Weekday Rides?

[sookiesue]

I had an appointment for a haircut last night, and since I usually (thanks, wonderful husband!) get at least a short ride in on Tuesday nights, I thought I'd be smart and bike over to the salon and back. It's about 13 miles. 2 miles straight up hill from my house on a road, 3 winding miles down through the forest trail, 2 miles on a busy road with a bike lane, and about 5-6 miles through town, on and off bike paths.

I started off with what I thought was plenty of time to get there. About halfway up the hill it started to rain (20% chance of showers and 65 degrees, my a$$!!!) a bit, but not enough to deter me. When I got to the top of the hill it was coming down pretty well, but I figured once I got in the forest it would seem less rainy because of the canopy cover. WRONG.

Started down the wet, very muddy, very rutted trail. Now it was too late to turn around and get home and drive there and still make it on time, and I was still sure that the rain would clear and I'd get there easily.

Nope. I was covered in mud, front and back, freezing cold, and soaked to the skin by the time I got to the bottom of the hill. I tried to hurry, but realized that I was still 4 miles away and my appointment was supposed to start in 4 minutes. Guess I rode very slowly in the muddy ruts?

Called the gal who cuts my hair and explained that I was very late, very muddy, and she probably didn't want me in her nice new shop. Fortunately I've been going to her for 17 years (!) and she was understanding and rescheduled me for the weekend.

I turned around and headed home. Went up the road instead of through the forest this time. I got home and was very glad I'd decided to bail on the appointment. My front was pretty muddy but my BACK was completely covered in about 1/2 inch of mud, waist to heels.

Guess I'm a real Oregon cyclist now!

[Crankin]

I did an errand ride yesterday (see commuting thread) and this morning I rode to the gym. It's dead around here, so no need to take the alternate route back; last week I had a little car altercation on that route, I really think due to solar glare.
This morning's ride was about 13.5 miles. I left at 4:49 and I saw the most beautiful sunrise over the Concord River, just as I was riding over the bridge. And it was cool... a prelude to the heat wave that is starting later today.