My Dark Ride

This is the bike I'm currently riding...my Fuji Comp 9.1

Starting this Sunday I got back on my bike and did a 30 miler with a couple friends.  We stuck to the northern areas of Saratoga County and rode some amazing backwoods roads that weren't too frequented by cars.  By the end of the ride I felt strong and a lot more confident in my ability to have a good season on the bike.

That ride had me really itchin' to get back out and this morning I had that chance.  I was planning on waking at 4:15 so I could be on my bike by 4:30 and get in 90 minutes before I had to get ready for work, but our youngest boy was up almost literally all night.  SO, I could have probably ridden at 3 if I wanted to get a 3 hour ride in (because I was up!), but I decided to stick to the plan.

I probably should have planned on getting ready a little earlier as I'm still not too good at getting ready for the bike quickly.  I ended up out the door at 4:40, but had to turn back home once I got up the block because I didn't dress warm enough.  I thought it was going to be warmer, but it was around 30 when I woke up, so I definitely needed my mittens and ear warmer.  I probably should have put on warmer socks, but didn't think of it.  By the time I got half-way my toes were already numb.

Perhaps I should light my bike like
this for my next Dark Ride??

I finally got on my way at 4:45.  I went down Route 9 because I knew the shoulder was wide and in good shape.  Still, I was a little nervous at times given what happened on my last morning ride.  It was dark most of the time, but luckily the headlight Becca gave me helped on the long stretches where there were no lampposts.  I took it easy and made sure I didn't go too fast at times, but in well-lit areas I really pushed.  Though, I will say, unlike Sunday's group ride, I didn't quite have the push in me that I had then.  Not sure if it's because of the lack of drafting or the friendly competitiveness that makes us want to go faster, but there was definitely a big difference (that difference could also be because of 4 hours of broken sleep!).

I made it to the first round-a-bout in Malta and then headed home.  When all was said and done, I managed just short of 20 miles and finished just as it started to get light out.  I feel good about it though and know next time I'll be able to brave the dark ride a bit more quickly and confidently.