Riding in the Dark and Cold

Stupid weather forecasters. It was supposed to rain all day today. It was pouring last night and on the drive in to work. I'm pretty lucky at work, because my cubicle is on the top floor right next to a huge window with a nice view of the San Francisco Bay.

Just as I got to work the rain tapered off. From the window I could see bands of rain over the bay. It looked like more, much more, coming our way. Oh, well no ride today. The bands of rain just passed on by to the north. By the time I headed out the door at 4:20 the clouds were only on the perimeter of the sky.

Got home by 4:40, nice short commute, which I plan to start doing by bike soon, brought in the garbage cans and checked in on the kids. Katie's homework, done. Matt's big ataxic fall at school, no big deal, even though it scared some teachers and resulted in a call to me at work from the principal. Nothing broken or bruised.

Dinner in the oven by 5:00 and on the bike at 5:20.

Wow, it's cold, but plenty of light as I leave. I'm heading for the San Tomas Creek Trail. It promises to be an easy way to work by bike. But it's about 2 miles through heavy commute traffic to reach the head of the trail. I've got the super bright tail light flashing away and a day-glo orange wind breaker on. You'd have to close your eyes to not see me. And if you do see me, you'll close your eyes! :~)

The cold is not too bad, except for my ears. Biking helmets do not keep your ears warm. I reach the trail without incident and cruise along. At the major roads the trail dips down under the road and close to the water level. Now, we've had a lot of rain lately, and I was wondering what the shape of the trail would be close to water level. They close the trail when the creek rises, because it rises over the trail. It's surprisingly dry in the low spots and it looks like someone has cleared the debris.

I set a goal of 10 to 12 miles. Once I hit mile 5 I knew I was going for 12. I wanted to reach Baylands park and I was close. I reached the park just past the 6 mile mark.

Getting dark and time to turn around for home. Feel good, but even on the trail with no cars I'm glad for the headlight and tail light. The oncoming bikes that pass with no light are just a bit scary. It's hard to see them, so I wonder if they can see me. Silly.

I get home at 6:10, hang up the bike and in comes the wife. Dinner is ready and it's time to write the blog.

Map of the ride.