Cargo Bikes Carry More Ice

Four 10 lb. bags of ice with room to spare...

 

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Riding Above the Clouds

It was the final day of my final Summer Micro-adventure.  The day dawned beautifully, sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60's.  I was slow to get out of bed.  These were perfect sleeping conditions.  I turned my head to the right and looked out the window of my camper.  Nothing but trees and sky atop the mountain upon which I chose to make camp.

Check out time was noon and I still had a bike ride to get in.  After 2 quick cups of coffee and a muffin, I donned Lycra and mounted my trusty steed.  I shot down the mountain to the Skyline Drive and headed North.  I glanced at my watch and realized I had a scant 2 hours to ride, a woefully inadequate amount of time on such a gorgeous day amidst such stunning scenery.  Then I looked on the bright side, I could be at work right now.

How far did I ride?  Uhhhh - I don't know.  What was my average speed?  Don't know that neither.  I didn't even bother to turn on my cycle computer.   Today was not about distance or speed or cadence or heart rate or power.  I stopped at every scenic overview.  I took pictures.

At one scenic overview there was a Sign that indicated that on only 10% of days in summer was it clear enough to see 48 miles and the mountains in West VA.  I saw them clearly.  I hit the one hour out hard stop far too fast and was forced to turn around.  I was back at the base of Loft Mountain before I knew it and was forced to climb the hill that earlier I had shot down.  It was long, it was steep, it was ecstasy.

As I slowly rode upward, I noticed something black just off the side of the road and a few feet ahead.  Then that something moved and I realized it was a black bear.  I startled it as much as it startled me.  It took off running into the brush just as I stood on the pedals and hammered uphill.  Realizing neither of us were a threat to the other we both stopped and looked at one another.  Then the bear went its was and I continued riding to the top.

It was a simple, but epic ride.  Perfect weather and breathtaking scenery and close encounters with wildlife.  What better way to celebrate and remember it but than to toast it with a pint of Ordinary Bitter and put it into words.

Two days earlier I hiked the Appalachian Trail for 13 miles and to quote Karle Wilson' "...I have grown taller from walking among the trees.". 

Today I rode on the Skyline Drive and to quote myself, "...I have grown taller from riding above the clouds."

Bike to Work Month - Day 18 - Useless Rain Gear

Just yesterday I became the proud new owner of cycling specific, Gore Tex rain gear.  No expense was spared.

Today as I rode to work it rained and I got wet.

This blog is not only inspiring and entertaining, it is also educational.  Occasionally I like to impart a tidbit  of useful commuting information.  So here you go - If you leave your top of the line rain gear at home, it will not keep you dry while riding your bike in the rain.

Bike to Work Month - Day 17 - Coffee Break

This morning I decided to skip the gym.  I had a little extra time on my hands.

So, I poured a thermos full of coffee...

 Threw it in my pannier...

Rode down to the river and poured me a cup...

Kicked back and watched the Deadrises at work...

The life of a cycling commuter - it don't get no better!!

Bike to Work Month - Day 16 - Nothing Of Note

Each commuting day this month I've tried to cover the gamut of things I see and experience while riding to and from work. Nothing spectacular or earth shattering. Just simple things. However, I don't want to leave you readers thinking that each day you ride to work will be a life changing experience. Most days are not noteworthy, they are simply getting back and forth to work.

Today was one of those days. I didn't see anyone. I didn't see anything, except the squirrel I almost ran over. It was foggy and there was no spectacular scenery. It was hot and humid.

I just mechanically climb on the bike and pedal and sweat and breathe.  Not thinking.  Not feeling.  Just riding.