Tonight was another pretty good ride, with a pretty good time of 44.5 minutes and a great average speed hitting 19.3km/h. I had decided just to take it easy tonight, as I’m getting used to this ride with the light. However, I still got a better than average time and speed… Go figure…
I am struggling with the light. I suppose this is darker now than the mornings, and it’s really dark on the worst stretch of trail I ride, through Peterson’s Creek valley. This trail is narrow in spots, winding, and traverses along a rather steep and long cliff which makes me a bit nervous at times to say the least! Basically, I have to choose the lesser of two evils with this light. One, I can shine the light brilliantly in front of my wheel, allowing me to see the bike, the sides of the immediate trail I’m on and about 10 feet in front. However, that’s it. So that means I cannot predict and plan for what’s coming beyond that 10 feet. If I’m climbing a hill, no big deal. If I’m descending or traversing a trail, I need to see beyond 10 feet! However, if I lift my head and point my light further down the trail, and thus see what is coming in time to plan for it, I end up creating a dark spot directly in front of my wheel, about 5-6 feet in front. I didn’t notice this as bad in the mornings as it was getting lighter on the sections of trail where this mattered, and thus I could still somewhat see what was directly in front of me. Unfortunately, now it’s like riding around with a flat piece of cardboard sticking out underneath my eyes. Basically, I lose my peripheral vision, which I’m finding also affects my balance. It’s weird, but that’s the best analysing of the situation that I can do! I was convinced when I got home last night that I would be using my bonus to pick up a second light to mount on my handlebar. However, later I decided that spending $100 on something I’ll use for maybe another 3 weeks is probably not the best idea… 
However, spending money on my drivetrain is an absolute must. Twice the chain slipped off the cogs during a climb. Once coming up the long, straight and steep climb out of Peterson’s Creek and once on the Rose Hill final climb. Granted, some of that blame is due to the rear derailleur being slightly off and not shifting perfectly. But if my chain was actually contacting more than just one or two teeth at a time, that wouldn’t matter as much… So, yeah, the instant my bonus comes in the door, a new chain and cassette will be put on order!!!
The ride, aside from lighting and gearing issues, was pretty good. I really enjoy night riding as it is quiet, peaceful and the tunnel vision effect also is good for zoning everything else out but just the ride. As I was coming up the climb out of Peterson Creek valley, a bunch of joggers (10 or so maybe?) were running along the Tom Moore trail across the valley. They all had little head lamps on, and it looked funny just seeing 10 little lights bobbing down the trail, mixed with the sounds of their voices, and yet not seeing anyone per se! I also met a couple of joggers as I came to the end of the Juniper trail wearing head lamps as well, although the one had a green light? What’s with that?!?
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