Behind Block Walls

Went into the city, this AM, to look at bike fenders at the Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Cafe. I'd been hoping to find the black SKS Commuter II fenders they had on their web page but, when I called, they said they had a good selection but not that particular one. So, I went anyway to have a look.

See, I've decided to try and extend my outdoor riding season a bit and, around here, this time of year, fenders are one way to do it. Like this morning when it's cold and the shoulders of the road are still wet from the overnight rain. I know I'm not gonna melt but, you know.

Anyway, I looked and while they did have some good stuff, I really wanted what I'd seen at the website. Right size, right color, right attachment points, etc. And so I asked them to order them for me and they did.

Coming from PA, they said, and so should be here within the week.

Fine, I said, but there's still today and it's once again raining. I didn't say that to them.

But I was thinking it then and I'm looking out the window now and wondering what to do.

Do I wait a bit longer and hope things dry off enough to squeeze at least one ride out of the day?

Or do I resign myself--as I know I'll have to one day soon--and clamp Black Allegro into the mag trainer and pretend to "ride."

Behind block walls and out of the wind that keeps me alive...

LPK
Dreamwidth
10.20.2020 

Know What, Though?

Not having taken my second ride yesterday, and having had to skip this morning's as well, my lungs are the clearest they've been in a week.

I'm inclined to think, as Patrizia has suggested, that what I'm breathing in when I AM outside is the cause of the intensified breathing issues I've noticed in the days and evenings afterwards.

However, I also know that asthmatic episodes can be triggered by simple exertion and I'm hoping that this is not what's happening to me. (It's called "exercise-induced asthma.")

Whatever the case, I think I'm gonna get one of those athletic masks, for when I'm outdoors, and in that way try to be a little smarter about what I'm doing.

Because, you know, I'd really like to keep doing this for a while...

LPK
Dreamwidth
10.20.2020 

Did It!

Got a ride in just as daylight was beginning to fade. The shoulders of the road were a bit wet, and I did wish that I'd been able to get the new fenders today, but the good news is that I didn't melt.

I did get a better sense of the brightness and range of the flashing LED light I recently put on the front for purposes of safety in low light situations. In fact, it lit up street signs a good half block ahead of me. (I do have it angled down so that it's not an issue for oncoming traffic.)

Anyway, one ride is better than none and I continue to be grateful for these chances to get out in the open air, if only sporadically and for a few weeks longer.

Hope everyone has a good night...

LPK
Dreamwidth
10.20.2020