Ride Summary Dec 21, 2016 Twilight Ride Winter Solstice
12 miles RT, all dirt except snow. Mostly melted except on northern sides. No Photos on this.
Day/Night Light: Started at 4pm to see some daylight, then transition to full darkness. New rear lighting in use and perhaps too bright? Carried warm water in normal bottle since above freezing temps. Did not stop for water or snacks, good cardio. These are the shortest days of the year, with longest nights. I will begin to feel the expansion of daylight hours in each ride going forward.
Conditions: 37F, No wind or precip, mostly cloudy.
Tunage: Massive Attack
Trail Comments: Along the familiar highline canal north into GV neighborhood. 30% frozen snow or ice, small patches of mud, otherwise damp trail with good traction.
Seen: Same 2 cyclists with comparable LED lights but only one.
I have a 2 gallon flower watering can(plastic) with a sprinkler spout. I use this everytime I ride in snow, mud, or dirt to rinse the bike. With very warm water inside, the flower watering will melt ice, rinse dirt, clean brakes, cassettes, pedals and other areas that love to capture trail dirt. After every ride in the winter where some buildup occurs, I rinse with the warm water and the bike seems much happier for it. After a 30 min drip dry, I wheel it into home or garage for the night. I plan to bring this flower watering can to mountain rides for the same purpose.