Getchell Road to 172nd

Today's Ride on the Centennial Trail

I'd been wanting to get out on this section of the trail again.  I used to ride it fairly often with Khari, until the place where I used to park the trailer - a little out-of-the-way - was designated as a handicap accessible parking spot.  With rain moving in today - there were only two cars in the lot, so plenty of room to get in & park!

As we head north from Getchell Road

 At last nights meeting in Arlington I found out that the trail had been completed from the point farthest north on 67th Ave., to the intersection at 172nd.  This was exciting news for me - as I still have hopes that somehow I can make it with a horse from trail on the south edge of town, through & to where the trail again picks up just north of town at Haller park.

Bridge Crossing

 We walked the two bridges, Farah was unsure as to whether she should step on the horse & rider?  :-)

Horse path curves toward the Armar Trail Head at 67th

To this point was five-miles & even with the sloppy footing & slow downs for bridges etc. we made in it 45 min.  We took a short break, the grass is growing after all, then started on up the new section that does not have a horse path per sea along side.  The paving widens for the bikers, but the room on the shoulder for horses is much narrower.

Light at the intersection of 172nd up ahead

Traffic was picking up & so was the rain, we turned back.

There are several of this type of crossing on this section, allowing homeowners access.

Going back south, once we were back on designated horse trail - we picked up the pace, averaging 9.6 mph for final five-miles.  I've always liked this section for putting the pedal down, the footing is pretty good even when it's wet.  It's also the kind of straight somewhat flat going where you can move out & get a real feel for how your horse is moving & if everything is working.  Round-trip 12.30 miles.

Next - the Whitehorse Trail~