Pedal the Parks: Flexibility Yields "BIG" Week

Last week was a "big" week in our quest to Pedal the Parks! We planned to complete five (5) parks in Southeast Iowa, but finished by completing all fourteen (14) of the remaining State Parks in Eastern Iowa. The push resulted in many miles longed in the van, an unplanned stay in a motel, and a special trip to Walmart to pick-up toiletries and a change of clothes. Overall it saved miles, since we eliminated the need to make three (3) trips to complete these rides.

The second park of the week, Sharon Bluffs in Centerville, proved to be the worst riding park of this adventure. The road was not only covered by "bad" gravel, but it had many pot holes, large washouts, and was quite hilly. Finishing this mile was a welcomed conclusion.

At Honey Creek in Moravia, we witnessed several stalking turkey vultures, waiting for me to crash.  Fortunately, the rode was smooth and wide, and I disappointed them.

Woodthrush State Park in Lockridge turned out to be a land preserve with NO roads. A substitute mile was ridden at Lake Darling. The land preserve was great for viewing wild flowers, but not much good for riding a unicycle or a trike. And there was NO sign.

Bellevue State Park was located on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. It was a beautiful park with long, steep hills. We managed to find a somewhat flat surface on the top of the bluff however, where the mile ride was completed.

Maquoketa Cave State Park was loaded with "spelunkers," exploring the many caves and passageways.

Wapsipinicon State Park was partially closed due to recent flooding. Many trees were uprooted, and the roads were impassable.  Our ride took place in the camping area, which was open, but housed few campers.

Overall, it was a very successful week of "pedaling the parks."   We visited with many people familiar with Meniere's Disease and its devastating effects on peoples lives. We also met many people who claimed to have owned a unicycle at some time in their lives, but none were willing to demonstrate their ability to ride one.

The completion, of these fourteen (14) parks, brings the total to seventy-five (75). Only twenty (20) more to go, but still plenty of time to donate and bring awareness to Meniere's Disease. Please join our cause at www.givetoiowa.org/burkey