- just got back from a visit up north w/the mother-in-law (AKA 'The Mominator')... had a good time, partly because i took my bike for early morning rides... i was pleasantly surprised to find a nice 15-mile loop w/in two miles of the homestead: Hamilton's bike path, which stretches from the main bridge downtown to the Hamilton Water Works, connecting several separate city parks in the process...

- starting the ride from the main bridge one finds a non-politically correct cycling sculpture (sans helmet? sacré bleu!):



- a yard away is the start of the loop:



- the ride is along the Miami (go Redhawks!) River, with a precipitous 100-foot slide down a grassy embankment if you've been injudicious in imbibing a little drinkie-drinkie:



- fortunately, things level out in a mile or so (right before a little climb):



- looking back over the shoulder, you pass a bubbling spillway:



- there are a number of nice little stops for shade (especially during 100F+ weather):



- portions of the ride offer inviting entrances to shade: