Today's ride had one single goal ... Chain of Rocks. My initial plan was to cut through North St. Louis to get back home, but a few teammates at work talked me out of it. The ride had a few high points:1) LOVE: On my bike ride last week, i came across a bench in JB park at the scenic overlook. Sitting on the bench was a 8x11 black and white wedding photo and flowers. I took a pic and went on.   Today I came back and the photo was askew and flowers wilting.   An old man walked up with purpose. Using his cane he bent over, arranged the picture and flowers.   "That's nice", I said.   "The least I can do for all the years of happiness she gave. I try to keep it tidy", he replied.   I was frozen. I didn't want to pry. Was it his wife? A passerby with great respect?  2) SPEED: Amazing what a difference inflated tires make. 3) EMBARRASSMENT: Stopping at Reavis Barracks for more cream when I found out you don't wear underwear with bike shorts. The story is hilarious, but I am surprised no one called the police on me. 4) THRILL: Hitting the Chain of Rocks was exhilarating. The Riverfront Trail is spectacular. The views and comradeship are outstanding. Everyone I passed greeted me and you could tell they were happy. Grant's Trail is the exact opposite. 5) SHOCK: Metro coming home was full ... Cardinals game. Getting a bike on a full metro is hilarious, but more than once I ran over someone's foot. Ouch. 6) HOT: I got a late start, 6:45am. The goal was to leave at 5:45am, but I woke up at 5:50am. The heat wasn't that bad until I got half way to the Chain of Rocks. I was on the surface of the sun riding back, though. I didn't make 50 miles, but man, I have to tell you how exhilarating it is making a goal.