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.

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.