Consecutive bicycle work commute number 2214:
This morning was the first of the season to break the 40 degree barrier: it was 39°F when I left the house. I took the road bike. Wore a sweatshirt, headband and cycling gloves, but stayed in shorts. It's supposed to be 71°F on the way home tonight, so I didn't want the warmth of long pants.
Had my regular blood coagulation appointment this morning, so the first place I rode was the hospital. Because of the different route I left the house a little later than usual. As a result, traffic was heavier.
Whenever my blood thickness is tested and found to be in range, I celebrate by treating myself to a breakfast burrito at my favorite taco shop. If my blood thickness isn't in range, then I console myself with a breakfast burrito at my favorite taco shop. This morning I was in range, so I celebrated.
I rode from the hospital to the taco shop. Given the location and the fact that it's open 24 hours, there have been a lot of altercations at this taco shop over the years. Their unofficial motto is "tacos so good it's worth getting shot." Things were pretty quiet at 8:15 in the morning, so there was no extra entertainment while ordering my shrimp and egg burrito.
As I rode from the taco shop to the client office, I hit a rock with my rear tire. That in itself is unremarkable. I mention it because the rock suddenly propelled itself sideways from under my tire like a bullet and hit a parked car about 20 yards away with a loud BANG! The sound was slightly muted so I'm suspecting the rock hit a piece of plastic molding rather than paint or glass. Thankfully there wasn't anyone in the car so I didn't have to try and explain myself. I couldn't see any visible damage to the car, which is good because if there was I wouldn't know what to do. The tradition is to leave a note, but in this day and age who carries paper and pen with them? I don't.
From the sound the rock made when it popped out from under my tire I fully expected the tire to go flat. To my surprise it held pressure for the eight blocks remaining in my ride. We'll see if it's still holding pressure at the end of the day, but I'm optimistic.