The day started out very cool, with temperatures in the upper 30s with a brisk easterly wind. I had a group ride scheduled for 10am, and briefly considered bailing on it, but instead doubled up with two pairs of socks and two shirts, as well as the normal selection of shorts, tights, vest, etc.

The ride leader selected a westerly route, thinking that we’d warm ourselves up pedaling with the wind, and could then deal with a headwind once the temperature moderated. With steady sunshine, that plan worked to perfection.

We ended up getting in nearly 32 miles on this route, at a moderate 13.5 MPH pace. By the end of the ride, the temperature had reached the mid-50s, and with the glorious sunshine, it felt nearly perfect, even with the wind.

Arriving home, I grabbed a quick lunch, but couldn’t quite bring myself to take off the cycling gear. The weather was just too nice, and I was still feeling strong. Checking the forecast, which calls for clouds and rain tomorrow, sealed the deal, and I headed back out on the road, looking to get the day’s mileage above 50.

This time I headed east, knowing how good the tailwind would feel at the end, but even so, I was setting a pretty good pace. Riding east on 175th, with the gentle rollers and wide shoulders, I saw an astonishing sight — a recumbent. Seeing cyclists on this road is no surprise, but another ‘bent is a rare occurrence.

I closed the gap quickly, and it turned out to be a woman on a bright pink EZ-1, just cruising on this beautiful day. We talked as we rode along together for a mile or so. Turns out she lives nearby and rides regularly. It’s amazing we haven’t come across each other before.

As I made my turn onto Antioch, she turned around to head back home, and we bid each other farewell. After another 2.5 miles into the wind (which by now was coming from the southeast), I turned west on 199th and just crushed it towards home (well, as much as I can crush it anyway).

I ended up with nearly 22 miles at a 15.3 MPH clip, which wasn’t too bad, considering. All told, I ened up with just under 54 miles for the day. Sweet!

The only downer for the day was that I neglected to apply sunscreen, so now I have a red face, except for the whiteness beneath my sunglasses, giving me that oh-so-classy reverse raccoon look. Oh well.