Was inspired to get off the main drag last night and take the long way home.

Helped that the main drag is currently, and inexplicably, being repaved. In the middle of fall foliage season. There was quite an impressive traffic jam last night. One that I smugly rode right past.

To keep it spicy, I climbed Dewey Hill and Stowe Hollow burdened with my laptop in my pack. My goal was to catch the sun dropping behind the mountains from the top of Barnes Hill — I was too late. It was still beautiful up there. What a difference it is between the hubub of 100 and the peaceful quiet of the back roads. This morning will likely be the last bike commute for a while, the rain is supposed to start back up again.

Let’s not forget, today is a very important day. Happy 8th birthday to Keiran! Couldn’t ask for a more creative, exuberent, intelligent kid. Looking forward to another awesome year. His favorite, tacos, for dinner tonight.