I wished all bike paths were like the Banks-Veronia State trail
Here's what they do right:
--Parking-10 out of 10- Attached to the trail. Easy to find. Well marked. Ample spots.
--Bike Hubs Throughout the trail- Each bike hub has an air station & a status map.
The status map shows mile-by-mile progress, elevation gains & restroom location.
--Perfectly paved. Well marked. Clean bathrooms.
--Super shady. Great breeze. Quiet.
It was the most peaceful ride I've ever done.
The scenery was gorgeous.
If there weren't canopy trees dancing above my head, there were sprawling nature scenes or water views.
I was in awe of the beauty and silence to which I was surrounded.
At one point, I saw a creature jump out of the woods.
I didn't have my glasses on and remember seeing a wildlife warning sign at the beginning of the trail so I was afraid.
I wasn't sure if it was a mountain lion, a deer, or a coyote.
I slowly moved a little closer and froze. The animal froze, faced me, and stared right at me. It was a deer. (thank God)
I waited. I wasn't sure why I was suddenly in a heated staring contest with a deer. I assumed if I stayed as still as possible, that would be best.
Moments later a rustle in the trees produced a baby deer that was unsteadily walking towards the deer mom. My staring contest partner was simply protecting her little fawn from the unknown risks of the path. (aka-me)
It was precious. It was silent. I felt lucky to see it.
I continued on the ride and met up with Aunt Dena.
It was quite a ride with a gradual 5-mile hill and 45 miles in total.
I felt like a badass for completing it. The fact that it was so "Beautiful" made it even better.
After the ride, we took our sweaty selves to the International Rose Garden.
The rose garden was a spectacle of nature at its finest. It was bright and diverse. Bugs were buzzing about in the hot-as-hell gardens.
After a 45-mile bike ride and a 45-minute rose garden wander, we went home to cool off and have lunch. We had to save our energy for a big night at the local high school. YES. On a Friday night, we went to a local high school auditorium to see a play.
Aunt Dena and I both love Carole King.
Beautiful, The Carole King Musical was playing.
The play was a production by Broadway Rose and it was spectacular.
This was the only night we went to bed when it was dark but it was worth every hour of sleep missed.
We've only got a couple of days left on this epic adventure and I am so happy to have invested the time to do this for myself and with Aunt Dena. Next up on the adventure: A new ride, a Farmer's Market, and Rooftop Yoga and Poetry Reading!
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