8.48 Mile Bike Ride Keystone Trail North

Our previous bicycle ride (on the South Keystone Trail) was pretty nice, today we tried Keystone Trail North, parking our car at the Hillside Little League Park, near 82nd and Western…

Keystone Trail North Hillside Little League

Keystone Trail North Near Hillside Little League Ball Park

Although we did start out by heading north from Hillside Little League Park, I took this picture looking south, and is fairly typical of scenery in this section, and shows one of several street underpasses the trail uses. Much better than trying to cross the busy streets.

Heading north, we were pleased to discover a bench every now and then along the trail, something lacking on many of the Omaha area trails. I should add that there is actually a drinking fountain along the Keystone Trail in this area!

The trail does pass by some industrial places, but it is easy riding in this area. The trail is a little narrower than we had been used to, but that was not a problem when meeting other trail traffic, even with Vicky’s three wheeler, which is about 29 inches wide.

Mostly the trail was pretty level, except for the underpasses. In some places the overhanging tree branches caused me to duck, though I really don’t think I would have been hit by them if I hadn’t ducked.

Keystone Trail North Storm Damage

Keystone Trail Storm Damage

Four days ago Omaha had intense winds, with lots of trees downed, and we were unsure what to expect on this day’s ride. This was the only barrier we came across, not too far (I think) from the north end of the trail.

We could have gotten our bikes through easily enough, but decided to turn around and head back to Esther Pilster Park for a break.

Keystone Trail Ester Pilster Park

Keystone Trail Ester Pilster Park

This section of the trail was our favorite, and the park had a couple picnic tables and a playground area for kids. Nice little park, though I didn’t see a bathroom.

We didn’t touch our drinks yet, but by the time we were in the area of where we had the car parked it was time for a can of pop.

Keystone Trail Nebraska Furniture Mart Vicky

Keystone Trail Nebraska Furniture Mart Vicky

Continuing south, we passed by a McDonald’s, and were really tempted to stop and get an order of French Fries, but resisted that urge and made it as far as the parking lot of Nebraska Furniture Mart, where we parked a while, then turned around and headed back to our car.

By the time we got our bikes loaded on the bike rack, it was starting to get a little bit hot, though the weather was nice except for that. Today’s bicycle ride covered 8.48 miles, which seems to be just about right for us.

Length of this bike ride: 8.48 Miles

Total miles biked together in 2008: 64.28 Miles

Date of this ride: July 1, 2008

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