic, just across Macarthur from Emery Park BMX track. Photos here.

After riding we ran by the bike shop to drop off my bike for repair (neither derailleur was shifting). While there we ran into Dave having some work done on his trike and Chad who was working on his rat rod project.

Video...


Map and stats from the ride. We piddled around (catching my breath) quite a bit.

For the second year we've decided to spend our extra hour wisely and go for a bike ride. Temperature was in the mid 70s! We rode from Planeview Park into Old Town for lunch and back.
Here's a video...