Back in the saddle again

Rick Wimer

I am elated! Six months of surgery and rehab will be over soon, in about two more months of rehab. My left knee replacement in January and my right knee in June have been a temporary life-adjusting experience. From riding my recumbent trike outside or bike on the inside about 100 miles a week to zero miles, I rode 13 miles today on the impressive trails that travers the beautiful parks of The City Beautiful.

It was awesome, not just because of the scenery but because of all the people I met as I rode through Frank Starr, Circle, Sunset, Chautauqua, Awaysis, Sunset Parks all the way to Cobblestone and back. I am not a shy guy, and I love to meet new people, so I usually introduce myself to a minimum of four people on each ride. Over the three years that I have returned to live here, I have met hundreds from Storm Lakers, Iowans and visitor from all over the United States. Folks riding, running, strolling alone or with family members young and old, pushing baby buggies, walking dogs, couples holding hands strolling down a path, playing pickleball and soccer, corn hole, biking, triking, fathers showing sons and daughters how to fish, others playing volleyball, kids playing on the great playgrounds to what I call “the sound of happy,” picnicking (did you know that there are approximately 100 picnic tables and 145 park benches spread throughout the parks from Frank Starr to the Cobblestone?)”

Today, I observed a group of about 25 people playing the Kubb game. Players toss pieces of wood at other pieces of wood? Today, I met three ladies on the trail by King’s Pointe. I queried as to where they were from, they replied “Omaha.” I asked them what brought them to King’s Pointe. “We came for the waterpark with our husbands and 11 kids. We love it and come here often in the summer and stay at King’s Pointe.”

Recently, I met a couple riding from Vermont traveling to Seattle, Wash., in Frank Starr Park. We chatted about their travels and their thoughts about our lake, parks and trails. They said our system of parks was one of the best they had been on thus far on their trip. Another couple from Madison, Wis., traveling to Arizona in their camper had stopped for a bike ride and shared the same sentiment.

I met a senior fellow like me, on the trail in Sunrise Park walking his small dog. He was from one of the small towns around us in Northwest Iowa. He had, in the last six months, lost his wife and lifetime partner. They often brought their small camper to the Sunrise Park Campgrounds and spent time together enjoying the beauty of the park, the lake and the trees. 

He told me, up to this time, that he and the dog had been recluses in their home and this was the very first time they had ventured out and that coming back to the park had brought back so many wonderful memories. We spent an hour or so trailside talking. I think, no, I know he will be back. There have been so many conversations on my rides with folks from Storm Lake, across Iowa and the US of A, with many nationalities and walks of life.  

I met two local couples that were riding bikes with their grandkids, and it gave me an opportunity to tell them that my Kiwanis Beavers were sponsoring, in conjunction with Wood, Wine & Blues, on the 29th of August, a 20-mile bike ride. We support a bunch of Storm Lake Kid things, and their participation would be appreciated. One couple said they would try the other committed to attending.

I met a young man riding, from Cuba. He indicated that he might come and bring his son. In the last week to 10 days, as part of my knee rehab, on three or four rides, I have had similar conversations with at least 25 individuals and I still have two weeks until the “Ride” to continue my personal campaign, I am officially inviting all reading this to attend as well.

Details are on Facebook and in the Storm Lake Times Pilot. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Sunset Park. The ride starts at 9:30 a.m. I also ran into two of my St. Mary’s classmates, Coleen Vogel and Steve Neuroth, and his wife Sheila.

Coleen can often be found at Sunset Park reading a book. Steve and Sheila were on their way back home to Texas after participating in their Neuroth family reunion that they have been doing for some 30-plus years. They had stopped in a parking lot at Sunrise to say hello to old friend Mike and Feryle Berkland who were on a walk from Lakeside. Mike is also a member of my Beavers Kiwanis team and a member of the famous local “The Expressions” band. They play rock and roll from my era in the 60s.

Today was a special day. The parks are all so well-manicured by who I call our “Greenshirters.” They do such an excellent job. I cannot wait to get back there next week; and my knees feel so much better. I love our parks and trails. I hope they never change.

Rick Wimer writes from Storm Lake.