Ride 18 - Out and About

Looking north on the Badger St. Trail. 7/19/25 dwm

Heavy rain moved through Madison Saturday morning but a few hours later, the weather moved on, the pavement dried, and the skies cleared.

After the ride in Eau Claire last week, I took the seat off which makes it easier to carry. The seat attaches to the bike at three points and it is almost impossible to get it in the same position each time.

When I rode down the driveway, the pedals were just out of reach. A block later I stopped to change it, and after another mile made another adjustment, and a final one after that before it was just right.

It wasn't terribly hot but the humidity was thick when I started the ride. I connected with the Badger State Trail from the Military Ridge trail, taking it as far as the pavement lasted, then reversed course, heading to Camp Randall on the University of Wisconsin campus then made my way to Lake Mendota when I went south on the Capital City path.

Colorful wildflowers. 7/19/2025 dwm

 To add a few miles, I took the South Yahara Trail into McFarland, so I could refill my water and grab a snack from the community Kwik Trip.

 Probably because of the morning rain there weren't a lot of bikes out when I started. I was surprised to see a couple of creatures not always around when the sun is high in the sky.

 On the Badger trail, a fox crossed the path a quarter mile up the path. I've not seen many foxes this year, which explains a large population of young rabbits.

As I rode along the shore of Lake Mendota, a bird popped into my peripheral vision. As I slowed and turned, there was a bald eagle carrying a fish on its way to roost.

As I turned home, the summer heat returned after a two-day respite. I was glad to get home and park the bike. 

Ride 18: 52 miles 3:11 Average speed 16.3.