Let me get you up to speed. I sleep all day and work all night, and I try to keep the same schedule on my days off. Believe it or not, it's easier than bouncing around. As a result, much of my bicycle riding is by moonlight.
I do take precautions. My bike has a light. I wear a reflective yellow vest, like the ones highway workers use. I do like riding in the dark. The streets are almost empty. It's quiet. It's great think time, and "me" time.
The only fly in the ointment is the weather. I have a 50 degree cut off. If it's cooler than 50, the bike stays locked.
We had a warm spell back in April, but I came down with the nastiest of colds and it lingered for two weeks. By the time I got better, a two week rainy spell arrived, and that brings us to where we are today. I diligently watched the seven day forecast boards. My eyes lit up when I saw a relatively warm night, and I knew bike season had arrived.
A quick review... last year, I started riding in mid April. My last ride of 2015 came the week before Christmas. We had a bizarre and warm winter. That last ride was one of the best ever. It was such a strange experience to be pedaling through little towns and looking at Christmas lights. My bike is usually in storage around Halloween. I hope I am as lucky this year.
My first few rides of the new season are traditionally shake down cruises. I don't go as far, and I avoid some of the major hills. This year, I went for it and picked up where I left off in December. No problem. In fact, it was rather easy.
I shouldn't underestimate myself. While I will never be confused with Charles Atlas, Lance Armstrong, or even Joe Snedeker, I do go to the gym three times a week, and spend more than two hours there each time. The legs are in great shape.
Not much has changed. Most of our roads are still shot to hell. A lot of streets need better lighting. There is a frightening number of small town empty storefronts.
If you're out there, give bicyclists a little courtesy. We'll do the same.
