Starting tomorrow, we're getting hit with a category 4 atmospheric river and nothing but rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future. So I definitely wanted to get a ride in but as usual, I really didn't feel like going out by myself. People were off doing Women's Day rides. I also didn't have an idea where I wanted to go. Then the idea for this route popped into my head with the gravel bike in mind and I guess that was the spark I needed to get suited up and out the door. The start of the ride was much warmer than forecasted and the trails ended up being wetter and muddier than I expected. And I meant to put on the fender but forgot. I almost turned back to get it as I remembered pretty close to home but decided to continue. I wish I had the fender but I guess not having it meant I took all the muddy bits much slower and the bike stayed cleaner.