Taco Ride (sans tacos)

Last night, Katie and I did a 20 mile group bike ride known as the 'Taco Ride'! This bike ride is held every Thursday on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail - which starts just across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It is called 'Taco Ride' because the destination is a restaurant in the small town of Mineola that has a taco special on Thursdays!

Katie and I were introduced to Taco Ride by an old neighbor of ours. She noticed that we rode bikes and invited us! We really lucked out because the first ride we ever went on was the 500th ride, so there were a TON of people there for the celebration! I remember being astounded by the number of people who had gathered together to ride bikes and drink beer - amazing! (This is a very recreational/social ride that is super laid-back.)

The Wabash Trace is a crushed limestone trail, so although it's not 'mountain biking', you need something a little sturdier than a road bike (something with chunkier tires). It is pretty much flat, but there is a slight upward grade for the first 6 miles. You don't really notice it until you start going downhill and you realize how much easier it is! The trail is really beautiful, too. Much of it is surrounded by a canopy of trees, and other times there are clearings where you can see farmland and the grassy Loess Hills. Last night 2 deer crossed the trail just ahead of us. And everything is turning green and Spring-y!

At about the halfway mark, there is a picnic area where people usually stop to mingle (party) and have a drink (or 12). This spot is rightfully known as 'Margaritaville'. Oftentimes we will only ride to Margaritaville and then turn around, but last night we decided to go all the way to Mineola. (small town = teeny post office!)

Katie packed dinner to bring with us that was a bit healthier (and more vegetarian) than the tacos offered. I had a delicious cheese, spinach, and tomato sandwich, apple slices, and blue corn chips.

We didn't hang out in Mineola for too long because it started to get COLD! I was wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt, a jacket, and bike gloves and I was freezing as soon as we started heading back. I was pretty bummed because we still had 10 more miles to ride before we were back to the car! I will definitely be bringing more layers if we decide to ride the full 20 miles again!

I love discovering things like the Taco Ride. It's a great way to exercise and socialize at the same time - in a non-competitive atmosphere! You get to hang out with people who share at least one similar interest with you, and you can oftentimes learn about other fun events. As an adult, I find it harder and harder to make new friends. I never really thought about where to meet new people. It was just given when I was in school! It makes sense to try to meet people at places where you do things you enjoy. I try to remind myself of that at events like this. What a great opportunity!