Bicycling

Hump Day

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Photo from July 2016; it was our “Epic Sunrise” for that year’s Moss Motoring Challenge.

It finally came to an end. The Red Sox lost the afternoon game of a double header today. They did win the early game for a club tying 15 in a row. They are off tomorrow, and now we’ll see how many they lose in a row starting Friday.

I made an appointment at U-Haul to get a trailer hitch put on the GTI. Because of the wrap I can’t use a roof rack or the foldable trunk rack that works on the Miata. The appointment is next Thursday, I think. When I left, they texted me a link to the reservation, but when I clicked on the link, it took me to the U-Haul website. There were no details on the page I landed on, just the words, “This feature is only available in the U-Haul App.” So I downloaded the app and clicked on the text link again. It didn’t open the app; it just dumped me on the same web page. There wasn’t any way I could see in the app to type in a reservation number, so I uninstalled the app.

I ordered a Kuat Sherpa 2 rack from Amazon yesterday, and this afternoon I put it together. I’m going to have to be careful and check my clearance going in and out of the driveway because of the steep drop at the end. I may have to pull the car out and then put the rack on.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 71.9%

 

Faux Sunday Part 2

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Seeing as I did my usual Sunday ride to Stomping Grounds to get a muffin and latte yesterday, I should have gone for a walk. I didn’t though, I rode the bicycle back there this morning. Latte, but no muffin.

Last Thursday I didn’t leave the house. I didn’t have anything I needed to go out for and it was lightly raining, so I made my own coffee at home and settled in. Friday I went to Fred Meyer for the weekly grocery shopping trip, and later in the day I ran to the post office to mail a postcard. Both in the GTI. Saturday I spent the rest of the day inside after the morning’s bike ride. Today, Sunday, was almost the same as yesterday, bike ride then inside. Three out of four car-less days.

And the Red Sox won their 13th in a row and are creeping up the standings.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 61.1%

 

Faux Sunday

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Because today was the day I was supposed to ride the exercycle, I opted to do the Sunday ride today. I had my usual latte and muffin at Stomping Grounds, and I was home at 8:30, and, since I had some time this morning, I watched the first episode of Season 2 of Andor.

I finished off Season 1 last night. And while I am enjoying it, if I stopped right now, I’m pretty sure I would carry on with my life just fine. This afternoon after the Red Sox game I watched the second episode, so I guess I’m in it now.

On a side note, the Sox won the game; it was their twelfth in a row. But as a true fan of the team, I know it is only a matter of time before they revert to the “loveable losers” I know them to be.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 54.6%

 

Two Days In The Life

Monday was pretty much a washout as well, but at least I got out of the house for a coffee. I also swapped vehicle order, putting the GTI up front; it is its week to be driven. Also yesterday, I pulled the trigger on dedicated summer tires on new wheels for said GTI. They’ll be here tomorrow.

Today I got out. First was a trip to the ATM to take out some cash, then I went to Fred Meyer for a couple items I should have bought on my regular Friday trip. I know I could have gotten cash out at the grocery store, but I like to take it out in a big chunk, which exceeds what Freddy will let me take out. Plus I needed to take the GTI out for a spin. I needed the practice too; I actually stalled the car taking off from the first light I came to. On the way home I grabbed my usual latte, and even though I had ridden the exercycle for 45 minutes this morning, I walked a mile and a half while sipping on it.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 17.3%

 

How Was Your Weekend?

Thanks for asking.

Saturday was a washout, literally. I rained all day. I only stepped outside of the house onto the side porch once to verify that the loud noise I was hearing was in fact a downpour. The Miata had just its fabric cockpit cover on. But that was just fine, as the cars are covered by an awning/portico, and unlike the southern thunderstorms, the rain falls mainly straight down, not sideways.

Neither car moved today either. I did get out for my typical Sunday bike ride to breakfast at Stomping Grounds. And in spite of the promise of no rain, when I started out, it was cold, damp, and lightly misting. Instead of turning downhill to start the usual route, I turned right and went to get the muffin and latte first. I figured if it still felt like that when I was finished eating, I could just go home and get on the indoor bike. But afterwards it had started to warm up a touch, and the mist was gone, so I did my route backwards. The only downside to going in the opposite direction was it finished on an uphill instead of a downhill blast.

I am about 4 episodes from the end of season three of LOST, and it is starting to get weird, which is saying a lot for the show.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 22.0%

 

What A Slug

I did my usual 10-mile bicycle loop where I end up at Stomping Grounds for a muffin and my salted caramel latte. I think they make their muffins there, but whichever one I’ve had has been great. Today was one I hadn’t had yet. It looked different, but I didn’t ask what it was, because of my past taste experiences there. It didn’t have a distinguishing flavor, but I did get mild hints of orange citrus. There were also small black specs that I assumed were a sort of spice, but I couldn’t get any flavor from them. For a bit my mind went to ants; I thought I’d heard that they had a citrusy taste. It couldn’t be, could it? I was dining outside, so I went inside to return the plate & fork and toss the trash. I asked the barista what I just ate, and she said, “That’s Earl Grey tea, plus cream.” “Ahhh, that’s what the specs were: tea leaf bits.”

Since that bike ride, I have not left the house, due to the usual lazy day activities: TV, Red Sox, and some jigsaw puzzling.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 26.8%

 

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Today was jam-packed.

Started with my go-to weekend bicycle ride. I changed it up a little in the beginning to try a different bike path heading east. It really didn’t improve anything, and it actually was a downgrade because it is less traveled and as well-kept as the Ch’ak Ch’ak trail. It was a bit chillier of a ride because of yesterday’s rain, and it was still overcast. So instead of my usual dining outside at Stomping Grounds, I sat inside for my latte and muffin.

Sunday is laundry day, when I wash the sheets and towels as one load and then a second one for the clothes that have accumulated since Wednesday. While doing the washing I was watching the Red Sox lose to the Braves 8-0. This afternoon I washed both cars and changed their driveway order. The Miata is up front now because it is supposed to be a mostly sunny week with highs in the 70s. After the car washings I watched the last two episodes of season two of LOST.

My new toy/impulse buy showed up via FedEx, the widescreen FlightWall. After setting it up on the side table and getting it dialed in, I just let it run. I was going to wait until tomorrow to mount it in its permanent spot when I got the flat extension cord from Amazon but couldn’t help myself.

Along in there, I had time to break down the completed jigsaw puzzle and start a new one. plus watch several episodes of The Charismatic Voice. She really breaks down the singing and, to a certain extent, the sound as to how they are so good. I knew these songs were good, but she helped me understand why they are.

Red Sox chances of making the Wild Card round in the 2026 playoffs: 38.5%