I'm Ready

Yes, I rode today.

And, the forecast was calling out another triple digit Fahrenheit day. They missed by quite a bit yesterday. It was significantly cooler. I suspected this wouldn't happen two days in a row. I was right. Fortunately the humidity stayed down. I even managed a seven mile inline skate after work.

Tomorrow could be another triple digit day. I wouldn't ever want to wish my life away, but I'm ready for autumn.

• 74F/23C with some clouds and even a little fog for the ride to work.
• 102F/39C with a few clouds and plenty of sunshine for the home ride.

Smallish, But Not Little

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, I miss my canine friend. Let it be known I am not much of a dog person, but there was this smallish, but not little, gray mutt of a dog who often would be outside in his yard when I came out of the cafe after my morning bagel. As I put in my earplugs, put on my helmet, adjusted my glasses, and put on my gloves I would chat with him. I haven't seen him lately and have wondered why.

Now a privacy fence has been added within the chain link fence. I'm thinking I won't be seeing my friend again. The placement of the fence is odd. Could it be someone had been feeding the dog and the owners wished to stop it? Does placing it there block more of the view of the Cafe's Drive-Thru? The second is Heather's theory. She thinks the fence is because of the added noise and activity of the drive-thru. Neither she nor I are fans of drive-thru. Whatever the reason for the fence, I will miss my morning chats with the little gray hound.

I past Bevo Mill on my way to Mike's.

Today turned out to be much cooler than expected. It was overcast most of the day. After work I visited with Mike. We changed Billie's oil, adjusted her chain, and the rear brake. This is the first time the chain has required adjustment since we changed it. We used to adjust it every oil change which means every 800miles or so. This is the first adjustment in 8000miles. I'd say that's an improvement.

• 76F/24C and partly cloudy with some sunshine for the ride to work.
• 85F/29C and overcast with even a sprinkle or two as I began my after work journeys.

Almost Chilly

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was almost chilly for the morning ride...well...not really, but quite pleasant none-the-less.

This morning as I passed a bus at the bus stop on Arsenal near Grand, I saw a hand come out of the driver's window. The had was waving at me. The hand belonged to my new bus driving friend, the one I mentioned a couple of days ago--the one from the doctor's waiting area. It still amazes me how much more I've noticed and all the new people I've met since I began commuting to work on my wee bike. I'm grateful.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. That certainly is my plan.

• 78F/26C with some clouds, but plenty of sunshine for the morning ride.
• 97F/36C and still partly cloudy with lots of sun for the home ride.

Overcast

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it wasn't so hot today.

It was overcast as I rode to work. The forecasters said there was a 50% chance of rain. There was rain to left of me, rain to the right me, and boldly I rode into the valley of dry. (Sorry,  I couldn't resist)

Alas, here was no rain where I was or where I am.

• 83F/28C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 90F/32C and still cloudy for the home ride.

A Record

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, we set a record. Today was the eleventh day we were over 105F/41C. The old record was ten days set in 1936. It would have been 107F/41.6C when I normally ride home, but today I left around noon. It was only 101F/38.3C then.

Today Heather had a routine eye exam. It included pupil dilation and I took the afternoon off to be her chauffeur. While we were sitting in the waiting area the woman sitting next to me asked if I rode a motorcycle. It turns out she is one of the bus drivers I play tag with during my morning commute. I was incredulous over her recognizing me until she mentioned the green flag. That would be me. She recognized my face! Amazing. I admit I didn't recognize her.

There were major cut backs in the bus service a few years ago. I used to wave and exchange friendly honks with the woman who drove the revised route. Now, with the bus service being reinstated I'd not seen "my driver" for months. I found out today I haven't seen her because she has a later route. You can bet I will be looking for my new friend tomorrow.

• 87F/31C and not a cloud in the sky for the ride to work.
• 101F/38C and a few clouds for the home ride.

One Such Record

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was hot. I didn't wear the Cool Vest today. I'd like to say it was to test if it made that much of a difference, but the truth of it is: I forgot it. I realized I wasn't wearing it when I zipped up my jacket. Of course, this was when I was already down stairs and had rolled the bike outside the garage. I thought about going back upstairs and retrieving the vest, but the idea of riding today without it to see if I noticed much difference seemed much easier.

It seems the biggest difference in how I feel after the ride. The nights I haven't worn the vest I feel more drained and tired out.

Today, it was very hot for the home ride. It was 107F/41.6C when I left the Courthouse. Another time I think the vest is really helpful is during my walk to the parking area. My walk is a little over a city block. I really missed the vest during my walk tonight. I was very hot and sweaty before I ever got on the bike.

The highest temperature I've ridden in is still 108F/42.2. I thought I might break that today, but it didn't happen. Oh well, I'm sure I'll get other chances to break my record. Between you me, I've always thought some records were made never to be broken. And, this is one such record.

• 86F/ with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 107F/41.6C and officially partly cloudy for the home ride, but I certainly didn't see many clouds.

Bet It Does

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, he was coming out of the Courthouse as I was entering. He wore a beautiful and freshly pressed white linen suit. He was dressed flawlessly. I was holding open the outer door for him to exit. He was holding open the inner door for me to enter. Standoff. He was most insistent I go first. I finally agreed, after all one of us had to cave or we might have been there all day. As I passed him I said, "This doesn't feel right. Where I come from a suit trumps a playing card."

"Maybe so," he responded, "But, I think your get up looks really cool."

I couldn't resist responding, "Actually, it keeps me rather warm."

He laughed, "I just bet it does."

On this morning's commute, it looked like Norton, the North Star Penguin was staying plenty cool. (Click here to watch Norton play) Personally I don't like ice cream, but I suspect for North Star business is good summer.

• 83F/28C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 106F/41C with a few clouds and plenty of sunshine for the home ride.