Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: bike, Chicago, friends, workout

First there was the check-in ChiTri Expo… always fun with my friend Tracy!

But then it was race time…

It was another hot & sweaty day down on the lakefront… but this time there a good reason! Today was the CHICAGO TRIATHLON… swim, bike & run! The weather started out nice with still waters & a cool breeze for the swim… which I must admit was surprisingly “calm” considering it was my first time swimming in the lake since the last Triathlon!!! And by swimming, I mean “flailing about in a forward direction”!!! HA!!! The bike is always fun – although the headwinds heading back south were pretty strong until you get to go underground to ride on Lower Wacker Drive… which is my favorite!!! It’s like riding through the BatCave!!! But by the time I made it to the run, the temps were reaching the 90’s with blazing sun for most of the route through Museum Campus along the lake! Tough… but we finished… finally… all hot & sweaty! Another one done… always fun playing at the ChiTri with my “racing” pal Tracy Wanatowicz… and our annual post-race photo-shoot at Buckingham Fountain!!!

Categories: bike, sunrise

After a string of cloud-free sunrises, it was great to finally a few clouds for the sun to play with! The weather this past week has been FANTASTIC… and it looks like another great one today!!!

Categories: bike, sunrise

Just like yesterday, this morning was still quite WINDY with crazy-cool waves crashing all over the place! The ride headed south was great fun… whoo-hoo tailwind!!! Then some fun playing with the splashing waves… almost getting doused a couple times! Always exciting when the waves are high enough to crash up & over onto the bike route! Dangerous… but exciting nonetheless!

Categories: bike, Chicago, sunrise

Dark & moody without much chance for a sunrise this morning! Just a lot of clouded drama over the lakefront… reflecting on the quietly rippled water. Enough clouds to make part of the skyline “disappear” into the clouds.

Categories: bike, sunrise

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

Categories: bike, 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!

Categories: bike, sunrise

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

Categories: bike, sunrise

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…

Categories: bike, Chicago

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!

Categories: bike, sunrise

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!!!