bikelovejones

Because I wanted to have the latter half of the day relaxing and planning seder with Sweetie, I opted for my Smith & Bybee loop. Today I was joined at the start by Jason, a friend from OrRando who wanted a mellower ride so he could baby his knee a little. Michael R. had promised to show but when he wasn't there at the 9am sharp start time we left. The day was sunny, but still cool enough for arm and knee warmers as we made our way to Schmeer Road.

Jason lives on the west side of the universe and hasn't ridden in North Portland before, so I enjoyed introducing him to the joys of the Columbia Slough (where we spotted geese, ducks and a beautiful heron from the path). As we left the gravel part of the path and began riding on the paved section of Old Portland Hghway, I heard panting behind us, and suddenly Michael was there. He was breathing hard and coughing a lot; getting over a nasty cold and contending with early allergy season. So we pulled over for a minute to let him catch his breath. He was resplendent in his brand new jersey ("Rasmussen All-Star Race Team", from Rasmussen Bike Shop somewhere in Iowa.) He saw it and had to have it. Because his last name is the same as the proprietor's they gave him a shipping discount and a bunch of extra schwag.

By the time the three of us made it to Kelly Point Park, I was ready to shed my arm warmers. The sun had warmed everything up quite agreeably and we reveled in the first taste of warmer days to come, pedaling and talking loudly like kids out on a lark. After another stop for a quick restroom break, we made it to downtown St. Johns and the required stop at Anna Bananna's, where we enjoyed lunch and conversation. After lunch, things had warmed up enough for me to shed the knee warmers as well, and I rode in short sleeves and shorts for the first time this year. Delightful!

We rode along Willamette Blvd to Ainsworth, and said goodbye to Jason at Interstate (where he caught the MAX back to the west side of town). Michael, riding all morning with a dry, squeaky chain, came to my house for a spot of oil before heading home.
I brought a camera but had such a grand time riding and hanging out with Jason and Michael that I forgot to take a single picture. That's a sign of an excellent ride.
Total 23.5 miles.