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.