Memories

Yes, I rode to work today.

It was pretty much a gray day. When I was out at lunch it was spitting an occasional snowflake. Even the temperature stayed pretty much the same all day.

I left work early. Heather and I are planning to attend the Paco Pena concert tonight. I took a couple of hours of vacation time so I could have some transition time. I dislike being rushed.

I noticed Dale Robertson died today. When I was a kid my Mom and Dad worked at the Stockyards on Mondays. It was open one day a week and the sale would go on until all the livestock was sold. This meant it was a late night for my folks. We would stay with my Grandpa and Grandma. I remember watching Tales of Wells Fargo at their house.

I must admit TV Westerns were a big part of my growing up. Two of my most favorites were Wells Fargo and Have Gun -Will Travel. It has occurred to me as I wander around on my steel horse perhaps my enjoyment of riding owes something to these memories.

• 33F/1C and cloudy for the ride to work.
• 34F/1C and cloudy for the home ride.

Three Years

Yes, I rode to work today.

Overnight it snowed enough to leave a dusting on the cars parked on the streets. The temperature remained above freezing leaving the streets merely wet. Traction wasn't a problem.

Today was Billie and my third anniversary.

Here she is in all her wintry grungy glory.

Not too bad of a mileage total, eh?

At lunchtime we had a pretty good snow shower.

With the temperatures still above freezing, again none of the snow stuck on the ground.

I rode to work in a light snow, and rode home in a light snow, almost a mist. I don't think I could have picked better weather for our anniversary ride. It just seemed appropriate somehow.

• 34F/1C with light snow for my ride to work.
• 35F/2Cwith a light snow almost a mist for the home ride.

Isn't It Always?

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it pretty much looked like this all day long. We saw no snow. The heavy rains didn't make an appearance either. It just sort of drizzled all day. Temperatures stayed well above freezing.

It will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings. But, then again, isn't it always?

• 36/2C with light rain for the ride to work.
• 36/2Cand drizzle for the home ride.

Wasn't Expecting To Ride Today

Yes, I rode to work today.

I rode yesterday, but wasn't expecting to ride today. Yesterday I encountered many places where the melting snow was turning into streams of water crossing the streets. The forecast called for nighttime temperatures well below freezing. This sounded like a recipe for patches of ice, and patches of ice and two wheels are a recipe for disaster. Surprise! the temperatures didn't fall off as much as predicted.

0700CST

I decided it would be okay to ride. And, the only place I had any problem was in the cafe parking lot. The streets on the other hand were all bone dry.

I don't think anyone bothered to clear off the motorcycle parking area after the snow storm. Fortunately the sun and warm temperatures on Sunday did a pretty good job. There were some wet areas, but no ice.

The temperatures warmed rapidly. At lunchtime I noticed there were workers in the Citygarden.

By evening even my alley was pretty much all melted.

As you may know, there is a major winter storm loose on the Plains. It appears the snowline is going to remain west and north of here. Not far from here eight to ten inches of snow and sleet may fall. Here? Rain mostly, and no snow accumulation expected. Much to my surprise there is a very good chance I'll be riding tomorrow.

• 32F/0C and clear for the ride to work.
• 41FF/5C and overcast for the home ride.

Who Knew?

Nope I didn't ride to work today.

When I got into my car this morning...

There was ice to the left of me...

...ice to the right of me.

After waiting a few minutes for the ice to melt enough to easily remove it I headed to work.

And, much to my surprise...

This is a Rte. 66 landmark.

...the donut place wasn't busy.

And, even a bigger surprise was...

,,,the streets were clear. Truth be known I could have ridden to work, who knew?

The temperatures remained a few degrees above freezing all day.

By evening the sky had cleared and the sun was shinning.

I even had a sunset to ride off into the weekend.

Have a great weekend and if you get to ride, ride safe, ride strong, and above all ride beautiful.

I'm Glad To See Your Just Crazy...

Nope, I didn't ride to work today.

It sure looked like I could.



But a look across the street suggested otherwise.

I've seen cardboard placed on windshields to ward off ice before, but this is the first time I've seen a car wrapped in plastic.



And there were those telltale marks on the streets showing they'd been treated for an "Winter Weather Event."

By the time I neared Downtown even the sunrise was beginning to look a little sinister.


Around 1100CST I received an email announcing an early dismissal at noon. I was planning on having dinner with my friend Reuben after work. He'd already called and suggested if the Courts closed we could get together for lunch. I love it when a plan comes together.

Some scenes from the walk to the parking lot.

Urban snowgear?

Snow on the streets can get ugly really quickly.

The bunny looked happy to see the snow, but the bunny always looks happy.

It was really good to spend some time with Reuben. I'm afraid people have to work to stay in my life and Reuben has been a trooper. I was really glad the storm merely modified our plans and didn't scuttle them.

After lunch things were actually beginning to look wintry.




I was pleased to see most cars had their lights on.

Looking out the side windows on a day like today brings its own rewards.

By the time I got home, it was obvious Winter was actually paying a visit.




I wasn't home long before Leo reminded me just why he likes snow days.

This morning a co-worker asked me if I rode my motorcycle.  When I told I didn't she said, "I'm glad to see you're just crazy and not stupid."

New Space

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, today I moved to a new work station in another room. No change in what I'm doing, just moved. My supervisor and shared an office. This has never been ideal, but not a problem either. There are things coming down the line where she will need more space. We'd talked about me moving over to the other room, but just hadn't done it. We finally did it. Today was my first full day in the new space.

The most exciting thing about the new space is....

My gear no longer is just hanging out. It has its own room.

I expect to be driving tomorrow. Sleet and snow isn't my idea of riding weather. And, yes, we are supposed to get both.

• 18F/-7C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 26F/-3C and cloudy for the home ride.

Breezy

Yes, I rode to work today.

0700CST

It always seems windier Downtown. The National Weather Service called today "breezy". Downtown it was downright windy.  There were places where walking into the wind was difficult. I parked in my new windy day place today, but it wasn't much of a test since the wind wasn't coming out of the West.

Tonight it is clear and calm. I suspect it will be a brisk ride to work in the morning.

• 26F/-3C, breezy with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 32F/0C and clearing for the home ride.

I Remembered

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, the suggestions of a possible dusting of snow by noon...

...turned out to be merely a rumor. Actually, the forecaster for the National Weather Service hinted at this snow-less outcome, but added the type of weather pattern which was unfolding hasn't been behaving very well this season. The choice to error on the side of the worse case after a couple of major whoops certainly seems understandable.

I, also, remembered to modify my route home. Today begins the "All You Can Eat Lenten Fish Fry" season. I find it best to avoid all Roman Catholic Churches for the next few weeks. The traffic and drivers can be rather unrepentant.

I have a three day weekend. Alas, it is filled with lots of people things. They are all wonderful and I'm looking forward to each, but as an introvert I'm dreading them all falling on top of each other. I'm grateful I will have a Monday to recoup before going back to work.

Have a great weekend. Be safe. And, if you are able to ride, ride beautiful and strong.

• 32F/0C with some clouds for the ride to work.
• 39F/4C with a few clouds for the home ride.

Had To Stop

Yes, I rode to work today.

It was another spring like day, but tomorrow may bring snow.

On the way home I pass the Schnuck's on the Hill. I just had to stop by and check out the last minute Valentine shoppers. And, no surprise, there were lots of guys in the floral area. The place was getting pretty picked over, but there were still roses and boxes of candy. Next I checked the card aisle. Those who were wanting to get off cheap and just buy a card were out of luck. The only cards left screamed, "Leftovers."

I read unchurched Americans have higher expectations of having sex on Valentine’s Day than the faithful. Catholics are second in having high hopes. You can click here to find out all about it and more. Ah, but enough about riding.

• 40F/4C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 52F/11C and cloudier for the home ride.

Ash Wednesday

Yes, I rode to work today.

It is Ash Wednesday. I forget this means more traffic during the morning commute. I suspect this has to do with folks going to Church to receive the imposition of ashes before going to work. Ironically, it also means longer lines at the cafe. Lots of people with smudged foreheads getting breakfast. Most of them are regulars, but because of Church they hit the place all at once...and, then hit the streets in a bunch.

I wonder if next year I'll remember to leave a little bit earlier?

It was a gorgeous day today. There were lots of bikes and scooters on the road.

• 36F/2C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 52F/11C with a few clouds for the home ride.

Urban Commuting Means Shifting

Yes, I rode to work today.

0700CST

It has been nearly three years since Billie, my SYM Symba, came into my life. Over the weekend I learned of one way she has certainly changed me.

All of the stopping and going of urban commuting means shifting...shifting...and more shifting. My left calf is now over an half inch larger around than the right. I guess in isn't any wonder I don't miss shifting when I ride Isabelle, my Kymco People 250S.

The days are definitely getting longer.

Not long ago it was dark when I got home. Tonight as I came into my alley, there was still a hint of the sunset lingering in the West.

Tomorrow is a State holiday. The Courts will be closed in honor of Abraham Lincoln's Birthday.

• 38F/3C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 50F/10C with a clear blue sky for the home ride.

Exploring

Yes. I rode to work today.

Today I was freed from my normal morning duties of being Heather's snooze alarm. This meant I got out and about a little earlier than I've become accustomed. This gave me a little time to go exploring before work. I'm told varying ones route to work is good for the prevention of Alzheimer's as well as being good for the soul.

And I found airplanes....

or, at least the hulks of old airplanes.

There were the remains of helicopters as well. I know I've gone by this place a number of times, but always from the opposite direction. These treasures were hidden by the buildings until I came toward this place from a new direction. Hmm, perhaps there is a sermon in that.

And, what is this placed called?

Go figure.

At lunchtime I saw a serious motorcycle parked near the Serra sculpture.

I wonder what kind of exploring this beast has done.

As I left work I noticed a reminder the Mardi Gras festivities were soon to begin.

• 35F/2C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 36F/2C and overcast for the home ride.

Billie Had Company

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, Billie had company in the parking area.

It has been a little while since Deputy M's bike has been there. These are the two bikes you are most likely to find here on any given day. There are a couple of scooters, both Piaggios, that park in a special Sheriff Deputy only parking area next to the Civil Courthouse. The guy who rides the 49cc is pretty hardcore. Deputy D is the other one. He hasn't been riding so much. It seems his scooter has an intermittent starting issue and he doesn't trust it.

It rained most of the afternoon. I rode home in a light, but steady rain. The good news is I stayed dry.

• 37F/3C and cloudy for the ride to work.
• 47F/8C with light rain for the home ride.

Maybe

Yes, I rode to work today

This was one of those mornings when the draw to just keep going was very strong. 

Since I was having dinner with my daughter-in-law after work I rode Isabelle today.  

Billie stayed home.

If I would have kept going Isabelle and I could have been halfway to somewhere before they even knew I was gone.

But, I went to work and after work had a lovely time with Sarah.

Maybe one of these days I'll just keep going.

Maybe.

• 30F/-1C and clear for the ride to work.
• 50F/10C and a nice sunset at quitting time.

Ballast

Yes, I rode to work today.

It was a lovely day here, a little hazy early, but that quickly cleared up.

This is a friend and co-worker. Today he was waiting for Dial-A-Ride to come collect him after work. We used to work in the same building, but now don't get to talk so much. He is often waiting for his ride as I'm walking to mine and this gives us a chance to catch up. For sake of privacy I won't share his name. Let's just call him "Ballast" for reasons I expect will become clear by the end of the post.

A couple of years ago we were actually experiencing a spell of real wintry weather here and I wasn't able to ride for way too long. As you might well imagine, I didn't like it very much. I knew of at least one solution. Thus I began to wonder what it would be like to own a sidecar rig. Reading of both Chris's riding during the Minnesota Winter over at Everyday Riding and of Dom's adventures in the snow of Colorado at Redleg's Rides fed my curiosity. Heather and I even made a pilgrimage up North to visit Chris and his wonderful wife in order to experience a little of life on three wheels first hand. (Click here to read about it)

Alas, I have no place to keep a sidecar rig even if I could afford one. At the very least, I've put this dream on hold.

Mercifully, the last couple of winters have been mild even by Missouri standards. Truthfully, even with a "bad" winter here there are still lots of riding days. I suspect prolonging my riding season will never be the primary motivation for bringing a rig into my life. This is where my friend Ballast comes in. I've told him if I ever get a sidecar he will be my first passenger after Heather. And you better believe he will hold me to it! I think his walker would look really good strapped to the luggage rack of a Ural don't you?

While I can think of plenty of reasons for owning a sidecar rig, honestly, I can't think of a better one than giving my friend a chance to ride the wind.

• 30F/-1C with a few clouds and some haze for the ride to work.
• 52F/11C and fair for the home ride.

Mostly Gone

Yes, I rode to work today.

0700CST

Yesterday's snow was mostly gone off of the streets.

I thought it was nice of someone to put an arrow pointing out a potential slippery area.

I wasn't sure what condition I'd find the motorcycle parking area, but someone had made an attempt to clear the area.

Unlike the sidewalk.

By afternoon the streets and sidewalks were all clear and much of the snow had melted.

It was great to have Billie back on the road.

• 37F/3C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 47F/8C with some clouds for the home ride.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart

Nope, I didn't ride to work today.

As so often happens when we get a little more snow than expected there is an over reaction.

This morning there was more accumulation of rock salt and melt-em then snow.

It was a beautiful clean and crisp morning. Billie will have her tire issue sorted out by tomorrow. If I'd had her today we'd been on the road. It was 9F/-13C for the morning drive. Billie has seen lower temperatures than that before.

It was funny on my walk from the parking lot. My finger tips got cold.

At least I had both my gloves. I suspect someone eventually missed this glove. Oh well, cold hands, warm heart.