Smiles all around on the bike ride

A nice busy morning yesterday. I had picked up a nail in a rear tire and had to get it fixed. As long as I was out and thinking of biking later, I stopped by the bike shop and picked up a kick-stand for my new Specialized. It mounted perfectly and will make using the trailer easier. I pumped up our tires, oiled the chains and got everything ready to ride, packing trail mix, water and treats.

It was great pedaling, and the dogs were having a ball as we pulled into Merrifield. Look at those doggie smiles! They love coming on our adventures and being part of the fun.

We went on to Nisswa and had great coffee drinks. Always a good goal and reward for bike riding. The trailer rides smooth and I am getting used to the added "pull" or drag. Not bad at all.

The town was busy with vacationers and the planters were in full bloom. Peggy had not seen a passion flower before, and there were some vines with blossoms for her. A most beautiful and unique flower. A lot of people commented on the dogs and trailer and we enjoyed sitting outside with our drinks and relaxing before the pedal back to Brainerd.

Then it happened.... a few sprinkles first, then a storm. I had checked the forecast just before leaving and it appeared that we had plenty of time to stay ahead of any rain. That was not the case. Low storm clouds blew in over Long Lake as we got back to Merrifield and we had to take shelter under some bushes, put up the rain shields on the trailer and sit in the storm for about a half hour. After the lightning and thunder past, we figured we can only get so wet, so got back on the bikes and pedaled back. We were soaked completely and chilled by the time we got back to the van. I had a towel and blanket, we turned on the heater and got into drier clothes as best we could... an adventure indeed! We kept it fun, spirits up, and laughed about it all. The dogs were glad to be back.

I fried up some big burgers with onions, stretched the Waldorf salad, grabbed some crackers and the leftover rhubarb strawberry pie and brought it all over to Peggy's for a late supper. It tasted extra good after our wet chill and really hit the spot. We watched the Untouchables and warmed up through and through.

We both work today, the weather is going back and forth with clouds and sun, and it is still too wet outside now for any yard work. I'll unload the bikes and trailer, get out all the wet stuff and catch up on some laundry and other things. Tonight will be a good night of relaxing and visiting.

I've got to get some prints made of the pictures I took of the dogs, we think they are priceless with them smiling the way they are. Next year we will probably look for passion flowers to plant too... they are awesome.

Until next post.... Peace!