Sunday Night Ride.

Jen and Kate had a long run (9 miles) scheduled for Sunday. I worked noon-5. I like to ride in the morning but told them they should run. I planned on riding after work.

I wasn't too sure what to expect. I have done night mtb rides, I have biked through town at night, but never a full on road ride. I left the shop in the afternoon warmth about 5:40. I was on the Long Haul Trucker and in search of some gravel roads. I did find some really neat roads but I ended up riding more pavement than gravel.

Once the sun set and the lights were on the temps dropped quickly. I packed extra clothing so I was prepared. It's kind of neat to be at a high point and see the lights of several small towns off in the distance.

I'm not afraid of being chased by dogs in the light but in the dark it's a different story. One dog was not barking but running in the ditch. I could hear him and the grass. I could not pick him up with my light so I wasn't sure what "it" was. Once he reached pavement I heard his claws on asphalt. Then the barking started and he was much closer than I thought. Needless to say, I jumped out of level 1 training pretty quick!

I really didn't have a destination or route planned, I just rode. I rode some new roads and some familiar roads. Some gravel, some pavement, and one minimum maintenance road. I explored a road I always wondered where it went. Runs into Hwy 15, boring.

I ended up back at the shop with 3 hours 15 minutes. A good Sunday Night Ride. I am not too sure if I will do more or not, but glad I got the time in...a nice relaxing cap to a busy weekend.

Later.