Every so often I like to explore the streets and bike paths on this side
of Phoenix, looking for new routes of 15-30 miles that I can add to my
inventory. These past couple of days I've explored one of 29.5 miles that
takes me to the far east side of Chandler, then north into Gilbert. The first
portion is of a route I've been using for the past year, and the new portion
begins with Galveston Road, which is straight as an arrow but nicely landscaped:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/34462828891/in/dateposted-public/
After a distance of four miles, it comes to McQueen Road, and a wide path
through a park provides relief from the light traffic and asphalt, though it's
still straight as an arrow:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/34462862911/in/dateposted-public/
After crossing Superstition Street, the path follows an irrigation lateral
for about three quarters of a mile. The slight twisting of the path a variety
of vegetation is a relief:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/34552106446/in/dateposted-public/
Crossing Cooper Road is a disappointing deviation from the usual attention
to cycling accomodations. Here you have to dismount, walk across the raise
median, then walk across a stretch of gravel to the canal:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/33783312043/in/dateposted-public/
This hen with her brood of ducklings was comfortable with me walking
closely past, then followed me and posed for a photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/33783328783/in/dateposted-public/
This bridge is much more substantial than typically found crossing the
canals, but not wide enough to accomodate vehicles:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/33750373634/in/dateposted-public/
The canal itself winds its way through a number of residential areas, with
an occasional patch of remaining agricultural allotments, usually those having
grandfathered horse priviledges. This three-mile stretch of canal is much more
attractive than usually seen in the East Valley:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/34431582472/in/dateposted-public/
This bridge with the stone facade is the entrance to an upscale
residential area to the left. The bridge is already in need of repair as part
of the facade has fallen away:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/34593568565/in/dateposted-public/
The traffic light in the distance is the pedestrian crossing at the end of
the Western Canal, which is the return route. It's a bit boring, but it is
contunously paved except for one very small portion that crosses some railroad
tracks.
Chris
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro
- Hunter S. Thompson
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