Saturday on Droolside

After missing my first Riverside ride in nearly two months last weekend, I got out Saturday and spun it in reverse. There was a bit of miscommunication on Grant's end to the point where I thought the ride was called off. So when he called at 10am and woke me up I was confused, but still jonesing for some weekend cycling. I quickly showered off sleep and packed my wheels into my car.

The ride in reverse feels a bit hillier and the traffic felt heavier, although that could have been because of the later start time. It was fun to mix it up though. We have been riding the same loop for nine weekends in a row now and it has never felt too redundant. Hopefully our late spring and summer touring rides will break up riverside a bit if it ever does.

Getting three flats in one ride a week ago has left me paranoid beyond belief. Every time I feel my tire wobble a bit I fear the worst. Well, either the new tire I bought is just plain crap (most likely) or my negative energy willed a flat in to existence (least likely). I got another pinch flat! Crossing the wooden bridge from the southern shore to Belle Isle my rear end got loose and I knew what was up.

We pulled to the side and I broke it down pit crew style to get my bike fixed as fast as possible (lots of practice lately). Half way through the repair we heard some movement in the woods. A St. Bernard the size of an elephant came barreling out of the trees covered in sticks, mud and buckets of drool. No owner in sight and tools on my lap I did not want to stand up and startle the dog. So I stayed seated and was treated to a dog drool back rub. Tasty I know.

Eventually the owners came around the corner, their faces a glow from the warm day and their hands happily unencumbered by the weight of a leash. They called "Droolie" away and continued their fitness walk through the urban jungle. Dog drool might not be considered "aero" by the "euros", but it did not slow me down. We made good time back through the city and into the Fan. For a ride that I did not plan to go on this was a great way to start a Saturday. Hopefully next weekend we can put in some miles in preparation for the all day rides of the summer.

P.S. The picture at the top takes you to the album from Saturday, but so does this!