That\’s a funny-looking monkey wrench. But yesterday morning, a monkey wrench is exactly what a freight train was.

When I set out to ride, I couldn’t access the bike path because a train was sitting there. The nearest other street that leads to the bike path is in a major mess, thanks to road work. On top of that, it had rained the night before; and I knew it would be very muddy. I detoured to the park instead, and rode laps.

When I ride in the park, I don’t quite dare push the pace the way I would when on the levee. There are more people in the park than on the levee; and technically, the speed limit for cyclists in the park is 10 mph. That threw a monkey wrench into my ride plans for the morning. My plan was to work at pushing the pace for six minutes at a time. That can have me hitting well over 10 mph; but at least I went for a ride.

Yesterday I didn’t bother with the heart rate strap. I don’t know what’s wrong with the thing; but so far I can’t get it to work. I tried shifting its position, without results. Wetting both strap and my skin didn’t help. I changed the battery; and even tried attaching the sensor to the strap upside-down! Maybe somebody threw a monkey wrench into it; or else it’s defective.

Another Monkey Wrench

I hoped that the weather today wouldn\’t be a monkey wrench. I wanted to ride to the salvage store; and I hoped that the T-storms in the forecast would hold off until afternoon. This morning I used the trailer, and the cover leaks in a heavy rain. Besides that, I don\’t like to get caught out when there\’s lightning!

The trip to and from the salvage store went OK; and after I got my stuff home, I headed for the bike shop. I couldn\’t leave the chest strap and monitor there, because I\’ll want that Garmin on the long ride tomorrow; but I decided to buy a new pair of cycling shorts.

On the way home, I stopped at the drug store to get some sodas; and that was how the weather threw a monkey wrench into things. I just might have gotten home dry otherwise! When I came out of the drug store, it was drizzling; and the rain seemed to be getting heavier very quickly. I pulled on my poncho, and started home.

It\’s good thing I had that poncho. I think I rode home through the heaviest part of the shower; and my socks and shoes got soaked. Just after I got indoors, I heard the first thunder. I\’m glad I beat it home; and maybe there\’s more heavy rain to come. At 12:15 pm I learned that we\’re under a flood advisory.

The main rain chances tomorrow are between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm; so maybe I\’ll be OK for the long ride. I hope that the weather doesn\’t toss a monkey wrench into my plans!