Our first bike trip

 

After 13 years of marriage Joshua and I have struggled to find common interests that don't involve the television--which really isn't an interest at all, but more of a time suck. I read, knit, and exercise while Joshua is more of an avid fisherman and scientist. We have a deep love for one another and are constantly trying to find ways to make our marriage grow.

Last week, we went on an evening walk to Capen Park. I learned about the park on Instagram where I saw couples overlooking a rocky ledge. Although we didn't make it to the ledge-- we didn't want to disturb the rock climbers--- we explored the Hinkson Trail as cyclists zoomed past.

In another day and age, we were cyclists too. We rode our road bikes all around Saint Charles and Joshua trained to race--a pipe dream, I would say. We never realized until this moment that we missed it dearly. It's also a bit of an opportunity for us to do something together.

I hem-hawed for a few days and we even went to the bike shop to look at the bikes. Yesterday, I finally called to place an order for two in-stock bikes. We couldn't pick them up right then because we had a niece's birthday party to attend to, but this afternoon we made a pit stop to pick them up. I couldn't really sleep much last night in anticipation. We are going to be a bike riding couple extraordinaire!

As we entered the bike shop, things didn't go as planned. Joshua was presented with a bright red number. I am talking RED RED. It wasn't the color that we ordered and they had somehow gotten something mixed up. We were honestly a bit irritated, as it didn't feel like things were going right, but the bike shop quickly remedied the situation by offering Joshua a loaner bike until they could special order and get his bike in stock. 

Plus, as soon as we left the bike shop, it started poring down rain. We were still pretty determined to ride our bike, so we headed to Hartsburg, Missouri, a trailhead on the Katy Trail. A little rain never hurt anyone, so we set out along the trail and rode five miles there and then five miles back.

The Hartsburg arm of the Katy trail was pretty bare, but I don't know if it was because of the rain. It was so peaceful with farm land on each side and the Missouri river  poking in on the edge.

There were several bridges that went over creeks? that emptied into the river. We stumpled upon a river access that looked like it needed some care-- there was a fallen tree in the way and mud everywhere. We saw shore birds nestled on the banks and many squirrels scurry along the trail.

A 10 mile first bike ride was just enough, as I was starting to get tired towards the end and my muscles are definitely sore. I cannot wait for Joshua to pick up his real bike, so that we can continue on our biking journey. I would say that this was an excellent first ride-- with my partner in crime. I cannot wait for many more to come.

The Runkeeper App conked out on us half way through, so our trip was divided up into two.