On 11 Sep 2003 11:13:23 -0700,
[email protected] (Paul Sitko) wrote:
>I'm looking for a roller trainer that I can use for both my Rans Stratus XL (wheelbase 70.25") and
>my lightning handcyle. Once the days start getting shorter I'm going to need to be doing indoor
>training as I don't feel comfortable with urban night rides. Does anyone have any suggestions?
While I respect your discomfort with night riding Paul, I live for night rides myself.
Perhaps I can convert you?
For about 13 years I pedalled to work, 2 weeks a month on day shift, 2 weeks on nights. On
the night shift I would get off work at 2am and quite often not return home until long after
the sun had risen.
I always felt safer at night, (assuming proper lighting on the bike). The cool night air was
invigorating, road traffic was minimal to almost non existant, and the peace and quiet on
the road was as pleasant as the cycling itself. 3 deer feeding off the side of the road,
inside the city limits, at sunrise will be a sight I'll never forget.
Only once did I find myself in peril. A smallish creature with black fur and white stripes
down his back, decided to park his butt on the center line ahead of me, forcing a break in
the action. Grin, I wasn't going to get sprayed by a skunk for the sake of 15 minutes.
I live 30 miles east of Toronto Ontario, and would cycle west toward the "big city". On many
occassions the only hazard on the road was the local police forces, who deemed it a shift
requirement to stop and question me. Admitedly, they were checking something out of the
ordinary, but, like the brother in law, an Ontario provincial Police Officer, says, there is
nothing in the highway traffic act forbidding bike riding at 4am, no matter how strange it
might be. I actually used that logic on one rather abrasive Toronto police officer,
garnering a scowl and a disgusted sniff, but was allowed merrily on my way.
Even now that I'm retired, I'll watch the 11pm news, the wife will head off to bed, and I'll
go out for an hour ride. Most of the cars are off the road and the local bars don't lock up
until 2am, so there's an hour or two of grace for some rather safe, peaceful and enjoyable
riding. Give it a try Paul, I enjoy it immensely.
Above all however, be sure you are very well lit, (grin, your bike I mean), and you are
wearing bright clothing, the typical common sense stuff taugh in public school. Becuase
store and garages are generally closed, plan on being entirely self sufficient, extra water,
tire tubes and a pump are in order . . .
Enjoy . . . .
