The machine that cuts a path through the darkness.
Reality is always an unpleasant surprise; no one wants to see ourselves the way others see us, and that’s for good reason, too: depression would be much more widespread problem if each of us realized what a pain in the ass we are. Speaking of unpleasant realities, after recently reviewing videos of myself speaking, I have deduced that I have the face for radio, the hand gesticulations for both Mime and Cheerleading (neither for which I have an ambition), and the voice for print. That leaves me with the Internet.
A long commute to work in darkness is a surreal experience. The early hour leaves the road vacant, and the rider is confined to the small cone of light beyond which exists only blackness. The mind settles into the vampire state of wandering a being alert all at once. Thoughts of the day’s work will lay somewhere on the periphery; not front of mind, yet inexorably nearer with every stroke of the pedals. The rain and cold amplify the effect.
Strange thoughts are thought in this state, not unlike those you might have just as you catch yourself falling asleep. The first paragraph of this article is a fine example of such a thought. For this, I ask your forgiveness.
The commute presents its own challenge, new obstacles to overcome. The wet winter commute sandwiches the workday like two soggy slices of bread. One finds very quickly that it is not the cold, the dark or the wet that is unpleasant; it is the sodden kit hanging in a locker all day not getting fresher that is unpleasant.
This morning looked dry from the bedroom window, a terrible place from which to judge the weather. Rain was in the forecast (this is Seattle and January, after all), so I slipped into my Gabba jersey as easily as James Bond slips into a dinner jacket. I stepped outside and noted that it would be nice if the weather stayed dry for the ride in so the kit might be more pleasant when dressing for the evening’s ride home.
I should know better than to think such thoughts; the rain was summoned immediately by the Nine Gods to remind me that the Glory of Rule #9 is not chosen at the rider’s convenience or whim. Fool.
Riding with a backpack is a nuisance. As Velominati, we have refined our position and learned to control the bike through micro-movements and immeasurable shifts of body weight. The gear-loaded backpack is a sledgehammer to our china cup of balance. Our position feels off, the bike handles differently, and we are heavier by two kilos at least. This, along with every other reason you can think of why backpacks suck, is more than enough to encourage one to avoid the climbs, especially the steep ones.
But there is a beauty behind the nuisance: climbing with a heavy load is like training in a fat suit. Seek out the hardest climbs and the next time you ride without a pack, you will feel as though you were given wings. Instant morale.
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View Comments
@Ron
Excellent! I hope the whole wheat bread bag is used to purchase something made with 'heritage grains', as they make you a better cyclist. Probably.
Can't agree with the lack of style though; its during the cold and wet that the fair-weather cyclists sneak back to their bad ways. You are standing out as an ambassador, so even more effort should be made. At least make sure the rubber bands are at equal height and exactly parallel to the ground when your foot is at 6 o'clock.
@Ron
What size bag are you using? I find Castelli fits a little tight. The old Santini bags work well under a helmet though: one size fits all.
@pistard
*Cough waterproof socks cough*
http://www.upandunder.co.uk/Outdoor/Clothing/Socks//P---Mid-Light-Socks-Seal-Skinz---11431/
@RobSandy
Cue Foghorn Leghorn voice:
"That was a joke, son, a joke I tell yah. Get with the game already."
But seriously, anything truly "waterproof" might as well be a plastic bag. You'll be wetted with nature's sweet spray or your own skanky sweat.
@pistard
I know, I know. Just messing.
Those socks are great though, I wear them for commuting, mountain biking and road riding. Warm and dry and not sweaty. Plus they keep all the black road crap off my nice white socks.
Are you wearing those socks as oversocks or are you wearing them like regular socks, that is, on your foot, inside your shoes?
@Ron
Thank you for clarifying what you mean by how socks should normally be worn.
@markb
Probably best to avoid self raising flour bag then or maybe they would help on the climbs?
@Teocalli
True, use plain flour and you should be able to roll along, slicing through the traffic, but make sure you use your loaf else you could end up as toast.
@Teocalli
It's fine - it has bikearbonate of soda.