Thursday, December 6, 2007
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.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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).
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!
Friday, November 23, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
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...
- ... the temperature is 35 degrees (or below),
- ... it is raining,
- ...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.)
- ... 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
Saturday, November 17, 2007
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).
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Bringing our BUG to life
As a new BUG (bicycle user group) , we are faced with a few challenges.
First, we need to find riders who are interested in making cycling a regular part of their recreational and daily commuting lives. So, we have placed fliers in the public library headquarters off of Battlecreek Road. We are currently using the Jester's Creek Bike Trail as our "home-base" from which many of our rides will start. Our intention is to fully optimize existing cycling facilities, so that we can show that current funding is both appreciated and worthy of continued support. Our efforts to notify the community of our BUG has just begun!
Secondly, we need to get support from our government officials, who are responsible for financially supporting our county's transportation infrastructure. As our region faces growing concerns about gas prices and ecological crises, we are forced to find alternatives to using so many personal cars for individual needs. Cycling is a great, clean mode of transportation, as well as a terrific way to exercise. Cycling and Clayton are a winning combination. So, we need to write, email, and call our local representatives to let them know of our need for bicycle-friendly streets. In addition, we need to inform them of our plans to help in the effort to make Clayton County a wonderful place to work, play, and cycle.
Finally, we need to get support from the business community to make this effort complete. By partnering with local businesses, the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (through Safe Rides Clayton) will be able to show that our part of Metro Atlanta is united in the effort to make Clayton County a safe place for cyclists to ride. With more riders come the likelihood of an increase in revenues. Now, that would truly help to create a win-win-win situation for our area!
First, we need to find riders who are interested in making cycling a regular part of their recreational and daily commuting lives. So, we have placed fliers in the public library headquarters off of Battlecreek Road. We are currently using the Jester's Creek Bike Trail as our "home-base" from which many of our rides will start. Our intention is to fully optimize existing cycling facilities, so that we can show that current funding is both appreciated and worthy of continued support. Our efforts to notify the community of our BUG has just begun!
Secondly, we need to get support from our government officials, who are responsible for financially supporting our county's transportation infrastructure. As our region faces growing concerns about gas prices and ecological crises, we are forced to find alternatives to using so many personal cars for individual needs. Cycling is a great, clean mode of transportation, as well as a terrific way to exercise. Cycling and Clayton are a winning combination. So, we need to write, email, and call our local representatives to let them know of our need for bicycle-friendly streets. In addition, we need to inform them of our plans to help in the effort to make Clayton County a wonderful place to work, play, and cycle.
Finally, we need to get support from the business community to make this effort complete. By partnering with local businesses, the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (through Safe Rides Clayton) will be able to show that our part of Metro Atlanta is united in the effort to make Clayton County a safe place for cyclists to ride. With more riders come the likelihood of an increase in revenues. Now, that would truly help to create a win-win-win situation for our area!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Help Create a B.U.G.!
Now, think long and hard. When was the last time you saw an individual or a family riding along the peaceful roadways of Clayton County? If you say once every blue moon, you just may be close. That's the reason we hope to establish a bicycle user group or a BUG! Having trekked trails in DeKalb, Atlanta, and Rockdale Counties, I know that Clayton County has a long way to go in order to make our roads safe for cyclists and to make our community "green" with bicycle commuting. Our BUG plans on starting small and will expand as the effort to keep Clayton County GREEN grows stronger. If you are interested, post to this blog or email me at saferidesclayton@gmail.com. Together we can make Clayton a bicycle-friendly county.
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