Being sick for over two weeks with a respiratory crud is no way to prepare for 30 days of biking. That pesky nagging cough that started in mid-March is still hanging around.

Nonetheless I rolled on day one by taking my road bike with me to Olympia. I needed to testify at a legislative committee on, appropriately enough, a bill about vulnerable road users and safe passing distances, one of the priorities of both the Cooper Jones Bicyclist Safety Advisory Council and the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Council. I always wear the necklace David and Martha Jones gave me in memory of Cooper when I’m doing something like this.

At the end of the day I loaded my bike with my bags for an overnight stay with bikey friends Stef and Corey–more Olympia meetings tomorrow and I stay over to reduce my carbon footprint and the unnecessary miles of driving. More room for someone else’s car this way.

I observed one of the annual rites of spring: the removal of my knitted helmet strap cover made by Spokane friend Wilma, so crucial for warm ears on cold days. If Spring lets me down or tomorrow morning is too chilly it may have to go back on.

Riding again after what feels like so long off a bike – – what a great finish to a beautiful day with flowering trees perfuming the air under calm blue skies.

Mileage: 4.33 miles, not that it matters for #30DaysOfBiking

Location: Olympia

Bike: Sweetie the Specialized Dolce