Changin' it up

[Medianox]

In the summer, I was getting up at 4:30 am to get out around dawn to ride when its cool to avoid the blistering heat of the day. Also I have to admit part of why I was getting up so early was that there were fewer people awake then and I had the path mostly to myself. Slowly that time has rolled around to getting out to ride around 6 am now that fall is coming on. In addition, many kids use the MUP to walk to school now too, so that in fact, the path is more crowded now than ever early in the morning. Thats fine, its a public place, but at times it makes it challenging to ride amongst the crowd and dodge the loose dogs. I can't get out there much earlier since that just would not be safe. Part of our MUP is lovely and residential and part is isolated and industrial (runs behind some factories and along the railroad tracks-half the time I expect to find a body or something-seriously). The city is improving that section by cleaning it up and planting trees, but I envy those of you that have nice long paths around lakes or in parks to ride. The wildlife I see most are feral cats. lol
So now I'm rethinking my strategy...it seems that getting out later might really be better now that its really cooling off and the later mornings/early afternoons aren't too hot-I may have no need to get up pre-dawn except when I commute (have to be at work by 7 am). What I have been doing is getting out for a 10 mile loop on the mtb early, coming home around 7-ish, seeing DH off to work, taking kids to school at 0830, then coming back and going out on the road bike for additional loops. When I go back out there are fewer people on the path, so riding is a bit easier. Plus-the sun is fully up and that helps avoid things like glass and those %$@#*& thorns we have around here so it makes sense to just wait and go out later.
Another problem though is that it is getting a teeny bit boring riding the same route everyday...what do you other ladies do to make it more fun? I have already done the trick of riding the route in the opposite direction and its still boring-lol. My experiance with riding on the road is pretty limited (though I did ride in traffic on one of our busier streets yesterday-took a while for my knees to stop shaking!) but there are quite a few streets with bike lanes here. I know I shouldn't limit my self to those and the MUP but road riding has a learning curve and I didn't want to just take off on the regular roads until I knew I could control my bike. Any suggestions?
Sorry for the ramble. :)

[GulfCoastAmy]

Why not get some great lights and continue to ride in the early morning hours? I admit, I'm biased because I love riding before sunup, but there's just something to be said for having the path/roads to yourself. As for the boredom, take to the streets! The possibilities are endless and as long as you follow the rules of the road and make sure you are visible, you'll be fine. Some of the busiest streets in my area are practically dead at 5am. Good luck!

[Medianox]

Good point. I have lights on my mtb since I use that for commuting, would not be tough to switch the headlight over to the other bike on the other days. I have a flashing bright red light on the back of my helmet so with that and the head light and bright clothing I should be good.
I hope I'm not over generalizing, but drivers around here are really not used to seeing cyclists on the street and just don't know how to act. Sad to say but at least 90% of the people on bikes that I see are on the sidewalks here.
I checked our city ordinances and as bad as that is there is nothing specifically that prohibits it that I could find, so that is what drivers are used to.
I'm sure I can build up the confidence to ride on the road with traffic-I mean I do it for short distances to and from the bike path after all, it just may be a matter of practice.

[GulfCoastAmy]

I find cars are more respectful, more cautious and give me wider berth when I ride in the dark. They see my lights and immediately either slow down or start moving into the other lane. I've probably said this a million times on these forums, but I feel MUCH safer riding in the dark. Thanks to lights cars can see me well, I can see them well, and there is much less traffic. Just make sure that you are highly visible. I've got two headlights, two tailights, 3 fireflies (one on my camelback and one zip tied to each wheel), ankle reflectors and then reflective tape on my bike and my helmet. I love it! :)