14 July 2011 Ride; Bastille Day

With the weather forecast last night showing a chance of thundershowers starting at 2:00AM and continuing throughout the day, I was up in the air about my riding plans for today.  However, waking at 4:40 and seeing that the storms were supposed to hold off until noon, I headed out.  Driving to the Barrington Park subdivision, I parked and rode down into Wyman Valley.  This, and the Habberton Rd. ride, have become good fall back rides when I want to vary my pace and scenery. 

Only one picture today as I seemed more intent on pedaling than photographing.  Though, I do have another bike memory to relate.

This is the second bike memory as far as I know.  I believe I was four and my sister, who is seven years older than me, wanted me to sit on the back of her bike and give me a ride.  I wasn't too keen on the idea and she was rather insistent.  I think she knew someone else who had given their sibling a ride in this fashion and thought it was a cool idea.  I think I sat on the back fender while positioning my feet on the tiny bit of axle that protruded from the hub.  I kept protesting that I didn't like the set up but my sister urged me on, saying I would be fine.  We didn't make it further than across the street when my foot slipped and got caught in the rear wheel.  I cried and ran home with my sister calling for me to come back and try again.  I'm not sure what, if any, indelible impression that left but it seems it must be meaningful in some small way if I still remember it.  Obviously, it didn't dampen my love for biking.

At the paved end of the Wyman Rd. in Wyman Valley, there is County Road 300 that goes off to the right.  It is a very small road and on first glance it doesn't even looked paved as it is a rough chip and seal deal that disappears beneath a thick canopy of trees.  I keep thinking of taking the road as it would make for a good loop to other roads I know.  But the road has a "Deliverance" feel to it as I peer down it.  It reminds me of how I used to look upon almost any new country road I approached: very wary, wondering what 300 pound Rottweiler was waiting to devour me.  County Rd 300 definitely has that feel.  It is as remote of a country road as one can get while still being so close to the city limits as it is a stretch of pavement that few have any business going down.

This morning,  I decided to take the right off Wyman and onto 300.  Sure enough, the first house had a couple of dogs but they were friendly enough.  The road stayed tucked under the trees, hidden from view.  If I lived on the road, I certainly would want dogs warning me of outside intruders.  I pushed on hearing more dogs in the distance.  As I approached the next house, the yapping off small dogs was very distinct but they seemed to be enclosed.  A bit further, the deeper guttural sound of larger dogs.  Enough, already.  Given that I was only going to ride the road a bit and then turn around, I decided that that was as good a time as any to do so.  I imagine I would probably have made it the entire length of 300 unscathed but I will leave that test for another time.

Today's Ride: 2hrs. 7mins.  25.20 miles.  75 degrees   Miles YTD:  4,481.18

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