A ride in the Dark

I never really had this type of experience for very long...sure maybe 3 miles and not too fast...but tonights ride was a a ride in the dark. I was unable to participate in the Saturday morning ride because of my fantasy football draft and sunday I am home with the kids. This left me with an evening ride. The plan was to be home around 3-4 and ride until sunset. Well, that didn't work out, because someone else had other plans. I wasn't able to get on my bike until 7ish.

I wanted to do my loop from home which is 47.5 miles and knew that I would be finishing in the dark. I did have the front light and a tail light as I was riding on the road. The last 15 miles were different. I couldn't see how fast I was going and couldn't see past my head light (5-10 feet). I have to say I was more focused and aware of my surroundings as reaction time had to be instant. There was a very unique part on the road where the trees on both sides of the road come together and make a tunnel and it was pitch black. I could see the less dark at the end of the tunnel and I actually said out loud "this is cool".

I finished the ride without incident, but have to say the 3 miles of bike trail from stacey to wyoming were the most tormenting, as I came across two walkers and a casual rider all without lights. The biker was going my direction and started to move "into the light" which just happened to be me. I think that he might have been tipsy as he seemed surprised that the light was moving and there was a voice behind the light.

The good news is I was able to burn off some frustration and calories gathered from the great food at the fantasy football draft. The ride was great and I have new admiration for those who spent nights riding on RAAM.