Ride on 6-28-08

So, from one novice (less than six months') rider to anyone who doesn't know this... I keep my bike in a modified garden shed, which has three walls and a roof. I also keep some essentials there, such as a couple of tools, gloves, and helmet. So, today when I went out to ride, I was a little concerned when I felt a slight tickle along my left ear. I was hoping it was a simple wind draft coming up from the bottom of the helmet, but the sensation soon moved to right above my ear, then down my neck. When I pulled over and removed my helmet, I found that a spider had decided to enjoy the safety and security of my helmet while my own head was there. Note to self: Don't leave helmet out in that shed any more.

I rode south, and found the Old Pueblo Road, which by its name, leads me to believe that the two lane road was the primary link between Colorado Springs and Pueblo before the construction of I-25. I think I was fooled, because this road did take me south for some way, then took a decidedly easterly direction. When out in this area, the roads are mainly on a latitude and longtitude direction, and rarely are they at a direction other than straight, so I figured that I'd follow this road until I got tired.

I was in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere. The road was clear and straight, and there were very few homes around. Since this road was also devoid of traffic, I felt okay opening up Steve McQueen to a speed that was not too bad for open road.

After I reached a crossroads community called Hanover, I realized that I should start a return trip, by heading north on Peyton Highway. I passed a school, church, and some homes, but strangely enough, I couldn't see the mountains. When traveling on a north/south roadway in the Colorado Springs area, the mountains always appear on the west. It seems to be a clear reference point; "drive toward the mountains." Yet, here I was, unable to see them. All I could assume was that I was really east of the city, too far out to see them.


When I found Highway 94, and started my return home, I realized why I couldn't see the mountains. Clouds had covered them, and if I didn't get back home soon, I'd probably get rained on. Despite it being late June, I was not anxious to get rained on.

I hauled back to the Springs, making it home in time to order a pizza and miss the rain.