Wind and Cold

I wasn't expecting to see many people out riding this morning. A cold front had come through before dawn, leaving behind wet streets, a strong gusty north wind, and falling temperatures. I went out a little late with The Daughter, knowing we'd be doing battle with the wind but glad that the temperature hadn't yet started to really drop. Although the levee bike path was relatively quiet, there were still a number of riders out there, mostly solo or with one or two others.  By tomorrow morning it should be down to 50F or so with a 12-15 mph wind.  I know that doesn't seem so bad to some, but it will be about the closest thing we've had to winter yet this Fall.  I think the cool weather will stick around at least through Saturday, which should make the upcoming cyclocross race up in Jackson, MS feel more like a real cyclocross race with early morning temperatures in the 40s.  The next day we'll be joining the LSU team for their annual ride from Baton Rouge to New Orleans that works out to a bit over 100 miles, but that should be done at a fairly easy pace with a number of stops along the way.  By Wednesday of next week the job site on the levee bike path nearest the Huey P. Long bridge will be closing down a section of the path until some time in 2015.  That will mean a detour of maybe a quarter mile on River Road, which wouldn't be too bad if River Road had a shoulder, or a good road surface, and if that section didn't happen to be right where all of the traffic and trucks turn off of Jefferson Highway onto River Road.  I have already suggested to the contractor and the levee district police that perhaps a few "watch for cyclists" signs or something like that would be a good idea.  No response from either to my email however.  The morning group should be able to take over the lane when needed, but it's going to be dicey for the solo riders, especially once the days get shorter and we're back in the dark. I'm not sure if riding down Carrollton Avenue will seem like a good alternative or not, but depending on how things go it may turn out to be a reasonable option one or two days a week.