I rode my bike yesterday on our 4th of July. I would not normally have done this as the beach is filled with an extra several helpings of stupid, but I had the day so I took the chance. As it happened, I was late in the afternoon giving me a guaranteed warm if not hot ride.
The neighborhood was already under aerial bombardment on all fronts. Parking around the park was doubled up with no one enforcing the no parking in the bike lane signs. I had to use the smallest bit of traffic lane nearest the centerline thanks to triple deck parking.
Managed to escape the hood unscathed to the coast trail where I found the wobbling hoards of holiday makers all on electrified bikes of one sort or another. None requiring any pedaling motion. One kid sped past just after an ex-pro cyclist came around, startling both of us with how close and fast he was going. Had to be closer to 30 mph than the posted 15mph limit. With wobbling groups in both directions some even sipping beers or drinks in cups, plenty of selfie wobbles. Certainly no place for speed.
The kid turned around and came speeding back forcing us to the square curb at our right as he passed a group holding his phone out with one hand and steering toward us with the other with his attention nowhere near driving a bicycle.
We were not hit or killed, but we both got over to the curb and barely missed being snagged by the short surfboard.
The rest of the ride was more me sitting on his wheel to the parking lot where pace is maxed at 5mph with the crowds everywhere even that was a bit much.
Miles of fishbellywhite skin exposed for the favorite American tradition of the 4th of July sunburn. Always adds real fun to work the next day, I'm betting.
Any way we had a good time talking bicycles, aging, racing and racing in Colorado along with remembering old races and people we used to ride with and knew there. Good fun. He stopped at the harbor for a picnic with friends and I headed inland for more work and saddle time. About two miles later I noticed the pwoermeter on my left pedal had come apart. The adhesive giving up the fight. I pulled the connector and stuffed it in my pocket.
At the park at Ortega I decided I'd skip the return to the beach and the crowds there. Here at the park there was only me and a couple of people at the pickle ball courts. I headed south on Antonio up the hills that on a day when I'm in better condition would be rollers. Today they were hot, slow hills into the wind. Me using the bottom of the cluster much of the time.
The phone camera really flattens this. I liked the level of traffic out here.
I turned off after the last of the three summits and a short descent to Hermosa and headed over to Pico. This would make a short shallow climb then a long shallow descent to Pico where I turned and headed to North beach.
Only a little congestion as the lost tourists intent on finding a parking spot at the beach on a holiday at 3:30 in the afternoon, managed to stop in the middle of a block, nearly crossing the double yellow line, then failing to notice they had the right of way, yet were stopping at an intersection. with nobody at either crossing yield.
I had to follow one car about half way back to my street before they finally turned away.
Once to my street I waved hello to a friend on his deck, who invited me up to meet all his friends who were over to celebrate.
Now, I'd just done 30 miles or so in the heat so I was sweaty and dripping. I begged off the invitation to stay and instead went home for cold water and a shower.
I'll get another ride on Thursday. I think since Friday is dental appointments.
We are into the summer now with full summer kit and sunscreen. My food pocket holds a fresh tube of the stuff now to be reapplied at every rest stop.
Don't go all Zoomer on me and delete all of your posts from this thread! lol