Thump in the Night

I should have known that thump in the night was only the beginning of a long day. A pair of young raccoons woke me up from my slumber at midnight. They sounded to me like they were trying to break into the kitchen window. They were actually after the chicken scratch just outside the window. My wife was pleased when I finally ended my war with them an hour later. Oh,and my dog Ike also faithfully enlisted as we found out when he charged downstairs to bark at them. Which of course wokeup everyone. Love you honey!

Despite the restless night, I managed to ride off by 5:58am this morning. I rolled at conversation pace until I passed a guy up the hill to the bridge. As soon as I started to move over, out of the traffic lane this guy speeds up, blocks my re-entry, and then passes me back . Did I mention he had a two minute lead? I saw him ride by my car as I was getting ready. Anyways, he drops me by 30 yards as I decide to let him go temporarily. Then on the bridge he speeds up, passing another cyclist who quickly changes gears to catch him. After the North tower, I decided I had enough. I ratcheted down and slung past both of them dropping them, hard.

This was not the morning to take riding lightly. Fog was thick and dripping wet all over the pavement. Ocean Beach would prove interesting. In fact, I froze by the beach. I almost put a jacket on to repel the cool gusts of the ocean air. 

Fortunately I found cover under the trees of Golden Gate park. Then, craving something different I turned my wheels upwards to Twin Peaks. Going up Clarendon I sat up,  took it easy until I finally rode outoif the fog to the top. Here the view changed by the minute with the sun rising over the clouds, and the fog passing through erratically. 

I finally left my little piece of escape and dove down conservatively to Market Street. And more predictable than the fog, I stirred up the nest of hipsters on their flat foot bikes, and was quickly attacked from all angles. My best weapon of retaliation? My trusty track stand. I could sense the bitterness aimed at me while I stood on my bike waiting for the green light. And when the light changed, all bets were off. I was a free target. I tried not to get caught up in their racing as I saw more than one questionable maneuver, especially by the Muni tracks. So I kept my distance, provided right of way to them, and arrived to work safely. Though I swear someone tried to put a kick me sign on my back. Most likely that guy I dropped on the bridge. Remember, if someone catches up to you, it's not because he's slower than you.