Spring Time on the Bike Trail

The Dardenne Greenway is beautifully situated in the neighborhoods of St. Peters and Cottleville. It is a gem of a trail system that is enjoyed by many of the residents of these communities. For the past number of years, my friends and I have enjoyed weekly outings on this trail system. 

The paved greenway is meticulously maintained and the signage makes it easy to navigate and get around. Our rides regularly take us through Rabbit Run Park, Woodlands Sport Park, and Legacy Park. Each park has a variety of recreational activities for every member of the family. (Click on the link to each park to see what they offer.)

This season, we have enjoyed an abundance of wildlife along the trail. It is not unusual to see deer, turkey, water fowl, turtles and many other backyard critters. Because most of the wildlife is accustomed to the human population and traffic on the trail, it is easy to get an up-close look at the neighboring wildlife. It is rare to be on this trail and not spot something worth seeing. 

Ducks and geese abound in the creek system and little lakes that are along the trail. We have often seen heron in the wetlands that comprise the bottom land along the greenway.

 Hawks are a familiar sight, as you ride near Mexico Road. These birds must have a nest nearby, because they regularly hang out just above the bridge on Mexico Road that crosses over the creek.

This past week, we have enjoyed watching "Tom" and his hens. We've been able to observe this courtship several days running, just south of Woodlands Sport Park. You can check out a video clip 🦃 HERE.

 Turtles abound in the creek adjacent to Rabbit Run Park. Like most of us, they have been enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Kids along the trail seem to especially enjoy these greenway residents.

 A good number of deer make this greenway their home. We have seen as many as 11 deer on one ride. On some days, they can be a little elusive, but they are usually pretty easy to spot if you proceed quietly along the trail.

As you can see, there's all kinds of "wildlife" along the Dardenne Greenway. If you need to get out and do some social distancing, this would be a great place to do it. 

Remember, wear a mask, give your neighbors on the trail plenty of distance and appreciate the beauty of God's creation!

📖

 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Psalms 103:1 (ESV)

Best little bike I've owned.

2009 Giant Halfway

I own many bikes, but one of the best is the bike that I purchased in January of 2010. I was in the Bike Center on Manchester for service on my recumbent bike and browsed the store inventory while i waited. I spotted this little Giant Halfway folding bike. At that time, I did not own a folding bike (I have since owned three). I asked to ride it. I appreciated the compactness and simplicity of this little bike. The owner, Jim, gave me a great deal on the bike and I purchased it. I really bought it more as a novelty, since I did not have anything quite like it. Little did I know, that it would become one of the bikes that I would ride the most. Last week, I turned 6,000 miles on the Halfway. Last year alone, I put 1,900 miles on it. 

Halfway folded in car

On the beach!

It is one of my favorite commuting bikes; it is almost always in the back of my car. I have ridden it hundreds of miles in Florida and have put miles on it in every state between Missouri and Florida. I think I appreciate the bike the most in urban settings. I enjoy riding it in the Shaw area, Tower Grove Park and Forest Park. Being able to fold it away in your vehicle when you are done riding, is a real plus. 

In addition to being fun to ride, it has been one of the most maintenance-free bicycles I have ever owned. If you ever thought you were in the market for a folding bike for around town or around campus, I think you would enjoy the Giant Halfway folding bike. Jim and his staff at the Bike Center would be happy to show you the bike and give you a test ride.You can read a review of this great little bike HERE.