Change in routine

My friend Doug Tidd, who has gotten me started on cycling, was concerned about my safety, and so, following his recommendations, I made a couple of small tweaks to my routes to and from work. I did not ride to work today, wanting to first pick up some auxiliary gear, but will put these changes into effect tomorrow. These changes are designed to provide me with better riding surfaces, and less traffic to deal with overall (though they are a very slightly greater distance, which is all to the good).

On the way home from work, I stopped and (again at Doug's recommendation) first picked up from REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) a reflective singlet vest designed to enhance my visibility to drivers, and then, from Performance Bike, a mirror to attach to my helmet, and a flashing light to attach to the rear of the bike. I drew smiles from the twenty-something store clerks when I told them, via my laptop -- "I ran until a couple of years ago, but have had to stop now on doctor's orders, due to arthritis. (I find this totally outrageous for a mere 56-year-old!)" With these additions I feel sure that my riding, about which I already felt comfortable, will be much more secure.

As I write, at a little before 4:30 p.m., the Detroit Tigers are playing in the first inning of their second game of the season, another late afternoon contest in Minnesota. Because of this, like on Monday, I will ride laps inside our complex tonight. But whereas on Monday I could only do 10 laps because of the cold (30 degrees) and my not having worn gloves, tonight should be a different story - it is currently 42 degrees on a nice sunshiny afternoon - and I will wear my gloves to ride, so am hoping and planning to do 20 laps.