Kamala Orange Rising

17 Aug 2020

Another hot day in California. The forecast for overcast skies was daring me to ride. Is it the direct sunlight or the temperature that makes riding uncomfortable? I was up at 4:30am!

As soon as I rolled down the Hawkstone hill, there it was. A deep red rising Sun. I slammed on the brakes and stopped to catch a pic through my favorite contemplative perch. In the words of buddy Murali, it was the Kamala Orange Rising, a term particularly fitting for the day. While we’re on the subject, are sunsets more beautiful than sunrises? I kinda think so, but have to reflect on it.

The nicely washed bike still felt a bit rough. Maybe the lube wasn’t enough. It was pleasant at starting time with overcast skies and temperature in the 70’s. After the road, I enterered the closed trail by walking around the closed gate. Are such indiscretions ok, like white lies?

Then donned my wired headphones. Today’s audiobook company was The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. So far the book is captivating. I love the emphasis on deep breathing as the gateway to mindfulness. Rather mysterious.

The first of the two standard issue bridges was suddenly looking rather peaceful. I took a few pics and a selfie. A couple of riders passed me by. I imagined them laughing at my self-absorbed selfie. Maybe they thought that even non-young people are now living for insta? I’m shameless. They didn’t deter me.

Facebook reminds me this is the third year anniversary of our Bali trip with Pavitra and Vasudha. I was kinda proud of the pic and the caption: Something special in the air.

There was a newly minted section of the trail with fresh dark asphalt and bright yellow lane markings. The Coyote Creek Trail is easily among the most beautiful in Silicon Valley. Our tax dollars are put to good use.

After missing many chances, I caught a video of the last few minutes of water skiing, my fantasy sport. Not being a confident swimmer is a problem in pursuing my fantasy. Well, at least I got a vid.

While the asleep homeless man was suddenly in view on the way South, I had ample warning on the way North. Again, shamelessly, I took a pic. The biggest disappointment about America is the inequality. The richest country on Earth lets its most vulnerable wilt in the elements. Hardly an inspiration. We must do better. Way better.

It got uncomfortably hot by the time I navigated the ramp up. I was feeling rather inadequate after talking to old friend Mohan who casually rode the STP, the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic with his teenage daughter. While I imagined it being a steep slope up, Strava confirms it is a measely 5.8% gradient. Damn! Why do I need facts when they are so unpleasant.

After the ride, it was very satisfying to participate in some text banking with NextGen America. We encouraged students at Arizona State University to register to vote. I sent and responded to 600 students. The students are so courteous. Not a single nastygram today.

I even impressed Viji by washing exactly one pan. There! I helped! Lunch was heavenly. An exciting call with Anand fulfilled my fanboy desires. His depth, breadth of knowledge and curiosity are very rare indeed. A nap soon after capped a beautiful morning.

🙏🏾

Ranga