A Little Touch of Green

Yes, I rode to work this morning.

And . . .

The sun was trying to peek through the clouds but didn't really make an appearance until I was already at the Courthouse.

I don't know where this little touch of green came from. It was just there.

Billie was the only one in the parking area again today. I was a little surprised. Temperature didn't get as cold as they thought it might and the wind was tame. I didn't even see any other riders out and about during my commutes.

Possibly some snow coming in over the weekend. Time will tell.

• 30F/-1C and mostly cloudy for the morning ride.
• 37F/3C and plenty of clouds for the home ride.

Rumor of Wind

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

When it is overcast it still means a ride to work in the dark.

It was overcast both ways today and thus dark going and coming.

The big weather news of the day for my co-workers was the forecast of dropping temperatures. I was greeted by chorus of, "You're going to regret riding your motorcycle when it's time to go home." For me the real weather news was the wind. The forecast called for wind gusts of nearly 30 knots. Fortunately neither the temperature drop nor the higher winds materialized today. It was still pretty breezy with a wind of 20 knots, but the big gusts waited until after I was safe home.

I did see two other riders out and about today. Both were riding scooters. One was riding a Vespa. She honked at me. The other was riding a BMW. I haven't seen many BMW's on the road.

Tomorrow a little cooler and that's fine by me. The wind? Light in the morning and diminishing by afternoon.

• 43F/6C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 41F/5C and no pretty sunset on the home ride.

Frost on the Windshields

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

There were enough clouds to make for an interesting sunrise.

The cars parked overnight on the street all had frost on them. I'm always dismayed at how many drivers barely clear their windows off if at all.

It appeared this driver had at least cleaned off his windshield.

Sometimes it's not a bad thing when there is ice on the sidewalk.

This ice sculpture of an elephant turned up this morning outside Channel 5. I spied it at morning break. It was gone when I went out at lunchtime.

The evening ride brought another nice sunset.

I am so happy to be back on the Symba again!

• 31F/-.5C and a few clouds for the morning ride.
• 47F/8C with a few more clouds for the home ride.

Two of Us

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

I wasn't the only one.

Still no Chieftain Rider.

One of the positive things about the long layoff from riding was I missed the riding to and from work in the dark.

I ride into the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening.

Have I mentioned how happy I am to be riding again?

• 33F/.5C and mostly cloudy for the ride to work.
• 43F/6C and only partly cloudy for the home ride.

Just Right

Nope, I didn't ride to work today.

I didn't expect to be greeted by bone dry streets this morning. I made the decision not to ride last night. We went out to dinner and on the way home the streets were wet and the temperature was dropping. As it turned out I could have rode. Oh well, 27F/-3C is a nice temperature for a walk from the parking lot. 

Later in the morning Heather texted me. She was dropping her car off to have some work done. Since I drove she wondered if I could pick her up after work and take her to pick up her car. That way she wouldn't have to hassle with the shuttle service. Of course, I could and would!

Things worked out just right.

As Planned

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was wonderful. Yes, it was overcast in the morning but cleared off for the moon to shine on my ride home.

Yesterday went as planned. The Yaris had it's two safety recalls fixed and I went from the dealership to lunch to work.

• 34F/1C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 37F/3C and a couple of clouds, but mostly clear for the home ride.

Finally

Yes!!!
I rode to work today.

And ...

Miss Billie was the only bike in the parking area. Chieftain Rider hasn't been riding either.

The weather was wonderful, but it hasn't been the weather keeping me off the bike. My gear choices kept me "just right."

There was one sort of strange thing about the ride today. It is the first time I've ridden since the deputy who wore the chrome half-helmet died. I found myself looking for him where our paths often crossed. I texted Heather about it when I got to work. Her response, "Sounds like a depressing way to start the day." My response, "Not so much depressing as eerie." It was as if a part of me remembered he was dead, but another part still expected him to be there.

I won't be riding tomorrow. I'm taking the Yaris in first thing in the morning to have a couple of recalls taken care of. Then I will drive to work directly from the dealership.

• 36F/2C and fair for the ride to work.
• 43F/6C with a stunning sliver of a new moon keeping me company for the home ride.

It Almost Seemed Like Winter.

Oh my, a dusting of snow and a temperature of 11F/-12C.

It almost seemed like Winter.

The forecast is for more cold.

A co-worker came up to me before work, put her hand on my shoulder, and with what appeared genuine amazement said, "You were right? If you dress for it, it's not bad." She is one who seemed in the past more interested in fashion than function in matters of dress. It turns out, as a native St. Louisan, she just didn't have a clue. Now she does.

Today was another co-worker's first day back to work since before the Holidays. She brought me a gift. It was completely unexpected. She told me her son was looking on ebay. He called her in and said, "Look Mom, this will keep me warm at the bus stop." She agreed and got one for him. While she was at it she got one for me.

Truth be told, I have sundry masks and neck tubes, but I have none which mean as much to me. I was very touched by her gesture. I tried it out on the walk the car after work. It did the job and it improves my looks. It was a refreshing 9F/-13C  for my evening stroll.

But, Soon

I didn't ride today.

I planned to.

It just didn't seem right somehow. I've learned to heed forebodings.

I was rewarded with company of another beautiful sunset on my walk to the parking lot.

I suspect I won't be riding tomorrow either.

But, soon.

Less Than a Buck

No, I didn't ride to work today.

But ...

I did ride after work.

Miss Billie returned home on Saturday.

In addition to the tire being fixed, she has a new windscreen, a new battery, and a repaired license plate. The plan had been to go for a ride on Sunday and fill the gas tank. A unexpected wintry mix nixed that idea.

This evening was beautiful. I got to watch a beautiful sunset on my way to the car.

And it was a nice and comfortable 23F/-5C.

When I got home I geared up and took Billie out to get her fill. It cost me $.90.  Amazing.