Better Than Rollers

So my personal Recovery to Renewal program inched forward this morning as I reluctantly threw back the covers and dressed for the early morning levee ride. The temperature was warmer and the wind lighter than yesterday, so despite the overcast skies I was expecting a pretty good turnout. I was again disappointed, at least initially. It had been hard enough to get my crusty old body out of the house this morning that I was running a couple of minutes late, and when I arrived atop the levee it was again deserted. I looked up the road thinking that perhaps I would see the flashing tail lights of the group, but they were nowhere to be seen so I just kept rolling. I first came across Donald, coming from the opposite direction, who confirmed that there was, indeed, no group. We rode on, eventually picking up Keith, Howard, Jeff and a couple others. Even so, we turned around at the big dip instead of going all the way out to the end of the bike path. There was a pretty good tailwind most of the way out, so I guess we were all happy to use the anticipated headwind as the morning's excuse for turning around early. The return trip started out pretty easy, and we were rolling along at around 20 mph, mostly into the wind, for a while. Then, for some reason, I found myself out there alone. There was just a small gap behind me, so I kept going at 20-21, fully expecting the group to come by at any moment. The miles went by and still the group was hanging back, so I just resigned myself to riding in solo. No doubt I needed a good long stretch in the wind anyway, and despite the wind, cold and generally gloomy conditions, it was still way better than rollers!

So it seems that Brad and Angelina have bought a little $3.5M cottage in the French Quarter and have temporarily moved to New Orleans. Angelina is apparently interested in "befriending normal moms so she can do things with the kids." I wonder what her idea of "normal" is. Anyway, I guess I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. I'm guessing Country Day for the kids.