Today was my first commute to work this year. Time constraints, the holidays, some really bitter cold (keep quiet, Peder, I'm content with my level of "bitter cold") have kept me off the bike. It's not that I don't like riding my bike to work, but I suspect it's a lot like methadone. It's pretty good, just not the same as the real thing.
I always push my limits when it comes to getting out the door. I mess on the computer too long, then I have to take care of my morning business. I always underguesstimate how long it takes to don the arm warmers, leg warmers, etc. By the time I got out the door, I was about 10-12 minutes behind where I like to be. That's cool, I always allow plenty of time so I can shower/shave at work... No worries, I'll be fine.
It was a little cool as I left the house. I almost wished I had on an underlayer, but noted that when I started climbing, I would be too warm. I was fine, really. I motored across the Santa Ana river wash and was happy with the world. The bike was rolling nicely and I felt good.. I needed to ride off several of Jamie's Full Sail beers I drank over the weekend (yummy, BTW), so life was good!
I got into Highland and headed west. This is a fun street to ride and usually has light traffic. I can hold a 23-24 mph pace pretty easily through here without pushing real hard. There's one section I have to slow down for because it's extra rough pavement, but it's only a couple blocks, then it's hammer down again. I was rolling along, still enjoying life, when I felt a very noticable temperature change. I bet the temperature increased 10-15 degrees, which is a huge "uh-oh!"...... Wind.... BIg wind..... When I hit it, I realized I was in trouble, because where I work is usually waaaaay worse than what I'll get in San Bernardino. It was too late to even consider turning back, so I reminded myself that riding in wind is like climbing hills; it just makes you stronger. Besides, at least it was a warm wind!
The east-west streets were a challenge keeping the bike on a straight line through the gusts. It was mostly a steady wind, so I could lean into it for the most part. The north south streets were all about gearing down and keeping the pedals churning. I got over the freeway viaduct and was heading just fine toward my next north south street when I started feeling my rear tire going soft. I stopped to check and as I reached around, I put my thumb right on the goat head protruding from my tire. Damn. Windy, dark and now, a flat to fix.
Fortunately for me, I had pretty good street lights to work by, so I didn't have to burn my headlight for illumination. One thing about Cruzbikes I've learned is; they are great to turn upside down, rest them on the brake hoods and seat back. Then, all your tools, spare tubes and such can sit on the bottom of the seat pan while you work on the bike. They can't go anywhere and everything is very handy to get at. Of course, because I'm on my way to work, the pressure is on to get the bike rolling quickly and I did a fair job of it.
Once back on the road, I tried to pick up the pace to make up time, but it was a lost cause. I headed across the wash going from San Berdoo into Rialto, which is a pretty short, but fair climb. Here, the winds are merciless and while climbing and fighting the cross winds, I had a real hard time going straight. Good thing there wasn't much traffic. I got to my check point and found I was about 23 minutes behind where I like to be. Not too bad, but I would have to rush once I got to work.
Expecting the worst as I neared my workplace, I was pleasantly surprised to find the wind was less intensive than normal. I actually began getting a little better pace going, though still way below normal. I got to work and still had time for a shower, just no shave. So, I'm a little scruffy, but I was to work on time and I smell good!
Mark
