After I blogged about my first outdoor ride, on January 19, I never dreamed it would be so long before I could get outside again. But right after that, true wintry weather descended on us, the harshest we've experienced in two years - at some times, I would even describe it as "severe" - and for the last few weeks I've had to resort to fairly regular (averaging about 5 times per week) workout sessions on the elliptical, or recumbent, machine at LA Fitness, where I've been going for an hour at a time (my sanity only preserved by my iPod). Today, however, I allowed our pleasant afternoon to tempt me back outside for a ride after work -- bright sunshine, temperature in the upper thirties, and calm conditions. Michelle was mildly uneasy about me riding on the roads, but decided to "give you over to God." And I think her peace of mind was helped by my wearing my bright yellow winter coat, as it was cool enough that the coat still felt good. She did quip, however, "The cars might be blinded by what they think is a bright flash of sunshine!"

I had initially thought about doing a longer ride than this, but once I got out there I decided to stay conservative as I still adjust to this new way of life, and I rode one of my old running routes, about 7 miles, in 43 minutes. I only ran it once before my injury, on April 16, 2011, in about 1 hour 13 minutes. I call it the Metro Loop, as it passes by one of the businesses where I have to shuttle many vehicles in the course of my employment, Metro Delivery, on Varsity Drive. It felt great to go over this route again and bring back memories of running, which I still miss. I was very pleased, too, that I was able to negotiate the roads OK, and also had no challenges or difficulties at the various intersections I had to cross, including where Ellsworth Rd. crosses State, a busy spot, especially at that time of day (rush hour).

Coming back toward our home, on Ellsworth, I rode on the broad paved path in front of Costco, and this would have been fine, except that it has been so long since I ran there that I forgot a gap of a couple hundred feet where there is no path. There I bogged down in the wet turf, and had to get off and walk it a short distance. But, all in all, I'm very pleased with Ride #2, and am hopeful that #3 is not nearly another month away.