Round The "10 mile" Route

Where'd The Extra Mile Go?

After yesterday's near marathon distance yesterday I heeded all website and blog advice. I reduced the distance to give everything a break and effectively had a recovery day.

Sam and I waited for the wintry weather to pass. We had a downpour of hail. Quarter sized to 1 inch hail. Over about 15 minutes. I was just so glad that we had changed the shake shingle roof a couple of years ago for a composite metal one. The clouds parted and a pleasant afternoon ensued. Sam helped me put his trailer together and to hook it onto the the hitch on my bike. With helmets on and music in my ears, we began to recreate what has become the 'regular' route.

Out to the South Valley and through the trail system to Deer Creek Canyon Road as before. This time though have all 24 gears on the bike. The Diamondback was a find. It's a hard-tail with front suspension. The thing that really attracted me to the bike was the front and rear disc brakes. It feels so much more stable going down hills than a regularly braked bike. Now with the full complement of gears, the bike can reach speeds it wasn't previously able to reach. Sam sat behind me squealing with delight. We zoomed down the hills and crested each next hill without much effort.

After leaving the canyon we headed up the dreaded hill towards Kippling and the C-470 intersection. Now, previously I had turned right into the new build area that is the southern most build out before the green belt of the Denver Botanic Gardens property. For some reason I turned left onto Kippling and not right into the housing. It might have been the traffic flow or just me being dense but I turned north and not south.

We joined the C-470 bike path and the chatter behind me stopped. I glanced behind me and the familiar sight of a small child napping in the trailer was seen. I slogged up the hill to the entrance to the valley and crossed under the highway. Once again we had made it home but this time the Garmin was telling me I had fallen short. The prior runs had come up a 10.2 miles, this one was only 8.94. Hummnn. How had I done that? Ah, by turning left and not right. Bugger. The overall time taken was 54:10 and the average pace was 6.03 minutes per mile. Definitely not stellar. Pretty poor in fact, still yesterday was well up there.

23+12=21.28 (r226)

Math Is Not My Strong Point:

but I know that this calculation is CORRECT! Let me explain. I had been running my Diamondback mountain bike with only 23 gears having first cracked then broken about four teeth out of my 12 cog. This is the smallest in the cassette of cogs on the back wheel and it represents the 'overdrive' for the bike. I have been without it for months. Since starting this endeavour and especially since taking Sam out in his trailer, this has been a real handicap. I cant pedal any faster than I am yet I could do with a gear change. As I mentioned last week I ordered a new Shimano cassette and the specialty tools to change it. Well it arrived and yesterday it too about five minutes to fit it. It needed 'breaking in.

A Great Route

Sam and loaded the bike and the trailer with all of the stuff you just can't do without and we set off. We arrived at the car park at the southern end of the Mary Carter Greenway. This fantastic trail follows the Platt River from where it runs under C-470 at Santa Fe through Arapahoe County to join with the Denver trail network that leads up to Confluence Park. It is concrete all the way but for most sections there is a gravel path that runs next to the trail for runners and horse use. There are mile posts and the whole system is very well signed. To keep small children riding in trailers interested there are many bridges to cross, tunnels to ride through and tons of interesting stuff to see. The entire trail is relatively flat too so the 24th gear gets plenty of use!

From the carpark at the newly created reservoir (a former gravel quarry used for T-Rex expansion of the I-25 corridor) we set off to the north. There was a good mix of cyclists, runners, walkers and dogs along the entire length of the trail. Everyone was playing well with the exception of two cyclists who seemed to feel this was their own closed road on the Tour de France. They came past us on a wide section of the trail and were not heeding the narrow section warnings and were riding the trail as if they were the only two on it. Most people were just going about their business. By the attire and pannier loads of may cyclists heading south, this is a popular commute route between the Highlands Ranch area and downtown Denver.

The route follows Santa Fe and the Platt River. We passed through the Littleton Greenbelt and the route passed behind the Aspen Grove outlet mall. We crossed and recrossed the river on well maintained and purpose built bridges. The main roads that cross the trail have both ramps to allow access to these roads and tunnels that pass beneath. It's like a freeway. We passed behind the Dish Netwok building and continued north from Bowles Avenue. Sams favourite section was a little north of here. It's the transfer station for Waste Management! He has this thing about trash trucks.

One of the more interesting things about the trail is the way it integrates and passes the chain of golf clubs along the route. At the Columbine, the Centennial and the Englewood golf clubs there is another large bridge that takes the trail over the river to avoid the course. At the intersection of the trail and the golf-cart road there is a roundabout. Everything is orderly and well signed.

t the new development around the Hampden Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue intersection, the trail has been fully integrated into the new builds. There are ramps to all of the facility areas of both shopping and entertainment. Yet another bridge puts the trail on the west side of the river next to the new cinema complex. Another tunnel passes under Hampden and you ride past what was the much lamented and now lost Cinderella Twin drive in. We continued north with the miles ticking off as we went. Eventually we hit 11.5 miles just as we came up to where Florida Avenue crosses the trail. It was here we turned around and headed south. To help keep my passenger happy, we made a stop at a very large park next to the trail that had a really extensive slide and activity set. Sam ran around here for about 20 minutes to help burn off his energy. His dad liked the break and water stop too!. We mounted up and headed south, retracing the trail back to C-470.

The Stats:

In 1:49:18 we travelled 21.28 miles. The average pace was a stellar 5.08 per mile on what was a relatively flat course. Now the Calories burned (according to the Garmin) were 3748. I really am not sure this is accurate. I was able to keep my heart rate up in an aerobic area (140-160 bpm) but still, over 3000 calories????

The last number in the calculation? Oh the r226 (remainder 226) That's my weight this morning. Happy Happy Joy Joy!.

A Better Day Redux

So todays challenge was to rerun the route of Tuesday but this time without the 40 or so pounds of small child trailering behind me.

On Your Marks.

We were off. I planned to follow the exact route I had with Sam on Tuesday but this time solo. I really wanted to see how fast I could do it without the extra weight and the drag of his buggy.

I set out up to the valley's main road and followed it along to the point the South Valley bike trail starts. I shot down the paved trail. The flat spots did not slow me and the descents did not feel like someone was pushing the back of the bike along. Anyone who has towed a trailer wihtout having the brakes set properly will know what I mean. I turned towards and the entered Deer Creek Canyon. This time the cars were a little closer but everyone was playing well.

After leaving the canyon I hit the hill that had required so much effort with Sam. It was way less effort this time and I reached the Kippling/C-470 intersection feeling way fresher than Tuesday. After waiting for traffic I joined the C-470 bike trail heading North. Again the trail was more comfortable and faster. I was really missing my 12 cog today. A new one is on it's way and should be here soon. In no time I was entering the valley and was soon back at home.

Ah, the stats. Well the trip took 46.12, a 3+ minute improvement over Tuesday. Not as much difference as I thought it would be so I guess Sam's fun will continue. Today though I completed the 10.2 miles having burned 1578 Calories. Hummn. That's almost 500 more than Tuesday but I did complete the run at an average pace of 5.06 a full minute per mile quicker. I guess the discreps are losses are from traffic etc.

An Odd Thing:
My BGL this morning was 176. I was quite amazed by that. I had not cheated yesterday and, unless I am sleep-eating (I don't take Ambien though) I can't account for it. After the ride I was a pleasant 104. I will accept comments or ideas to do with this high level. Any clues?

A Better Day Redux

Running Up That Road and Running Up That Hill.....

Ah, you have to love Kate Bush. I know, I know her music is kind of old now but sometimes you just have to admire a lyric.

Massey Draw
This is a small watercourse that runs from West Ranch (erm in the West) down through The Valley and eventually enters Chatfield Reservoir in it's North West corner. It's a small and spidery thing at best but a couple of times a year the water sluices through it and has carved a reasonable little gully in the earth. A couple of years ago it even did damage across C-470 near to Meadow Ranch golf club. It flooded out some basements and the County rebuilt the waterway with a more controlled (read concrete) channel. As the watercourse leaves The Valley it also takes a lot of the storm drain water with it.

The Valley trail system has a non-developed trail that runs from the circuit road up the gully to West Ranch. It starts off nice and tame. Mown back grasses reach side of the trail until you cross the Colorow Trail that run to the North and pretty much follows the contour line up the valley. From here the Massey Draw Trail begins to climb as you enter the brush oak and the few trees that line the upper banks of the waterway. At this intersection there is a red stone bench which gives a great view through the Dakota Hogback and out towards the buildings at Arapahoe and I-25 many miles away.

Now the trail climbs into the main tree line. The mix of oak, pines and aspens broaden and the trail is now in cool shade with a pleasant breeze. The watercourse is almost completely dry at the moment as it has been several days since our last good storm. As I entered the canopy three whitetail deer were grazing quietly on the other bank. The trail again climbed a little steeper and began to zigzag across the contours. In places there were definite signs of "work" but mostly the trail was pleasantly undeveloped. There was a small wooden bridge that crosses the dry bed and the trail then continues on the south bank. I passed one fellow trail user who was jogging down and we both continued on our ways. The trail became less distinct as fewer boot marks were to be seen, the mountain bike tracks had long since ended. The trail began to twist again this time to clear a group of large boulders. Here I met a couple also descending. Their dog was enjoying running on a head. We exchanged greetings and again I was alone on the trail. Eventually the trail comes to a very large boulder with a large fissure that is the continuation of the trail up to West Ranch. Light was failing and I decided I did not want to boulder. At that point, only 50 or so feet from the top. I turned to descend.

The descent took very little time. Once emerging from the brush into the open parkland I decided I need to add some distance. I turned North along Colorow Trail and followed it until I reached the Lost Canyon trail. This is a minor but more developed trail that the Rangers use to access this part of the open space. I followed it down to the houses and following it's descent met up with the main road in the valley and headed for home.

The Stats. I covered 3.76 miles in 1:09:16. Now this is not stellar for the distance BUT the trail climbs just over 1000 feet to the point I turned at in 1.5 linear miles. My average pace was 18.26 with a total energy expenditure of 754 Cal. My BGL was a nice 110 after the fact.

A Better Day.

Well after yesterdays disappointments on Green Mountain we set off for a more aces sable and perhaps more complete adventure.
Sam was not too keen to go out in the trailer today but after we got back from the mundane tasks of grocery shopping he was more easily persuaded to come out again. He didn't want to drive anywhere (he can be so bossy) but was excited to put his helmet and get into the buggy.

We set out straight up the road this time and turned south on the road the runs around the valley. Nice paved roads made for a fast and comfortable ride for both of us. At the main intersection we turned onto the bike trail we have been on before and runs through South Valley Park. This is down hill for a lot of it's length. Now not long after I got the Diamondback I clipped a rock with the back of the bike. The stacked gears on the back of any derailleur gear system is called a cassette. I knocked about four teeth and the the ring they sit on off the cog that is the smallest ring in the cassette. I didn't do any other damage and I have been riding it this way for a year or so. The only disadvantage is I don't have a high-speed cruising gear. I have 27 and not the 28 the bike came with. This is a disadvantage going down hill at speed with a squealing 3 year old. I can't go any faster!

We turned off the end of the trail and rode down towards Deer Creek Canyon Road. Now I had thought using this road might not be a good idea with Sam in back, There has been issues on this road between cyclists and drivers. I have had lots of experience of this when I was in the Fire Department. This road is in the District we served. I bit the bullet and turned to the east. As we rode along I hugged the white line. Much to my amazement all cars gave us a wide berth. All the way through the canyon cars and their drivers were courteous. We emerged from the canyon and found perhaps the reason for the courtesy, a sheriffs cruiser sitting watching traffic.

The hill from where the road emerges through the Dakota Hogback is punishing if you have 40 pounds or so of small child hooked to the back of your bike. About half way up I pulled off the road to allow my heart rate to drop a little. A lady on a road bike passed me and shouted a hello. She was kind enough to note it's much harder with a trailer. Once the road turns to the east again, it flattens out. We finally made it to where Kippling crosses C-470. We crossed under the highway and joined the bike path that runs the length of the road. We finally made it to the Valley again and crossed back through into familiar Open Space.

The stats for today are much improved over yesterday. 10.2 miles in 49:34 at an average pace of 6.06. Not bad for a bike with one gear short. The Cals were good too 1013. I did remember to check my BGL both before and after the ride. Pre was 100 and post was 114. Such a good ride.

A Hill Too Far.....

What To Do?

Monday again. After the usual early busy start and a busy afternoon there was very little time left to do anything. I felt we should attempt something a little more challenging today rather than the usual soft start to the exercise week. I decided to try Green Mountain.

We drove along C-470 to the new exit at Alameda Avenue, turned towards the West and after passing the Dinosaur Ridge exhibit center, we drove onto Rooney Road. The car park for William Frederick Hayden Park as it is better known is a nice, paved area between Rooney Road and C-470. To access the park on the East side of 470 there is a handy bridge.

After putting the wheels on Sam's buggy and getting him set up for the ride, I hooked the trailer onto the back of the mountain bike and we set off. The bridge is a neat solution of how to access the park. We made it over the bridge without issue and then we were faced with a choice of trails. I looked at the width of twoof them and rejected them Sam's buggy would not work well on such narrow trails. I opted for the left hand trail. It was wide and gravelled. So easy. Right. The trail hooked back on itself and began to climb rapidly. Very rapidly.

After about five minutes I was panting like a dog. I stepped off the bike and looked at Sam. He was smiling and enjoying the ride. Back on the pedals and I was already down through the gears. We rounded a corner and then I realized I had been enjoying the easy part. The hill took off seemingly vertically. The rough trail was offering less and less traction until the back wheel broke away. I dived on the brakes and stopped. Sam was still smiling. I was exhausted. I had climbed about 500 feet from the highway bridge. I looked at the trail ahead and I realized that this was probably not possible with the trailer on the bike. I made a decision that we should cut out losses. I turned the bike around and we shot down the hill. I was really glad I have dual disc brakes on the Diamondback.

We made it back down to the bridge and I turned to the North. We followed the paved trail to it's end. To shrieks of delight from behind me going through the tunnel was a treat. Even better was riding back through it and finding another tunnel down by Alameda. He loves tunnels. The ride was disappointing because of the inability to get up the hill with the trailer.
The stats are pretty poor this time with the exception of the Cal's burned. 5.52 miles in 40:07. The average pace was a disappointing 11.52/mile. Like I said, the Cals were ok through, a reflection of the steepness of the hill 831.

End Of The Weekend

Mowing:

So, here we are at the end of another "weekend". Thursday is my Sunday so today I again busied myself with the lawns. I did though have a helper today. Sam has a toy lawn mower that he pushed around in my wake and he generally helped out with both the mowing and the repair of a sprinkler.
Just for a laugh I wore my Garmin while I mowed. I walked 1.4 miles during the trimming and mowing. Who knew! We don't have a huge lot but I guess it really does all count.
I did damage the mower though. That resulted in a trip to the local home improvement store. I caught the blade on a strip of the aluminium edging that runs around the garden. The Craftsman mower put a hole in it at the expense of the blade. $19 & tax later I was back in business.

Not Mowing:
I decided to give myself a day off today so I did one of my short-course loops through The Valley. After the rattlesnake encounter yesterday I wanted to avoid that kind of surprise at all costs so I mostly kept to the paved trials. I am also now beginning to feel the value of stretching prior to heading out. I shudder to think that I used to just strap on the Asics, turn on the music and go.

I set off towards the open space and crossed the Dam. Once again I am tight, winded and breathless but this improves as I go. I have been doing some reading and I feel I should start with walking THEN transition to running. It's male pride that has me set out from the driveway running. By ramping up to running it is a warm up for the whole system, not just the legs.
I turned onto the trail that leads past the equestrian center and within a quarter of a mile had passed 4 very different dogs. A HUGE mastiff, a greyhound, a shitzu and a "Doodle" cross (might have been a labradoodle or a spaniel). All nice dogs with good and sensible owners. I turned up the trail that eventually takes me across The Parkway and up towards The Manor House.

Once I began to climb the hill into the next sub-division I realized that I was tired. It had been a long week and I had pushed myself over the previous three days. I silently cursed my schedule for being 3 on 4 off. I have to telescope my exercise into the four free days. Two days on the bike with Sam in tow and now two days on foot. I passed by the usual turn back into the open space and pressed on up the longer hill. The road turns south and as I hit the highest point I saw a house for sale to my left. It backs onto open space and it's above almost all of the properties in The Valley. The Sun was behind me about to disappear into the brush along the ridge from West Ranch. I could see through the Dakota Hog Back and over towards the area miles away at Arapahoe Road and I-25. To the North East I could see Downtown Denver in the distance. Damn, we are so fortunate to live in such an amazing place. That house location is nice too.
I turned to the East and descended toward the Parkway again. After turning South I headed towards the open space to the back of the road we live on and I cut short the trip.

Stats:
Well, not a great time, distance or anything really. I completed the 3.63 miles in 51:13 with an average pace of 14.05 per mile. The BGL after the run was 100 even. I really must try to make the effort to check my BGL before I set out. I usually think of it when I'm about a quarter of the way around.

Soft Shoe Shuffle (With Rattles)

Wednesday. One of my favourite days mostly because it's our Saturday. It's the first day Alison and I are off together. We are a family again.

After a slow start and a late lunch, a spoke was put in the wheel of the day when Al started to tell me she was feeling the aura that precedes a migraine. For her that's flashing lights and disturbed vision. As we sat eating our late lunch, she told me she couldn't even read the words on the front of the shirt I was wearing. That is a very bad sign. We decided to cut our losses and to take Al home.
After that Sam and I headed down to the outlets at Castle Rock. Eddie Bower had given me a $10 coupon and I wanted another technical tee shirt. The other thing I was looking for was a rack for the back of the Durango to carry two bikes. Sam wants his Mom to ride with us. We did find one at Sports Authority (it will always be Gart's in my mind). $58 was the final damage. A Bell product that fits the Durango perfectly and holds two bikes. Perfect.

Once back home I was really wanting to hit the trails tonight. Last week I had headed North from the Valley's entrance, tonight I wanted to go South. The Cathy Johnson Trail is another, rough single track that runs along the West side of the Dakota Hogback. Just like the Hogback trail, as soon as you enter the trail the world pretty much disappears. To the left a 350-500 foot ridge towers above you. To the right is a 150-250 foot ridge. The trail begins with a short climb then, once over the ridge the trail begins a descent. This trail runs from Ken Caryl Valley Road to Deer Creek Canyon Road, about 2.2 miles. The trail mowed back and judging by the number of horse hoof prints, of Mtb tyre tracks and the number of boot prints in the soft sand it is a popular trail. In the distance are views of White Deer Valley are spectacular. Tonight they paled due to the deepest blue-grey sky.

The storm had been brewing all afternoon. Sam and I had seen lightening when coming back from Castle Rock but now the sky was full of portent. About half way along the trail I stopped and stared at the sky. High above was a long finger of steel grey cloud. The winds were pushing this lower cloud into the oncoming main clouds. It was starting to turn. Counterclockwise. Hummn I thought. That does not look good. I turned off the music on my Mp3 player and switched to radio. I scanned the channels to see if there was a Weather Service warning but all I found was the usual shows. I was just trying to figure out how to carry a scanner to receive the weather warning broadcasts when the winds changed and the clouds suddenly dispersed. Oh well.

I continued down the trail and without warning I had a huge adrenaline rush. In the local paper today was a reminder to all of us dear reader to watch out for the local rattlers. I passed by what looked like a thick stick. I had music in my ears and I was jogging along. Like a scene from a movie as I passed the "stick' my camera panned and followed the stick behind me as I passed. It then did something sticks don't do as a rule. It moved. Wha? I did a double take. Up came the tail and over the music I head a rattle. Woa! In one smooth move I turned back and legged it swiftly down the trail legs tingling as I went.

Three quarters of the way down the trail there is a branch to the east called the Columbine Trail that takes you over the Lyons Hogback and out of Ken Caryl's trail network and into the main trails of the South Valley Park that belongs to Jeffco Open Space. I spoke to a guy on a Mtb at the trails intersection and we joked about the article in the local paper about my snake sighting. I tried to chase him up the trail. but he was too fast. We are now leaving the Ken Caryl Ranch trail system and enter then enter Jeffco trails. There is a slight but subtle change in the trail. We leave behind the rough and gently managed trial and enter a world of stone steps, rock trail edges and signs. The trails are wider and subtly 'more managed'.

With another storm front appearing above West Ranch and cloud to ground lightening spattering the hillside, I picked up the pace and cleared the ridge along Coyote Song Trail. The rest of the outing was accompanied by louder music now that I was on pavement as I felt I was safe away from the brush.

The walk/run was fun. I am finding my "run" parts are longer than ever. It's funny. When I get my long stride figured out and the breathing is going well I am so surprised that I break my stride. I do the same when I find myself counting paces between breaths. That throws everything off and so I start again. One thing is for sure, my stamina is very notably better than it has ever been.

The stats for today: A total of 4.83 miles in 1:13:50 at an average pace of 15.17 minutes per mile. The Garmin feels I burned 929 calories but it was silent on the query of the rattlesnake. My BGL back at home was 108. A fun and above all entertaining run.

Bear Creek Park Revisited.

After last weeks fun ride through this Lakewood park I decided today that we should repeat it. Although hopefully this time without the wasps.
After an early start changing the front brake pads on the Dodge, Sam and I had a full day planned. After yesterdays marathon like ride in Chatfield State Park I hadn't taken the bike or Sam's buggy out of the car. I loaded Sam up and after filling water bottles and picking up a camera, we set off to to complete errands with an eye to visiting Bear Creek Park later in the afternoon.
We got to the park at around a quarter after four. As we have an annual pass for this park it meant another day without having to fork over money at the entry station.The early afternoon storms had passed over the area ans so we headed to the boat ramp under the main dam. Once there we built the trailer and put the front wheel in the bike. It was helmet's on and we were ready to go.
The first mile or so was hard. I had not been able to follow my usual post-exercise routine of scarfing down a lot of water and two bananas. That usually helps my system to regroup pretty well overnight. I had forgotten to buy bananas yesterday but I did manage to drink copious amounts of water. My legs felt passed through lactic acidosis and continued towards feeling like Jello. The lady on a mountain bike who came along the curve just ahead of us when we joined the circuit road was a mere speck in the distance. Ugh. We never did catch up with her. The pace was well off the mark.
By now we had reached the entry road for the park and my legs had warmed up some. I was still huffing and puffing though when I turned onto the bike trail to climb up to the area above the Soda Lakes. These are the lake areas that can be seen from the highway. The Western-most one is used for water sking with the others for quieter, less frantic endeavours.
We passed the main swim beach and the sailing school. Things were doing a little better. We headed down over the Turkey Creek bridge, the river that flows down along US-285 and Sam squealed with delight as we crossed the small humped-backed bridge.
Once on the south side of Turkey Creek we turned further south following a trail that began to rise through a series of switch-backs. The trail rises quickly here to cross US-265 between C-470 and Simms on a dedicated bridge. The bike traffic had increased significantly with people heading both North and South. There seemed to be a number of commuting cyclists as well as the recreational group out. Everyone was friendly and a nod or a wave was given and received as bikes passed. I was pumping away at the pedals all the way up the trail until we finally reached the top next to a home improvement store. This seems to be the continuation of the cycle trail that runs along C-470 that eventually takes you to Golden.
At the top we had a brief pause for water and then we headed back down the hill into the park. Exploring has no real point sometimes other than just to see where a road goes.Once back in the main park trail system, we turned east towards the dam and another long climb.
This time I did not get lost. We cruised up the side of the dam trail and then crossed down in front of it to get back on the north side of the lake. After a brief excursion to the top of the dam on the north side to establish were the trail ended up (it heads east into Lakewood) we again turned around and headed back towards the car at the base of the dam.
The weather was particularly humid today and I had lost a lot of water on the way. Sam was again cool and happy in his air conditioned trailer (the flaps were open) while the sweaty hippo rode along in front!
We completed the 8.85 miles in just 1:05:00 at an average pace of 7.20 I guess the initial mile didn't hold us back too badly. The Garmin felt I had burned 1686 calories and I want to claim each and every sweaty calorie. I forgot to pick up my BGL meter as I left the house but I had been 140 when checked at the beginning of the day. Another good ride. I am looking forward to a solo walk/run tomorow though. My butt could use a rest!

Free is Always Better

Mondays are often hard as for me it is the first day after the work-weekend. In the Step-Down unit we see many sick people, some old and some way too young. Perhaps the greatest thing is to be around someone when they receive bad news. When someone receives good news its not hard to be a nurse but when the news is of the other sort, that's when you have to be truly on your game. Focused. You have to be There for them. I am starting to crave the freedom of walk/running or on my mountain bike as the work-weekend draws to a close and I am starting to get antsy. Exercise is becoming my antidote.

Today Sam and I set out for a new adventure. We headed down to Chatfield State Park. Chatfield in a piece of land with a 1,450 surface-acre lake that gathers its water from Deer Creek and Massey Draw among others. It was originally a 720 acre ranch belonging to Isaac W Chatfield in 1879. The rivers flooded several times over the years and in 1965 13 people were killed by the flash floods. The Army Corps of Engineers built a large dam in 1967 as a flood control device.
We drove into the park to be greeted by a sign on the Port of Entry saying "Today Free" That was nice and it saved us $7! We picked up a map and headed to the car park next to the swim beach. There were quite a few people there and many of the vehicles had out of State plates on them.
After pulling out the Diamondback and putting Sam's buggy together, we put on our helmets and readied ourselves for the ride. With Sam securely strapped in and with some toy cars, some milk and a snack on board, we set off to the South side of the Res.
The trails in the park have varied surfaces but the majority are concrete paved and well maintained. As we were following the reservoir edge, the route is relatively flat with some gentle up's and downs. We followed the main bike trail down the side of the res and then turned east over the Platt River bridge. The trail then headed off into some areas with mature trees and climbed towards a section of the res called The Heronary. Blue Heron's visit the res and supposedly nest there.
We came upon an area that is a large fenced boat storage and next to the park headquarters, was a great find. There is a small cabin built of trimmed logs with a sod roof called The Slocum cabin. It is set overlooking the lake and looks much as it probably did when it was built in the 1880's. The cabin was moved to it's present site and historic Mountain Men and Women days are celebrated there.
After scoping out this photo opportunity, Sam and I continued around the res. Off to the west we had been noticing regular lightening and we had been keeping a weather eye. When one bolt shook the prairie just to the South of us, we headed for cover and found it at the RV park shower and amenity building. From here we watched the front fly through. Sam got to meet a gentleman who now travels the country with his wife in a very large RV. They snow-bird to Arizona and the Pacific North West each year. Sounds like a decent life.
After the back of the main storm passed we mounted up and started to retrace out route. Around half way I noticed the chatter had ceased behind me. I glanced back to find Sam sound asleep. As it hadn't taken long to retrace the 4.5 miles to the car I continued towards the dam on the north side of the res.
After climbing to the dam wall height I was happy to find a rough but paved road along the top that ran for about 1.5 miles one-way. We came back along the top and then headed for the car. Just as we were almost back to the car park, Sam woke up after his nap. Must be nice!
Well the whole trip (excluding the 25 minutes lay-up due to the storm) took us 1:40:25. We covered a really healthy 14.77 miles at an average pace of 6.47 minutes/mile. As I said, pretty flat. The Garmin claims 2822 calories burned. Now, with the flatness of the site and towing Sam I would like to claim most of these. :)
Sam really enjoyed it and told his mom all about it when she cam home tonight. A great sign as it tells me he really is enjoying sitting behind the sweaty hippo who is riding up front.