Wind Says Hello

The wind has been crazy lately. Lucky me I get to ride mostly head winds. Does this mean the wind is happy to seem?

Still not as bad as riding in Wyoming. The wind never stops and it blows much harder. Wyoming has nothing to stop the winds so you get the wind full force.

Wyoming has the kind of winds that makes you stop on the side of the road to rest and wonder what the hell are you doing. I swear I heard laughter, but no one was there. Then I realized the bike gods were laughing at me.

It is said, “If you don’t have hills ride into head winds it is the same thing.” Ride up a hill into a head wind and you get double the torture.

I’m pedaling into a head wind and what do I see. There it is a Nations. I guess it is time to stop for a cheeseburger. I have no choice.

After I eat and rest it is time to go. I must be going crazy the wind seems like it got worse. Sometimes I wonder if it is really worth it. A car seems pretty good right now. But look at the traffic people just sitting. At least I’m moving. I wonder if the drivers are thinking, “I should get a bike.”

Looks like the wind is going to hang around the rest of the week. I should make peace with the wind and enjoy my riding.

Not According to Plan

Was a nice morning. The weather said, “Time for a bike ride. Get Pedaling.” Everything was going great until I had to go through a construction zone. Flying down the hill was great. But it all went bad when I got to the flat and by the oil change place. The rear wheel felt weird. You know what I mean if you ride a bike and had a back tire flat.

Got the tire off and there it was, a screw. I couldn’t just pull it out I had to unscrew it out. A big screw and it put a nice size hole in the tire. There goes the ride to Emeryville and across the Bay Bridge. There is always next week.

I have been putting off a tune up on the bike and the tires are getting thin, but I have been lazy and not making the appointment. I guess the bike gods decided to step in and have me make the appointment. So it was off to the Pedaler.

Every time I go to the Pedaler there are new people working there except for Ron, he is the fixture and a great mechanic. At least I got an appointment for 8 May. Can drop off the bike on 7 May. Hopefully I can get the bike back by Saturday. If not I will have to take the Brompton out. Always good to have a back up.

Rode along San Pablo Dam Road to Castro Ranch Road. I hate the climb but the easiest way to get to Hercules. Yep it is time to go to the library and do some reading.

 

I guess I wasn’t the only one who hates the climb on Castro Ranch Road. But I know the feeling. Sometimes you have to just get off the bike and walk. I’ve done it when I have gone on a long bike ride and heading home. The legs just don’t have the strength to get up the climb.

Ed’s on San Pablo Dam Road. Nice to see old dive bars.

Went to Hercules Library to rest and do some reading. Was pretty crowded today but quiet. The comfortable chairs are great when I want to rest and read. Was able to wash the grease off my hands too. I really need to carry plastic gloves for when I have to change a flat. But it seems to happen about every five years. I guess the flat protection gets weak when the tires begin to wear down.

This is my day, it was a Hiccup. Never know what I will see when the tanker trains are parked. Some of the graffiti is horrible. But sometimes there is some great art or word that fits my mood. Bike gods have a sense of humor.

All rides can’t be perfect. Sometimes flats happen but I survived and got some good riding in. So everything is good.