July 6th 2008, Family Ride

Tonight was a special night of riding on the Sioux Falls Bike Trail because we were joined by our son Chase, home on leave from the Air Force, his wife Margo and our two year old grandson Landen. I was a wonderful summer night. Moderate temps, light breeze and not to much traffic. We parked at Falls Park and headed by south and road to Paisley Park before turning around and heading back. Chase had Landen in his bike cart and he had no trouble sleeping his way through most of the trip. When we got back to the falls we took in the summer Laser and light shoe before heading home. What a nice way to spend a summer night.

Fourth Of July Week, 2008

Well after some time away from the computer I have finally found time to update everyone as to what we have been up to. It has been a fun 10 days. Some good, some bad. It all started out rather badly when we headed up to Big Stone Lake on Friday, June 25th for a weekend of peddling and paddling. We drove most of the way up in light rain, but by the time we got there it had stopped. We set up camp and did manage top have enough time for a quick outing in the kayaks. The rest of the weekend was a disaster. Wind and rain were the order of the day. We spend most of the weekend watching movies. Oh well we do live in South Dakota. Then it was back to work for two days before we headed up to Oakwood State Park on Tuesday night . This was a much better trip. We got camp all set up Tuesday night and we were ready to head out early Wednesday morning for a ride to Kay's parents for breakfast. A nice 40 mile ride, unless 20 of it is against the wind. Oh well no pain not gain. When we got back we headed out so we could put on a few more miles to make it an even 50 for the morning. The rest of the day we hung out and visited. On Thursday, July 5th , Kay and I loaded up the kayaks and drove up to the north end of Oakwood Lake where we put the boats in. We headed South /Southwest looking for a channel that would takes us into the small lakes around the rode. Although we never found that entrance we did discover a wonderful island. The island was a breeding ground for Herons and other birds that call the lakes and marshes their home. It was amazing. Birds and nests full of baby birds everywhere. It was something to behold. It was a alive with the sounds of birds chattering and their wings flapping. The babies were all reaching the necks high hoping for some food. It was something I will remember fora long time. It was a nice day to paddle. Light breezes, warm sun and no one else in sight. How much more peaceful can it get. The afternoon was filled with hanging with our kids and grandson. Saturday morning Kay and I decided to head up towards Lake Poinsett. We did not realize how windy it was until we got out of the protection of the park, The winds were probably 25-35 gusting to 40. The ride north was not bad, we were cruising at about 26-27 wind at our backs. When we made the turn however to head back to our camp things changed dramatically. I don't believe I have ever ridden into a wind that at least twice threatened to bring me to a complete stop. I knew we were in trouble when the hawk flying right beside me was not going anywhere either. But with a bit if perseverance we made it. Longest 30 miles I have ever ridden. You know what they say. It's all about the exercise. Well we got plenty on this given morning. When we got back we ate abit and rested before taking the kayaks and heading for water. We wanted to give the lake a shot even in the huge waves and the wind to battle. We went back up to the north end of the lake and put in. Over the course of the stay Rory, Chase, Brett and even Landen tried their hands at paddling. everyone did a great job. Chase and I paddled the north shore just west of the swimming area, Rory and I went to bird island and Brett went out with Kay for his first try. Landen well he pretty much was happy just sitting in the boat. Here are some pics of them on their first trys at paddling. They did a great job.

Chase Landen Rory

All in all it was a great week. We had the boys home, Margo and Landen were here and we most of Kay's family home too. And of course what would the Forth of July be without some fireworks. I ried my ahnd a taking some pics of fireworks and the results were not what I expected, but the did turn out kind of funky. Not sure why or how, but this is asample of what I got. Si I hope you all had a great Forth Of July also. It is one of the best holidays of the year. And this year it was even better. It was not 100 degress with 90% humidity. It was a great time to peddle and paddle around part of South Dakota. I am sure we will do alot more kayaking at Oakwood and the surrounding lakes. There is alot more to explore. I think I could spend a week there just exploring every little outlet, cove and marsh. I would recommend it to anyone.

June 26,2008 Update.

I have heard from a couple of you out there that we have not added any updates for a while. Well it is not because we have not been out there peddling and paddling, but rather nothing out of the ordinary. This weekend we will heading out to some heavy riding and kayaking so hopefully on Monday we will have something to share.This weekend we will be heading up north to the Big Stone area where I have not been since I went to Camp Teppetonka at around age 10. So until Monday have a great weekend. By the way picture is not me. Do you recognize this Specialized bike fan?

Let me know. Just click on comment below.

June 17, 2008 Relaxing Ride

It is not often that we take what I call a relaxing ride. One where we are not pushing ourselves to achieve new goals, fast speeds, better speed averages etc. Tonight we decided to take a nice comfortable pace and enjoy the great night. Nancy joined us at Sertoma Park and we road to the north doing a clockwise ride of the bike trail. Smooth, relaxing and a wonderful way to end the day. I was happy to see that the city has begun filling cracks in the trail with tar. They have done from the bridge at the north end of Elmwood Golf Course to the water control station alone Highway 38. When we got to Falls Park we got off the bike trail and rode up through the park so we could get out on Main and head for Brick House BBQ. We made a pit stop there and then head out. We arrived back at Sertoma Park without incident. We were however met by a group of Knights with swords, axes and full armor. No we had not peddle our way back in time. We had run across a group who obviously enjoy the medieval time period. To each their own. Never know what you might encounter on a nice relaxing ride.

June 16, 2008 Beaver Lake, SD

well another Monday of work behind us Kay and I decided to try out Beaver Lake. Beaver Lake for those of you who are not familiar with it is just south of Humbolt,SD. Its a fairly good sized lake and there was just enough breeze to bring a few waves lapping over our bows as we took off from the dock and headed east. It was quiet and we were the only ones on the lake or anywhere to be seen for that matter. The water was really murky and there was a fair amount of algae. We paddle east for a fair distance before turning north across the lake. There was not sign of any wildlife to speak of. A couple ducks and one lone pelican was about it. It was a nice relaxing paddle. The warm sun was great. Once on the north side we followed the shoreline to the west . It was interesting how the smallest of land mass in the right place would turn the lake into a very smooth and tranquil place. Small oasis of calm. I wanted to head over and explore the island, but we decided to save that for another time. As we approached the dock I could see we were no longer the only ones enjoying the evening. Two young men were fishing of the dock. As I slide my boat up to the dock one nice young man asked if he could be of any assistance. I assured him I was fine, but thanked him for asking. Hard to find strangers that willing to help anymore. Well we loaded up the boats and head home. It is so nice to have time to relax and there is no better way than paddling through the water. Oh by the way didn't post Saturday , but we did get our normal 20 miles in on our bikes. Thanks to Daryl for joining us.

June9, 2008 Anyone interested?

Just wondering if anyone would be interested in starting a group to get together once a week for a group bike ride. I am thinking we could ride the bike trail or just pick out a destination to head to. I think it would be fun. Also if your interested when would be a good time for you? On a weeknight after work, on Saturday morning or some other time? Let me know if your interested and what your thinking. This would be for a fun ride, not a race.

Ride Your Bike To Work Day May 16, 2008

It was a great morning for riding to work. Cool, no wind and not alot of traffic, well at least till I got into SIoux Falls. I left home at 6:30Am thinking it would take me longer than it did to get to Starbucks on 41st Street, where I stopped for some morning coffee. The ride in to Starbucks only took 31 minutes (10.2 miles) so I had a bit of extra time to sit out on their padio and watch the cars go by and enjoy the morning. It was only another 2.5 miles to the office and it included the fun ride down Kiwanis hill by the zoo. Now that I now that it only takes about 45 minute to ride I just might do it more often.

Garrestson Bike Ride May 4, 2008

It was about 10:30Am when we arrived in Brandon, SD our starting point for our days ride to the Palisades State Park. Not a bad day with temps around 60 degress and fairly light winds out of the NE. Our goal for the day was to ride what is called the Three Waters Tour. We parked at the scenic overlook tower on the south side of Brandon and headed east on county road 264. We went to till we hit 484th and then turned and headed north. The next 11 miles was a good work out. Rolling hills and a good bit of breeze made you earn your way. When we hit highway 11 we turned right and head east to 255th Street and then on to the entrence of Palisades State Park. Pretty quite with a handfull of fisherman, one man taking photos and a coupleof guys driving through with their kayaks. Won't be long and the place will be hopping. When we left we headed into Garretson so we could get a small snack and I cold check the air in my back time. After our little break it was back on the road and heading west on highway 11. Highway 11 is a nice road to ride. Although it has pretty heavy traffic it also has nice wide shoulders. So it was west 5 or 6 miles, then south into Corson and acroos the bridge to Brandon. All in all it was a good ride, about 30 miles. It once agina proved to us that there aren't to many flat roads and the wind always blows in South Dakota.

Peddle & Paddle South Dakota

Welcome to our brand new blog where we hope to share our adventures on the rivers and lakes of South Dakota as well as the bike trails and roads. I suppose the first thing to do would be to introduce myself and my wife Kay.
Born and raised in South Dakota the two of us still love it here and have no real desire to leave this area although as we get older we do dislike the winters more and more. My name is Ed and I was born in Sioux Falls, went to school here and my wife and I raised our family here. My wife Kay was born in Lake Preston, South Dakota and graduated from Augustana College. Our kids are all raised and now that we are empty nesters and we have turned our time to exploring South Dakota by bike and by kayak, thus the "Peddle & Paddle" title of this blog. Since this is really new please be patient as I finish putting our first pictures etc. on here.