Miss My Commute Along the Esplanade

Tuesday afternoon (5/31) the floating section of the Eastbank Esplanade was closed until the Willamette recedes some. The approach ramp is so much higher than the approach section that it was causing many to either get off their bike and walk or they crashed attempting to ride up the ramp. Fortunately, I was able to pass through in the morning as you can see by the picture above. I actually rode up that thing!

I guess it was inevitable since the Willamette has been relatively high all through the winter and spring, so the extra rain and snow melt had to have an affect. Notice how high the water is to the lower deck of the Steel Bridge? Even the smallest of water craft force the lower section to be raised.

Here's a closer look at the river level. You can just about reach out and touch it as you cross the lower section.

We had a little bit of every kind of weather again this week - cloudy, some downpours, partly sunny. Then, Friday came and was just about as awesome as it could get, and it seems a very long time coming. This makes, what?, like only the 4th or 5th really nice day all year?

Portland really came alive Friday! We walked out for lunch and it was people, people everywhere. Simply a gorgeous day!

Oh, I also stopped at Breakfast on the Bridges, again, to enjoy a free, fresh made donut.

What a great way to end the week on a high note. Forecast calls for rain Monday, of course. Hope you all had a great weekend and got out to savor that big golden globe.

Breakfast on the Bridges

Riding in this morning with Evan I was not real sure about what weather we would have for our afternoon ride. Definitely cloudy and whether it was my anticipation or what, but I thought I felt rain drops a few times.

You know how I have often written about how when I wave or nod there is no response from the other person? Well, I found myself nearly falling guilty to being one of those non-responsives. After parting from Evan, I was on my way to work. I stopped at a red light and was just sitting there. I heard a voice, then again. I awoke from my red light stuper in time to realize there was another cyclist behind and she was saying good morning. I turned and apologized and returned the greeting. Ya know, that really lifted my spirits, especially because I was not even the one that initiated the contact. Nice.

I had heard about the Breakfast on the Bridges, but it had sort of gotten pushed to the way back of my mind. As I neared the down ramps to the Steel Bridge I stopped to take a downtown picture (yep, that is it at the top of this page). From the upper part of the ramps I also noticed a lot of people just before the bridge way. I wonder what is going on? A class? A group of friends? As I rode down and near I saw the sign, oh sweet, Breakfast on the Bridges - free coffee and pastries!

I don't do coffee, but I do do pastries. So, I stopped and greeted my hosts and enjoyed a doughnut while listening to the conversations going on. It was really nice to slow down and to visit with people. I will definitely remember this treat on the last Friday of each month. And the really cool thing is I don't have to alter my commute route at all!

The return trip home was warmer and sunnier than the morning ride. I am so glad I have the bike ride to look forward to. I really needed it this afternoon as I am having some personnel struggles at work with a new team member. I guess it is more like frustrations, so the pleasantness of riding was a therapeutic treat. Joining up with Evan we cruised on our way. We did stop at Bike Gallery to get new brake pads and a new helmet for Evan. The salesperson helping us commented on our bikes - he liked the old steel. I told him mine was a new purchase from Bike Gallery in 1993. He actually remembered when they did carry Bridgestones. I am not so sure that he noticed that the drop bars were not original on a MB-5, but that's okay, he was pretty young.

Okay, something I have not done is to take a picture of how I use to get between home and work and school. Here is I-84 at NE 74th at 3:50pm. I just missed a slow down moment where the cars were not really moving much. Still, I am much happier riding the bike on our commutes.

Well today was the last commute of April and, it turns out, is the highest mileage month with 290 miles.