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!
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).
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).
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