Solo in the Saddle

Tonight I headed out on the Silver Comet Trail. The schedule called for a brick, but I knew before I left the parking lot that I just wanted to ride tonight. I'd hope to get a long ride in, but got tied up at work and had to settle on a slightly longer than usual ride.

I headed west. There was a fair amount of traffic on the trail tonight. I wasn't surprised as it was a beautiful afternoon. Unfortunately, there were a lot of people on the trail that just don't follow the rules of the trail.

• Cyclists without helmets, or "Volunteer Organ Donors."  I get the whole we're out for a leisurely ride and the helmet screws with my hair - besides I didn't wear a helmet when I was 12, so I should be fine without one as an adult.  Even at a leisure pace, you can do serious damage to your head should you fall.  Just wear the helmet.
• Cyclist riding 2+ abreast on the trail when there is oncoming traffic.  Again, I get the whole I'd like to socialize while I ride.  I do it all the time.  However, if there are other cyclist, runners, walkers, etc coming - fall into single file and get out of the way.  Especially if you are riding on the wrong side of the yellow line.
• Walkers pushing strollers on the wrong side of the trail.  Especially if you are walking with your friend who is walking on the other side of the trail.  I'm a pretty considerate cyclist.  I announce my presence with a loud "ON YOUR LEFT."    Having to announce myself as "COMING BETWEEN YOU" should never, ever ever happen.

The ride itself was great.  I went further than I usually go (about 2 miles and only 4 minutes!!)  I pushed hard but tried to keep my cadence up and try to keep my effort level steady.  It was quiet and I had a lot of time alone with my thoughts, but that was okay.  I even saw a really big snake (like 5+ feet long). 

A good ride like this one makes me feel a little more at ease about Augusta, and that's a good, good thing.