Day 327: The Thanksgiving Day ride on Lexington’s Legacy Trail

Never go on a bike ride in the rain with a photographer. Thanksgiving Day morning, Carrick and I rode part of Lexington’s Legacy Trail. We knew rain was in the forecast, but we figured it would be just a cloudy ride with the rain holding off until later in the day. We were wrong. By the time we got the bikes off the car, the rain started. We decided to do the ride anyway. Because of the rain, I tried to just ride — to not bother with taking photos. But I couldn’t do it. Barns, geese, ducks, horse farms — all asking to be photographed. Of  course many of the shots didn’t turn out well due to the rain, but at least I got a few.

We were the only ones in the parking lot.

A small church we passed as we pulled into the parking lot.

Barely a mile into the ride and we were already soaked.

The beginning of the trail.

I had waterproof bags in my jersey for our phones and my camera in case the rain got worse. Did I mention the rain got worse? Yep. Within the first mile into the ride it dumped on us. And with 16 mph winds, it made for a tough ride. But once we were wet and soggy we figured it was pointless to give up that early into the ride. A couple miles later we were soaked and my shoes were full of water. My cycling jacket was waterproof (and windproof) so at least my upper body was dry and relatively warm. But once my feet get cold the rest of me does too.

I decided to turn back, but Carrick did an extra couple miles while I waited inside a tunnel (seemed like a good place to stop). As I took a few photos in the tunnel, a police officer drove slowly toward me. I expected it would be another instance of being asked what (or why) I was photographing. The officer didn’t ask about that, but it turned out to be a pretty brief conversation:

Cop: “Have you heard any gunshots?”
Me: “Gunshots. Seriously?” (I know – dumb question. But I thought maybe she was pulling my leg since I was dumb enough to be out on a bike in a heavy rainstorm.)
Cop: “We had a report of gunshots so I’m checking it out.”
Me: “I’ve not heard anything, but it’s so windy I probably wouldn’t have heard it anyway.”
Cop: “Ok. Well, enjoy your ride.”
And she was off. We were in town, near many of the horse farms so it’s not like we were riding a remote backwoods trail out in the boonies. Still, it was slightly unnerving to wonder if we might be an accidental target for a nearsighted hunter.

The tunnel where I waited for Carrick. I considered asking the cop if I could take her photo, but she didn't seem to be in cheery mood.

One of several barns we passed.

Kentucky farmland.

Geese crossing the path.

A few minutes later Carrick and I headed back to the car before someone decided to shoot at the two turkeys on bikes. So despite the rain, despite the wind, despite the report of gunshots in the area, we still had a fun ride. The Legacy Trail was a great place to ride. Smooth pavement, no potholes, very little debris on the trail (even with the rainstorm) and pretty scenery. We’re already planning to go back to ride the entire trail (but in better weather). Thank you, Carrick for always being ready for an adventure.

Wet, but we survived.

Today’s food journal:

Lunch:
– Organic whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter = 3 points
– LF chocolate milk = 3 points

Dinner:
– Turkey sub sandwich = 9 points
– Baked Lays chips = 1.5 points
– Iced tea = 0 points

Snack:
– Skinny Cow ice cream = 2 points

Life’s a journey. Enjoy the ride!

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