Ride #46: Don’t Let The Sun … Go Down On Me

All summer long, my daughter has been taking several different art classes held at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. This small school, focused purely on teaching/hosting art-related events, is situated near the lovely shores of Lake Minnetonka. As is often the case with kid-related events, her class is two hours long from 7pm to 9pm.

As the parent, this means I have several choices. Like most parents, I could dump her off and head elsewhere (likely to go sip some Chardonnay out on the Chris Craft – this is Wayzata, after all). Or I could hang around and wait. When I hear of parents who seem to have time to read books, I can understand that most of this reading is accomplished while waiting for their kids to complete some type of event.

Point of note: I am writing this post while sitting at the Center, waiting for my daughter to finish class.

But earlier this summer, I gave myself a challenge to try to get some riding in during this time. In previous posts, I have talked about bike path riding, which is nice but terribly boring. As an enhancement, I’ve found that I can get a mix of riding by heading north into Long Lake and onto some of the usual roads that I hit when riding the New Steed™ from my home. The later scenario described today’s ride.

After ensuring my daughter was settled in class, I assembled the Old Steed™ from the New Car™ and headed out for a ride. Today’s challenge had nothing to do with wind, rain or temperature. My primary adversary was the sun. Leaving the Center at 7:00pm, I knew that my time was limited before the daylight would fade away and I would be stuck riding in the dark.

My plan was to hit the shared roads first – while there was plenty of sun for cars to safely see me. Thus, the first 8-10 miles were on the road. It was a great night for riding, with little wind and mild temperatures. The humidity level was higher than past days so it really felt like a perfect summer’s night. The Old Steed™ performed admirably and I find a nostalgic enjoyment in feeling the bumps be absorbed in the supple, steel frame. No matter how “vertically compliant” they make carbon frames these days, there is still something about a steel frame that feels “right”.

As the sun was settling down, I hit the bike trails along Lake Minnetonka and simply did a timed out/back ride to ensure I would return to the Center at about 8:00pm. That was right at the scheduled sunset and about the limit for comfortable riding without lights.

The ride was good and generally enjoyable. The right leg is still grumpy, so I didn’t push the pace. I think I am battling tightness in my right hamstring, so hopefully some stretching over the weekend will straighten out the problem.  Some numbers to ponder:

• Wednesday, August 26, 2009
• start time: 7:00pm
• distance: 18 miles
• speed: approx 18 mph
• duration: 1:01

Today’s Song Of The Ride™ (SOTR™) originated in watching the sun drop amazingly fast in the sky. One look and it appeared I had several hours to ride. Another look and the sun was hiding behind all the trees. Thus, Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was a perfect fit. Although the classic recording is great, the version in my head came from a concert featuring George Michael. Even though he is a freak by anyone’s measure, you must admit he has a tremendous voice and a great stage presence.  Although I can never claim to be a true performer, I understand how challenging it is to be that good in front of people and George Michael is one of the best. When he say’s “Mister Elton John!”, it sends a shiver down the spine.

If you haven’t seen the performance I’m describing, click the image to the right to view it on YouTube.

I’m still getting used to how bike transport is best served using the New Car™. I really don’t want to buy/add a formal bike rack. Several reasons – including aesthetics and gas mileage – keep me from going that route for the bikes. With the hatchback, it is rather easy to get the bike inside the car. I don’t even need to take off the rear wheel, as the back seats fold reasonably flat. It would be a challenge to get two bikes in the vehicle, but that is such a rare event (at least, at this point in my life) that it’s not really a concern. I was spoiled with my truck, as I had mounted two fork mounts in the truck bed, and was able to quickly secure several bikes with little maneuverings. For the New Car™, I’m a little hung up on the grease (it is still less than one month old), so I have to gingerly add the bike.

I am considering buying a product called the Chain Condom. It is a silly name, but a really effective way to keep the chain away from various fabrics inside the car. This may be the best solution to avoid a full car rack and keep the inside newer, longer.