Sunday's ride was bright and cold. The roads still had snow cover in places and I discovered it was delicate to ascend a hill that had ice on it. There was an odd feeling when the back wheel spun as I tried to put power to the pedals. Wind out of the west fooled me because it seemed to be from the south. I spent several minutes headed east to get to a good southbound road. Just a zip up of my vest helped to keep out the westerly breeze when I turned back that direction and found myself riding into the wind.
It was a nice ride, with everything still snow covered, the sky was its delightful blue, and the temperature was in the low twenties. The best part of the ride was hearing so many birds! It almost sounded like summer with all the Robins singing their praises to the sun. Compared to just a week ago, there was a lot of noise. It was encouraging to think that warm weather will arrive. I still don't know how soon, but there are more and more signs it is going to get here.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Never stop looking
Church meets every Sunday it is possible. With level 2 and level 3 snow emergency conditions posted by local law enforcement agencies it was more difficult to get around. Fortunately for me the church plowed their parking lot. Last weekend the snow was nearly a foot deep everywhere, except the parking lot.
After our church service I was able to make my way over snow covered streets to First English Lutheran Church. There was bare asphalt available all around the church! I'll admit that it only takes a little over two tenths of a mile to circumnavigate the parking lot. You can imagine it was several circuits to accomplish the eight miles I wanted for the ride. I rode counterclockwise, clockwise, down and up the small hill that is the drive, and even round in circles on one side of the lot.
The sky was blue and wispy white clouds complemented the view. I could still hear birds, and for nearly two circuits, the carillon played its preset melodies. Cars periodically left the parking lot from some afternoon event in the church. Watching the clouds move, listening to sounds, and enjoying the beautiful snow on bushes and trees helped me pass the time quickly. I'm always amazed at the sensual inputs available for the solo bicycle rider. Never stop looking, would be my advice to any rider.
After our church service I was able to make my way over snow covered streets to First English Lutheran Church. There was bare asphalt available all around the church! I'll admit that it only takes a little over two tenths of a mile to circumnavigate the parking lot. You can imagine it was several circuits to accomplish the eight miles I wanted for the ride. I rode counterclockwise, clockwise, down and up the small hill that is the drive, and even round in circles on one side of the lot.
The sky was blue and wispy white clouds complemented the view. I could still hear birds, and for nearly two circuits, the carillon played its preset melodies. Cars periodically left the parking lot from some afternoon event in the church. Watching the clouds move, listening to sounds, and enjoying the beautiful snow on bushes and trees helped me pass the time quickly. I'm always amazed at the sensual inputs available for the solo bicycle rider. Never stop looking, would be my advice to any rider.
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