Another quiet ride with some low-hanging haze along the horizon delaying the sunrise just a bit. Rippled reflections with an ombre’-shaded sunrise.

With just a low-flying layer of clouds on the horizon, it was a chilly start to the morning today. Quiet & serene… but I kinda wish I had added some long sleeves for my morning ride?! HA!

The waves are still acting up, while the sunrise was dappled through some low-flying clouds. Another beautiful morning with cool temps & chilled breezes.

Crisp & clear… with plenty of wind & splashing waves all around. This morning was a little cooler than expected with crazy cool gusty winds coming in from all directions! Very fun (and a little dangerous) along the lakefront when the waves are crashing in & splashing upwards. It’s a challenge to “catch the splash” on film… and NOT “catch the splash” getting soaking wet!!! It’s all in the timing…

Also exciting this morning… finding that some of the bike trail “intersections” have been repainted… with hopefully more to come!!! Clearly designating the green safety zone for cars crossing the path. As well as a clear separation of the BIKE trail versus the RUNNING path. A HUGE Thank You from all of us that use the lakefront trail every day!

When I started out on my bike this morning it was just dark. But as it lightened up a bit, I started to see the clouds all around me. Who knew that there were going to be storm clouds in the area?! Not me! So I pedaled on… seemingly dodging the storms as they blew in around me. There were some gusty winds, a little drizzle here & there… and many sections where you could see that it had already rained harder! I made it home safely… and dry… with just minutes to spare. About ten minutes later… a HUGE downpour!!!

That was this morning… as I think we are starting to see some of the smoke from the western wildfires blowing over our way. A great start to the day as I made it home a big sweaty mess!!!

Meanwhile, back over the City skyline…

Buildings were being obscured by a dark & thick layer of clouds. The clouds over the lake were beautiful & colorful… the ones hovering over the City not so much. I kinda love when the tops of the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds!

A beautifully clouded morning with fun colors changing as the everything was blowing south through the City. The first half of my ride was great fun with a strong tailwind… I felt so strong… until I made it down to Navy Pier to turn around and got slapped in the face with a new headwind!!! Head down, pedal hard, suck it up… but keep admiring the sunrise!!!

Just a little warm & steamy this morning… and I don’t think I’ve stopped sweating yet, even after my shower?! But it was well worth it with a beautiful sunrise to start another sweaty day!