I haven't been on a *ride* ride since September... Commuting, errand running, etc yes--but yesterday I finally got out on a bike ride for the sake of a bike ride!

It was one I've been planning on doing--a familiar loop of the south end of Lake Washington, and around Mercer Island--except I wanted to try it on my single speed bike to see if I could do it. Not only was it the longest ride I've done since September, it was also the longest ride I've done on that bike. I'm glad I finally did--I like how that bike rides a lot, and I find the single speed fun and relaxing. I'm never worrying about whether I should be changing gear, for one... Clears an amazing amount of mental space! There were a couple parts I almost had to walk, but I managed to stay on the bike the whole time (I was also very strategic with my route planning!)

It was a nice morning--a little chilly, but refreshing once I got going. Sunday traffic was pretty light, leafless trees make for better water and mountain views, and the snow on the mountains is really beautiful right now--I was having a great time. I knew that some rain would be moving in around midday, and I was hoping to either beat it, or that it wouldn't be that bad. Well, I almost beat it, but boy did I get caught in a downpour! The wind picked up and drove stinging needles of rain into my face riding across the Lake Washington bridge, but since I was just a few miles from home, it wasn't too bad, and I felt pretty badass for being out in it. And after a while in a piping hot shower, I regained feeling in my fingers and toes.

Of course, shortly after I got home, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and it ended up being a gloriously beautiful afternoon and evening. But it was a fun ride, felt like an adventure, and it was really nice to get out riding again.