Beautiful Spring Day

We haven't had much of spring here in the twin cities.  We went through an almost nonexistent winter and then catapulted immediately to summer.  I have often talked about wishing for a toggle switch for the seasons as opposed to a dimmer switch.  But without the mess of winter, I rather enjoyed the spring that has made brief appearances.

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.

 

I turned off of Summit and weaved my way north.  I made one more stop before crossing University at Hamline.  There is a boatload of construction happening in my neighborhood as a new light rail line is being installed.  Our main crossing to the south is Hamline and has been closed for a couple weeks.  Having it open is uber fantastic and convenient.  All-in-all an amazing day to experience the changing of the seasons.  I look forward to being able to hop on a bike in shorts and a t shirt, but for a few more weeks, I will accept the long sleeves and knickers to enjoy these beautiful spring days.

Not the Fillmore, but captures the feel of the ride