Randomize
Sometimes it is fun to just set out on the bicycle with no particular route in mind. Just let the hands and front wheel decide which direction. The only planning was the ambiguous decision to go “someplace downtown.” Even though I had traveled parts of this route many times, I kind of made it up as I pedaled. Just let the hands and front wheel decide which direction.
I wasn’t even sure where I would stop for breakfast. Just knew I would stop in search of coffee and breakfast taco. Managed to end up at Juan Pelota Cafe for a migas taco, coffee, some bottled mineral water and Olympics on TV. Caught the end of the women’s road race.
It was pleasure to be riding in the early morning. Lately my rides have been in the fullness of Austin afternoons and the blistering pavement. Funny how 80 F can seem cool when you’re used to near 100 and punishing humidity. I managed to observe some new things. Among them was a mailbox I had never noticed. I’ve ridden past this spot a hundred times. This is either new or I’ve been oblivious. If you can’t make a bicycle work, make it into art.
Part of my route took me through the beautiful streets of north Central Austin. Nice quiet streets with lots of shade.
Road Test
Tested out my new water bottles. Purchased a few Kleen Kanteen stainless insulated bottles. The water was still ice-cold even after several hours in the Austin sun. These will be great for the longer rides. The only issue I have is that they rattle slightly in my bottle cages. Minor annoyance for cool drink on a long hot ride.
I have a different style of water bottle cage, the kinda “traditional” ones, like this: http://ecom1.planetbike.com/4015.html
With those, I stick a can cozy over the front loop of the rack. That helps keep my Kleen Kanteen from rattling. Rattles drive me nuts.
I don’t understand why anyone that bikes in Austin summers would not use some sort of steel vacuum thermos type thing. I have been advocating the Thermos Nissan 18-Ounce thermos that I use since I got them. I love that I can leave it outside all day and still have cool water. No problems with rattling in my cages once I adjusted them a bit tighter.