Well it's another day and I need to ride. A previous spill is challenging my spin for my right knee. Preparing to ride outdoors this fall and winter is proving to be a challenge already. The need for tights, gloves, base layers, buffs, warm long-sleeve jerseys, and wind- and rain-proof gear has escaped my fingers until now. Prior to heading to Pitt I went to the local Hoss's restaurant, which has a fabulous open salad-bar, for lunch with my roommate and could not believe my eyes. It's Tuesday and they've put the Taco Salad back in the mix. So I piled half my plate with a mix of Ceaser salad, a quarter of potato salad, and the rest with the delicious Taco salad. My side plate included...meat. Ugh! I've fallen off the wagon after almost three weeks of no beef. I even had dessert: one-inch square fudge brownies. These I hid in my backpack as a treat after the nights ride.
So this is my first time riding on the Southside and I know that there's a bike trail, but it partially paved and tiny crushed stone. I rode the Eliza trail, walked the Grant Street bridge and took as many back streets off Carson to avoid buses and gas-guzzling suv's. From time to time the only option was to hoof it.
Finally arrived on South 27th to visit the local REI. Oh, my former boss opened a store too, Kenneth Cole NY. I chatted with the manager one of the keys then zig-zagged my way down the block to continue my quest. I arrived at my destination a 6:30 and it's really dark now. Met by knowledgeable staff and a former colleague that works there part-time. I grabbed a pair of men's long-sleeved gloves, three Buff's and a few cycling dolls. Still no proper clothing for Women with Curves. Oh well!
I eventually pushed my way to my bike and met a lovely young lady and her friends who ride in Crit-Mass. I was totally afraid to ride at night, let alone by myself so I asked her about the trail and if they would get me back to the bridge. They agreed. I'm screaming inside with joy. We tried to take the trail back, but it's unlit and too much gravel. A detour back to Carson and it was fabulous until we encountered a guy in a blue pick-up.
Now I understand. We're moving vehicles and abiding by the law of the road. Then a kid on a motorcycle proceeded to burst our ear drums to show his lack of patience. It was a fabulous ride until Seth's rear tube opened, but even that experience was great. More of their riding friends showed up. I'm glad I was with them because none of them had a patch or anything. I practically emptied my pack on the sidewalk and invited him to use any and all that I had to get him rolling again. This kid's good...less then 10 minutes with only the use of my headlamp to see. To be young with unfailing eyes. We continued and two blocks from the bridge the patch peaked through his tire. Now we definitely can't go on. So Pepi and I ride down. As we ride I bog him down with a billion questions about his new track bike and all sorts of riding propaganda. It's a one-of-a-kind by a local framer. It's a beauty!
As I walk across the bridge I begin to think about the next Crit ride sometime this month wondering if they will be there, but it's Halloween. No I do not celebrate any inkling of such evil-ness. So I locate the car, secure the bike and walk to school to locate my friends. They're still in class so I check my email to find Bike-Pgh is having a special event this coming Thursday night, and a ride to accompany. Definitely have to get those tights washed cause it's going to be freezing down near the waters.
So now I'm extremely excited about riding and wondering will I even need those long-finger gloves I picked up. With such fabulous group riding the warmth from inside can keep my digits comfy. Oh and using Pedro's Ice Wax helps too.
Ciao!
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