Simple Bike Ride

Listening to Little Boots and I'm in a really good mood.

Yesterday I went for an impromptu bicycle ride in conditions I usually prefer to not (read: really windy) but once I got out there, it wasn't so bad. South, East, and West riding wasn't so bad - once I went North it was a bit interesting. The only bad thing I guess you could say was that at times I felt I was being pushed from the side, so my wheels had this odd slippy-slidy feeling. Other than that, it was a beautiful day for riding.

Here's a blurry me in my riding outfit:



Aside from my cell phone, sunblock and water, this is what I usually carry with me (paper, pen, money, cards and ID in the event of an emergency; lip gloss and perhaps mascara in the event of an attractive someone):



This would be my bicycle.



I haven't named it yet, but we've been through a lot together. Some great rides. I've never experienced a flat with this one, and I've been riding it steadily for going on a year and a half.

I usually start out all my rides on the Orange Line Bike Path at White Oak and Oxnard in Encino:



Sometimes I continue along, heading West until I reach Canoga Station in Woodland Hills.



In between points I usually happen upon some beautiful flowers growing, especially during this time of year. It makes for a more pleasurable ride all around (some of the following photos were taken while in motion, so please excuse the quality):





I try to pay attention to all of the signs, which is why I'm surprised when others are surprised when they get into accidents or why there is a bicycle on "their side of the pathway":






I mean, the pathway seems to be clearly marked to me, but what are you going to do except ride, walk, and drive safely? On the return trip I sometimes keep going down the pathway past the Velodrome, baseball and soccer fields until I reach the park:




And then I head up Balboa Boulevard on home. It ends up being about 15 miles round-trip - a simple ride whether sprinting or coasting at most any time of day. Depending on what's going on this weekend, I might try a longer ride up to Granada Hills and back. We shall see.

TGIF, everyone! Make it a great weekend.