Clearing in Chicago Weather to get a Ride In....

Finally, some weather in Chicago that hasn't been below a whopping 20 degrees!  Today was a nice high of about 33 degrees allowing me to get out and enjoy a relaxed ride. At this time of the year, I really start to miss the warm weather, as it is always a production to get all the cycling winter gear on.  Head to toe in warm clothing and out the door I went for about a 30 mile ride.  The thing that can be scary about living in a city, is the biking routes.  There really is no room for cyclist, according to drivers.  There are bike lanes that are spread out thru the city but not much of the open road that you would expect in the suburbs.  You really need to keep your guard up.  Dodging pedestrians, cars, mailmen and women, trucks, and traffic signals. These are all obstructions that must be avoided. The ride was great, as I was able to avoid the trainer, but the route was nothing too special.  Fairly flat, with gradual climbs, but really, nothing stressful, as this week is my rest week, one that has been really needed after a hard week of training.  It was great to see people out of their houses and moving, out from the winter hibernation.  Its like the city came back to life. You really value these days, as you don't need to think about much, just ride and take it all in.  Because you know in the back of your head, that with Chicago, it may be weeks till you get this decent weather again. Ride on!