The Wet and Drear

I think it may be time for me to take the leap to foul weather riding. This whole week has been and plans to be dreary, wet, cold, with what they like to call Isolated Thunderstorms, which means Don't Bother to Try to Plan Anything Outside. It wouldn't really be New England without the ITs, but it's still a bit of a nuisance.

Until now I've only been riding on these perfect late spring days, which means I don't have to contend with the wet and dirt on either end of the trip, when I stow the machine in our living room or the waiting room of the office. But now that I'm getting better at riding in traffic, like a big girl, it may be time to find another challenge to take on. Boy, do I not like learning new tricks.

Onward

We're headed out to one of the islands in the bay in a moment, a delayed birthday excursion, but I had to sign in real quick to whine about wind. Actually, to note that from now on I hope I remember to check not only the temperature and expected precipitation, but also wind. My ride to the office is easy, short, practically nothing at all to anyone who rides EVER, but today, the wind made the 3 and a halfish miles feel to this green green like dozens. Not to mention all the junk that I had to expel from my eyeballs once I finally stumbled in the door, having taken twice the time I usually do. And the wheezing.

You get the idea. I almost turned back, but by then, fortunately, I didn't really have time to stash my bike and still be sure I'd get to the office in time by car. So on I slogged, and was rewarded with an only breezy and phenomenally beautiful return trip.

I'm still having trouble trusting the cars...

Back on the Seat

I missed Green Streets day on Friday, thanks to a nasty cold that wouldn't let go, but I made up for it yesterday with a record 19-minute dash to the office in 73 degree weather.

For the record, I rode in traffic the whole way, except for on the part of the route which includes an actual bike/pedestrian path (as distinct from a sidewalk). I remain unconvinced that I was safer there on the congested stretch of Congress Street than I'd have been on the sidewalk. I became convinced, however, of the far greater efficiency of riding in traffic. Those bricks are bumpy, and of course there's all the actual pedestrians out for which to look.

It's been raining since that yesterday morning jaunt, and I have to admit, I was a little disappointed when I looked out the window today to find less encouraging riding weather...