Just the Wind and Me

Thursday morning was another wet one and I just couldn't summon up the right stuff to get out there, even on the rain bike.  The morning temperature was still fairly moderate, in the mid-50s I think, but the forecast was calling for a steep drop in the afternoon as a cold front came through. Apparently a few people did make it out to the levee for a ride, but I wasn't one of them. I slept late and rushed to work in the car.  A little later I found out that I had been supposed to feed the two little dogs that have taken up residence under my blanket while my daughter is back in Olympia until school starts again next week.  So I went back home at lunchtime to feed them and while I was there the UPS truck came by with my new bifocal Oakleys.

Bifocal Oakley Half-jackets from SportRx

This morning the sky was clear but the temperature was in the mid-30s and the wind was blowing out of the north at 14-23 mph.  That promised a somewhat uncomfortable ride but I went out anyway since I'd missed riding on Thursday entirely.  It also gave me a chance to try out the new glasses.  My first impression when I got on the bike and looked up the road was "Woah!"  The lenses are surprisingly thick and I think that bit of distortion when looking through them at an angle took a little getting used to.  Otherwise they seemed pretty good although as I'd expected the top frame is almost in my line of sight when my head is down. On the other hand, they sure are a lot more convenient than the contacts and will probably be particularly nice for driving.  My guess is that I'll still use the contacts for some rides and races.  Anyway, I bundled up pretty well this morning, so the cold wasn't really an issue.  The wind, however, was.  On the way back I hit a couple of sections that were straight into the wind that slowed me down into the 12-14 mph rage.  Most of the ride was crosswind, so the ride was kind of a struggle.  It was also lonely.  Other than a couple of people walking near the start I didn't see a single other person walking or riding the entire time. Can't imagine why.