Yesterday, Saturday was a list of failed projects and errands. I had wanted to get my black bike Tinker to hub bicycles to add the rack and cut the handlebars down but after failing at figuring out how to carry the rack on the bicycle without the rack, I changed the goal to just getting the bars cut. Then discovered the front brakes were even worse - that is pretty much non-functioning - so took the bike to Ace Wheelworks instead since it was nearly 4pm by this point. Ace fixed up the brakes (needed new brake pads) and I found some lovely black pedals to try out on the Mixte.
Tinker rides really well, and with only a front handlbar bag at the moment, very light as well. I decided to cruise down to Harvard Square to look from some books and magazines at the Coop.
But I was waylaid by a great looking bike in the Yard. A camouflage green Surly LHT with pink bottle cages and fenders. I ended up talking to the owner, Loni, who had moved here recently from Florida to start grad school. We got to talking about biking Boston, getting a winter beater bike, etc. Then she mentioned the midnight ride was tonight. I didn't know. Its one of those events I always miss and end up hearing about later. She wasn't sure if she'd make it as it didn't start until 11:15 pm at Trinity Church in Copley. It ended just after sunrise at Columbus Park.
On the way home, I decided, why not. I googled the ride info, got the mixte set-up, loaded up 2 cameras, plenty of snacks, my coffee holder and coffee mug and headed out.
To be honest, its a blur. I ran into some people I've met on other rides. Met several new people including Alex who heads the Somerville Bicycle Comittee. Galen from Alta was there with a Hubway bike. We passe at least 4 hubway stations on this ride. The ride was an architectural tour lead by 2 very knowledgeable people who's names I can't remember at the moment. Stops included the Christian Science Center and reflecting pool, Boston University, the Dutch house in Brookline, several parks, Harvard Square, Museum of Science (for everyone to catchup), Charlestown, Bunker Hill (which I missed because I stopped for a coffee refill at the Tadesi store for a fresh refill), the Naval Yard, the Zakim Bridge, the North End, an historic house on the Roxbury/Dorchester, border, Castle Island (we went along Carson Beach to get there), and finally Columbus Park for breakfast. It was a rush, but we managed to make it to Castle Island just before the sun rose. I rode back home with Alex - who lives near Porter. So great to have company and someone with a sense of direction. I was feeling sleep-deprived and not quite sure how I was get from Boston to Cambridge. I can do the rest in my sleep but I'm still unclear on the river crossings.
Another cool thing on this ride, was being able to track Jupiter in relationship to the half moon. On my way to the starting point I rode over the Harvard bridge which gave got a great view of a fat orange moon hanging over the skyline with the Zakim Bridge. Unfortunately, no good pictures. I had a 34mm and 75mm equivalent lenses with me and no tripod and I was afraid I'd be late for the start of the ride
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