Wabash Trace End to End to End

Rod and I hit the trail a little after 6:30 a.m. Saturday and returned 15 hours later. In between, we rode about 130 miles on the Trace end to end and back. Great weather though we ran into a rain storm just the other side of Silver City to about Dumfries. Unfortunately, we left tracks all the way to the trailhead. Otherwise, the Trace was in great shape the entire length, just the occassional new growth hanging down to duck under. About 8 hours to the MO line, 5.5 hours ride time. Saw a snake, raccoon, deer, fawn, skunk, squirrel, many rabbits and butterflies. Rode past 10 or so bikes all day. Good food at C&M's in Malvern and the Depot Restaurant in Shenandoah.

Forgot my helmet so Rod rode without his in solidarity. Figured we would be back before dark. Wrong. Several stretches of trail at the end were like being in a black tunnel with a dim light to aim for. Thoughts of Skinny D were in my head, but I only had fatigue, sunscreen running in my eyes from the rain, and slithery sections of wet, crushed stone affecting my ability to ride upright.

People were nice along the way. I think this will become an annual fat tire ride.