Commute Loop – 2023.03.24

I started the week expecting a three commute week but mother nature changed those plans. Because of forecast winds I skipped Wednesday and rode today instead. Will skip Friday because I’m no longer particularly fond of back-to-back commuting days.

Today’s ride was the first with the new Varia. Pulled the trigger on the RTL515 from REI when I received my 25% off member coupon and coupled it with my REI dividend. Came out to just under $60 total. At that price the decision was a no brainer.

First impression is I definitely like it. I can see why so many people swear by it. I really liked the ability to ride down the middle of neighborhood streets or a few extra feet off the curb and receiving an early warning to move over due to an approaching car. Does it replace a shoulder check? Absolutely not, but it certainly made multiple left turns much easier because I could safely claim the lane to shoulder check.

Overall the riders were good. I feel like my fitness is slipping some because I was starting to feel tired on the way home. That’s what I get for taking it easy this month. Hopefully the weather will start cooperating a little more in April.

Along the way home I was so hungry. When I finally got home I was famished and started shoveling food into my face. Feeling came out of nowhere and I did eat a decent lunch. Going forward I might need to bring a stroopwafel for the ride home.

14.13 new miles — From Wandrer.earth
Mostly cloudy-Mostly cloudy, 49°F-60°F, Feels like 50°F-55°F, Humidity 54%-30%, Wind SW 3mph-WSW 6mph – by Klimat.app
— myWindsock Report —
Weather Impact: 0.8%
Headwind: 48% @ 9.2-20.8mph
Longest Headwind: 20m 46s
Air Speed: 16.4mph
Temp: 42.8-61.1°F
Precip: 0% @ 0 Inch/hr
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