Between the Drops

I thought I could make it to the mid-week Farmer’s market to pick up some beef and veggies before the next wave of rain hit.  I could see it coming in behind me from the west an knew it was going to be close getting home dry.

There was snow peeking out through the clouds on the Topa bluffs, but not easy to catch with the camera I had with me.

Making it there was fairly dry, the way home was another matter.

The Patagonia Men's Houdini® performed perfectly as did my Rainlegs chaps.  Both pieces of rain gear are perfect for the light rain quick ride sort of thing.  This test was only 6 or 7 miles in drizzle, but that is all you need most of the time here in southern California.  Anything more and these will wet out and then through, all dry and happy this time though.

Before the Storm

Another round or rain and possibly hail is scheduled for the next few days.  I headed out towards Lake Casitas hoping to get some shots of the snow on the mountains bofre the clouds set in.

The cloud line was already too low, blocking the snow that I had seen from town earlier in the morning.  The rivers were all running high, with more rain on the way things could get interesting.

I had wanted to make it to the high point on the west side of the lake, but wind and time were conspiring against me.  Still an incredibly beautiful day to get out for a ride.

Back on Track

What was that I said about Spring?  After just making it through another weekend of crazy storms, more snow in the mountains and rivers with water in them (it is a coastal desert after all) I made it back out today to run some errands.

After making the ziging and zaging trek across town I pulled up in front of Trader Joe’s to realise I had left my key to the lock at home.  While a great day for a ride, I was an a mission to get some things, not about to leave my Roadeo just sitting out front and thus had a problem to solve.  Rooting through my bags I was able to come up with what seemed like a more than appropriate solution.

Yes, I went the “make it look locked up” route.  Employing three large zip ties that would at least slow them down a bit if not confuse a would be thief.  Before anyone comments on the wasteful nature of the solution, at the time of departure all were clipped far enough from the business end to be of use at a later date.

Groceries obtained and all 20 lbs or so stuffed into the saddle bag it was time to head home.  Bonus points on the way, finding a dime, ten times better than finding a penny!!

More clouds on the way and we may have hail tonight. 

So what does a smart guy with a load in the bags and a little extra time do?  Head up the hill dead ahead in the picture to see how 20lbs in the rear may or may not affect handling.  Going up was not too different from normal, a little light in the front, but by no means bad handling.  The way down was where the real fun begins.

All 20 lbs in the rear did was help with braking.  Promising for taking the Roadeo on light tours later.

A great ride all over town, 15 to 20 miles, normal clothes, comfortable bike and great weather.

Getting the Shot

I love making photographs. 

I ride for fun, transportation and exorcise.  While out I am always thinking about the photo, it is the way I see things, saving data in the background for when an angle of view and the light may come together just right.  Often times this will help guide the direction I head out on a ride.  Sometimes it works as planned, often times I catch things unplanned during the ride and get shots like this gem on Wednesday,

This morning on the other hand was hazy, I woke up late and was hoping to just get a few miles in and see if anything presented itself.  Heading back home with a little extra time I looked up and saw the tree at one of my favorite turns,

Just a little left of the sign you can see the eucalyptus up on the hill above town.  Inspired, Five minutes and a couple hundred feet of climbing later I was set up and ready, bagged the shot and made it home.

Have fun this weekend, play outside and enjoy your family.