Leader: Ron Altemus
Members: Donaro Gardner, Jackie & Randy Schoch, Mark Garrison, Gene Villiva, Pat Colvin and her eBike, Susan Altemus
Route: the Friday Fav - Indian Head Rail Trail from Livingston Road Parking lot to White Plains trailhead. After a rest stop, return to the start.
Weather: mostly cloudy, temp range upper 60s to low 70s, marginal air movement - direction undetermined, comfortable humidity
AMS: swept at 11.4 so faster for everyone else
Mechanicals/Mishaps: none
Report: nice to have Pat Colvin riding with the club again and joining us for a Friday IHRT excursion. Lots of other trails users, including the mom stroller brigade between Middletown and White Plains. Wildlife sightings were few and far between - common egret (or white heron, depending on your ornithological preferences) and a large turkey crossing the trail. Numerous other birds heard but not seen.
The Labor Day picnic rides included the IHRT in its entirety. Today, only four plus days later, there seemed to be an explosion of fall wildflowers. Between Bensville and White Plains, there was an abundance of tickseed sunflower, as pictured below. Lots of butterflies were present feeding on the nectar of these flowers.
After Pomfret, goldenrod became the predominant yellow wildflower, interspersed with white flowers (to be identified) and Joe Pye Weed. The colors of fall will change quickly as the days shorten and temperatures cool. Riding the IHRT always has new perspectives throughout the year.
Next Friday, September 13, St James Episcopal Church will have a fish fry, 11 am - 6 pm. After the IHRT ride, a number of us are planning to have lunch at the church. $13 per person includes fish, potato salad, cole slaw, drink and one of Tom's famous cookies! A great reason to join us for the ride and lunch afterwards.
