The Ride Time of the Night
Well. I hadn’t noticed at the time, but now it’s obvious.
Can it be a coincidence that it’s now dark out no matter what time I escape from work, and that I just posted In The Dark last Friday? Believe that if you’re less frightened by the implications, but in my experience there are no coincidences. Clearly, my shamanic use of Billy Squier has accelerated the shortening of the days. Thankfully, that shortening has zero trans-fats.
I left the office last night in late twilight, it was 46 degrees, blowing 15-25 mph, and the ride home was really and truly delightful. There were two stretches where the wind and I were headed the same direction at the same speed, and I had that rare experience of moving fast in still air. All the buffeting in my clothes and exposed hair just stopped, the roar in my ears got quiet, I could hear tires and derailleur pulleys. Pretty neat.
Commuting D.C. in the summer didn’t give as many opportunities to review gear, it was light out most of the evening and any clothing, no matter how light, soaked through with sweat about 3 blocks into the ride. There’s only so many things you can review, positively or negatively, based on their ability hold and dispose of 3 gallons of perspiration in 90% humidity.
But now that it’s getting dark and cooler (I wouldn’t say cold, this is cold), there’s some items that are significant contributors to making any time a good time to ride. I intend to write ‘em up, if for no other reason so that someone Googling “Planet Bike Superflash” will come upon one more post about how awesome they are at blinding people who try to draft you.
After all, product isn’t just something you failed to put in your hair again this morning, you slacking hippie slob. It’s our shared enthusiasm for certain brands, items, and ad campaigns that passes for something like culture, or more accurately tribal affiliation, in these modern times. And if I don’t give the thumbs up or down on a select set of products, how will you know whether or not I’m one of us, or one of them?
Don’t even get me started on your stupid Mac. Just kidding. Not really. Kidding. Not. Stupid Mac.
Anyway, I hear that it’s getting darker and colder ever’whar, how’s your ride been?
Tags: bicycle commuting, bicycling, bike gear
October 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
My ride lately? Pretty awesome. Now my morning commute is in total darkness, and lately, the mornings have been foggy. I especially like to commute when it’s dark and foggy.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Ya know, Smudge, with some appropriately placed lighting and a couple sound effects, you could be the Flying Dutchman of the East Bay.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I’ve got two strands of C-battery powered Christmas lights that I’m about to add to the mix. I figure if Macy’s has already lit their tree in SF, I can fire up lights on my bike.
October 30th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I’m a Mac. and my ride has been great lately. Except for the totally unforecast rain on Monday afternoon, and that headwind gusting to 30+ mph yesterday morning.
Products I’m digging as it gets darker for some of my rides home: Safeturn turn signal lights [http://www.safeturn.com], the Down-Low Glow [http:www.rockthebike.com] in snazzy blue, and the sadly discontinued Serfs TL-1000 rear flasher light, and the long-dead Specialized Hot Dot light (yes, I have been bike commuting a long time when I can lament the passing of rear flasher lights) now worn on my Bell Metro helmet.
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Dr. Brewer,
No disparagement was intended by my skewering of all things Mac. Nor did I mean to imply that there was anything wrong with you, either inherent or circumstantial, because you prefer Apple products. At no time was I stifling chortles at the ridiculously high prices the most esteemed Mr. Jobs sees fit to charge you for OS upgrades, nor was I pondering what silly marketing ploy your dark master was going to put on his black turtleneck to pawn off on you this holiday season.
‘Cause that’s not the kinda guy I am. Or at least, not the kind of person I hope to one day be. Heh, stupid Newton.
Dude, the hand signal lights look awesome! I may have to experiment with a pair. Of course, the down-lows are sweeeeet, Don’t despair the passing of old lights, the LED’s that are coming out signal the beginning of a new age, one in which anyone who gets too close to your rear end will go into seizures. Next time you’re anywhere that carries Planet Bike stuff, fire up one of the SuperFlash’s, I think you’ll be pleased.