Yesterday I took another ride to Point Lookout. It was, in some ways, what last Wednesday's ride would have been had I taken it on Sunday.
I don't mean to echo Macbeth's "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow." The coastal jaunt was entirely pleasant: Clear skies and calm seas formed a peaceful tableau, and the air was warm--that is, until I crossed the Veterans' Memorial Bridge, from a 28C air temperature to breezes from 9C water. So, while the temperature almost certainly dropped as I came to the ocean, it felt even chillier with the breeze--and my apparel (shorts and short sleeves).
What was different were the throngs of people lining the Rockaway and Long Beach boardwalks. I shouldn't have been surprised by that: Even with the chilly breeze, it was the warmest Sunday we've had this year, so far.
Another thing that shouldn't have surprised me, I suppose, is that few people wore masks. I know the CDC said that it's OK to go unmasked if you're outdoors and keeping the 3meter/6 foot social distance from strangers--which, of course, it's all but impossible not to do on a bicycle.
Those recommendations are for people who have been vaccinated. I got my second dose on the 13th, so according to the guidelines, I'm fully vaccinated. I had to wonder, though, how many of the people I saw were vaccinated.
Still, though, it was a fine ride. I did the Point Lookout ride for the opportunity to "let loose" on the long flat stretches--and to try something out that I'll write about later.
