C H I L L Y

This morning's ride was a bit colder than yesterday. I didn't feel at all weird riding with the hood up. It really helps to keep heat in and, this morning, I needed it.

I wore the mostly the same set-up as yesterday. I did not wear the rain-pants, but will consider them for the rest of this week. The warm-ups that I normally wear are lined with mesh instead of cloth. They have worked well, but I think the extra wind-blocking layer of the rain pants may help.

I also switched out the thinner, water-proof gloves for my winter gloves. My hands were still cold.

The cheap, clear-protective glasses that I got at Walmart fogged up a bit. I usually leave my nose exposed so I can breathe without fogging them up. It was a little TOO cold for that, so I covered it up and promptly fogged my glasses all to hell. I ended up trying to ride that way for a bit and had drifted into the lane a little too much. Luckily, the driver behind me was paying attention. I rode nose-out the rest of the way.

Since posting the trunk-bag review over the weekend, I've been able to use the rain-cover in fully-deployed mode and just on the trunk. The ride in yesterday with a full load of notebook, clothes, towel and food supplies stretched the limits of the rain cover. It fit very well, with room left-over on the top, but took a bit of stretching to fit it around the top fully loaded panniers. The bottom of the panniers fit easily. The ride home was much lighter, as I opted to leave the notebook. I was able to fit my work clothes and lunch containers in the trunk. This made fitting the rain cover much easier.

Of course I didn't see a drop of rain going to work or coming home. But it would have poured from a clear sky if I hadn't used the rain cover.

I got up a little earlier today and made it to work right around 8. This gives me plenty of time to shower and get clocked in before 8:30. For the last week or so, I've been cutting it pretty close. Getting my gear ready the night before and getting in the saddle at 7:30 is the key, I think.

Bike Lock Gone

I hopped off the bike this morning at work only to realize that my bike lock had jumped-ship somewhere along the way. I thought it was secured with the bungies on the top of the trunk bag. Apparently not. I'll see if I can find it on the way home. I'm not holding my breath. Work is a bit off the beaten path and there is near constant smoker traffic past the bike rack, so I'm not too worried. (But worry is there, scratching at the back of my brain: 'Is the bike still there? Are you walking home?')

I got up a little later than normal, and was a late clocking into work. I really need to get my things together at night; while I do most of it, sometimes I leave things to be done in the morning. That is not working, so I'll need to re-figure my prep.

The ride was a bit colder today than I remember it being yesterday. I haven't been watching the weather, so I don't know actual temps.

Fifth ride of the year. 45 miles after the ride home. (I really need to get a cycle computer...)