Ride 7 - After the Storm

The first downed tree. 5/18/26 dwm

A thunder storm blew through the area overnight and another round was expected around 9 Monday
morning. It didn't fall around us, so an hour later I headed out.

I planned to check the weather app later and decide whether to keep riding or head home to avoid the rain. 

When I reached the end of the Military Ridge trail, I rode down the Badger State Trail for the first time this year. The Badger is paved with asphalt for six miles before the trail transitions to crushed limestone.

Four miles down the path there was a tree blocking the trail that probably fell Monday morning. I wasn't going to move the tree, but lifted the bike over it and kept going. A short distance from the first was a second downed tree (photo below left), but it wasn't difficult to get around either, so I followed the lead of other cyclists and climbed over the tree.

The second tree. 5/18/26 dwm

 The third tree, however, posed a bigger problem. It was much larger and appeared to shut-off through traffic. Maybe there was a place to get my bike over or through the tree, but it wasn't far from where I planned to turn around, so after getting a third shot, I headed back (photo below right).

 All three trees were growing along the bike path, formerly a railroad bed, that ran north and south, exposing the trees to strong winds out of the west.

 There wasn't any more storm damage after the three trees, so I think the three were blown down Monday.

Trail closed. 5/18/2026 dwm

By this time, the clouds were beginning to break up and blue skies heading west from the horizon, so I rode east to McFarland.

 

I wasn't sure where to find a cafe or diner for lunch, so when I saw the sign, I stopped at the McFarland House cafe. 

 

The house was built in 1857 by William McFarland to serve as his home and hotel. The McFarland family owned the house into the late 1960s. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

I had the day off Monday, but was surprised by how many people I saw running or riding on the various trails. I guess they have different schedules; it seemed unlikely they took the day off too.

 

The McFarland House. 5/18/26 dwm

 Next to the McFarland House is a smaller building that's now home to an ice cream stand. While that was an attractive option, I was looking for something more substantial.

 

 A bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich was what I was hoping for, so it was a quick decision when it was on their menu. It was very good.

 

 After lunch, it was back on the bike for three more miles on McFarland streets before getting back on the network of bike paths at McDaniel's city park.

 

 While the day started with rain chances, it was a nice day to ride and there were only a few times when it felt like I was fighting the wind. This ride ended up being one of the quickest this season.

 

Badger Trail bridge over McKee Rd. 5/18/26 dwm

This trip let me check off another bike/pedestrian bridge, this one is about a mile west from the bridge carrying the Military Ridge bike trail.

 

The 5th bridge was installed when McKee road was made into a four-lane street. Previously, bikes had to cross the busy road in the middle of a block, which could be a bit sketchy. The bridge is a huge safety measure.

 

The next closest bridges cross the Beltline highway; with this ride in the books, I'm up to 361 miles for the year. 
 

According to the Bike Computer:

Distance: 53 miles

Average Speed: 15.5 mph

Time in the Saddle: 3 hours, 25 minutes