Saturday Morning Sunrise, "Moonset", Bike-ride, Train.... #coloradobikes #mountainbikes

So...had a "great idea" when I woke up this morning! ~ "I'll ride my bike to the Club meeting!"
I attend a community service club meeting early every Saturday - about 14 miles North from where I live. The forecast predicted sunshine and little wind - "...perfect day for a bike ride!"
Well, first of all it was very cold before sunrise... about 12 minutes in, I knew that I hadn't dressed even close to warmly enough. Even with riding gloves, my thumbs started getting numb. But, "no turning back...!"

-was greeted with a rather spectacular simultaneous sunrise and "moonset". -tried to snap a shot w/my phone, but, didn't look near as good as this stock photo... It really did look just like this...that was definitely worth some "chill." And, then the sunrise...

-feeling encouraged and inspired now! and warming up a bit... then onto the Sante Fe Trail... muscles loosening up... starting to make good time!~

-steady climb up "Monument Hill" which is about 1,000 feet higher than the Springs...and, even a bit colder...thighs burning and lungs on fire..."why am I doing this? what was I thinking?!"

...finally got in a good rhthym, rockin'-listening to good tunes... but breathing hard on the grade made me cough a bit...ok, it was more than bit...actually, was hacking like a "two-pack-a-day-Camels- smoker"!...

...phew, puff puff... hit a stretch where it was somewhat level...looked at my watch to check the time...whoa!~ hit a rock, front wheel whipped hard... almost wiped out... what a goob!~... no worries...still kinda dark - no one saw me : ) ...

Finally, the final stretch! ...about 5 miles to go!~ and, it is beautiful out now!

Hit the high gears and pumping it... coughing a lot less...

...almost there... stopped questioning my "idea"...saw some runners and other bikers on the trail... there's Palmer Lake-there's the Inn!... I can see it over the next ridge... made it- w/4 minutes to spare! ...wait!!! ... there's a train~ no way!!!...
....Aaarrrgghh!~ (well, that's kinda : ) what I muttered... )
...on the "wrong side of the tracks!"... it's a long, long coal train...
...oh, well...
...some time to catch my breath... about 6 minutes late for my meeting...but, awesome ride!~ and, all downhill going home...