Early Birds or Early Bikers?

When you are retired for many years, the very LAST thing you want to do is set the alarm to get up early.  But that is exactly what we did....up at 5:15 AM so the three of us (Don, Kyla and myself) could meet up with Kim, Nate and Ella at 6:45 for Bike to Work Day.

My conundrum this morning involved coffee.  I needed to drink enough caffeine so I was awake and alert, but not too much that would involve stopping at each and every bathroom along the way.  Decisions, decisions.  Things like this never came up when I was young.  If you are younger, you might laugh at this, but trust me, it will catch up to you sooner or later!

Amazingly, all of us were wide awake and chipper as we unloaded the bikes at Edora Park in Ft. Collins.  The park is situated alongside the Spring Creek Trail, so it was a great place to meet for our morning odyssey.

 Ready, set, go!

The older two grandchildren and Don were ahead of Ella, Kim and me, which is usual for all of our bike rides when we are in a group.  I'm fine as long as we get to the same destination without a mishap.  Trust me, that doesn't always happen.

 Nate, Don and Kyla crossed Mason Street ahead of us.  Usually, we can avoid crossing the busy street. However, the bike tunnel is still closed due to flooding from all the precipitation in May and June.

Boy, the trails were busy, busy, busy today.  Maybe the overload is due to people like us who come out early for the good breakfast burritos, muffins, fruit, juice, coffee and other goodies.  Nate was disappointed that the Waffle Lab food truck wasn't here this year.  You can almost tell from behind that he was not a happy camper with his stance and his arms across his chest.

 However, Ella and I enjoyed the great tasting burritos they handed out for free.  I ate mine standing up, but she had a built in chair......namely Kim.

Off they head to stop number two..

The Spring Creek trail is a great place to ride.  Normally, there is a minimal amount of bikers and walkers when we arrive around 9 AM, with a nice wide, cement path.  As you wind your way west from Edora Park, you pass by the creek, parks, forested areas, open plains and numerous parks.

 I was proud of amazed at myself for being able to take pictures while riding my bike.  Normally, it is a wonder if I can chew gum and walk at the same time.  I don't think I'm getting more graceful as I age either.  I guess it was just dumb luck.  So, some of the pictures were a little fuzzy or out of focus, but that is my story and I'm sticking to it.

 Along here, the Spring Creek overflow runs right by the trail.

During the five or so mile trip we came across 5 different bike stops.  A few years ago, there were only three.  This is a great way to have fun with our grandchildren and get exercise at the same time.  As a plus, we even came back with a new Ft. Collins bike trail map and hand sanitizers we can hook on our backpacks or belt loops.  It was a win-win for us!