NIGHT RIDE
The wind is causing the elm branches above me to sway. House lights and street lights reflect off the wet street. It is not exactly cold but compared to the hot summer days we have had for the past few months, there is a definite chill in the air.
I think to myself that plenty of people will soon be Tweeting or Facebooking that summer is over. Summer is not over. This is just a bump in the road.
Although I have to admit that this night feels like a fall night. One of those nights soon to come where a gust of wind blows the leaves off the trees and they scatter in front of your bike. Like large paper snowflakes, the leaves stick to your tires until centrifugal force flings them into the air - only to cartwheel until forced to a stop by a hard curb.
Enjoying yourself, knowing it doesn't matter how late you arrive home since you can sleep in tomorrow, you switch your headlight to flicker. The strobing light turns the whole scene into a jumble of confusing images. Not to worry. You have command of your bike. You know this route. You want to play!
Soon, you are bored with the flashing light. You look at the houses you are passing. Blue, sharp light emanates from a picture window. The TV is on. In another home a light goes out. Bed time?
Not for me. I want to keep riding. Experiencing empty, quiet streets, secure in the knowledge I have a warm, comfortable bed waiting for me.
