The Perfect Ride

Did you ever have one of those rides where everything just clicks? It could be finding the right gear to pedal, you feel energized, the trail is not crowded, the sun is not in your eyes, the wind is on your back, your bike is running smoothly or accompanied by friends and family, that could fill the requirement for a perfect ride.

Yesterday was one of those days, were enjoying the ride was not about how many cyclist you can out pace on the trail or how fast you can go. Riding just an hour before dusk, the golden rays of the setting sun hitting the landscape made for a picturesque scenery. I found the right gear to pedal at a fast, but comfortable pace. And all the while I just took in the sights and sounds of a beautiful day slowly transitioning into night.

Caught in the rain

It was one of those days that sooner or later mother nature was going to catch you on your bike and shower you with love. Make that fear and panic, when I got caught on the trail, as thunder, lighting and rain coming down like cats and dogs. The droplets actually felt like rubber bands stinging my face. I actually had to shield my face with my hand, as I raced back to my truck.

These fellow cyclist turned back one mile from my turn-around point. I think they had the right idea.

Skies started to darken as I set out from my starting point.

Another view from my starting point.

Just a mile from my turning point, the skies took a turn for the worst.

One thing I need to remember is to bring an extra pack of clothes just for situations like this. The sad part was, as I arrived at my truck and put everything away, the sky cleared up.

2011 Reds Opening Day Parade

This would be my socond year participating in the Reds Opening Day Parade. The weather was very cold this year, that is why I didn't bring the kids with me this time. The Cincinnati Cycling Club was line number 140. Unfortunately, being this far back in the parade we didn't get to be on TV.

This group was not in our cycling group. They had their own line number.

Me, all bundled up for the cold weather. I cannibalized one of those Reds car flags and clipped it onto the stem of my trike flag.

This cyclist brought his goat bike to the parade.

The fellow on the left was a returning participant, with his folding bike. The fellow on the right is Jim Coppock, the organizer for our group in the parade.

This cyclist is a returning participant from last year. I learned that he's finishing up his last year in college at UC.

Folding bike cyclist showing to the crowd how compact and portable his bike is.