Mostly recaps of two wheeled rambles through the countryside, but sometimes thoughts on other things.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Go your own way. You can call it another lonely day.

(Thanks to Lindsay Buckingham for the post title)

I posted to the bike club the idea that since our club ride was named for a fallen comrade, (He was killed while riding his bike) we should consider being part of the ride of silence. The only reply today was from a rider who suggested that a ride where I was unable to speak might be very enjoyable. Ahh, such friends. Later, someone else posted that it might be a good thing after all to do the ride.

Tonight was the Posey Crossings ride. 4 others joined me, including Mr. Smarty Shorts. He got his wish, as I exchanged few words with him. They all avg about 16 - 18 mph and i am steadfastly 13 - 15. Tonight I finished just shy of 15 mph. At the meeting place, I explained the route to the others and told them to pull out ahead of me. With purposeful intent, I rode at the pace that felt good to me. My legs were sore from the past weekend at the outset, but after 30 minutes, all aches were loosened up and things felt really good. We all re connected at the store, but didn't stay together long. This is a lovely ride, with significant downhills. Of course, after the fleeting thrill of high speed descents, I have to labor up the other side of the valleys. The scent of jasmine was heavy in the air and I am sure that I also smelled magnolia or gardenia. Then too, there was the redolent odor of freshly cut grass, still full of moisture from the rains on Friday night. The views towards the setting Sun from the ridge as you climb it are excellent. On other days, I've seen purple clouds full of water approaching from the very same ridge. That's when I find a faster gear for sure.

I finished the ride just as the Sun passed below the horizon, which was the plan to start with. It was a great run. I am deeply appreciative that I live in a place with interesting terrain, plenty of uncrowded roads and a climate that permits year round riding. And that I can get out and do it, of course.

Tailwinds!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bruce,
Who is your "club ride" named after and how was he killed?
Irene

Fully Lugged said...

Irene:

Dr. Jim Glassner was a local ophthalmologist and avid cyclist who was struck by an elderly driver in December 2001. The man said that he didn't see the two riders who were pedaling together. It was in good weather on a clear road.

Anonymous said...

You know, since Irene and I are the only people who read this thing--and we are not bikers--you really need to explain yourself. Ride of silence?

I just LOOOOVE it when you mention the club member who was killed. In good weather. On a clear road. I don't think you have enough life insurance...

Fully Lugged said...

http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

"DATE: May 21, 2008
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways."

Anonymous said...

Bruce,
First, it is kind of ironic that an ophthalmologist would be struck and killed by someone apparently as blind as a bat.
Secondly, why do they schedule the silent ride at dusk? That is the toughest time to see people in the road. A lot of cars don't turn their headlights on until it is pitch black. How long is the ride?
Irene

Fully Lugged said...

Irene:

Sunset here on May 21 will be at 7:40 PM and twilight will last until 8:08 PM. We would probably ride at 6:00 or 6:30. It's 12 miles long, and will take about one hour.
There may be a similar ride in your neck of the woods as well. Thanks for asking!

Bruce

Anonymous said...

Bruce,
Do you ever carry a camera in your little saddle bag? A few pictures on your blog would be a nice touch - like the sunset you mentioned or the wildflowers, etc.
A link to your MS ride would be nice to see also.
Irene

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