Dark and Rainy Night

I rode with my head down.

The wind had picked up and was blowing the rain into my face. Combined with a busted finger, banged up knees, and general ass whooping, it was easier to ride with my head down.

In the rustling of leaves, I struggled peddling alone in the dark and otherwise quiet woods. The wet leaves covering the slick and treacherous roots took every ounce of concentration to keep yourself upright - concentration I had lost a long time ago. Lost to the expense of energy and lack of fitness just to make it this far.

I was only half way done.

The energy and fitness required to ride a certain pace and distance is one thing. To do the same under difficult conditions requires that much more. It's like the difference between walking through the woods when it's sixty five and sunny and walking through the woods when it's five and snowing. Simply being in the harsh conditions taxes you.

I was getting cold. Two hours in the rain and falling on the ground soaks you to the bone.

I had been alone for a while. I had nearly forgotten there was a group. When the trail leveled off, I pulled up my arm warmers and continued on.

The ride didn't start this way.

I started well. I was holding my own and cruising where others were slipping. It all came at a price. A price my fitness couldn't afford and now I was down and totally out.

Regardless of the pain and disheartening soloness, I was outside riding my bike in Downingtown in the rain. My favorite place and favorite conditions. So I don't have the capacity to handle the conditions for the entire ride, that will come. At least I was outside feeling the rain and not the skull splitting stress of the office under the fluorescent lights.

- b