deep sand

i wanted to run a different route the other day, but wasn't sure if i had enough time since i didn't know how many miles it was. today i talked my eldest into riding the route with me so i'd know the distance for the next time i'm ready to run it. i didn't tell her i could route in on google maps. it's more fun to ride that click.

we took off and rode by the botkin grain elevators and a short distance on the highway before shooting off on dirt roads. we took 10th avenue west to blackstone and then took blackstone north. the wind was pretty strong out of the north and i had forgotten how sandy this stretch of blackstone is. we both had to shift down and spin like crazy to stay upright.

we crossed the highway and made our way up to 20th avenue where we turned east and got a break from the in-your-face headwind. i remember now that i rode 20th avenue once before and i believe i might have said, "never again," back then. we only rode one mile on this cow path, but it was crazy! the sand was DEEP in places and i nearly toppled once or twice. i was smiling the whole time! nothing like near death experiences to get the adrenaline going!

we survived 20th and turned south on argonia road. with the wind at our backs, we got up to 13.5mph! woohoo! we rode on into town where argonia road turns into main street. we took main to vine and then took a left hand turn to ride east three blocks to home.

i think my daughter had fun! i know i did and i know when i decide to run it that this route is about five miles long. (5.15 miles @ 9.2mph)