Wohoo – 15.4 miles on the bike ride! It was sooo much fun!
The trail I took was 7.7 miles each way and was perfectly split – half Iowa corn fields and farmhouses, half lush and beautiful Greenbelt trail!
Would you like to see some pictures?
This part of the ride, going past fields and farms, was just so peaceful and “simple” if you know what I mean. I just love that part about Iowa.
A sweet bridge:
Entering the Greenbelt:
Iowa is so diverse – one minute you’re riding next to corn, the next you’re surrounded by dense, green nature.
My halfway point was the town of Adel, IA. Home to the best ice cream shop EVER – the Dairy Stripe – which my family and I used to drive out to all the time in the summer. These days it’s called the Dairy Shoppe and it’s got a Subway attached to it…hmmm I guess some things don’t remain the same do they?
Around mile 12 my rump started hurting something FIERCE! Here’s my “ok, you’ve only got 3 miles to go, you can freaking do it” face.
And I did it! YAY!
This was a cool bike ride, because to my knowledge, I’ve never taken myself so far distance wise, using my own body. Yes, I had a bike to help me along, but the farthest I’ve ever taken myself is 13.1 miles on my half marathon. Do you know what I’m saying? It was neat!
After my bike ride I dropped off my parent’s car (I used it to put my bike in and drive to the trail) and shared a delicious plate of nachos with mi madre:
Then I came home, cleaned the house and am thinking about going grocery shopping in a bit. I usually go on Sundays but I’ve got some saweeeet plans for tomorrow afternoon so I won’t be able to go then!
Tonight, I’m thinking about making Ben go back to the Dairy Shoppe to get an ice cream cone with me…I forgot all my monies on my bike ride so I couldn’t buy anything when I get there – darn! Oh well, I’m not sure the 7.7 miles back with a belly full of ice cream would have been all that comfortable… 
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When/if you workout outside, do you prefer to be in more residential areas or on trails?
Great job on the bike ride! That’s awesome! I wouldlove to start bikingmore… maybe I will!!
I like trails but they must be paved!! I am not “trail runner” by any means. I love Greenbelt trails like you rode on. Imostly do my long runs on Greenbelt trails by my parent’s house.
That sounds like a fantastic ride! Way to go.
I wish we had more trails around my neck of the woods, but sadly, there isn’t a whole lot. Oh well, I make due with my surroundings.
Nachos with Madre! How fun!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
I’m glad you had such a great bike ride! The scenery looks so calm and peaceful.
Hmm, I love trails if I’m with someone. The scenery is so nice! But I don’t always feel safe if I’m by myself. I love running this one neighborhood around here. It’s quiet enough to run on the road, but there are always a lot of people and kids out so I feel safe
What great ride! As for my preference to bike riding routes… it depends on my mood
I like both
What a great day!!!!
what a fun ride! i like anywhere with nice scenery.
What an amazing ride! Your pictures are fantastic.
I like biking in paved trails with a scenic view but pretty houses are also a good sight.
Long bike rides are so awesome – we have miles and miles of trails that go through two big parks and around lakes and over rivers – just a hundred miles or so away from you! I love the lush foilage and the baby animals (except snakes) this time of year. And the well-known trail that leads to the infamous Mulligans in CF – perfect spot for a cold lemonade stop and a water bottle refill!
You definitely deserve that ice cream! Get ‘em girl!
Sounds like a wonderful ride! I love Iowa’s bike trails too!
Thanks for sharing!
Amy
http://www.runnerslounge.com
blog.runnerslounge.com
what beautiful scenery!
I love running on trails, but overall I prefer residential areas. I like seeing people walk by and looking at houses.
Awesome pictures!