DON'T LET THE GRASS GROW UNDER YOUR FEET...

It had to happen sooner or later and Monday was as good a day as any especially since the heat wave system had moved along. What was inevitable? That bike rack had remained unused too long so it was time for the first bike ride of the season. The bikes were loaded on the back of the car  and we travelled westward about an hour to the small town (pop.200) of Peterson, Minnesota where we would begin our trek along the 42 mile Root River State Bike Trail. 

We were greeted by the town welcomer, a giant gnome next to the town's tiny band shell pavilion. Visitors must bring their lawn chairs as there were just 3 benches out front for their Sunday concerts.  

As I greeted a real townsperson who was out surveying her gardens, she shared storm results of 7 downed trees awaiting us along the converted rail bed bike trail. You see a big thunderstorm had ripped through our region late Saturday afternoon with 40-50 mph winds and even hail for us. Well, evidence of the storm's path would be found here with pieces of limbs littering the asphalt paved trail at times becoming a challenging obstacle course.  

We were able to circumvent the first three downed trees but it was number four that brought us to a dead stop. There two state employees ( guys in orange) were working feverishly hauling brush and using a chainsaw to remove the downed tree. Two others bikers were hauling cut limbs over to the side and we joined suit. Ten minutes later we were all on our way again.

I commented to Natureman regarding what nature we might see en route and he said a deer was likely to be it.  Sure enough maybe a mile  or so farther down the trail, a little spotted fawn was staring us down. When she finally realized 4 other bikers were heading her way in the opposite direction she shot back into the high grass hiding herself from the approaching bikers. 

Look to the left above the nest

A pleasant breeze accompanied us the majority of our journey.  We noticed a couple who had previously passed us pointing to the other side of the river. Lo and behold, a magnificent eagle's nest with an adult eagle and fledgling were taking in the surroundings from the branch above it.  The eagles were a bonus to the day's treats. 

First town after Peterson was Whalan, Home of the Stand Still Parade and obviously home to some folk with good humor.

The town's  pie shop was another reward. We weren't the only ones with that idea as bikes filled the bike racks in the shade in front of the shop. Wouldn't you know my choice of caramel apple pie was removed as we waited in line to order! We split a piece of the 3 Berry Pie and it did not disappoint. 

Clever wall of rolling pins

Good to the last bite

Whalan has a whopping population of 60 more or less with the title of the smallest town on the trail. The pie place had been closed and for sale the last couple of times we tried to stop. Obviously the new owner put some monies into remodeling and it's a little gold mine for  the summer months. 

*A quick aside: Our surrounding towns of Stoddard and Coon Valley were once offered bike trails connecting them and they turned down the proposal. A foolish decision as one sees how popular these trails are.

Anyhow, after our pie break we started out towards one of our favorite towns, Lanesboro, but this cyclist had a feeling for the first bike ride of the season we should head back. 

The scenery wouldn't change too much. It ended up being a smart decision because after we sat down to a late lunch in Peterson those leg muscles had already started complaining. 

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day for that first bike. Who knows maybe we will run into you on the trail one day!