Happy Belated New Year!

Isn't it funny how a short rest can turn into a sabbatical (smile). Nevertheless, I'm back for rides in 2008. Much has happened between the end of 2007 and the King Holiday 2008. My biking from the Jester's Creek Trail head has been limited, due to the drop in temperature; however, the good news is that with the passing of each day, we are getting closer and closer to SPRING!

Turning to a more serious note, as the rides leader for Clayton County and a woman, I wish to stress safety while traveling on our bike trail. With the murders of Jennifer Wilbanks (while biking on the Silver Comet Trail) and Meredith Emerson (abducted & murdered while hiking on Blood Mountain,Ga.), bikers/walkers can never be too careful.

If you are traveling Jester's Creek Trail head alone, I would suggest the following safety precautions:
1) Bike with a partner. I am available with appropriate notice and identification.

2) Bike at inconsistent times before dusk. (This will make it difficult for others to track your routine.) If you MUST bike alone do so when the library is open and let someone at the desk know that you are on the trail. (Remember to check out when you return.) Your check in could involve the simple act of leaving your library card and retrieve it when you get off the trail head.

3) Make sure that you have a charged cell phone and that it is easy to reach/use. You may wish to preprogram "911" into your phone and take safety precautions OFF before beginning your ride.

4) Be mindful of your surroundings. If you must wear headphone, keep the volume down, so that you can hear noises in your immediate area.

5) Be cautious of strangers. Unfortunately, unless they are personal friends, EVERYONE is a stranger. (I have been known to record the license plates of the cars in the parking lot, on my cell phone, and send it to a friend...just in case.)

On one of my last treks of 2007, I was approached by a man who asked to use my cell phone. As I rode past, I quickly acknowledged that I didn't have one. (That was a lie!) That day, I had chosen to bike alone, so I was extremely nervous about the return trip to the library. I made it safely back to my car and vowed NEVER to ride alone again. Fortunately for me, I had a second chance.

If you notice any suspicious activity while on the bike trail, do not hesitate to call 911 to inform the Clayton County Police Department. Our wonderful police officers are EXTREMELY understanding! Most phones are equipped with GPS devices, in the worst case scenario. In the Meredith Emerson case, there was someone who stated that he had a "funny feeling about the guy he saw in the woods". What if he had called the police at that time and told him about his uneasiness? Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.

A Short Rest

My time as rides leader will be temporarily interrupted this weekend. Last night, I was involved in an auto accident which has left me a little sore. I am expecting our rides to resume the weekend of December 14-15, 2007 (doctor and weather permitting). In the meantime, please be safe in your travels around our beautiful county.

Rain at Jester's Creek Trail...Finally

We know that cyclists around the Atlanta Metro area are disappointed that they aren't able to ride today; however, we are thrilled that it is finally raining! As I think about all of the animals and plants that will benefit from this much needed watering, not being able to ride pales in comparison. I wonder how much water will pass through our watershed on its way to a local river. The rainfall is a welcomed change and will help to make the landscape even more beautiful.

When the rain ends and we return to our bike riding, perhaps we will work to extend our ride to Forest Park. Jett, a friendly biker, created this map that connects our Jester's Creek Trail to Starr Park (off of Forest Parkway).

Thanks Jett!

Ducks and Hawks and Squirrels...oh my!

Since we have participated in these rides at Jester's Creek Bike Trail, I have becoming increasingly aware of my surroundings while cycling. It has dawned on my that even though this is a bike/walking path, Jester's Creek Trail is an extremely beautiful watershed.

As I pass over the creek, at a slow 8-10 m.p.h., I have stopped to gaze at the most intriguing wildlife. We have spotted a pair of mallards with their beautiful deep-green coloring and a hawk that was just as interested in watching us as we were with watching it. Just Monday (I try to ride when I'm not working.) I thought I saw smoke (but didn't see or smell anything)! I was anxious to disprove this notion, so our return trip was a little slower. What I thought was smoke was actually a light-colored outcropping of what appeared to be a sandy cliff. I could see it between the trees, as we watched a squirrel scamper its cliff-like incline. WOW!

That scene reminded me of my first solo trip on this trail. On that trip, I encountered a couple emerging from the woods who told me about a waterfall that used to be near this area (Apparently they used to visit it when they were high school students.) Seeing the cliff and remembering that tale, I am curious about what lies beyond the path. But, for now, I choose to stay with the man-made path that safely guides me through this habitat. I do not wish to disturb the creatures or the features that call this place home!

About Our Rides

During these winter months, our rides will be at the mercy of the elements. Rides are scheduled for NOON on Saturdays and Sundays. PLEASE contact me to let me know of your participation, by responding on this website or emailing me. We will wait for late arrivals, upon notification.

Our rides will be CANCELED, if...

1. ... the temperature is 35 degrees (or below),
2. ... it is raining,
3. ...the ride leader will be unavailable and no other leader has volunteered. (However, the ride leader will usually make an adjustment to an earlier or later time, rather than cancel rides.)
4. ... the trail head is closed for scheduled repairs.

Please read our blogs and email me, if you wish to join our scheduled rides or if you have unanswered questions.

Wishing you many happy rides this winter season.

SRC Ride Leader

A Wonderful Weekend to Ride

It has been a little while since my last blog (please excuse my absence); however, we have been riding the Jester's Creek Trail every weekend since our blog began. Today was beautiful and the ride was exhilarating! This trail is generally visited by walkers. On my trips, I greet as many as ten people per trip. This may sound like a low number, but that is a giant step for our little bike trail. I seldom have time to stop and chat; however, today I did just that. The walker with whom I spoke stated that she didn't know about this path until she passed by it, while driving. So the first thought in my mind was...

What can we do to make our trail head more visible to users?

It is in the plans to contact the Director of the Parks and Recreation to determine the kind of support this county-supported department can offer. Another possible answer would be to adopt the entrance to Jester's Creek Trail and the section of Mt. Zion ROAD where the trail ends. We could make sure that this area was presentable at all times, so as to invite visitors to explore our wonderful path. Who knows, walkers could easily become cyclists!

PLEASE feel free to comment on this topic (and any other one that interests you).

Weekend Rides

What better way to spend part of your weekend than to join us on an invigorating bike ride? We will leave on our ride no later than 10:05 with an expected return time of 10:45. As with any ride, several items are needed to make your trip as comfortable as possible. In addition to your bike (smile) and helmet, you may wish to bring: bottled water, a towel and a charged cell phone. Usually, I travel with a backpack to comfortably carry my supplies.

Jester's Creek Trail would be considered an easy to moderate one. This serene trail will take us along a tree-lined path that is 90% covered. Its winding curves, paved roads, and wooden bridges will carry us over Jester's creek itself, as we make our way from Battle Creek Rd. to Mount Zion.

Thank you to Rebecca Serna, Executive Director of Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, for supporting our efforts to make Clayton County (our special part of Metro Atlanta) a premiere biking community! These "first rides" are times that will be fondly remembered when our little group grows into something truly inspiring. Come join us as we ride our way into better health for ourselves and for our community!