Blue Sky

Yes, I rode to work today.

The storms last evening weren't a very big deal where I live. This morning there were storms in the surrounding areas, but again, none where I live. During the day although the sky looked very threatening Downtown there was no rain. I was expecting to ride home in rain, heavy rain. Instead this is what welcomed me after work.

Blue sky to the East...

And blue sky to the West.

The first two years I rode I wouldn't have ridden three of the four days this week. Now, it is a different story. Now, I know the weather story is much more open ended.

As I write this I notice on the radar there are storms brewing on the horizon. I suspect later tonight the weather well may be the weather I expected last night, but we'll see. In the Heartland, when it comes to the weather, we always have to wait and see...

• 69F/21C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 80F/27C with lots of blue sky peeking out from the clouds for the home ride.

Not Being Important

Yes, I rode to work today.

There are storms brewing in the West. I think it will be another stormy night in the Heartland. After work I rode through a light rain shower, but by the time I reached the condo the streets were dry. Shortly thereafter it poured.

Some of my co-workers were astounded that I rode. Apparently, there was much talk of bad storms coming in. Since it was cloudy this morning I guess many thought the storms were imminent. Then again, I'm learning there are more than a few folks who seem to delight in scaring themselves. For these, sprinkles mean monsoons and severe storms mean Armageddon.

Since I've been commuting I've learned here in the Midwest if I watch the radar and use my head, with the distances I'm traveling, I can wait and ride between storms. The key is not to be in a hurry. I'm glad I have a life seldom so important that I need be anywhere. Heck, even if I'm late for work it only means taking vacation time. Yes, there is much to be said for not being important.

• 76F/24C and mostly cloudy for the ride to work.
• 83F/28C with a little rain in the middle of the home ride.

A Little More Ride Home

Yes, I rode to work today.

And after work I rode out into the County to attend a class. This meant Isabelle got to go to work today.

On our way to class we rode through the Grove neighborhood. I've mentioned this neighborhood before. There is a real and very visible effort going on to create something special in one of the "seen better days" area of the City. One of the ways this manifests itself is in the murals showing up on the side of buildings.

I don't know if this one is recent or not. I do know I hadn't noticed it before. I like it.

As one leaves the Grove there is a bridge on a major cross street. There is one particular view I am drawn to. I haven't been sure why. There is something about the lines that appeal to me and looked familiar somehow.

I think perhaps I figured out at least some of why I like this bridge. Last weekend Heather and I went hiking at Castlewood State Park. I spied this guy on the trail.

Look familiar?

• 72F/22C with some clouds for the ride to work.
• 86F/30C and both bright and cloudy for the ride West.

Monday on a Tuesday

Yes, I rode to work today.

0700CDT

The day started out cloudy. There were times of rain and times of shine. Most importantly there were two times of dry.

• 72F/22C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 84F/29C and cloudy for the home ride.

Beautiful

Yes, I rode to work today.

Today the ride was beautiful. It was one of those rare days when both in my going and returning I wasn't the rider. Today both ways, not just in the morning nor in the afternoon, but both ways there was just the ride. At every stop the foot didn't just go down to balance the bike, rather it caressed the street. There was no hurry nor was there ease, rather it was all ride, all flow.

And...

As these things go, I didn't realize it until it was past. I'm sure if I had, I'd have mucked it up by trying to ride even more beautifully, more better. I know am quite capable of doing such a thing.

There is something that isn't me that sometimes shows up when I ride. I can't describe it. Perhaps it is just the ride experiencing itself. Yes, maybe that's it. Or, maybe not. All I know is, when it happens it is beautiful.

I hope you have a truly great weekend. And no matter whether you are riding or not, may you experience the beautiful in some activity you enjoy. May you find yourself having an experience of life experiencing life.

• 50F/10C and sunny for the ride to work.
• 67F/19C and a few clouds, but lots of sunshine for the home ride.

Ripples

Yes, I rode to work today.

Some forecasters were calling for rain today and it certainly was cloudy for the ride in.

The Vulcan rides in the rain and the Yamaha is new to the lot. I don't even know who rides it. I do know the Harleys don't do rain. Again, the forecast according to the Harleys was for dry pavement. And they were mostly right. There were a few little rain showers, but not very much. And what showers there were, were very spotty.

One of the things I love about riding is the things I wouldn't notice if I was in my car. An example of this happened on my ride home tonight.

As I was waiting at a light I saw this small area of broken pavement.

I zoomed in to try and give you an idea of what I saw. Can you see the ripples of the water standing in the little pool left from the earlier rains? I hope you can make it out. Every time a car passed over it the water would dance. It was really quite delightful. I have no doubt I wouldn't have noticed it if I was driving.

I know some riders ride to travel and see the world. I enjoy reading their blogs as they ride all over the planet. I, too, ride to see the world, but it is the world which pulses and ripples all around me day after day after day...everyday.

• 62F/17C and mostly cloudy for the ride to work.
• 64F/18C with a sprinkle or two for the home ride.

Clouds

Yes, I rode to work today.

Everyone was expecting it to rain today. I'm not sure why. There wasn't anything on radar and the forecast only had a 30% chance of rain. I am thinking perhaps it was the clouds. Today was a grand sky watching day.

Lunchtime.

On the way to class after work.

And on the way home after class.

• 72F/22C and partly cloudy for the ride to work.
• 74F/23C and partly cloudy for the ride to class.
• 68F/20C and a little cloudier for the home ride.