I was pondering a bike ride Sunday afternoon. I had other stuff to do though, so I had a suspicious feeling I was going to bail. Then, quickly checking Facebook, I noticed a friend was looking for someone to ride with. It was meant to be! I immediately replied and within 20 minutes we were on our bikes behind the Art Center in Des Moines getting on the Bill Riley trail. I ride this pretty often, but my friend never had. It ties into Water Works Park and with the changing leaf colors, it was beautiful.
The rustling of the leaves, the hum of other bikes, the distant sound of laughter and ball games, and a vibrant conversation with my riding buddy. It really made me thankful to be alive, have a roof over my head, and have people who care about me. I don't know how a simple bike ride can make me feel so alive, but it did.
We rode for about 1.5 hours weaving around trees, parks, and ponds. We also took a part of the trail I've never been on before. After a while we were concerned we didn't know where we were and how to get back. Luckily, the trail was a big loop. Des Moines really does have a great trail system. No excuses, take advantage of this weather, get out there!