Lights!

Important Programming Note:  Some of you noticed that yesterday’s post was a “Thursday Thoughts” feature.  As these usually come out on Thursdays this caused a bit of confusion.  We apologize for the inconvenience, and would like to claim youth and inexperience coupled with long and faithful service.  The following Wednesday post is being offered on a Thursday by way of rectifying the damage.

We now return to (ir)regular programming.

With the Winter Solstice just seven (now six) days away, it’s staying dark much later in the mornings, and getting dark way to soon in the afternoon.  The lights have to come on sooner, and stay on longer.  The diminished daylight affects us all, in many ways, but what a miracle our lights are!

I find that, as a cycle-commuter, my go-nogo decision is simplified greatly by the ready availability of good lighting.  As recently as five years ago, the stuff that was on the market was either barely adequate, or insanely expensive.  Burn time for the good bright stuff were not all that good, and charging time was inconveniently long.  Much of that has changed, and decidedly for the better.  e.g.  My good LED lighting systems can last most of a week’s commuting on one charge, and a full charge takes only five hours.  When one adds that they are bright enough to command respect from motorists, one must admit, this is good, very good indeed.

But now the Christmas Season is upon us, and that adds another dimension of light.  Folks decorate for the coming holiday, and many put up displays of light.  It brightens my heart to see this happy glow again and again, as I ride my way home.  I find, even in the worst weather conditions, that I am smiling as I see some of the homes lit up and festive.

Next week, we’ll go out as a group, on two different nights, to ride together, and view some of the more extravagant displays.  Festive garb is encouraged for these rides, but not required.  If you plan to attend, and want to costume, please…  safety first!  Beware of obscuring your vision.  (I mind a year when one rider showed up in a full Santa Suit.  The beard had a nasty habit of blowing up in his face at the most incapacitating times.)   Secure loose leggings, capes, etc.  Costume parts getting caught in drivelines or wheels do not a happy evening make.

Are you, like me, a big kid at heart?  Do you delight in the pretty colors and bright lights of the season?  Come out and be festive.  Come out and ride.  Come out and share the spirit of the season with like-minded riders.

Christmas Lights Road Ride:  We’ll be out on the roads.  We will tour around and see some of the county’s more extravagant displays.  We will ride in a group, and keep good and safe order always, but we’ll have fun!

Where:  Start/Finish is at Bicycles Unlimited in Peachtree City

When:  Monday 19 December at 7:00 P.M. (sharp!!)

Distance/Pace:  Approximately 25 miles.  Expect to be out for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Requirements:  Helmets (always!), Good headlights and tail lights.  Reflective vests or sashes, and reflective ankle bands.  Dress for the weather.  (I’ll plan one or two “clothing adjustment stops” if necessary.)

Additional:  Rain will cancel, and there is no rain date.

Christmas Lights Path Ride:  We’ll be on Peachtree City’s multi-use paths.  (No road riding!)  We will tour around and see some of the city’s more extravagant and beautiful displays.  We will ride in a group, and keep good and safe order always, but we’ll have fun!

Where:  Start/Finish is at Bicycles Unlimited in Peachtree City

When:  Wednesday 21 December at 7:00 P.M. (sharp!!)

Distance/Pace:  Approximately 15 miles.  Expect to be out for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Requirements:  Helmets (always!), Good headlights.  Dress for the weather.  (I’ll plan one or two “clothing adjustment stops” if necessary.)

Additional:  Rain will cancel, and there is no rain date.