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.
