It was raining when I left my house for the Bakehouse and our usual Saturday ride, but there was a barely discernible bright spot in the Western sky.  I had gotten a text from Colin Allen earlier, so I knew that at least he would be there.  The wind was strong out of the South ushering in some warmth would accompany us on the wet trek. 

It was cold and misting when I left the comfort of my house this morning to join the team and 15 others who did the same for our weekly Saturday training ride. I was wearing a rain jacket over my Scholars Inn vest but was otherwise under dressed for the conditions.  I had a brief stop prior to the ride, a serendipitous meeting with a good friend, some stretching, small talk then headed to the Bakehouse.  I’ve had a lot on my mind recently, no different than you most likely, so I was looking forward to just riding today. 

I drove to the start of today’s ride, a bit of a luxury for me.  But the course for the team ride was south and west, had 1600 feet of climbing, there would be a headwind on the run out of town and I had taken most of the week off the bike.  So, discretion being the better part of valor, I easily slipped the bike on the rack.   They’re not really team rides, per se, more of a community ride.  I like that.  We try to keep Saturdays as more of a social ride.  Steady without being difficult.  It was good to see a wide mix of riders on an unseasonably warm day.  Several teams were represented so it was a good opportunity to share stories and connect on what would ultimately wind up being a meandering ride on a new course on some unfamiliar roads.