I had an incident last summer whilst wearing my bright orange Hi-Viz Columbia riding jacket so I thought that today I would wear my old, tattered JR:Joe Rocket jacket. It seemed chillier than normal for the last time this jacket was worn it was in the ebbing days of summer, and the liner was still in my side case waiting to be zipped in
I got a late start today as my service light went on in my car so I made an appointment for a LOF:Lube Oil & Filter, and a general inspection of fluids and brake pad wear. My commuter car has a computer which calculates oil wear based on many factors, but once the light goes ON it is a pain to keep having to push the reset button to clear the error code, so it is easier to just have the service done.
By the time I had breakfast, and home after the car service I got comfortable on my sofa and immediately went into relax mode. Soon I had to decide whether to just stay home and do nothing, or go somewhere on my bike. The weather outside was glorious sunshine so rather than waste the day, I headed south towards Ladner and try to find some meandering roads
I have no particular destination in mind. I travel the roads less travelled, and stop often to admire nature, the mountains, the rivers, the streams and stop often on lonely stretches of road. Today I decide to travel the roads less travelled
It is not easy to find roads devoid of cars, but here I am on the banks of the Fraser River
enjoying a fine day with only the noise of the wind and the errant seagull
It was great to hear the sound of the engine, the clicking of the tranmission and being one with one's machine on a solitary road beside water and farmlands until I decided to take a break at one of the docks and watch the fishermen prepare their boats for their next outing. I spend some time here just enjoying the day
I remember to zip in my liner for the ride home. It may look warm, but looks can be deceiving.
No ice on the roads or water so it really does look warm and spring-like. We are very bright and sunny with temperatures almost up to freezing today!
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteI feel sorry for your cold temperatures. I guess we shouldn't complain with "chilly", I mean, in Alaskan terms, it would be like a heat wave. Hope you get some warmth soon, or at least get to ride your bike
It was a great sunny filled weekend. Saturday was definitely cooler. The warmth will be here soon! Glad you got out on your bike. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteYou're right. It is getting warmer daily. Soon it won't be so cold at night and we can cast away our heavy winterwear. I notice you go a long ride in too. After you go over the Malahat you should turn left onto Shawnigan Lake Road, then Mill Bay Road, and continue to Cowichan Bay road. the Road that circumnavigates Shawnigan lake is good for bikes too
Cool Bob, I can sometimes snooze to much when I should be out riding. Once out though I never regret it. can you post a map one day of some of your little road trips, it help us down under 's know where youaregoing.
ReplyDeleteRoger:
DeleteRight you are about the maps, but I tried to save a Google Map before but I need a tutorial on how to do it. I only know how to save screen prints, I can't make it "interactive".
If I pick a scenic photo destination, sometimes it's just nice to lay on the grass and snooze for a bit
Looking good Bob, it's that time of year. Later on, you'll probably start to tell yourself that the days are all nice and that it's not worth going outside when the sun shines - wait, you live over there on THAT coast. Probably not. Late in the year I at least forget what winter is like and get lazy. By January I can't forgive myself for all the beautiful days I've missed.
ReplyDeleteBrady
Behind Bars
Brady:
DeleteOf course you're right. It's the same with the ocean and the rivers. We see them all the time so when we see the ocean and rivers of different places, we are not as overwhelmed as say, someone from Kansas, or Saskatchewan.
As you age you realize that time stops for no one and you make more use of your dwindling days. Don't you notice that the older you get the earlier you rise
I love the picture of your bike with the mountains in the background. It does look like a warm Spring day... until you notice the snow on the mountain tops. I'm well aware of how deceiving sunny pictures can be.
ReplyDeleteI've looked back at a few in my collection and had to let the vegetation and clothing on people remind me that... that beautiful day was still pretty cold!
Thanks for taking us along on your ride. I'm adjusting to life on two through the eyes of others. It's not quite the same, but I still feel connected.
Great post!
Lady Di:
DeleteWe had fresh snow on our Mountains last week. Our Coquihalla Highway was closed due to a blizzard, so while Spring is close, it's not here yet. The air is still cool and you need your liners and gloves.
Your situation isn't much different than mine where Mrs Skoot doesn't ride. I just don't ride on Sundays but I usually commute and ride all day Saturdays. Also I take at least one multi-day M/C trip each year, but the other vacations are using 4 wheels or a plane destination. I am sure if you wanted to ride, you could squeeze it into your schedule
Now that was a great ride. Thanks for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteMartha:
DeleteI was thinking a bit about your area and I thought I would ride to a smaller community, which would look similar to where you are and give you a glimpse of our surroundings. I will link the video soon
Don't you love those crisp sunny days? I am glad you got out for a nice ride in the sunshine on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteWe were trapped in the car taking the flooring back but it sure felt nice through the windshield and we saw a lot of bikes out. Yesterday the rain came back but we had 2 dry days which was nice.
Trobairitz:
DeleteRight now we would be happy to exchange "crisp & sunny" for "warm & sunny". but then in the Heat of July in Oregon @ 100°F, "chilly" would be more than welcomed. The grass is always green . . .
I know it can be frustrating driving when you notice so many bikes out, but life is life and there are errands to do and the SUV to drive. That's a nice phrase "Trapped in the car with Troubadour". Is that what you meant ?
Aahhh...time on the bike. The riding season has come. Glad that you were able to get out.
ReplyDeleteSteel CupCake:
DeleteIt is always great to go for a ride somewhere to snap photos and relax
I've been busy lately so haven't had time to read blogs regularly. I am catching up, in last to first fashion, so I saw your video first. I couldn't help but think those locales looked like they would be great for shooting. Then I get to the previous post (this one) and am treated with some of your great photography. Yay! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKathy:
DeleteI also have too many blogs which I follow and don't always comment when visiting each time and the 29in29 during February put me behind. We do have some photogenic places in our area but they look much better when it isn't raining. We also enjoy photos from your area too, so keep snapping