Took advantage of the off-day and went to downtown with the bike in this misty morning to settled down at Boarding Pass coffee. Took a bit of a roundabout route to enjoy the morning. The idea is to grab a coffee and write a letter to one of the daughters and a penfriend in Switzerland.

It was a bit on the cooler side. But very enjoyable ride. There were a couple of tough hills. Tried out new roads today.

Had to do quite a few steep hills

First ride after a couple of weeks being away from home. Got scared by two cars. Need to find some quiet roads. Also realized something else. My Garmin watch often says it is synced to my tail lights. I never knew what it meant. Other than that I was frustrated the lights were not working after I had fully charged them. Then I realized… the lights come on moment I start my ride! I guess the Garmin watch is trying to save battery for me!! Now, I have no idea how to connect my front lights too!

There is nothing quite as frustrating as five minutes into the bike ride (or running) you realize that you forgot to switch on the Garmin. Not that an unrecorded quarter mile makes any difference to anybody but as every bicyclist or runner will tell you, these things matter to us!

The roads were relatively empty. So, stuck to the roads instead of the trail for most of the ride.

First ride in some time. Was away on vacation.

This morning, I put in another 20 miler. Partially on road and partially on trail. I was coming up to the last couple of miles. I had routed myself to go over what I call my personal Heartbreak Hill. The intersection of Kimball Bridge and Northwinds Parkway requires a steep climb for about half a mile any which way you approach it.

At the intersection before that, I was waiting for the traffic light to turn green steeling myself for the impending ordeal. I saw about 4-5 cyclists come from the other side and stop at their light. These were obviously seasoned cyclists.

As I was going in front of them, one of them shouted out “Hey Rajib!”.

That was odd. I had heard that call out while running, at airports, at coffee shops and even in front of Niagara Falls. But who could this be who recognized me in spite of my helmet? I was too scared to stop immediately in case the cross traffic started. But pulled over once I reached the other side.

That was Matt Tebbe! The guy who got me into biking and helped me thru my bike choices!!

“How much are you doing today?” I asked him.

“Coming up on my 90th mile!”

“Wow! I will be lucky if I can finish 19 today.”

Later checked his Strava update. He did 92 miles+. Went to Ballground and beyond. Usually that is where I go with my motorcycle!!

That is amazing stamina and strength.

Some day… I hope… some day…

I had evidently forgotten how hilly Milton is.