Back to commuting.

Yesterday (Sunday), I didn't work, as I have a Mon-Fri job, but I took a couple of commute-ish rides. I rode to my wife's concert on E 29 St. I rode Citi Bike (the big bike share program). It was unusually warm, so I put my jacket in the basket and wore sandals. There was a huge fire right near the church where I was going, and traffic was blocked. One could not even walk near the site of the fire. The fire started early in the morning, and by the time I got there are 3pm, emergency vehicles were still arriving.

After the concert, it was raining heavily. The nice thing about using the bike share is that one can take one-way trips and return by other modes such as subway and taxi. Sometimes riding in the rain is unpleasant and offers bad visibility, but I decided to take a chance. It was fine. I wore my jacket to keep me warm, and my partially exposed feet did not get cold. The fleet of bikes has drum brakes in the hubs which are unaffected by rain. Of course, one must think about traction on the street surface, but these tires are wide and confidence-inspiring. The bikes are 50-pound tanks.

Today, the radio warned that the wind was from the north (the direction into which I ride) and was very strong. It turned out to be steady and not shifty or gusty, so I didn't find it to be a big challenge. It's a bit cold today, but it's clear and bright, and I was quite comfortable. The path I take already has far fewer users on foot and bike, and I almost wonder why people don't bother. It's really not unpleasant.