Ghost Train Passing - Wonderful Spring Warmth

Weather reports said chance of showers, but my ride in was just mega clouds, gusty southerly wind and maybe some mist. I was able to keep the pace a little slower, so I would not get quite so warm and sweaty, seems to be getting harder to do that, though. My riding strength is improving and I think the nostalgia of my past "ride fast" days is percolating from memory to consciousness. Then there's that feeling . . . pedaling is comfortable, natural, not strained, the road passing by effortlessly, relaxed breathing . . . how riding should always be.

As I enjoyed that "feeling" ol' mister southerly, a bit gusty and somewhat swirly near Mt. Tabor wooshed me back to reality, trying to push me this way and that around on the road . . . okay, okay, I'll pay attention. Even with the wind, the morning was warm and pleasant for being out.

Again, as I crossed MLK Jr. Blvd, I saw the railroad crossing lights flashing, so I just coasted down SE Clay St. to the crossing. Waiting was okay, I actually was able to cool down for the last stretch into work, this way I would not be too hot. I also took a few more experimental pictures.

The train was moving along at a pretty good clip, so I shot this picture. The train is actually there, going by, the camera shutter speed slow enough, due to the low light, that the train is but a hint of a blur - hey, a ghost train. Once clear, I crossed down to the Eastbank Esplanade for a gentle pedal the rest of the way to work. That was a very pleasant ride as I now got to enjoy a bit of tailwind. I stopped to take a couple more pictures of downtown.

That wind gave me another rude awakening as I started on to the Steel Bridge, I was gusted very strongly. It took some very quick and agressive reactive cycling to maintain control, dang, that was some kinda wind! If I had any bit of sleep still hanging around, it was certainly gone now.

During work, I watched as there was rain, wind, sun, clouds, rain, wind, sun clouds - you get the picture. I did a final quick check on the weather before heading out to meet up with Evan after school for our ride home. Looked good, so I just put the rain pants on, for rain insurance, and just wore my lightweight fleece top and off we were.

The still southerly east wind did not seem quite as strong and the upper 50's temperature felt really nice. I took a couple of parting shots of downtown Portland, before heading away from the Willamette River toward NE Portland.

A nice afternoon to be out on the bike, what a treat to have upper 50's . . . and dry. Seemed like a lot of people were out, escaping the dark walled-in confines of the office building, like a horde of punxsutawney phil's, peaking their heads out, seeing if it was finally safe to venture out from hibernation.

A nice, easy paced ride for Evan and I, focusing on chatting and catching up rather than on power and speed. The distance and time melt away as we ride and before I know it, we are home.

Rollin' Along the River

Do you hear it? {Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tina Turner} Rollin' on the river ... Well, it was the song in my head as I rode along the Eastbank Esplanade and decided to stop and watch the tug pushing the barge up the Willamette River. I actually had to snap fairly quickly as the tug was impressively moving right along.

As you can also see, the morning commute was grey, though the rain held off. I am definitely beginning to see more bike commuters out, what with the longer daylight and a bit warmer temps. Hey, apparently we are below normal though, no days at 60 or above since the first, and we are like a couple hundred percent above average rain - surprise, surprise. I really enjoyed not wearing the rain gear, just feels more comfortable. I did have some wardrobe issues, though.

I had to free-roll the pant legs up because I just could not find my leg straps this morning. I was constantly re-rolling them up but I made it to work and no chainring stains or tears in my pant legs so I was good to go.

The ride home was wet. Good thing I had my rain gear. Every now and then I thought how being a little further out from work would be nice, being able to ride everyday is such a treat. I only wish I wasn't carrying so much stuff!

Tomorrow, I am going to do some more messenger bag testing. The backpack is really nice, but I am noticing an uncomfortable pinching around my collar bone and, even with the air space, I am getting sweatier than I like. I love it's storage capability and there is a nook and cranny for everything. Plus the mesh side pockets are great for keeping essentials handy and accessible without having to remove the pack or overly fidget. Will roll with the messenger bag for a bit and see how it carries.

Statistics for 2011:

• 734 Miles Total
• January : 278.94
• February : 244.49
• March : 211.12
• 14.98" of rain since January 1 (normal is 12.55")
• 1 pr of tires for SUB
• 1 set brakes for road bike

Time off is over; Back to Work I Go

After a week off to enjoy spring break with Evan around home, Oregon greeted me on my morning commute with a layer of grey. But hey, she no rain on me so I am good. I did not even wear my rain jacket or pants, just my work crop pants and my fleece jacket. I prepped the bike yesterday, wiping the week ago rain and grime remnants away, making a small adjustment to my rear cassette gearing and lubing the chain. I did discover I need to replace the rear brake pads, dang, they wore fast because of the winter abrasives out on the roads. I am rather shocked as I have ridden in spring rains way back with far less wear and tear. Argh, the anodizing on my rear wheel (which is original circa 1990, by the way) is nearly gone on one side. I start to wonder if by using the RaceBlades to keep the crud off of me, I have caused some higher wear on my brakes and wheels.

I looked at the fronts and plenty of pad and not much change in anodizing wear than when I started. I also notice that the big difference is the rear fenders front edge ends right at my rear brake. I wonder if that is providing a nice conduit for the water, road grit and fine slime to flow directly at my rear brake which then acts as a grinding system on my wheels. Wouldn't that be a kick in a**?

This morning, I started off easy, re-introducing myself to being back on the bike. I ride through Mt. Tabor and try to keep it easy on down into downtown Portland, to work. I think I will switch from my heavy duty, mega-bright headlight to my, "be seen" smaller, Dinotte front light. Gets pretty light out early, even when leaving around 6:45am.

The morning ride felt good, the morning, fresh air, in my own little world away, cruising along. Nice. I regressed a teeny, tiny bit, but hey, I expected that after not riding all last week. But I still felt good and my middle gears are my friends these days.

Homeward would be my real test of what I might have lost. The ride home was actually pleasant and felt good overall. The pedaling was comfortable, even the lowest gear sections were not so bad. After I was home for a bit I noticed an odd mark on my right calf and started to wonder just how long that had been there. I do believe I had a clean calf during work, so maybe when I got home and leaned the bike against me to open the garage door, my chainring kissed me.

I have to admit the pattern is kinda cool looking, like a brush stroke, as if the bike was happy to be ridden and saying, "hey, low 8 ..."



Rush Hour --- Kinda

Dark, in-between rain greeted me as I started my commute in this morning. Had a hard time deciding what to wear - will it rain, be dry, showers, drizzle? Danged weather that cannot make up its mind. I take a chance and wear my rain pants, but just wear my fleece jacket. I did pack my rain jacket, just in case. The ride started fine and I felt comfortable, though yesterday's work stress and frustrations were still brewing. To clear my racing mind, I slowed up the pace and focused on my surroundings, the weather, the air, who was also out already, just pedal along, even pace.

Each hill or climb I check my breathing, see how the legs are feeling an mentally record what gear I am in. This week has been positive on each of my measures, that is a nice feeling in itself. Having my hip back has been super, now all the muscles are working together, getting stronger.

As I rode down SE Clay toward the Eastbank Esplanade, I saw the flashing lights of the railroad crossing. Really? So, I basically coasted down and stopped. Hmmm, the train is not moving either. Well, I took out the camera and snapped a couple of experimental shots. The one up there was the best of the two. Then I waited.

Shortly during my wait, I noticed traffic crossing a couple of streets down, then actually noticed the engine was just off on my right. Well, I thought, "Will the train be sitting here, or will it start off?" I took the gamble and turned around, road back up the road to the cross street, then down 2 blocks and eureka, crossed the tracks and made it to the esplanade. Pretty straightforward the rest of the way to work. I was glad I did not sit and wait as it actually started raining as I started on the esplanade.

Homeward, was more dry than the morning. I like my routes, I like the distance, seems just about right for a bike commute. Long enough that I feel I have ridden and the effort of uphill is on the homeward bound.

Now, I get to enjoy a week off, time with Evan and a break from the frustrations of work. I think the only thing I will miss is the daily bike ride.

The Rythm of Riding

Wednesday's ride started in darkness, threats of rain, drizzle mostly, enough to stay wet, anyway. Each ride feels better, or at least, I feel faster. Pedaling effort is smoother, more efficient, more easily moving the bike and me along the road.

Even with clouds, I love the darker morning city line. I think it is the lights that add a ... romantic glow to the darkness, set off and highlight the buildings and the warm reflection off the water. I feel fortunate to get to enjoy this wonderful scenery each day.

Wednesday was also a short workday, leaving early to then drive to pickup Evan. He was running a fever, so I brought him home and then worked remotely from the lunch hour on.

Thursday, Evan was feeling better, but not so much as to feeling up to biking to school. So, I drove him in, then drove back home. I would pick him up at home 2 after school in the car. From home, I biked east to my doctor appointment, a few more adjustments, but we are really way on top of the whole hip and pelvis issue -- yipppee. From there, I biked on into work. Somewhere around my doctor's I lost my fleece liner glove. Good thing I carry my extra goretex gloves. It was raining, so I used them.

Temp-wise, it felt kinda cold, but I had enough layers that I stayed warm on my ride. Even with the rain and coolness, I love being on the bike, the fresh air, the freedom, the movement. Just a joy! There is also that rhythm of riding, feeling connected with the bike, the fluidity of motion, flowing around the road debris and obstacles strewn about. When no one else is around, I slalom around the various objects, left, right, left, right, like a musical beat, the tune in my head matching.

The ride between home and work, work and home feels like it is getting shorter, so I guess it feels like I am getting faster, getting to know the route and what is coming up after each of checkpoints I mentally have marked out along my course. I know when I am "nearly" there, just one more small climb and it's coast on down to home. Once home, I replay the workout, I savor the success, and lately, shake off all the water.

It is about the journey.

No Rain Going, Rain Homeward - Gear in Review Keen Presidio Pedal

Everything was wet, but at least no rain on my ride in to work. Been feeling so good, I think I am actually pushing myself a bit harder even on my ride in. This morning I had to tell myself to ride in cool-down mode along the esplanade. Still instantly went into sweat mode as soon as I went from cool outside in to the warm inside of my work building. Wow. I even stopped to take the picture over there.

Part of my ride purpose was getting a readjustment ride to my re-installed longer stem (maybe 10mm). This particular stem was what I had run with waaaay back when I was riding a whole lot. It does not seem like much, but it gives me just a bit more room across the top of the bars and I just feel less scrunched up.

Thanks to the changing to daylight savings, I'm back to riding in dark - thanks, Ben! You know who I'm talking to. I guess I need to keep using the mongo headlight for a bit longer.

Well, my dry good fortune of the morning was gone this afternoon. Plain and simple rain, with a bit of south, southwest wind thrown in for luck. Still had a good ride, the Harrison/Lincoln hill continues to get flatter, climbing the bump on Mt. Tabor can be done much more easily.

Here's my view looking back up the road where I came from, standing in the dry cover comfort of my garage.

Gear in Review - Keen Presidio Pedal

As long as we are talking, and riding in, rain, now would be a good time to chat about my commuter shoes, Keen Presidio Pedal. Not only are they my biking shoes, but I wear these all day, so I do not have tote around an extra pair of shoes.

I do use Shimano clips on 'em, so even with the recessed mounting, they will clickety clack occasionally, especially walking outside, but it is not bad.

Comfort -- These shoes are actually quite comfy, lot's of toe room and do not have any pressure points even when wearing wool, ski socks. Design -- The soles are not overly stiff so walking is comfortable, but stiff enough to work well with the clipless side of my pedals. They also have a lace holder to keep those laces out of spinning things. Bonus -- The leather uppers look nice and, by the way, keep the rain out! Saves the wear and tear on my neoprene booties.

I do recommend these shoes. Yes, they are not as stiff as my carbon soled Specialized MTB or Sidi road bike shoes, but they do much better than wearing non-cycling shoes. I can wear 'em all day, they keep the feet dry, what more could you ask for, heh?

Nice - No Rain Showers, Riding Faster

Ugh, daylight savings time. Terrible sleep last night, or is it early this morning (at least when I actually fell asleep). Woke up an hour later than my alarm, oh well. Dressed for rain, but it was actually dry, a bit cool but not bad for riding. I rode with a little higher effort this morning, not sure why, just did, I guess. It was fun to push along in my higher gears, having the feeling of speed.

Along the Eastbank Esplanade I came across some traffic, of which these two Canada Geese were a part of. I stopped to take their picture as they were grazing for breakfast.

Even with the greyness, blue sky poked out here and there. Since I was later than I wanted anyway, I stopped to take a few more pictures. This one is along the floating section of the esplanade looking toward the Steel Bridge, you can make out the Broadway Bridge (red) and way off, the Fremont Bridge.

I left around mid-day to work from home, away from distractions. I focused on another project that had been ignored due to our email migration woes. Some woes still there, but I wanted to put some time into something else.

Here's an average shot taken along a sitting area on the esplanade, looking toward the Hawthorne Bridge.

My cycle commuting has done another benefit. Listening to co-workers, their morning commutes were significantly longer this morning. There was a big motivation conference, Get Motivated, just across the river at the Oregon Convention Center. A normal commute of 40-45 minutes turned into hour and a half. Cycling, my  time was totally unaffected. Not so bad.

My hill ride back up Harrison/Lincoln was ego boosting. Not only was I using my 2nd and 3rd low gears, but the general strength feeling was great. The little climb in Mt. Tabor seemed easier and I felt more comfortable staying seated in my low gear.

Hey with all the lighter days, I may actually swap out my expensive, super bright headlight for the still bright, but smaller Dinotte front light. Will see.

Finishing the Week Feeling Stronger, Where's Evan?

The week finished off with some pretty nice riding weather. Wednesday started with at least a non-rainy day, roads a bit wet. Evan's form and riding are very good, hmmm, I wonder where he learned them - lol.

Evan got to ride home from school by himself, as I had to stay late to deal with some on-going technical crises issues at work. Love that he has the route down and is comfortable riding solo when he needs. Cool, huh?

For my ride, I continue to use Lincoln into Mt. Tabor as it gives me a little more strength building on the extra bit of climbing over the climb up Harrison/Lincoln. Feel stronger each day, of course, that is not say I don't have those moments of "geez, got ... no ... power ... ugh."

Thursday, we were fortunate in that we did not have to ride in the rain, though the roads certainly showed that we did have rain. After I left Evan at school, I did actually get a few drops just before I got to work.

The sky was both dark and light, depending on where you were and where you were looking. This picture and the one up there were taken Thursday morning just before reaching work.

I'm feeling much stronger, I notice I am using higher gears on the inclines. That is one of the nice things about a consistent, regular route, I have reference points that I can fairly easily compare to.

Thursday afternoon was an interesting riding adventure. I left work a bit late, which would make me get to Evan's school after he would normally be at his bike. Our agreement was if I wasn't there by 20 after, to call me to see where I was at, and go ahead and start toward home. I headed to the school at a faster pace than normal, but I did not feel exhausted. His bike was not there. I waited a bit, thinking he was somewhere watching out for me.

After about 5 minutes, I figured he must have headed toward home, so I headed that way, too. Of course, when I was about 2 miles from school I get a call. He was around the corner. We planned that he would ride toward home on our normal route and I would ride back and we would meet up. Well, I rode a bit slower and more casual, as I had the headwind and, hey, I already rode this part. I kept riding and looking for Evan ... where is he? Hmmm, maybe he rode toward the other home? I rode there, nope, no one there. I decided I would just head toward home.

I got to NE 47th and looked up to see Evan crossing Sandy Blvd. Hehehe, so I sped up to catch him, which I did a few blocks down and yelled to him. I gave him a bad time about the route he chose and he gave me a time that that was the "normal" route. (Later, I would find out he actually did detour to the other house - ah ha!).

Just a few blocks from home, we were riding along SE 76th, legally, single file, coasting down the last stretch, which we often do. All of a sudden I hear a loud, short police car siren blast. I sit up a bit and look to my side in time to see a police car go by. I'm looking around and wondering, "what?" Evan catches up and says, "That hurt my ear!"

The officer is too far now for me to see the license or car number, I wave hoping he would notice and stop, but he continues on. I'm upset, that was totally uncalled for, there was no on-coming car, he had plenty of room to go around without blasting the siren. He just modelled that anyone can just honk at a cyclist because, "Hey, cars have absolute rights over anyone or anything else using the roadway."

I find out the car was very close behind Evan. I wrote to the Randy Leonard and Sam Adams about this incident and the inappropriate behavior of the officer.

Today was another nice dry morning commute with Evan. I think we are making the trip to school faster and faster all the time, without feeling like we are riding hard or anything.

Temperature was quite comfortable and, again, dry. The cloudy, overcast makes finding an inspirational picture a bit tough. But even those neutral light images have character.

Work was a bi ..... otch! Got into a bit of it with another to the point I just had had enough of this bad week, so I took a long midday break and rode home. It was partly sunny and mild so at least the ride was good, strength felt good, climbing in my number 2 gear rather than my lowest, so that was feeling pretty good.

After a bit, I went back in, partly because I was not able to connect remotely - can any more go bad this week!? Oh, well, one more week and I am out on vacation with Evan for spring break. Mostly be around town and he is trying to organize his friends to do some airsofting, another great way to take some agressions out - haha.

Awesome Commuting Weather Today!

Wow, the weather was so different than most reports for Monday (3/7). Some sun, a bit cool temperature wise, but so nice for riding in with Evan and to work. This picture was taken just before reaching the Steel bridge.

There goes Evan on our route to school. What an enjoyable difference to ride in something other than rain and wet! Really enjoyed riding, chatting and being out in the fresh morning air.

We spun along fairly easily, not being in a great hurry to get anywhere, we have the route timing down pretty well these days, so no rushing around. Funny, when I drove we always seemed to push the time to the last minute, I guess it seemed like we should get there faster than we usually did. You'd think we would figure that out and leave earlier. Must be something about cars that makes one feel faster or to be far more lax and leaving with enough time to not be rushed. Go figure.

Loving being back on the road bike and the backpack is working out nicely. For me, I am also making my return from work trip over the edge of Mt. Tabor park so I'm working a bit harder, which has been good training.

Today's ride was also nice and I do feel I am beginning to build up the strength. This morning, instead of riding on the flatter Division St. to 52nd Ave then cutting over to Lincoln/Harrison, I decided to ride Harrison over the southern edge of Mt. Tabor Park. I've often been reluctant as I sort of felt intimidated to start my ride with a slow climb. Anyway, the climb was not too bad and I just took it easy and focused on how my legs were feeling or was it yelling back at me?

Once I made the intersection where the road drops back out of the park or continues up into the park I decided this is not a bad way to go. From the intersection it is all down hill until a brief flat section to SE 60th. Then I am basically on my regular Lincoln/Harrison ride into downtown Portland. I felt very good, maybe it was the climbing warm-up, the legs felt strong, I was in my big chainring all the way until MLK.

Home bound I also had a good ride, felt strong, and even climbing the 2 miles up Harrison/Lincoln from 21st to 60th was not bad. Climbing is getting easier, I am spinning in higher gears. Nice to have the hip healing, only some limits with my right side, but not too bad - actually feel better riding than walking.

Gear in Review

This is my Lowe Alpine backpack with the air zone, which places an air space between the pack and your back. It is small, but can hold my lock and cable, tool kit, space for clothes and my small purse. There are not too many dangling straps and there are two side stash pockets that are handy. This pack also comes with a rain cover that really keeps everything inside dry -- and I have totally tested this in downpours recently.

The backpack is not the lightest with all my stuff, but carries well, feels balanced and I do not have any hot spots or points of excess pressure. Very comfortable and only at the point that actually rests on my back do I get a little sweaty wet.

My only complaint was I did not have easy places for my phone and camera pouches like on my messenger bag. Well not wanting to overly compromise, I came up with a working solution. I removed the strap from an old shoulder bag, that had already donated a portion as my tool pouch (I wrote about that earlier).

Since I don't use the backpack waist strap, I took the clamps from my messenger bag chest strap and attached the short end to the waist strap fastener. Through other clamp end I forced the wide shoulder strap and then stitched the strap end closed. The loose end of the shoulder strap I threaded through the hydration tube loop on the backpack shoulder strap. I have a single plastic webbing loop that keeps the strap from pulling back through. I now have a handy chest strap that I can attach my phone and camera pouches. If I am not using it, I can just remove the strap, which happens anytime I am riding in the rain. I did send my request to Timbuk2 for waterproof pouches, so we'll see if anything comes of that.

Just Rain, More Healing, Radac Rides Again

Sorry, pretty plain picture. This was the view yesterday morning just before Evan and I headed out on our morning commute. We have pretty much just had rain, with a few clearing moments.

Yesterday, Evan rode from school by himself since we mis-connected. He was planning to do some after school work at his friend's, but their plans changed. By the time I actually got his call (I apparently missed two on my ride from work toward home), I was already at the base of Mt. Tabor Park on the west side.

After giving him the choice of waiting until I got home and got the car and riding by himself, he chose to ride by himself and save waiting around. Fortunately for me, I got home before Thursday's big afternoon rain started. Unfortunately for Evan, he got to ride the last couple miles in it, but he was home faster than if he had waited for me with the car. Way to go, Evan!

We had a moist ride this morning, but not really any rain. The cool thing for me this morning was I was riding the road bike, first time in a while. Took a little re-adjustment to the handling and braking, but that did not take too long. Gee, I felt much faster and the Radac definitely seems to freewheel along much better. I think I do need to do some fit fine-tuning, not a lot, just a tiny bit.

Riding along was nice and I felt much stronger than the last time I rode the Radac. My climbing is getting better, I don't go into the "I can't breath anymore" state I used to and while I could certainly feel some of the burn in my legs I did not feel like I had no more to give. I think my improved riding is a result of 1) my hip and related nerves and muscles are healing very well; and 2) I am riding a home route that has me doing a tiny extra credit climb in part of Mt Tabor Park. It's all good.

Yep, that also means I am back using my backpack rather than panniers, which I have been using for about a week anyway. I just like the better responsiveness of the bike without additional weight. The Lowe Alpine is holding up and the "air zone" seems to be helping keep my back sweat free. The only area that really gets wet is the low back where the backpack pads rest.

I've also been using my standard rain pants and my knees are actually staying dry to mostly dry. Definitely better than my Showers Pass ones, which are suppose to be designed for cycling. Kinda disappointed in them. I may go ahead and put them up for sale. Just not happy with the wet knee syndrome. Guess I need to put some gear review articles together...

One Rude Driver, Rainy Morning, Dry and Pleasant Finish



No torrential downpour, but steady rain for this morning's commute. In preparation I selected my ride gear - lycra leggings, wool socks, shoe booties, Goretex gloves, rain jacket and my standard rain pants. Then I packed up my work pants and sweater along with my purse into my backpack.

Ready, set, go. Not too chilly, just wet. I decided to stay on SE Division St. until my cut-over through Ladd's Addition (SE 21st Ave.). For the most part, the driver's were "friendly" giving me reasonable passing distance. I did notice that many seem to cut in a bit early, not seeming to realize just how close they were coming back over. Darn good thing I ride in out in the lane.

I had one driver as I rode through the left-right jog at about 41st honk at me from behind. I guess they figured I should be way to the right. A post event thought was I should have slowed down. Funny thing is, there were about 6 cars at the red light at SE 39th Ave. (oh, wait, it is now Cesar Chavez Blvd.), so I just rode on up to the intersection, yep, right past the same car that honked at me - hahaha.

The rest of the ride went smoothly and I felt good strength-wise. I continue to test by using my 36x17 gear combo - how are the inclines in that gear, am I starting to overly spin out, that sort of thing. I did make a stop under the Hawthorne Bridge to take a morning rain picture (that's it up at the beginning of this blog entry). Hard to capture rain with this pocket camera.

This evening's ride home was very enjoyable -- it was dry, the sun was out. I tried to be a little artsy and capture a bit more dark, shadowy look of the Steel Bridge and downtown. I took this just after I crossed the Steel Bridge.

Back on the ride the effort felt good. I always enjoy riding down to SE Clay St., because it is often backed up from MLK back to the railroad tracks (2-1/2 blocks) and I get to ride up the hill past the cars to the intersection.

My hill climbing is not super strong, will have to work on the quads, I guess, but they are getting there. Less out of oxygen as I climbed the last, steepest part of Lincoln (Harrison becomes Lincoln at about 26th), just before SE 60th, then I actually climbed Mt. Tabor route (Lincoln ends into the park) in my middle chain ring rather than dropping into my smallest chain ring - yippee!

Feels good, I am still at 100% bike commuting, 535.43 miles, saving me about 60 some dollars in gas. I wonder when you get to call yourself a full-time bike commuter? Do you think there is a qualification based on time? Funny, we've only been in our new building for 2 months and it feels like I have been biking in much longer, feels, normal.