WNBR 2015

The starting point was Colonel Summers park in SE Portland. It's at SE 20th & Belmont. I took the #71 bus to 60th & Belmont. I could have taken the #51 from there to the park, but it was all downhill. So rather than wairt for the bus, I rode my bike.

Since it was all downhill and pretty much little or no effort pedaling, I didn't bother counting that in the stats.

I got there around quarter to 8. Fo;lks were supposed to start gathering at 8, but there was quite a crowd already.

I quickly ditched my clothes. While we didnm't get close to the predicted 99 degrees (I think the high today was only 91) the humidity was fairly hig. And no breeezes. At least not in the park. Bleah.

In spite of my state of dress I was soon dripping with sweat. Next toime I pack a couple of small towels. And I need to get some sweatbands.

Saw all sorts of people. Including a couple of T-girls.

We also were "treated" to a drone flying over the park. *sigh*

Not sure when the ride actually started. Anbout 10 to 9, I was working my way towards the corner of 20th & Belmont. I foigurted that was the most likely departure point.

I was correct. I hadn't quite imagined the direction they'd pick. We started out east on Belmontt. As usual it was pascked pretty tightly at first. But not as bad as some years. I could actually *ride* withon the first block.

At Cesar Chavez (formerly 39th) Ave, we went south to Hawthorne. Turned East again and followed Hawthorne to 50th.

Then south on 5oth to Division. West n Division. At 10th Division starts running NW. We stayed on it all the way toi the end, where it ends at 3rd Ave. WWe followed that north to Salmon. The West on Salmon until it runs into the Esther Short park/esplanade/whatever the heck they call it.

I'd moved up quite a ways thru the pack during the ride. Lots of folks got there ahead of me anyway.

The recored track says that it was 5.6 miles, 43 min 22 sec, and 8 mph average.

They had *loud* music (lots of drumming) and I was sweating again as soon as I stopped moving. So I headed home. I put on my shorts. And was tempted to leave them off.


Stats:
total mileage (WNBR & back home): 12.2 miles
max speed 18.5 mph
moving average: 52
moving time 2hr 21 min

Random thoughts

I've had a few random thoughts on things lately and seeing those trans girls at the WNBR last night led to some others.

First thoughts (of the new batych) were that I'd have to try to make sure I hadd the time and resources when next years ride comes along to "present" as trans/genderqueer at the ride.

The easy part of that will be my forms and onne of my sports bras. The hard part ids the "de-hairing" process. That requires some money (for Nair or tyhe like) and some help with the places I can't get at easily.

That reminded me of one of my big regrets. I didn't figure out just how trans/GQ I was back when I still had money left from my inheritance. If I had, I'd have at least *tried* laser or electrolysis.

I'm in a bit of an odd position regarding transition.
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