Dancing With The Octopi. Saturday Ride.

Mid to high forties, misty rain with the threat of heavier stuff to come. What the hell do I wear? I figured best to error on the side of too much- wool socks (standard), knee warmers, arm warmers, rain jacket and my cool weather Endura gloves. At time I thought this was a bad choice, and that I was going to be too warm. And at times I was, but after multiple brief showers, muddy road spray, and at a few encounters with a speed stifling head wind, I was glad I wore what I wore.

I lucked out in that the heavier rains didn't come until I was well done with my 3 hour tour of what is sort of like Pikey territory (if you've seen the movie Snatch (not a porn). The roads I hit today were a collection of WPA's best/worst. The sort or roads that always smell like dead carp/urine/mud and I would NOT be surprised to someday see a dead body along side. There must not be garbage pick up out on these roads, because every front lawn is just littered with everything imaginable. Car parts, food, bones, beer cans, boxes, shit, you name it. Yikes! Not to mention the burns. I passed more than a couple burns with the yummy smell of burning plastic in the air. Mmmmmm.

One of my fave spots to get pissed at, is a sign that says "No Littering! Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful," and it is surrounded by about 15 beer cans, and various fast food packages. Oh the irony. What are you gonna do?? For the most part the ride was great. I was in a good temp zone and the legs felt good.

At about 2:30 I hit a flat 2 mile straightaway that I usually cruise at about 17 mph on my Mamasita, and about 20+ on the Campeon. Today there was a stiff head wind and I was going 12. I wanted to cry. By the time I made it to the final few climbs of the day I was feeling the effects of the headwind, rain and the now chilly air (glad I overdressed). In the end I finished up with a bit over 3 hours. And that put me at about 11+ hour so far this week. A welcome change from the 4 or 5 hours a week of trainer time.

Wrapped up the day with some chicken burritos and Bells Two Hearted Ale. Sure, some sun and dry conditions would have been nice, but I have not complaints on this week. Good stuff.

Later.

EDIT: I love that pic. I wanted to add that. The layers of sky/dirt/grass/dirt/road are great.