No Place I Have To Be

Today was one of those exceptional days. I started the ride late morning in the mid 60's with bright sunshine and light winds. My only decision was which way to point the bike. It would be my favorite 50 mile loop. Still nursing my back I thought it best to take it easy and not push it. No problem as my wife was working late and I had no life obligations. My only other decision was what's for dinner. Not wanting to think too hard on that I decided on pizza delivery. All I had to do was sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful Spring day. The air continued to warm into the 70's.  I had all the time I needed to stop and smell the roses. There was no place I had to be.

Emley's Hill

Home Again

It isn't Mexico or Caribbean weather but it was a Super, Sunny, 60's, Sunday in NJ. A well enjoyed 35 mile ride after a great non biking vacation.

Spring bloom

She is soooo photogenic

Viva La Mexico

No riding this past week as I was sunning myself in beautiful Akumal, Mexico.

Shore Up

Today being another glorious day I thought it would be fun to ride to the shore. I haven't been there since before Hurricane Sandy. Tank top, shorts and sandals, my favorite outfit. As I got close to the shore I could feel that cool breeze off the ocean. It was easily 10 degrees cooler. Everybody was out enjoying the weather. The bike path to the shore was filed with cyclists, joggers and walkers. People were walking on any open boardwalk and sun bathing on the beach in spite of the immense construction.  Most of the work being done was on boardwalk replacement. It looks like a lot but not all will be operational by Memorial Day. I expect it will take another year before things are 100%.  One thing for certain it will not keep people from enjoying the shore. The best part about riding to the shore is riding the shore. The 20+ miles to and from are on some major roads but you just can't help but smile when biking at the shore.

Blocked path not yet cleared from Sandy

Bike path to shore

 

Spring Lake

Belmar

Asbury Swans 

Lunch at Long Branch

Leaving 

Finally

Spring has finally sprung. Temps climbed to 80 degrees with bright sunshine and blue skies. Only drawback was gusty 20 mph winds. It was like Aruba trade winds. Mind you, I am not complaining. Although the first half of the ride had some serious control issues, the last 25 miles was smooth sailing with the wind at my back. My outfit for the day T-shirt, shorts or should I say knickers and sandals. I could have easily worn a tank top and shorts. The landscape was popping with color from blooming Daffodils, Forsythias and Cherry trees. A great ride to ring in the new season. Hallelujah!

Knickers and sandals

Purple Haze

Windy

Early bloom

Detour

My favorite road out of town is closed until sometime in the Summer. They are finally getting around to replacing a small bridge over a tinny creek that they have been patching for years. This has lead  me to take familiar but not recently traveled back roads. Some of the roads are nice and others are why I have avoided them in the past. Because of this initial detour I thought it would be fun to change things up. Today"s weather was still chilly but abundant sunshine and light winds made for some fun exploring. I was in the groove and adding uncharted miles was just what the doctor ordered. 2 miles from home and another detour. It seemed like road construction was everywhere. I guess the economy is recovering. Things have been a bit dull with the never ending Winter so new changes for Spring are a welcome addition.

Last detour

Give Me A Break

Work has been fragmented lately. My ability to get those long, lovely, beautiful rides in has been compromised. It seems the days I work are warm, sunny and Spring like while my days off are cold, rainy or blustery. Today I hoped to get that long relaxed ride in but alas it was Winter cold and windy. I had to make 4 stops before heading on my ride.  The cross winds were so strong it was difficult keeping the bike up. I no longer worry about getting the first scratch on my new fairing. The bike took a tumble on one of my quick stops. The fairing got some nice road rash. Battling the elements, just to do some errands, sucked the life out of me. 23 miles was all I could muster.