As part of the Tour De Staten Island, Helen, Brittany, Julian, and I woke up early Sunday morning to bike 50 miles around Staten Island. We were in the saddle for maybe 6 hours, from 9 to 4. It was awesome to explore Staten Island like that. The borough really pulled together to make us welcome. Police had uniformed officers directing traffic and letting us through. Most drivers were very accommodating. The residents were friendly.

Also, really just biked an entire borough. The park to the beach to the neighborhoods. Very scenic. Nicely timed to the blossoming flowers. Really worth it. Not extreme in the means of cardio though we did work a few hills that we encountered. But the extended time in the saddle is an important add.

This week is to try to get 2 lifts. Add some swimming. Maybe a yoga/run day. Set up for a Sunday bike -> long run.

Bike culture is pretty cool. I find it always a bit similar to all cultures. You have to have this fascination over the same subject. Lots of experts and opinions. The fun ones express it in fanciful ways [The massive unicycle. The Fat bike. The elliptical and lay down bikes. Some dog lady having a corgi in her backpack the entire way.]

The shared interest means everyone's just a little kinder. You can just chat with anyone about anything, and they'll be friendly. Especially the eclectics. Those weirdos are the best.

Oh! I got catcalled today, biking a large part without a shirt on. Some lady with a child called out "Nice Shape" in the last 4~ miles. I wouldn't normally been so confidently narcissistic if Julian didn't independently confirm what I heard and the intention. Super kind of the lady to shout the compliment and I'm flattered.

[Real ego moment. Also called out by a group of black teenagers on my run on Saturday. Fk yeah mate]