Sometimes, not that often, everything shakes out perfectly.

Felkerino and I launched from home early to enjoy the peak of the cherry blossoms and avoid some of the crowds. Thanks to the lightning and thunderstorm earlier in the morning, we had most of Hains Point to ourselves.

Midway through our blossom-canopied lap, who should run into us pass by, but fellow commuter Rick B. He was riding carbon, but had no qualms about altering his pace to chat with us.

Today was a peak day for the blossoms and they did not disappoint. Nonstop beautiful!

A work interlude interrupted my day, but after that ended I headed back to the Point for afternoon laps. Due to this being a certain day, I decided to ride my age. During Operation Ride My Age, I serendipitously met up with my friend Michael H., who kept me company for two or three laps. The miles passed easily with the good company.

After we parted ways I practiced my shadow panda skills, which I believe are underdeveloped. They still need work, but I liked this one. It’s a seasonal shadow panda.

I then popped off a few of my favorite on-bike photos, the danger panda. Oh I love thee, danger panda.

Felkerino met me and we rode through the cherry blossom fans up to Northwest for dinner. On our return, I successfully completed Operation Ride My Age and we stopped at the Hirshorn.

We had not planned to stop at the museum, but a new exhibit drew us to it. Song 1, by Doug Aitken. While the exhibit officially opens on March 22, somehow we got a sneak peek. Surreal, perspective-altering, creative, and wonderful. I felt like I’d received a gift when I saw this piece. If you live in the District, you must go.

Some days the city chews you up and spits you out, sucking casually on your bones like they were toothpicks. Other days, it whispers sweet nothings and convinces you there is no better place to be. Today, all was right with the world and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.