Peoria, Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic, August 2020

It's August 19th, 2020, and I just got home from pedaling around Peoria, which is a suburb of Phoenix. The whole world is living through an interesting time, and as I recall that's a famous curse. And speaking for myself, it feels as if the whole world is holding its breath, and waiting. Ride along with me.

Got your bicycle helmet? Your sunscreen? Your bottle of water? Your hand sanitizer? Your eye protection? Your mask? Good, then let's go.

I stumble out every morning and travel north by northwest. Since it's morning I like to have my back to the sun, and generally speaking in the Phoenix area, the sun is to the south. So the ride out is more enjoyable than the ride back, especially as the temperature goes from the high eighties to the 100s within the first couple hours of the day.

I've been pedaling around this area for several years now, and I gotta tell ya, it's quiet. The side streets in the Phoenix area have always been quiet, but since about April sometimes the loudest sound when I stop for a drink of water is the birds, and sometimes a leaf blowing along the street.

By the way, I wear my mask whenever I might be getting close to anyone, so I mask up at intersections, and as I build up speed, and distance, I let the mask go, and it hangs from an ear. It's under the strap for my bike helmet, so it won't blow away, and I can mask up in seconds. But mostly during my morning rides I'm more than six feet away from people, usually more than 100 feet. I still measure distances in my mind as golf shots, and mostly I'm a good strong wedge shot away from anyone.

I've been following my doctor's advice for years now, taking my meds, eating healthy, getting plenty of exercise, and when the vaccine becomes available I'll get it, but I won't like it. No, it's not a lack of confidence in science, it's just that I'm one of those tough guys who gets light-headed around needles. I have a friend who will go with me!

OK, the sun is getting high enough that we can comfortably turn around and head east again. Thank you for riding along with me!

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