Eventful this morning. It was 59°F this morning when I left. No sweatshirt needed.

I enjoyed commuting the 16 miles each way yesterday, so I went further east and north in the car to pick up the Des Plaines River Trail. I would take that down to the North Shore Trail, and take that to the Robert McClory trail most of the rest of the way. It would be 22 miles each way.

I got to where I was going to start, parked the car in a strip mall parking lot, and got suited up. I started riding this gravel trail, and after a mile or two, there was a sign that said: "trail closed ahead due to high water." I figured that could mean 1" or a lot more. "Besides, this a cyclocross bike. Isn't this rugged stuff what they're made for?"I looked, and it was only an inch or so. So I went through slowly. A couple miles later, I saw the same sign. This time, I had to look pretty hard to even see where the trail was. I decided to start going into it and see how deep it was. At first, it was only a few inches deep. Feet got wet, but no big deal. I kept going, and was all of a sudden up to my shins. Still going. Up to my knees and it was pretty hard to stay upright, between the water current and the softer trail below. I dismounted and the water came up just below my crotch. Damn.

So I walked it out, and went back up to the road figuring I would cross the river the normal way, then pick up the trail on the other side. I couldn't find the daggone trail again. So I took roads back to my car and drove to work. I got in just before 9. There was already someone waiting for me; I forgot I'd made an appointment. If I had been an hour and a half late, like I'd planned to be, it might've gotten ugly.

While I was walking around in the basement, one of the Receiving guys got my attention, my Tom Bihn Super Ego messenger bag arrived! It would be sweaty carrying it home on the bike.

So it was not meant to be, riding in today. It would have been 44 miles round trip, but the river had other plans. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I may not ride then either.

It worked out OK, as now I have my bag, I'll have no problems carrying anything home and I didn't blow off my visitor. Just a bunch of good luck things that were spawned by my giving up the ride in.