We’ve been bundling up a bit on our last few rides. Last week on the Wonju Beast, the start temp was in the 40s. We’ve gotten out when it was in the 30s too. But today, it was comfortably in the 50s, and it held out well for the whole ride. Back to just the bibs — no leg coverings, no jacket. Very comfortable. Very nice.
If rain hadn’t been in the forecast, I would have gone back to the Beast today, doing an old-fashioned start from Ich’eon instead of Yeoju. Yeoju starts get you to the tree too fast. And Ich’eon is still one of my favorite places to ride. I’ve ridden all the way there from home actually — last year when I was looking for those lacebark pines — and I’ve driven there and parked four times for various reasons.
But we were thinking “rain” last night, even though this morning I woke up and the forecast never got out of single-digits for expected precipitation. And we did run through some wet areas and puddles, so I suppose it did rain…just not on us.
In any case, I threw together a random route that took us to Everland. With the six o’clock start and the roundabout way, we got there after eight, and it’s the first time I’ve seen so many people (when I rode there — of course I’d seen plenty when I actually went to the park for the day). Most of them were waiting in line to get in — I suppose the park opens at nine. While we did use the “happiest restroom on earth,” it was’t the same — too many people in and out — and we couldn’t ride right up to the gate and take pictures because of the crowds, so we moved on rather quickly.
The ride home from Everland is never hard. Some river trail, a couple of mild hills, and we’re pretty much back. It felt good not to feel worn out. Lots of good energy. A good ride.
