A Good Day to Ride

The weather today was about as good as it gets. When I left the house, stuffed into leg and arm-warmers, full gloves and two jerseys, I knew I'd be hot by the time I got back. The sky was clear, the wind was light, and I had no firm plans. I'd hardly taken two pedal strokes when I saw a rider flash down Broadway, a block over to my right. I figured it must be Rob, and indeed we soon met up on Carrollton.

As you'd expect for a great weather day in November, there was a pretty big group for the start of the Giro Ride, and considering the pleasant weather I was figuring it would get fast sooner rather than later. It never quite happened, though. Just as we hit Hayne Blvd. someone flatted and the group slowed down. A couple of guys stopped, but most of the group kept rolling. I guess it was a little too early in the ride to expect everyone to stop. After a few minutes of soft-pedaling, we came to the conclusion that they'd never catch us anyway, and in fact would probably take the Bullard short-cut, so I went to the front and got the pace rolling again. After a while we picked up the guys who had been off the front. Somehow, though, I think that early slowdown kind of took the wind out of everyone's sails. It was so pleasant to roll along at an easy 20 mph that nobody was really interested in pushing things. So that pretty much sums up most of today's ride. There was, of course, a nice little surge for the turnaround, and again for the Goodyear sign, but today they came much later and with less intensity than usual. As you can see from the photos, the locals are very confused about what to wear on days like this. We had everything from knee-warmers (that would be me) to sleeveless tri jerseys.

Finally, halfway down Hayne Blvd. on the way back, the pace started to lift significantly. I guess the group split somewhere along there. I couldn't resist making a couple of hard efforts, sprinting up the two overpasses. (Later, I'd be surprised to find my legs sore.)

After the ride a few of us went across the street to Kona Cafe' for a while, after which I finally headed home down Marconi. Tomorrow we have an NOBC no-drop ride and lunch at Abita Brewpub across the lake that should be pretty nice. It's looking like the weather will cooperate, too. I'm sure winter will eventually get here, but hey, no rush!

Later that afternoon we rode over to Whole Foods on Magazine St. to pick up some oatmeal for cookies. There were bikes everywhere, and when we arrived we were lucky to find a place to lock up the bikes. They were busy setting up the patio for a wine and food tasting event, while inside it was a sea of boots and berets, with the occasional studded dog collar, as usual. Riding home through the old streets, Audubon Park, and Tulane's campus I was reminded once again why I put up with all the city's crap in order to live here.