Is It Friday Yet?

I clipped into the FX this morning and headed out five minutes earlier than usual.  Its a rainy day here in Akron and after my near crash on the Varsity the last time it was raining, I decided to play it safe and take advantage of the new pads and fenders.

The last time the FX and I have gone out for a ride was July 9th!  I feel kinda bad that I've been cheating on it with the Varsity too much.  No worries though, it doesn't seem offended.  It was nice to be using the hybrid this morning.  I've been amping up my rides the last two weeks trying to get back in the routine and fitness I enjoyed last summer (albeit a little late).  Oddly enough, most of these rides have been on the Varsity or the Diamondback trainer neither of which are outfitted with clipless pedals.  I keep saying I'm going to pick up another set for the Diamondback, but I haven't gotten around too it.   Going from platform to clipless is a completely different workout, if you can train your legs to pedal differently.  This morning it was a welcome change.

Of course, rain means fully packed panniers.  Commuting in hot or wet weather requires the same amount of preparation and gear as riding in the winter does.  I need a full change of clothes and shoes, rain gear, plus the stuff I have always have to carry like my huge wad of keys and my lunch.  All that extra gear adds up quickly, and slows me down.  The plus side was that the FX is much lighter and has more stability than the Varsity.

When riding in the rain its also important to avoid puddles.  They may be deeper than
they look.

Despite the rain and heavy load, it was a very enjoyable ride.  I even received a friendly wave this morning!

As enjoyable as the commutes have been lately, what I'm really looking forward to is the weekend.  There are two casual rides on Friday.  The Great Lakes Touring Company is doing a Bike Aboard! ride with the CVSR from 6:00-9:00pm.  They will be taking the train for $3 a person from Peninsula up to Brecksville and then riding back to Peninsula.  Starting at 8:00pm, Century Cycles will be hosting another night ride from their Peninsula store.  Our plan is to do both, if all goes well.  Neither of us have done a Bike Aboard! before so we're excited about that, plus it will be nice to ride with the GLTC again.  Of course, the Night Rides with CC are always a blast.

Saturday, of course, is the 2011 Blues & Brews.  This is the first year it will be held at the "urban park" location of Lock 3 as opposed to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.  Admittedly, we aren't expecting the same quality event that we're used to, but we figure it will get better the more beer we sample.  Prior to going there at 12:00pm for the Brewer's Circle event, we're going to probably hit the Towpath to earn those beers.

Its going to be a great weekend.