No Jacket November

Saturday was fantastically warm day for a bicycle and we told you that you donut want to miss it. Big thanks to David for the tasty donuts for an early Veteran's Day treat.




Anytime you can be in short sleeves and shorts in November, it's a great November in my book. Sunshine and very little wind didn't hurt matters either, even the geese on the smooth as glass Oak Lake seemed to be enjoying the morning.


We were on our way out to Malcolm when I spotted these two on the east side of NW 1st, I'd take either one but that truck would make my year.




The plan for Saturday was to head out to Malcolm, the tire changing clinic on the side of the road was not really part of the plan but things happen and so do flats.



It's been a weird summer and fall for farming, we don't usually see so many large tractors out and about this time of year but they were seemingly everywhere on Saturday.




Went out a little further than our usual and headed West on Waverly Road, super wide and relatively flat but also super busy so we probably won't revisit that again anytime soon.


Most folks were pretty courteous, then there were some who were not. No need to get so close going 45-50 mph when there is plenty of room to give space... he actually pulled over more but only after I pulled out the camera and pointed it at him. Probably the best tool I've found for getting "tools" to decide it's better for them to be on their best behavior, you know when it's not just their word against ours longer.



The great weather found us porch sitting for a while in Malcolm, David even won himself a ten spot off of a scratcher.


Porch sitting and a quick snack at the Malcolm General Store is all you can get in Malcolm now, Lippy's is officially closed and the building on the market.


Usually we run into Craig, the unofficial Sheriff of Malcolm, when we are out that way but he was nowhere to be seen on Saturday. We were greeted by Debbie however, she came ambling down the middle of the gravel road. She was a little skittish, as a lot of small dogs are, but I was able to pet her a bit after convincing her I wasn't going to do her any harm. Not wanting to leave her wandering I asked if she knew where she lived... she sort of looked back the way she came and started walking that way, then would stop and make sure I was following. This went on for about 2 blocks before she spotted her owner looking for her and decided she did know where she belonged. I said my goodbyes and met back up with the rest of the group still at the Sack-O-Suds.






Debbie safe and sound we made or escape and headed toward home with a brief bridge beer stop thrown in for good measure.





Took a little detour from the norm on the way back and explored NW 12th and Alvo roads, great little road that we might have to hit up again sometime. What is not to like about a road with a Gravel Ends and a Dirt Road sign both in the same stretch.



Quick spin back the way we came and we were in Lincoln in no time bringing and end again to a great Saturday Morning No Drop Fat Bike Ride. Thanks to all who made it out, especially Barb and Dennis who came our on their second and first rides with us.

Smokin Pall Malls Watching Laura Ingles

Saturday was new sticker for the Pugs thanks to Todd and Goldenrod Printing.




Saturday was also the SMNDFBR and the weather was a bit chilly but it definitely could have been worse, the sun was out, the wind was low and we planned to head out to Hickman for some good grub. It's been a bit since we've been out that way since the county decided to pave over the beautiful gravel road we usually would have taken out that way. Progress, schmogress!



Since we had to find a new route, most of the ride would end up being on the Jamaica/Homestead trails. With them being mostly flat, speeds were expected to be a bit on the quick side if we did reign it in; hopefully we could reign it in. As we passed over Park Blvd I noticed and odd shape out of the corner of my eye, since we were stopped by a train I decided to investigate and I am glad I did. It's not everyday you find a leg lying in the middle of the road. Looked to be one of those legs you'd see hanging out of someones trunk that must have fallen out. Citing the finders keepers, losers weepers law; she became mine and became the first severed foot ever to join in on a Saturday Morning No Drop Fat Bike Ride.



Long, slow train still had us waiting however so leaving the scene of the discovery had to wait just a bit, lest we lose a leg for reals.



Thankfully, David and I were able to secure a spot near the front of the train o bicycles and created a Moloko road block which helped keep the pace in the 15-16 mph range and kept the group pretty tight.


Even at a slower pace one does work up a thirst and so it was that we found ourselves atop an 100 year old railroad bridge, sipping craft beer on a cool fall morning.




Whiskey from a banana flask, severed leg shenanigans and general Tom Foolery were also had.




We jumped off of the Homestead near Roca Berry Farm and that ended our nice controlled pace and stretched the group out pretty good as the pace up front picked up markedly.


Dave riding gravel.


Dave riding gravel, when the shutter doesn't open all the way. Not sure what caused that but it was kind of a neat effect.






After a spirited sprint into Hickman it was on to 9 South Chargril for some food and beverages.



Love 9 South's Hickman location, it's not everyday you get to eat to real cowboy silhouettes and the views of the harvest in full swing right outside the window.


You can also get chicken with gucamole on it, whatever that is.


Gooc-amole didn't sound especially appetizing so I opted instead for the Jake Burger and that did end up being very tasty.





A quick spin back to Lincoln retracing our tracks out and we officially ended the ride for another week. Temps were very pleasant on the way back and layers were stowed wherever space was found, the afternoon ended up being a top ten day to be out on the bike for sure. Not sure how many more of these we can expect but I hope at least a good month of them is in store.



As is usually the case, there was an unofficial stop additional socializing for those so inclined. Unique are and Mexican Cokes were on tap on Saturday before the end of the unofficial ride and the slow spin back to the shop. Great day and great crowd.