I've listened to more than a few riders share, "If I only had more time to ride...". Perhaps every rider has had those thoughts. Over the years I've realized that the amount of time on the road isn't the only measure of riding satisfaction. Changing the tempo and cadence of a ride can lead to some strange places you might not normally experience. One hot evening I found myself wandering on the baked limestone mud near a quarry and feeling as if I landed in some otherworldly place, if only for a few moments -- an experience lost if I had continued down the road as planned.
I've come to think that riding plans, for the most part, do more to suck the life from a ride than anything else. Wandering and exploring unfettered by route, time or destination are the really difficult to engage being for most riders the exact opposite of what seems the correct way to engage a trip of anything length. I wish I could get lost more, lose track of time, and see the world from a perspective other than the one beaten into me.
Riding at night is a nod towards the unknown and mystery. Everything that's predictable and familiar evaporates into a rush of senses and feelings. Perhaps with enough night miles under my belt it would be more challenging to not fall into a predictable pattern. That's a ways off though. It's dark now -- maybe a good time for a short ride.
5 comments:
For years, I didn't really know what it was like to ride in the dark. By the time it was dark it was probably snowing or below freezing and I just didn't want to take that on with only two wheels. Now, riding in the dark is something I look forward to just like riding in fresh snow.
Riding at night is definitely more comfortable when ATGATT in the summer....though the thought of deer by the roadside gives me pause.
Not to mention, I suck at night photography.....
Planning a ride often takes longer than just getting on the Vespa and doing the ride.
Mind, the same could be said about life itself!
The most incredible adventure are the product of serendipity.
But some planning is nice. Just not too much.
The real time consumer is writing about things you experience. Thank heavens folks do take the time. Otherwise, there'd be no history, personal or otherwise.
By the way, that shot over the parched earth. Amazing.
Steve:
I like the coolness of the night air. It is generally too hot during the day. actually riding at night is refreshing. I did it last week
I put less planning into every trip but sometimes things are beyond my control.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
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