Thank god for multi-tools

Took another ride to my new favorite spot today, was excited to gear down and take a few speedy laps through Meigs Field again. About 6 miles in, just before I got there, my seat started really killing me. I thought I was just sore from an earlier workout, but nope, that clearly wasn't the case. I stopped to check the saddle when I got there, and it was tilted up at a 45 degree angle. Evidently I hadn't tightened the seat bolt sufficiently and after a couple of rides, it started to shift. Ouch.

Thankfully I had a big multi-tool and straightened everything back out. While I was stopped, I saw one of a cyclist's greatest natural enemies...
A segway tour. Tourist-y, very dangerous. Zoomed in that practically looks like nature film footage. Still gives me the creeps.

Current beer-scale: high enough for some 3:00 old fashioneds I think

Again, I need to ride more often

B/c good things happen while you're on a bike.

The last time I took a big ride south, I had wanted to try and ride whatever peninsula was to the east of the McCormick center jutting out into Lake Michigan. I must have missed something though b/c before I knew it I was passing Soldiers Field. No big deal.
A quick look on google maps showed that the area south of the planetarium was in fact where Meigs Field is, complete with some nice big loops to ride. Sounded good, but I quickly forgot about trying to go. Today, as I was moseying south, it sounded like a good idea to try again. And it was. What a fantastic ride. If anyone was reading this, I'd hesitate to share b/c it was just too awesome.

It took some exploring, but eventually some ways into the marina I was able to sneak under the Planetarium and head south by the Charter One Pavilion. I spotted a bike sign by some construction and headed east, which opened up to a gorgeous nature preserve and Northerly Island Park.

Walk your bikes! (seriously, does that ever get enforced?)

The Field itself was perfect; practically deserted and smooth pavement over a wide open area of tall grass and wild flowers. There were a few other bikers out, and one in particular seemed especially annoyed at having to avoid some park district campers at one point. I didn't care. It was so fun to open things up and really get a cadence going I went for a second loop. Just a great ride.
Eventually I headed home, and for the third time after a ride, got a call about an interview. Bike rides are good. Good for the heart, good for the soul. Good for working up a powerful thirst!

Current beer-scale: 8.1 & in the mood to celebrate...

burn, baby burn

I am a disgusting mess of peeling skin and heat rash. Good times.

I've been too sore to move, let alone go outside for a ride, since a 3 hour canoe trip up in Wisconsin for the fourth. So no rides. I was movement free until I had to go out for an interview I had scheduled before the holiday. After I got there early enough to straighten up in the restroom, I painfully removed my jacket to notice the blisters on my shoulders had popped and were leaking through my shirt. Fantastic.

Blisters meant that was probably the absolute worst burn I've ever had. Which also meant I was about as uncomfortable as you could imagine in that interview. Fortunately the popping meant everything receded slightly for the next day's interview. Hopefully by Monday I can lay down without crying.

Current beer-scale: 7.2