Few things motivate me more to ride than a perfectly-clean, like-new bike. Add cool temperatures and gorgeous twilight, and you have the makings for a perfect Why Cycle Wednesday. Well, I gave my bike a good cleaning after last weekend's rainy ride, and tonight the weather finally took a turn for the better. I actually just got back and it was such a nice ride, I thought it'd be fun to share it with you.
I have lights that I've been wanting to try out, but I didn't want to be out TOO long past sunset, so I did a quick figure-8 loop through Saybrook, Essex & Deep River - some of the prettiest New England river towns you're likely to find anywhere (though I admit a personal bias).
The ride starts out by Scotts Farm Market, setting a perfect Autumn tone for this October ramble.
Along Bokum Road in Saybrook, there are still a few old farmers' fields that haven't reverted back to forest.
This one is still active, along Rt. 153 in Essex.
Coming into Essex proper, you pass by the Congregational Church - appropriately located on the top of a hill near the center of town.
And this is part of the town itself - Main Street, Essex.
Near the "Foot of Main" you come across constant reminders of the town's maritime past.
And though some places are "off limits," you can still look as long as you like.
This is the boat slip, at the end of Main Street, next to the Connecticut River Museum.
Long-time readers will forgive me for repeating some of my favorite local scenes, especially when there are old-time windmills involved.
It was starting to get too dark for taking pictures, but I was able to snap this last shot of a barn along a windy backroad in Deep River. The moon had started its ascent, and my ride was barely halfway done.
Riding at dusk isn't recommended for everyone since it can be dangerous. But if you have good lights and are very visible, I'm discovering that it can be among the best of times to ride - and has the added bonus of extending your after-work ride season a few weeks longer.
If you try it out, let me know - otherwise, I hope you've enjoyed this virtual tour and are able to get out on the road yourself real soon. I, for one, am already planning an early-morning ride tomorrow. The temperature is supposed to be MUCH colder - more in line with real Autumn rather than Indian Summer - but the sun is supposed to be out and the leaves are starting to change. And with a beautiful bike and nice roads, what could be better than going for a ride?
Sounds like I had similar feelings as you, though my dusk evening rides this week have been experienced throughout the slightly hillier but no less scenic roads through the farms and orchards of Glastonbury and Portland.
As for the safety of riding at dusk (or even in the darkness of night), I've actually found that with guady enough clothing combined with bright lights makes for a spectacle that most car drivers can't comprehend. As a result, I often feel safer amongst the cars as they tend to give this oddity on the road (me) much more space and clearance than I have during the day.
Posted by: Dennis Desmarais | October 07, 2011 at 04:40 AM
I just did my first full nighttime road ride tonight and must say, I think I'm a new convert. You're right - without exception, cars gave me a MUCH wider berth than they do during the day. Very cool.
Posted by: SOC | October 11, 2011 at 07:59 PM