...should not be underestimated.
So Thursday it was GORGEOUS here--68 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and fall foliage in full effect. I picked up Jackson and thought, "Hey--maybe I can do a quick ride!" Because when it's 68 degrees and sunny on November 6th in Cleveland, Ohio, folks, YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.
So I started my ride around 4:30. And the cool thing is that I was TOTALLY rocking it. I was averaging about 20 miles an hour and just lovin' life. The lake was beautiful with the sunset, the trees provided colorful scenery as I whizzed by...
Wait.
I said sunset.
Crap.
It was just about 5:10 when I turned around 11 miles from home. Uh oh. Totally underestimated how dark it was getting--and how fast.
I tried to book it back home as fast as I could. Maybe I can outride the sunset! Yeah! That's it!
No such luck.
About 5 miles from home it was almost dark, and I was a Nervous Nellie. Every car that passed me made me jump. I never ride in the dark, especially alone.
So about 2 miles from home, when it was official--black sky--I gulped and did what no time trial bike should ever do.
I rode on the sidewalk. Ew.
I just hoped no other roadies out there would see me, or I'd feel kind of like a total nerd. But I figured nerd who is safe is better than cyclist who is a pancake on Route 2, right?
So needless to say, my average speed dropped a bit. Almost as fast as the amount of daylight did, too.
But you know what? It was still a great ride.
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9 comments:
Yikes! You rode on the sidewalk?!?!
:-)
Glad you made it home safely.
3-Dimensional Sara is much much better than 2-Dimensional Sara!
Oh dear God I hope Scott doesn't read this post ;) Glad you're in one piece tho sis!! 20mph avg? HOLY @($*%!
If it makes you feel better, I had to ride on the sidewalk during the DAY a couple of weeks ago. I found myself in a busy, not all that safe part of town and opted for the sidewalk instead of going through a tunnel with the cars and no shoulder.
at least you got to ride. i also can't stand how early it gets dark now. and i end up riding on the sidewalk more often than i think i should. but that's mostly just a newbie thing i think.
glad you survived...I know that feeling...I forgot how fast the days come to an end too...
but wasn't that 68 degree stuff awesome...loved it baby!!!
Daylight savings BLOWS!!! I get home just in time to tuck in the sunlight to bed for the night! I need a light for my bike!!!
Daylight savings sucks for triathletes. Glad you got a ride in, I've been missing it now with the 5:00 darkness.
I did that a few weeks ago - got out about 12 miles and realized I wasn't going to beat the sun. It got so dark I started looking for any road that would take me back to the lights of town! And every car that came toward me would blind me with their lights...creepy!! I would have given anything for a side walk!!
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