I started the day at Roseville High School fixing up their fleet of bicycles for the spring session. For the past 6 years or so, I have, twice a year, spent a number of hours making sure the bicycles the school has collected are in safe working order. Last week I spent some hours there and was comfortable in my t shirt and knickers. This morning my shins were chilly, I had three layers on my torso, and my hands were raw by the afternoon. I swear it became colder after the sun came up.
Late in the afternoon things improved. The sun was almost out and the temperature rose to near 50. With a t and hoody, it was plenty of covering for riding around town. I had a couple of errands to take care of and I brought out the Fillmore for the first time this year. Being my lightest bicycle, it is a treat to ride. The only down side being that I have it geared a little high for cruising around town. It is set more to letting your legs run free than the constant start/stop of the city.
A nice thing about that bicycle is that it is quick. On my ride home I decided to ride Summit Ave. This is a favorite route for cyclists in St Paul and on a day like today is often crowded in both directions. It is fun and painful to watch the various cyclists grind and ride their way along the avenue. Riding behind a man on his carbon road bike, I thought of how silly it was for him to be riding it. With his backpack, shifting through 8 of his 20 gears (the Fillmore I rode has 1), I kept up with him without any effort at all. I am not bragging, it is just the truth of the terrain of this area, and the reality of city riding. He seemed trim and fit enough, I don't think that had anything to do with it. More than likely it is just what was sold to him. Racing bikes for non racing people.
Not the Fillmore, but captures the feel of the ride |