Killer road

My rides this weekend (yes, read that, the plural-- RIDES) were pretty fanfreakintastic. First, because the weather was beyond exceptional. Sunny, cool but not too crisp, clear. Second, no headwind. 'Nuff said there. And third, I was out in nature, which was one of my requirements when I first decided to start this cycling business.

I rode the Millerton Loop both Saturday and Sunday, and did not feel like dying on Monday. This is a good sign. The Loop, which has previously been clocked at 30 miles (though the Google pedometer clocks at 29.46-- ARGH!), is hilly. The road winds its way past lakes, over a damn, through a patch of Eucalyptus trees, and is lined with smashed beer bottles, flower-laden gutter crosses and road kill.

For those used to driving such roads, you might never have given much thought to road kill. Let me be the first to tell you: it's stinky.

Last week's newly-killed racoon is this week's scented hair pancake. It's startling more than anything. I mean, there you are, riding along, enjoying the distant, prettier views when WHAM-- the stench of old death slaps you upside your nasal cavity. Glancing around, you see it there-- staring at you (or you know, not--as the case may be) lying on its back like Flat Stanley.

You hurry past, but it doesn't matter because the smell chases you for another 10 yards, easy.

You know, so other than THAT, the ride is really freakin' awesome.

SIDE NOTE: I've been told that the Google Pedometer didn't follow the curves exactly, and that the actual ridden distance is 30 miles. I'm taking it. I'd so much rather add a big six-oh to my riding log than a 58 point 92.