Tuesday and Thursday I test rode the eastern half-way route of Cedar Lake Trail / River Road / Bridge No. 9 route during daylight, 28 miles round trip. Minimal indication of anyone camping out under the freeways; just one pile of junk by a pillar, so that's encouraging. Lots of dark areas just as I get started in St. Louis Park area of the trail, between fences, and kinda isolated feeling, but I'll have to get over that anyway, no matter the route.
I think I jinxed myself my putting my old race-lite tires on the bike causing me to crash Tuesday. I shouldn't be looking at landmarks and riding the edge of the trail at the same time. This is the first road rash I can remember. Shoulder is still pretty sore. Bikes' ok - the left shifter and pedal took all the cosmetic damage. Why in heck I remain in the habit of riding the right outside edge of the trails I don't know, but this I think broke the habit. And put my wider P4SC back on. Such a ride improvement even at slightly lower pressure.
The backpack is settling in as I figure out the weight and distribution of contents. I'll keep a change(s) of work clothes at the office and just carry stuff I may need on the commute. It's going to get cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons. Is it paranoid to carry light shoes in the pack in case I have to walk out for some reason? I just cannot see walking much in my cycling shoes. (SPD-L. Ugh) If I do the commute next year I might convert my Sekine to a commuter and add a rack.
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Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.