Xmas Century

• So apparently I misread the sign at Metropolis. The cafe would be re-opening at 9AM Tuesday, 1/1... not 12/25. Not knowing Edgewater particularly well, at least not well enough to search out an alternative coffee source, I pondered a longer ride north. Thankfully, the sun was shining and I'd previously caffeinated, so I decided to head out for a solo holiday century. Earlier that morning, I'd gifted the winter roadie a modicum of bling: a pair of drilled Modolo levers with gum hoods, a 4.5mm Minoura Dura-Cage, and a fresh Izumi chain. Rationally, I'm aware that the goodies have absolutely no effect on the ride, but I could swear that Lupe Fiasco's Go Go Gadget Flow was playing from somewhere deep within my frame, broadcasting through the perforated levers. Is it any wonder the ride north was eight minutes faster than usual?

  This would be my first Chi-town century, so it didn't take too much effort to conjure "Late Registration," and later, the first half of Like Water For Chocolate, then as my legs tired, an endless "Kick, Push" loop to drive me back home to HP.

  With my routine broken for at least another week, I'm hoping my memory holds out. I'd hate to have to buy an ipod and therefore look much the douche.