A Night Ride

A bunch of posts ago I wrote about riding at night and my feeling of peace and clarity of the mind during those times. Well a few nights ago I came home after a day out and about doing the things that needed to be done. I had both my panniers on the bike. They were probably close to 30lbs. Filled with books, papers, work clothes, and rain clothes. So when I was coming down the driveway towards my garage I did not want to go in. I didn't want to be home yet. So, I opened the garage door; rode inside, dropped the weight, took off my jacket and went right back out.

I quickly rode down to Willows beach and did a couple runs up and down. I could not go as fast as I wanted to because it was so dark. One thing I have noticed in Victoria is that it has gotten very dark at night these days. The roads are hard to see and my light is not a 'seeing' light it is a 'to be seen' light. After Willows beach I went onto Beach Drive and rode quite quickly(30-40kph) to the Marina. It was great fun to be out with no cars driving around. I don't know how to describe it. It is not a feeling of being alone but free from others. The dichotomy of the environment, riding at day I am cautiously looking out wherever I am going to see what to avoid next. But at night it is relaxing. Do I like it more then the daytime. It is not about liking either one more. They are different. I like riding during the day but at night there is nothing around me. It is an escape from the daylight. I like falling into that mystery of the night.

I clearly had some energy to burn that night. After doing circles to cool down at the Marina, I started on my way home. I saw another cyclist riding behind me. I noticed a big halogen bulb lighting up the front of the bike. I was trying to ride slowly in order for them to catch up to me. I don't know what I would have said but a part of me wanted them to join me, or me to join them on a night ride. I was too fast for them to catch up and too scared to turn around and approach them. An opportunity lost and an understanding found. Take the moment. Accept it for what it is.

Nicholas

PS: Photo was taken by Cey on the #11 bus, via iPhone, while I raced him back to his place. Great photo Cey. And I will not make any comment about how great my legs look. None at all. Click on the image to make it larger. You can see how long ago that was taken. I have not put fenders yet on the bike. Definately need them now.

Winter has come, but the sun stays.

Firstly sorry to all that read this message with snow sitting on their doorstep. The sun is still shinning here and it is so great to be able to bike around not in the rain. Although, I think I should get some funding from MEC because of all the bike stuff I have bought from them.

I am amazed at how fast this semester has gone by. I have 12 hours of class left, 1 Exam, two tape assignments to complete and journal entries to write. So close to being completed.

With all my smiles of the great weather that is here, I am planning a trip up to whistler to visit my brother. Spend some time up there with the snow. It is crazy expensive at this time of year. Who would have known. At least I can bunk with my brother. Thanks Chris. Should be a great time. Get off of the island and see something new. I have been to whistler before but quite some time ago. Always nice to see things fresh with older eyes.

-Nicholas

He is double plus good!!

Found this picture of a celebration party with Obama's friends and supporters. The omni-present giant head on the wall made me think about the current level of authority of the President of the United States. Which has been growing illegally for some time now. The picture reminded me of another image that looks quite similar.

Let's keep our eyes open and not walk blindly behind those that we deem more appropriate to be in the position they are in. Don't stop demanding. Continue if you can. I have a limited role to play. I am not a citizen of the United States. I am a Canadian who does not feel represented by the current political position here and wary of the condition down south.

There was a difference of 7.5 million votes between the two candidates. Therefore 56million people voted for the other guy too! Don't forget that. America has not changed overnight. It has put on a different mask. I'm curious if the masks that are worn by us all will ever be taken off.

Nicholas