So, I'm in the dark riding club! I went for my first one last night after I got home from work. I was disappointed that rain was still falling when I woke up in the morning and I decided not to ride. The rest of the day got continually better, and it was lovely when I got home. Bf had the night off, and when I decided to go for a ride at 6:30, he asked if instead I would rather walk downtown and get some gelato. Oh, that was tempting, but the ride still sounded better! Off I went.

I planned my route so it wouldn't be truly dark until I was back on the road with street lights. While it was dusk, I had my lights on strobe just for safety. My front light was a cateye I stole off bf's commuter, and I have to say, it really sucked. Vision-wise, the first thing to go, way before it was even a little dark, was the ability to see rocks in the road. I only hit one, but I pretty much know this road better than the back of my hand. I know every pothole and crack, but rocks move, so not seeing them coming is an issue. So, after I hit my rock, I decided I'd better slow it down a little to possibly see them coming. The light really isn't good enough for that even at slow speed, as I hit a stick a little later, but I made it through without flatting!

Then I settled into it, and really liked it. It felt very "in the moment". Then, as I'm in this really focused place, I'm surprised by a sound quickly approaching from the back. It was another rider, no lights, no helmet, break-neck speed, we all know him, it's our friend "Fred"! . He flew past me. Must be nice to not care.

Cars gave me lots of room. I knew I could be seen when the young guy yelled something at me out the window. I'm sure it was something like Wow, you're amazin'!

Anyway, I'm hooked. I know I can safely commute with some better lights. It was fun.