An interesting ride. I rode from my apartment in west Little Rock to downtown and then back out to work in west Little Rock. So it was like commuting, the long way. I stopped at a Bank of America on the way to deposit my paycheck. Outside there was a nice Cannondale. It was early and uncrowded in the bank, so for once, bicyclists were in the majority! We commented on the low gas prices and the surge in bicycle popularity. I arrived at Community Bakery on Main Street about 15 minutes early. We were scheduled to have a planning meeting for the Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas's booth at the Natural State Expo next month. I went in, they had quite a selection of goodies. But the only pies were whole pies, so I decided that in the spirit of things, a blueberry muffin was most appropriate. I also selected an apple danish as it was pie-like.

4 of the 5 people at the meeting pedaled in so there were quite a few bikes parked in front of the bakery when we were assembled. One member was watching a neighbor's baby, so we excused her driving there. ;o)

The meeting was productive. Lots of good ideas and energy for the exhibit.



Riding back was nice. The streets were quiet. I passed Little Rock Central High School where 49 years ago Governor Orval Faubus called out the state's National Guard to surround the school and prevent any black students from entering. A woman was photographing it. Later I passed a large thrift store so I stopped to see if they had any bicycles because I'm looking for a cheap one to use for riding and parking in downtown Little Rock. But it looked like the thrift store had gone out of business. Twelfth Street turned into Kanis Road and Kanis climbed up into the hills becoming a very rural mountain road that a mile later empties out into one of the local Hospitals. Stopped at a light I had one of those wonderful moments when your heart has had a good work out and you are just feeling extra good and the sky is bluer than usual. I pedaled on to work, passing the FBI headquarters and enjoying the nicely wooded yet uncrowded industrial park. And then I was here at work. It was about an 18 mile ride.