Hillsdale Snow

Took a ride to the now-familiar trails on the northwest side of Hillsdale Lake, hoping to get a bit more snow riding in. The snows was about the same depth as I rode in at Lone Elm Park, but the pedaling was a lot tougher due to the fact that these trails had seem more traffic, both animals and people (ironic, since these trails are far more remote than the ones at Lone Elm Park).

There’s also more up-and-down to these trails, far closer to singletrack than the gravel trail at Lone Elm.

All told, I got in about 30 miles, most of it gravel. It was sunny and about 28°F when I left the house, but as the afternoon wore on the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. It was a rather cold ride back home.

Some pics from the ride:

On the edge of iced-over Hillsdale Lake.
Someone's been out on the ice doing some fishing, so it must be safe. But I stepped onto the ice and heard a big creak, so I went no further. Chicken.
The snowed-in trails at Hillsdale Lake were a little tougher than I expected, but I was able to ride most of it.
This road's been closed for so long that the sign is barely legible.
Antioch Schoolhouse has been closed for about 50 years. It's privately owned now, and sort of maintained, though the monkey bars and swingset don't get much use any more.
Derelict Barn
I love this huge old Cottonwood tree overshadowing an abandoned shack.
A red barn in a pasture near 199th and Homestead Lane.
This stone house may not be around much longer. It's the last structure standing on the grounds of the soon-to-be-built BNSF Intermodal Facility near Edgerton.
Mr. Cardinal and Mr. Raccoon say "What you doing out riding in this weather?"
DirtBum Written by:

I enjoy riding bicycles all over -- city streets, suburbia, rural roads, gravel roads, dirt roads, rail-trails, and singletrack. I love exploring the countryside and finding the interesting and historical treasures hidden in plain sight. You can follow my rides on Strava.

2 Comments

  1. January 17, 2011

    Nice series of snow pics, and an impressive number of animals. They must trust you.

  2. MiCo Scott
    January 19, 2011

    Hey, I rode the SE corner horse trails and some gravel the next day on sunday. I need to try and make it to the NW corner, looks pretty cool.

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