Des Moines and Central Iowa have well over 300 miles of trails available for use on beautiful days like today. This morning I went for a run on the Bill Riley Trail, from Grand south into Waterworks, and was really overwhelmed at the fall colors back in that area. I had not run on that trail before so I had no idea how far back it went or what to expect. Unfortunately for me, most of the trees had already changed and dropped their leaves, but I was still able to see some of what I missed. I am certain there is a trail near your house that you could get out and try before these great fall days turn to terrible winter ones. It is a great time of year to really enjoy the changing climate, especially if you start in the morning and get to experience the daily warming. As a Triathlete, I have used most of the longer trails during my rides or runs, mainly the Raccoon River Valley Trail that runs along Hickman road out to Adel and eventually up to Jefferson. 

One thing is for certain, I wish vehicles would share the road with bikers, especially Triathletes or Road Bikers who keep their pace faster than most. Unfortunately, there are stories each year of deaths attributed to vehicles hitting bikers. Why the animosity towards bikers? 

I try to stick to the trails because I don't trust vehicles, especially ones going 50 miles per hour and above, it is just too dangerous to be on the same road with them. I realize most of the animosity is expressed in the form of a finger our a yell, but some people swerve towards bikers and try to run them off the road. I just don't get it. Is it because we are out enjoying the weather and you are stuck in a car/truck?

The thing is, the trails that run through town also have to go by intersections with people driving vehicles, so there is really no true way to get around it. Luckily, on the trails in town, all we have to worry about is vehicles turning right or left and stopping directly in front of our path without looking, which happens in 9 out of 10 vehicles per ride.

Anyway, I got off on a tangent there. Get out and enjoy the trials while you still have time this year. They are definitely not boring. Oh, and driver, share the road with your fell biker!