Recap.

Man, what a week.  I struggle to determine if what happened a week ago Monday was really two or more weeks ago.  The week went by fast but in a blur.  Establishing a new routine has been slow.  Very weird times indeed.

Friday after work I contemplated a ride.  I texted Jim.  If he said no I'd hit the couch.  But in typical Jim fashion he said he'd be ready in no time.  I met Jim at Onyx and he headed out on a route I've never been on before.  I've ridden all the roads, just not in that succession. It was great way to end the week and likely my last ride with others.  I've felt a ride with others (6 or less) was most likely ok.  But have decided it's not worth it.  Even if it's ok I feel it's good to set a positive example.  Thus the group ride we had planned for Sunday was switched to a solo suffer fest.  We still sent pictures of our suffering...it was windy!  Jim sent pictures of a Bloody Mary then later a Dairy Queen.  He's mean.

Saturday I dilly dallied around the house too long.  I didn't get out till close to 10:00.  I did the first stretch of the Dirt Bag but not wanting to do the same roads I cut off after Huber Road and did more of the back section of the Dirt Bag that I don't see as often.  It was windy but I'd later find it was nothing compared to Sunday.

Ride details.

Sunday I woke up to a 1/4" of snow on the roads.  Ugh.  The group ride was canceled because of the snow, but mostly social distancing stuff.  I anxiously (I'm and anxious person) waited for the snow to melt.  But as the snow disappeared the wind took it's place.  Finally around 11:00 I headed out.  The group ride was planning on hitting up Darwin so I kept the destination the same.  I knew it would be a struggle when I crossed the Mississippi River and the there were waves and white caps going the opposite direction of the current.  It was slow!  I hit more pavement than gravel the first section thinking the gravel may be soft from the snow and wanted the benefit of smooth, hard ground.  But the paved roads were very exposed.  Once I started to zig and zag on gravel the ride became a bit easier.

During my zigging and zagging I came across this old school house.  A sign says it closed in 1958.

I ended up taking a new way to Darwin and rode many new roads.  I contemplated turning around a few times before Darwin, just craving a tailwind but I pushed on.  I eventually made it and took the obligatory pictures of the Ball of Twine.

It was now tailwind time!  I made short work on getting home, at least in relation to getting out to Darwin.  Such a blast riding 25+ at little effort.

Not the fastest trip to Darwin but one that I earned.

The way the week started I thought my week of riding would be crap.  But I ended up with a bit over 17 hours, mostly coming from the last two days.  

As another week starts I have no idea what will happen.  It seems cancelations, postponements, and closures are happening daily.  I believe there is another new conference at 2:00 today by our Governor.  Will the state be shut down?!  The shop has been doing ok.  People are excited to get outside.  On my rides I say many, many walkers.  People are ready for warm weather and activity.  Hopefully we can still help them do that at the shop.  We continually add new measures to keep costumers and employees safe.  But one has to wonder is it enough?

Happy Monday.