Vista Chino and beyond

I know this is something I probably shouldn't do, but I will anyway. 

I'm pimping the new CV Link, the Coachella Valley Link Bike Path. And I shouldn't do it because it because the last thing I want to see on this amazing new bike path that winds its way through the Valley, is more bicycle riders.

Like my pools, I like my bike paths uncrowded. Quiet. And un-pestered by the new e-bikes which seem to be spawning like rats on steroids. If I see one more of these teenage boys trying to impress/intimidate me with their wheelies and reckless behavior, I'm going to start carrying a jousting pole on my next ride.

Back to being positive.

The newly paved bike path, far from the pothole-laden streets of gritty Palm Springs, is a ribbon of freshly laid concrete that winds its way from PS all the way to Indio. And if I'm reading the posted maps correctly, will eventually stretch further east into lands and soaring temperatures unknown.

It's rare that any of us, particularly these days, get to sing the praises of "out tax dollars at work" but this public project is proof positive government can occasionally do something good for the people. 

I'm all for helping those in need, though sometimes while passing yet another homeless encampment (in LA) and smelling weed, and tip toeing around the filth and feces, some, in need, could use a good swift kick in the ass. Like many, I've thought to myself, "this is why we can't have nice things." 

But the CV Link is proof we can.

It's still a work in progress. And the orange and blue-marked path has some gaps, but yesterday Ms. Muse and I covered 23 miles, working off some considerable tryptophan and pecan-peppered stuffing overload. 

After our mid day adventure, we hightailed it to a local dispensary. Not one of those fancy fern-adorned glass and concrete places that look like it belongs on Rodeo Drive, but a tiny bodega-turned-cannabis shop that felt like it belonged on 42nd street, circa 1979. 

I snapped a pic of one of their Point of Sale Table Toppers that made me giggle.

Did I mention I manage a short term rental in lovely Palme Springs? 

Contact me for details. You'll thank me later.

OK, here are some more carefully-curated photos from the aforementioned CV Link, including yours truly in lycra (my apologies)...

Thank you for attention to this matter.