Out for a Sunday Afternoon Ride

Father and his kids enjoying the nice weather

Lately I have been seeing a lot of families out pedaling and having a great time. Riding together is good for your health cause it tones the muscles and strengthens the heart and lungs. It also makes one feel invigorated and refreshed plus while you are all together it gives them a time to discuss whatever ideas that come to one's mind. Its also a way to see your town or neighborhood up close and to view the positive things out there as well as to avoid any negative things. Also the parents when riding with children can teach them safe bicycling skills that should keep them safe. While I was talking to them we discussed some of the attractions Jackson had to offer like where one could go to see concerts and bands. Places that have closed and new venues that have opened. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Safe* and *Ride for Health*

Spring is in the air!

What a great day for a ride!

Looks like this family is enjoying the warm Good Friday weather we had today. It was Sunny and 50F.

Winter Pedalling

Betty Lou resting at a Stop Sign

I enjoy riding my mountain bike in the winter. I have to be more careful than during the other seasons due to the slippery snow and the ice that cant be seen underneath it. I don't recommend this activity for the faint of heart but those of you who like a little extra excitement may enjoy this. Also don't ride in unfamiliar terrain as many potholes could be lurking under that snow. Please ride slower than usual and brake farther away than you normally would. Plus don't use the front brake too much or very long. If you must, apply the front brake in small short bursts as to keep the front tire in motion as a sliding front tire will send you down. Also when you see those plow drifts across the road , if possible speed up a little and "glide" through them. going too slow will get you stuck in them and then you must "walk" your way out with your shoes. I have fallen 3 or 4 times a season. It is inevitable and will happen. I just shrug it off as part of my winter experience. Also dress appropriately and try to have wide knobby tires to help grab the snow and give you traction and stability on turns. This is Jimio saying *Ride for Fun* *Ride Extra Safe in Snow*

Short Trip

Entrance to the New North Trail at Exit to Old Jackson State Prison

Well I finally pedaled down the New North Bike Trail. It was wide and smooth. The only problem , it's only 1/4 mile long which means I have to ride it 20 times to get 5 miles in. I don't think I want to see the same things 20 times. :-] There is a sign put up by our local energy company that says "Please avoid contact with towers, poles, guy wires or other utility equipment you may encounter along the way. Report any downed lines, motorized vehicle use or other issues of concern to your local law enforcement authorities immediately. Thank You and enjoy the Trail" -- I didn't know I was suppose to do the work of the utility linesmen or the police department and wonder if I can get a nice reward for reporting all this stuff that could possibly happen within 1/4 mile that's just on the north edge of town. I would probably report any dangerous downed lines so as to protect our furry and feathers friends along the trail. My main concern is a longer trail :-] Well, hopefully they will add on to it in the years to come. This is Jimio saying: "Ride Safe" - "Ride for Fun" "Ride on the Trail as to not hit a Tower or Utility Pole"

Tools of the Trade

Jimio's assorted Bike Tools

I had a high school friend who was into bicycle racing and he helped me pick out the tools I needed to take my 74 Fuji Finest apart. Jeff had a 1974 Raleigh racing bicycle, silver blue, a real beauty. My Fuji was white so i had it painted blue-green. When I got my tools we took my bike apart and greased all the bearings. It was fun but I wish I had a camera then to show all the parts spread out all over his basement floor. Jeff won a few trophies and medals but I never got enough discipline to get into racing. It takes a huge amount of dedication and I was just happy enough putting around at 15 mph checking out the countryside as well as the urban lifeforms. I must admit that the pipe wrench in the photo is not a true bicycle tool, but it comes in handy for rusted bike posts and handlebar stems. -Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun* and *Ride Prepared*

Last Ride of the Year for Some

Old Bicycle at a Cider Mill

Even tho we may get a few more 60 degree days, the rain and wind that will bestow on us the foreshadow of winter is enough to make the most feeble hearted  persons hang up pedalling till spring. This bike seems to be used as a decoration but if need be, it is road-ready anytime. Now a few die-hard souls like moi will ride straight through winter over the drifts and ice and cruise right into spring. For me it's because I like to stay in shape and I must feed my craving for pics, pics and more pics! -Jimio saying *Ride Safe* and if you continue to the next season, *Ride with Proper Attire*

Long Distance Tourer passing through Town

Todd Zeller and Jude

As I was heading home from a medium 8 mile ride I noticed 2 cyclers walking their bikes. Todd Zeller was Citizen for the Year for Jackson County for his work on the Falling Water Trail  www.fallingwatertrail.org Todd also said their is a newer trail heading north just beyond Armory Court up past Monroe Street and I believe across I-94. I will pedal on it as soon as I can and try to get some groovy pics. Jude is touring to Maine and then across Canada to Alaska. He has quite a collection of license plates gathered from past rides and his bike is well equipped for the long haul. I wished him a safe journey and thanked Todd for all his great work over the years with the Falling Water Trail. This is Jimio saying *Ride Safe* *Ride for Fun* and *Ride for Health*