Ride 10 - New Boardwalk in Town

A new walk into wetlands. 6/6/26 dwm

It was a beautiful day but with other things on the calendar I just had time for a short trip. On days like this my favorite route is to McFarland and back.

 

Since the riding season started, I've seen construction next to the Capital City State Trail three-tenths of a mile east of Eagle School.

 

It was finished in the last two weeks because the last time I rode by, the fence was still up.

 

The boardwalk extends roughly two city blocks into the wetlands with several places to take a long look at nature.

 

It's only for pedestrians, so bikes are parked off the trail or walked by their owner.

 

There are several spots along city trails with places to retreat into nature. This location near the school should mean regular visits by various classes in their outdoor classroom.

 

That wasn't my only nature encounter. A couple miles east of the boardwalk I noticed a turtle starting to cross the bike path. 

 

A painted turtle. 6/6/2026 dwm

 Titus, the name I gave the painted turtle, considered his options on whether to move ahead, go back, or continue contemplating what he should do.

 

 On the return trip, I rode past several Oakwood residents heading east on the trail while I was going west. I didn't recognize the first rider, but was able to identify his wife, the couple following them, and another resident following behind.

 

 According to the Bike Computer:

 Distance: 41 miles

 Average Speed: 15.6 mph

 Time in the Saddle: 2 hours, 37 minutes

 

The turn-around east of McFarland. 6/6/2026 dwm

Views of the marsh. 6/6/2026 dwm

 Looking back up the boardwalk. 6/6/2026 dwm photo