Saturday, November 08, 2008

Daylight Savings Time...

...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.

9 comments:

TJ said...

Yikes! You rode on the sidewalk?!?!
:-)
Glad you made it home safely.

Ms. R said...

3-Dimensional Sara is much much better than 2-Dimensional Sara!

Tracy said...

Oh dear God I hope Scott doesn't read this post ;) Glad you're in one piece tho sis!! 20mph avg? HOLY @($*%!

Pharmie said...

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.

Carolina John said...

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.

triguyjt said...

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!!!

Mike said...

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!!!

Robin said...

Daylight savings sucks for triathletes. Glad you got a ride in, I've been missing it now with the 5:00 darkness.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

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!!