Shelter From the Storm

On a late summer bike ride along the Columbia Trail (my favorite in NJ) we encountered rain about a mile short of our turnaround point. At first, it seemed like a single cloud crying gently on us – and that’s what we hoped as the weather forecast didn’t call for rain until late that afternoon. Had that stayed the case we would have just turned around and headed back to our vehicles – 8 miles away. However, the rain grew harder and steadier, so we decided to head for the Clydesdale stables next to the trail to seek shelter.

We pulled onto the property and went straight to a barn to shelter under the roof overhang. Not much shelter but better than nothing. Then one of the women working in the riding ring called out to us to go into the barn behind us. We gladly accepted and wheeled our bikes into the barn and out of the rain. Just as we got settled, a rather large German Shepherd ambled into the barn to check us out. He seemed pretty mellow, but being strangers to him we weren’t sure how he’d react to us. A couple of sniffs and we passed the test and could stay.

Next thing I knew, there was a tennis ball at my feet and a snout nudging my leg. My buddy and I took turns throwing the ball for the dog to chase. He’d bring it back and drop it at our feet to do it again. When he needed a short breather, he’d hold the ball while catching his breath, dropping it when he was ready for another round. That kept us – and him – occupied while we waited out the storm for about 20 minutes. The ladies – still working out in the rain – seemed to get a kick out of the dog getting us to play with him. And as we mounted our bikes to leave and thanked the ladies for letting us wait out the rain in the barn, he slowly followed us toward the road – with his ball, stopping well short of it, but with a sad expression as his playmates peddled off.

We’ve seen the horses on the trail many times as this farm offers rides. For those who aren’t familiar with the breed, Clydesdales are HUGE horses, bred for heavy work. Meeting up with several of them in a line on the trail while on our relatively puny mountain bikes can be daunting, especially when we are approaching from the rear. We always make sure the handlers know we are coming, ask if the horses are OK with bikes, and ride slowly passed on the opposite side of the trail. While they are beautiful animals, these behemoths can dig up the trail, and they sometimes leave large deposits as well.

After the hospitality – and trust - shown to us by the ladies working there that day, those things don’t bother me so much anymore. Thanks to the ladies of Willow Grove Farm for letting us wait out the rain in the barn, and to their dog for keeping us entertained.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  11-09-2026