Ride.Eureka.3.2.07

Date: 3.2.07

Goal: Complete some sort of training ride despite inclement weather.

Planned wake up time: 7 a.m.

Actual wake up time: 8 a.m.

Distractions before departure: E-mail, SFgate.com, breakfast, Fred’s blog, Eric Kirk’s blog, Steve D.’s blog (not local, but always entertaining), washing dishes, making pesto pasta for ride, packing lunch.

Pre-Ride Thoughts: Cold and wet outside. Want to stay home. Should skip ride and work. Lots of calls and unreturned e-mails to be addressed.

Inspiration for leaving house: Hot coffee from Sutter’s Mudd. Blueberry muffin that can’t be consumed until first rest stop.

Departure time: 9 a.m.

Destination: Downtown McKinleyville for coffee. Arcata Bottoms, Woodley Island. And...????

Weather: Crappy, with rain and drizzle.

Clothing: Outer shell – rain jacket, rain pants, gloves. Inner shell – sweat pants, T-shirt, shorts, etc.



First photo: Mad River looking east atop Hammond Bridge. Actual photo too dark and gray. Radical color adjustment necessary.

First rest stop: Woodley Island. Consumed muffin. Finished coffee.

Most depressing area: Old Town Eureka. Homeless coughing up lungs. Staggering about. Empty corners. Did street hookers take the day off?

Improvised riding technique: Utilized sidewalks along portion of Broadway.



Costume change: Stopped at Bucksport to remove rain gear after it finally stopped raining.

Costume Change II: Three minutes later the rain resumed. Jacket back on.

Major route change: Took Herrick Ave. exit. Weaved my way past golf course to Redwood Acres and Myrtle Ave.

Heavy rain: Went from wet to wetter along Myrtle Ave./Old Arcata Road.



Homeward bound: Old Arcata Road. Union Street. L.K. Wood Blvd. Janes Road. Arcata Bottoms. Hammond Bridge.

Arrive home: 1:30 p.m.

Miles: 39

Notes: Weather sucked, but I felt good. Lots of extra energy at end of ride. Need improved weather and longer distances.