California & April: a New Must-Have?

"I remember long ago
How I wondered where I'd go
While the blizzards, cold wind and snow
Pounded outside my window.

California sunset
Going down in the west
All the colors in the sky
Kiss another day goodbye." Neil Young

I'm 17-17 so far for riding in April. In addition to the fairly meaningless rides to the end of the alley and back, I got some bike commuting and bike errands in between snowstorms and a short warm-up ride in California last weekend, followed by a longer ride with my sister Molly, brother-in-law Tom, and husband Dan. I also walked a ton, in the city and in nature, trying out a new East Bay park with my friend Anne and her son, and watching how a 12-year old girl reacts to getting a worm in her mouth (one of those cute, green inch worms hanging from trees, not a fat earthworm). I got some good quality niece time running around at the park, too.

The day after we got back to Minnesota, we faced snow and ice, hopefully for the last time until the late fall. This has got me thinking that I might need to go to California every April to start my training for the MS 150. 

It was good to be there last year while people in Minnesota were shoveling out, and nice this year to feel some warmth. And, of course, great to see family and friends.

I think it is going to be a great weekend for riding and to get some miles under my belt.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MaggieMS150