The weather finally took pity on us and gave us a spectacular December day for riding. While earlier in the week, temperatures had dipped down into the 30s, this Saturday gave us a high right at 70 degrees with clear, sunny skies. Typical for Virginia to have below freezing and a springlike day within the same week. I was happy the spring day came when I could ride.
We headed out wearing our summer Klim jackets. I wore a long sleeve t-shirt over my Alpinestars jacket because there was a breeze. Even though Bill had to help me pull the shirt down over the back protector, he was surprised at the end of the ride to realize I had worn the shirt. But it was just enough to keep me comfortable throughout the ride.
As we hit the curvy road, I worked on my counter steering, watching as the R Nine T moved in response. We passed a lot of people out walking and enjoying the beautiful day. I wondered at several of them who were walking in the street. My parents’ neighborhood has wide streets and sidewalks on both sides of the street. There are sections in the adjoining neighborhoods where sidewalks are not an option, but most of the area has sidewalks. I’ve been a runner, so I understand about asphalt versus cement on joints. But the pace of walkers, especially these walkers, and the cushioning afforded in modern walking shoes, negates a need for walking in the street. It just presents one more obstacle to be aware of.
I figured out early in the ride that Bill was in cruise mode which made me happy. Since we missed our ride last weekend, I just wanted to keep moving. As we turned left out of stops, I was amazed to realize how easy my no-look left turns were going. In three out of four, I was able to keep the bike turned to the left as I looked to the right.
I did get to work in the gravel lot some. The parking lot had sections buried under leaves and pine needles so I avoided those sections as I couldn’t be sure it was dry underneath. But there was enough dry sections to let me have fun making some figure eights and working on tight turns. After a few minutes, though, I rejoined Bill for our cruise. As we rode around I saw families out raking leaves and bags and bags of leaves piled up on the curb. The leaves were more brown than colored and even more branches were bare. I did see some roses hanging in there, but I didn’t see much wildlife out and about on this surprisingly warm day.
Looking ahead to next Saturday, we may be lucky enough for a mostly sunny but cooler day. I sure hope so. It’s been a tough week without the ride therapy and, as we approach every closer to Christmas, the kids get crazier, and I have even more need for my ride.
Flutterby Biker 