A great day for a bike ride

With temperatures in the upper 70s and unseasonably low humidity, Tom and I ditched Saturday’s running plans for the chance to enjoy a long bike ride on Eastern Jackson County’s Little Blue Trail. In the end, it didn’t disappoint — though there were a few bumps along the way.

I was excited about the ride, too. Little did I know…

Tom was all grins as we hit the Little Blue Trail Saturday afternoon.

We headed south around 3 p.m. from the trail’s Ripley Junction Shelter parking lot. The idyllic weather drew a slew of runners and cyclists, and the trail was buzzing with fellow fitness freaks.

We rode eight miles out and eight miles back for a total of 16 miles. The final eight were tough for 10-year-old Tom.

Tom enjoyed the first eight miles of our ride.

The first eight miles were fun for me, too.

He was certain the ride was uphill both ways. And he couldn’t understand why there was so much afternoon sunshine — more than usual, he was certain.

As we relayed the trail adventure to Kate several hours after returning home, Tom looked back on his moaning and groaning with a grin and chuckle. But he was a real bear those last few miles.

During our final few miles, Tom just wanted to get home.

And wasn’t eager to talk to Dad.

All in all, though, it was a great day on the trail. Tom’s already talking about our next ride, on which he wants to set a new record and log at least 17 miles.

Kate and Tom’s half marathon training plan calls for a five-mile LSD today, which we hope to squeeze in after church. I’m looking forward to another nice day on the road.

He’d eventually remember, however, that I was his ride home.

Where are you running, walking and cycling? What races are you preparing for? Let us know by clicking the “comment” button below and replying to this post.

Happy running!

Kansas City Runner