So October was pretty freakin’ average weather wise – wet as a ducks arse. Consequently opportunities to ride were rare as hens’ teeth. But baby what can I tell you? November has been a totally different animal. Cool to be sure but nice and dry and perfectly fine for time in the saddle.
First week was spent out West – San Diego for the second time in two months. Mr sensible the whole time – “early to bed early to rise”… means I could go out for a run every morning before the conference started! Sunday through Tuesday did just that Sunday about 50 min along a jogging trail from Mission Valley to Fashion Mall (?) then a fantastic climb up to the University of California campus. Next day just went straight up the valley wall – first ten minutes all up hill, through some pretty dodgy neighborhoods – running is a kin brilliant way to see a city. Early morning, people heading out to work, school and an amazing number of homeless people getting their stuff together. Guess if you are homeless San Diego is probably a good place to be based – would bloody well beat Michigan in November! Last run was a different animal – headed the other way and up into a very pleasant neighborhood – gated the whole business. Ran up a storm drain to the electrical towers then down into the valley and along a dried out river bed. As I head through the scrub and brush I suddenly think – “hey no-one knows I’m here, wonder if there are any snakes around here?” Ran back to the road faster than I ran out! As I run back into the neighborhood I notice all along the chain link perimeter fence signs warning about rattle snakes!! Holy CRAP!! Sighting of coyotes on the way back too the hotel and enough West Coast fun for this Mid-Western guy.
Back in the safety of Michigan and back on the bike – Marky, Mark “Mr Marathon” calls and asks if I fancy a drive out to Brighton to hit some more challenging trails than Rockburn? Oh I hate the difficult questions! Like “does anyone fancy another pint?” Course I fancy a trip to Brighton! 40 min each way – blimey! But there we are, driving past guys emerging from pick-ups with guns to head off deer hunting, into Brighton Park. We assume/hope they keep the hunters and bikers apart, cos a slug in the back would put a serious downer on any ride. Hit the Torn Shirt Trail – 5 miles of serious up and down amusement. First time in Mi that I encountered hills that were a struggle on the SSer. Actually failed on a couple and ended up pushing – how it should be. At one point I pass a kids tent by the edge of the trail – only it’s not a kids tent, a soddin’ shooting blind!!! Oh how safe we feel for the rest of the ride.
First week was spent out West – San Diego for the second time in two months. Mr sensible the whole time – “early to bed early to rise”… means I could go out for a run every morning before the conference started! Sunday through Tuesday did just that Sunday about 50 min along a jogging trail from Mission Valley to Fashion Mall (?) then a fantastic climb up to the University of California campus. Next day just went straight up the valley wall – first ten minutes all up hill, through some pretty dodgy neighborhoods – running is a kin brilliant way to see a city. Early morning, people heading out to work, school and an amazing number of homeless people getting their stuff together. Guess if you are homeless San Diego is probably a good place to be based – would bloody well beat Michigan in November! Last run was a different animal – headed the other way and up into a very pleasant neighborhood – gated the whole business. Ran up a storm drain to the electrical towers then down into the valley and along a dried out river bed. As I head through the scrub and brush I suddenly think – “hey no-one knows I’m here, wonder if there are any snakes around here?” Ran back to the road faster than I ran out! As I run back into the neighborhood I notice all along the chain link perimeter fence signs warning about rattle snakes!! Holy CRAP!! Sighting of coyotes on the way back too the hotel and enough West Coast fun for this Mid-Western guy.
Back in the safety of Michigan and back on the bike – Marky, Mark “Mr Marathon” calls and asks if I fancy a drive out to Brighton to hit some more challenging trails than Rockburn? Oh I hate the difficult questions! Like “does anyone fancy another pint?” Course I fancy a trip to Brighton! 40 min each way – blimey! But there we are, driving past guys emerging from pick-ups with guns to head off deer hunting, into Brighton Park. We assume/hope they keep the hunters and bikers apart, cos a slug in the back would put a serious downer on any ride. Hit the Torn Shirt Trail – 5 miles of serious up and down amusement. First time in Mi that I encountered hills that were a struggle on the SSer. Actually failed on a couple and ended up pushing – how it should be. At one point I pass a kids tent by the edge of the trail – only it’s not a kids tent, a soddin’ shooting blind!!! Oh how safe we feel for the rest of the ride.
Marky Mark "Mr Marathon" hitting the leaf strewn trails at Brighton
Next weekend and I get a “pass” for two hours on Sunday morning! So it’s out on the fixie for a few miles. 34 oF when I head South to Dansville and back – pmretty flat which means even though I am not pushing I can cruise at 18 mph for the whole time. Hit a nice patch of dirt road which has me just laughing out loud it is so much fun! End up with just over 38 miles and closing in on the end of the Mi 1000 – over 970 done! With a commute to work the next day and I am less than 7 miles from 1000 miles fixed riding in Mi – life is sweet!
"Don't go back to Danville" oh go on then!
Happy Thanksgiving
DB
