In Which June Begins with the Best Rides

June 2, Cedar Valley Nature Trail about 5 miles north of Hiawatha. This kind of afternoon, June beauty.

Summer is not really here yet—the solstice is late in June—but weather wise, and culture wise, we’re now in summer.

And the best part of summer for biking is often June—July and August typically are hotter. June, in Iowa, is the wettest month, but this is a dry year so far, and most Junes have their fair share of beautiful, sunny days. Today is one of those days, and after my morning coffee, I may push farther north than I rode yesterday.

On June 2, I made my first ride to Lafayette, a tiny town 7 miles north on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. I noted on an earlier post that a bridge was out, which meant then I could not get to Lafayette—apparently, I wrote that post on one of the final days that bridge was closed, because the next day my sister rode much farther north, crossing the new bridge.

Approaching new bridge.

Crossing new bridge, headed north.

Bike parked at Lafayette.

The ride to Lafayette, there and back again from my house, was 22.73 miles. I know that they have paved more of the trail north, my sister reports it’s paved now to Urbana, but I didn’t start my Thursday ride until late in the afternoon, so did not go that far.

I had a gap in my rides due to a recent trip. On the final day of May, I hooked up the Tag-A-Long seat to Clarence, my hybrid bike, and enjoyed a quick few miles with a grandson who is, I think, about 11. On June 1, I rode a quick late afternoon ride—both rides, I think, painted pretty animal pictures on my computer, one of a bird, one of a snail or possibly a whale. The longer ride I took June 2 was just a straight up north ride—not a very exciting image.

I’ve enjoyed these early June rides. On the short ride was around the nearby Boyson-Lindale Trail complex, I noted a new side trial that will lead under a busy street to a park on Geode in Marion is taking shape.

June 1 ride, on Clarence, I was seeing if new bag would work for larger camera--it does, so when I ride this bike, I don't have to wear camera bag. This is where a short new side trail will branch off the Boyson Trail and go under Alburnett Road to a city park on Geode Street.

Bike parked at Hanna Park in Marion. As you will see below, I made many images of the flower garden there.

At Hanna Park, I paused an made images of the flowers blooming there. It’s Iris and Peony season, a great time to be outside rolling through this beautiful Earth on two wheels. I hope you’re enjoying your June rides! May miles: 209.98. June so far: 33.49. Year to date: 850.37.

Images from Hanna Park ride, including deer seen in creek along the trail (not at the park):

Milkweed forming flower buds.

Don't know what kind of flower this is.

Iris.

Iris.

Iris--Darker variety.

Peony with Iris in background.

I think this is called a bachelor button.

Peonies with irises in background.

Near where Boyson Trail goes under under new Milwaukee Road bridge, Doe seen crossing creek. This and the remaining images.