April Showers bring... riding

[north woods gal]

What a beautiful BC! Miss mine so much, give Star some ear rubs from me.

Will do. She is very affectionate and, like all BCs, very athletic and smart. Best trail companion I've ever had.

[Pax]

Will do. She is very affectionate and, like all BCs, very athletic and smart. Best trail companion I've ever had.

Wonderful! Every time I hike I can still see Tess in my minds eye, peeking back at me from a bend in the trail.

[emily_in_nc]

Got out for my first April ride today. Today would have been my FIL's 88th birthday had he not passed away on March 16th. So I rode today in honor of him, and just like he was from time to time (more lately than for most of the years I'd known him), my ride was a bit ill humored, crotchety, and a bit painful (back bothering me). It was hot, humid, and quite breezy, mostly in my face. I figured the hardships were nothing compared to what my FIL had gone through as his health failed in the past couple of years, so I was happy to put up with the discomfort. RIP Dean/Dad.

[north woods gal]

That was a nice thing to do, Emily. Good for you.

Light rain, today, but, even so, my trails are not quite as waterlogged, thanks to the soil thawing and some of the water draining off. Doesn't feel much like spring, though. Woods are still dead-ish looking without the snow cover and nothing green popping up, yet. Did a combo of some road work and about an hour on the trail work. Have to say, without any ice or crunchy snow on the trail, the fat bikes sure ride, quieter!

[Crankin]

I rode to work for the first time this year, after going to my core and balance class at the gym. Was still cold when I left at 9:00-ish (38), but I was dressed correctly. I have an alternate route that is pretty and avoids traffic congestion at 2 intersections in the village, which brings my total miles to the office to about 2.4 . At one point, I have to make a left to get on the street that eventually crosses Main St, and is actually the street my office is on. It seemed like there was a lot of traffic here, although it is a road that leads to a highway. Anyway, I had to get aggressive and not only signal with my arm, but also do what my friends call the "teacher shaking finger," so someone would let me in the lane to turn. After that, once I cross Main St., I am faced with a street that has more pot holes than ever. It has been like this for as long as I can remember, so it's not from the winter. After dodging these craters and cars turning into their respective employer's lots, I arrived.
Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it to ride 2.5 miles, bring my clothes, etc. But, when I left at 6:15 pm or so, it was really nice out, around 52 and the traffic, while busy, is starting to die down. I do not take the alternate route home at this time of day, although I have to, if it's earlier, as it avoids traffic back up coming from the train station. I am still getting nervous turning onto my street, since the day last summer when a jerk tried to pass me on the left as I was turning. Although I do it all of the time on weekend and middle of the day rides with no issues, there is a lot of traffic at rush hour. But, I guess it is worth it, as I slept really well and feel great this morning.

[emily_in_nc]

I get what you are saying, Crankin. We normally will walk in lieu of riding if going somewhere < 3 miles away and when getting there super quickly is not imperative. Riding is more fun but takes a lot more getting ready for. But good for you for commuting via bike rather than car. Any car trip saved is a good thing for our planet, and for your health!

[north woods gal]

Plus one on what Emily said, Crankin. It truly is good for you and the planet. Speaking for myself, I would much rather deal with heavy traffic on a bicycle than being trapped in a car.

Wow! I think spring is here. As of today, our lake is completely ice free. Time to take a break from the trail work and do some pavement miles on the road bike. Our lovely open roads are calling.