Riding the Riverwalk Redux

Anna and I failed in our attempt at riding the Riverwalk this past July. If we had known that the Downtown YMCA loans its members bicycles (pretty nice ones, too), we could have ridden at no cost to us for two hours without the bike rack woes. There was no problem getting two bikes at 4:30 on a week-day. I wonder if Saturdays would be as easy.

Laurie and I have wanted to rent bikes at Ride on Bikes since late summer. We'll do that sometime soon, but chose the freebies today. Vowing to leave work by 4 (almost made it), in order to have time to ride before dark (kinda creepy down there in the shadows), we finally got a bike ride in before the time change.

We selected two sleek,  gazillion speed bikes and set off through downtown towards the river. The Y employees looked just a little bit uncertain about our safety as we headed down 11th Street. They should not have worried about us returning on our own steam, but some navigational tips might have helped us out. Apparently, the last time that I ventured south on the Riverwalk, coaxing balky, sweaty children to follow my lead, the new Trade Center wing had not been built. The trail doubles as a service drive behind the building, confusing me (never takes much!). After a slight false start we did find our way onto the trail and pedaled to South Commons before heading back. I know, I know! Not very far! (I have ridden as far as Oakland Park before!) But now we know the ways of the Riverwalk and we'll be back.

Canada Geese were out flying in formation, and some snacked on whatever delicacy they waded past near the river bank. A lone duck floated by, but the real prize sighting this afternoon was the beautiful Great Blue Heron poised directly below us on the bank. He posed and then took off, skimming across the river and casting his perfect reflection on the water on this overcast autumn day. Lovely. DRAT! I had to use my Blackberry's inadequate camera...would have been a really nice picture with the Canon. This one will have to do (double click on it for a better view).

Laurie and I agreed that biking the Riverwalk was a nice end to a weird Monday at work. We'll be back. With a better camera. Now that we know what's what.