If you are cyclist and did not go for a ride on Wednesday – “Shame on you!”, I say.
It was perfect cycling conditions. There was not a hint of wind and the lakes that I passed were smooth and reflective. Plus, nature is starting its beautiful fall display of color and provides picturesque views no matter which direction you go.
As with yesterday’s ride, I was racing against the night and cut short what would have been a long ride in order to get home safely. The lights I use at this time of year are only effective at notifying other motorists that I am on the road. They do nothing in terms of actually illuminating my way.
While riding, I also noticed a behavior that I perform on the bike that would be different from my youth. As a young cyclist, I remember being very aware of my surroundings. Riding on narrow, two-lane roads, it was always important to know where cars were and what may be coming my way. I was acutely aware of every vehicle – both in front of me and behind me – and spent a fair amount of time looking behind me to gauge the surroundings.
Now – I rarely look back. It seems pointless to be so concerned about what I’ve already seen. Regarding the cars – I have found that I can typically hear them before I see them. I also judge a car by the behavior of other vehicles that are coming toward me from the front. If the car in front of me starts to move over to the shoulder, I know that there is a car behind me that will likely encounter me at the same time that the car in front will pass. The only real time to worry about vehicles is when there are three of us sharing the same section of pavement. Any other time really doesn’t matter.
Plus, I have a bad tendency to veer either left or right when I look backwards on the bike. This is not a good trait to possess, as I’m setting myself up to either ride into the ditch or move further into the traffic lane.
I’m best if I look straight ahead and worry most about where I’m going. It’s probably a sign of old age.
