Uplifting commute yesterday! Two-thirds nostalgia, one-quarter unscripted. I was going to take the 7-mile route through Motor City via the Pikes peak Avenue underpass, but ended up going through Memorial Park past the velodrome and lake. It was sunny, clear and 35F, but felt warmer.

I seldom ride this far south anymore and as I entered the wide open expanse of Memorial Park I was engulfed in nostaligia. The white inflatable cover of the velodrome was bright in the morning sun. And the surface of Prospect Lake seemed like it was on fire as the sunlight danced on the surface.

But because the sun was low, I realized that even with hi-viz yellow jacket and my helmet and bike flashers, I may not be seen by early morning drivers looking for the service entrances to the car dealerships on Motor City Drive, so I cut west though the south end of downtown, past the police station and over to the new downtown stadium.

A few months ago, across the street from Weidner Field I had seen a paved path heading into America the Beautiful Park, so that's where I headed, just feeling my way past the backside of the Police station and down streets I hadn't biked in many, many years, all with new buildings to see.

Then I was at the stadium and ATB Park. The paved trail dipped down into the park with a series of W's...lotsa fun!

And then I was on familiar ground a quarter mile from the office.

A very busy day at work had me leaving 40 minutes late at 5:40pm. But thanks to the time change it was still sunny, bright and 62F. I had a slight tailwind again and took a low-traffic route and got home weel before the UN set.

Just wonderful!