Night Ride Before The Storm

The forecast doesn't look good for tomorrow (Saturday) - Rain in the AM, snow possible in the benches in the afternoon, highs in the lower 40s, change of precipitation 80%. Today I felt much better but still kind of drained from the cold. But with the storm coming I decided I had to get out and ride while I could, even though it's already getting cold (50s).

When I got home I ate some dinner, got dressed (two jerseys, arm warmers, leg warmers, XC ski gloves and headband), mounted the lights (one on the helmet, another on the handlebars and a red blinky on the back) and pedaled for the foothills in the twilight.

I headed for Dry Canyon and chugged up the climbs OK. The handlebar light was acting up so I took it apart, tweaked the tube and put it back together and it was solid for the rest of the ride - nice! I headed down the BST and enjoyed this fun, cruiser single-track above the city. Twice I came across birds bedded down on the trail - spooked me a little. I also came across two dogs and a couple hiking up the trail with no lights - I guess the moonlight was enough.

At the trail end I went up the water tank dirt road then turned up Betty. I got winded more than usually but wanted to ride more so I went up Crank instead of heading down Roller Coaster. Starting up the first stiff climb but my clip came out so I went back down and tried it again and made it, but at the top of the gully I was panting hard and stopped to catch my breath. My throat felt tight - not sure if it was from the cold air or being sick. I continued on and made the rest of the climbs without stopping. I thought about heading down Firing Range, but decided not to gamble on a steep, loose downhill tonight, so I turned down Ireland. What a sweet downhill romp! Other than cold fingers it was over too soon.

Back on the water tank road I headed down and rolled back home. It felt good to get out on the bike. The lights worked great - I'm happy with how they performed. I would have liked to ride more, but I was hitting the limits of my recovery from the cold I caught on Wednesday. Still, I'm grateful to have these trails so close to home!

I thought about heading down to Moab to get in a ride and watch the poor souls grind out the laps at 24 Hours of Moab in what's forecast to be some rather unfriendly weather. But I'm staying home instead.

BONUS:

This play on words and ideas made me laugh - Dream CAPTCHA.



But wait, that's not all!

Enjoy this literal version of the popular 80's "Take On Me" music video: