Over the last four months I’ve ridden the Foothills Parkway more than 45 times; many of which were from Highway 321 to Highway 129 and back. It’s become a ritual for me on Tuesday and then again on Saturday and Sunday. During the summer months I managed a few weeks where I rode the Parkway four times in a week. Someone asked me recently, “are you bored with that route?” My answer, “not at all.”

Actually it’s very relaxing and different each time. There are no mail boxes, dogs, stores, or houses to mark the route. Other than the pull-off areas along the way (overlooks), the route is tree-lined and quiet. Well, most of the time.

Saturday’s rain was a soaker. I left at 8:25 and by 9:40 I was at the top headed toward 129. On the way down I noticed rain clouds and rain showers in the eastern valley. Eventually the showers poured and I was soaked. The water in my shoes was coming out on the sides! I’ve learned to deal with the rain – and riding on one inch wide tires at 35mph (downhill) in the rain. While I was prepared with a plastic baggie for the iPod –  the heartrate monitor didn’t like the excessive mositure. Today’s image was taken from the waterproof (!) Pentax looking toward Townsend.

Ride oneth.