Fickle Spring

A couple of weeks ago, I did 60 miles in 33 degrees. Two days later, I did 50 miles in 80 degrees. (In the desert.) Last weekend, 48 more miles in 34 drizzly, wet degrees. If nothing else, I'm adapting to all kinds of weather conditions.

Obsessive Compulsive behavior kicks in when I see the odometer at 58.9 miles, or any easy-to-round number. So 48 miles bit me like a well-trained squadron of mosquitoes on my soggy ride. I'd have done the two extra miles, if I had known. Unfortunately, the degree of wetness (or was it the degree of temperature?!?) caused the odo to malfunction. I didn't know I needed two more miles until I'd already dried off the bike. (The Lizard graciously calculated my miles on his topo software.) (And then cleaned my bike. Because, "A clean bike is a happy bike.")

I've also done my first consecutive back-to-back big mile days of the year. I now officially declare myself ready for this year's MS-150, with 39 days to go. Now I just have to get my body ready for the 7,000-foot climb of Pikes Peak in August.

On my last bicycle commute, I decided to pretend I was on Pikes Peak, where two miles remain unpaved this year. I took a dirt road to get home, adding four miles to my commute and a level of difficulty that does not match high elevation but which will help me get comfortable riding the road bike off pavement. I walked the bike on the dirt section of the road last year. I did so well on the dirt road (with some significant climbs) near my home, I'm going to continue to practice so I don't have to dismount on Pikes Peak. That alone should be enough time saved to allow me to reach the summit in 7.5 hours.


Spring is slowly coming, even though riding weather isn't always favorable. The Lizard gave me something very special for a holiday I choose not to celebrate. I wholeheartedly approve!


I made this for the day the The Lizard hit the half century mark. He wasted no time whatsoever arranging his fledgling pin collection just so.


The Lizard finished his new 29er Black Pearl and IMMEDIATELY had to check the fit, ignoring work bench clothes and delaying long enough only to grab his camera and slip into cycling shoes.


Pierce is back. With full-grown babies in tow.


I pulled the tomatoes and peppers back inside before we headed for warmer riding to protect them from the snowy forecast. I didn't put them back outside when we returned because white stuff was in the forecast again.

I was worried my plants would become spoiled and expect to stay indoors all the time. Then I saw this.





Okay, you can stay inside. All summer long if you want. I don't mind at all.

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