Friday, November 09, 2007

Overland Park Bike Commute Ninjas

Temperature at departure = 43° F (6° C)

"Cursed politicians and their Daylight Saving Time." thought the weary warrior as he headed out into the night. Swift and silent he rode through the darkness, his senses long tuned for the twilight straining to find his way through this new, deep, gloominess. Without warning he was upon the ninja – and just as quickly he had passed by not giving the ambush the slightest chance of success. Still, the warrior was shaken. “That was too close” he murmured to himself.

Deeper into the pitch black woods he rode; adrenalin now coursed through his veins and he strained all the more to try to predict what lay ahead on the path. Once again his senses failed him as he plunged off the well worn, leaf covered path into underbrush. He thought he’d been going slow enough to be able to pick out the slightest variations in the trail before him – he’d been wrong. He quickly shook it off as the night had come alive with the sounds of something or someone coming from, seemingly, every direction.

He rode now with a new awareness. “Take your time” he thought, “you can’t afford another mistake.” Minutes went by without event. He was getting comfortable again when he spotted something ahead moving from a patch of light into the darkness. Another ninja – but this time he was ready and easily circumvented the space staying out of range. Now was not the time to engage in another conflict, he just wanted to make it home. And so, as he closed the door to his house behind him, he vowed to expect the unexpected the next night.


Playing the part of ninja number one was a pedestrian with long black hair wearing a navy jogging suit. Ninja number two was played by a gentleman in a black jacket, dark jeans and a black hat walking a dark brown dog. Seriously people – get something reflective or carry a flashlight!!!

Also, I have come to the conclusion that the cheap Planet Bike 1200 headlight that I bought for the Mendota to use during the Lenexa Midnight Bike Ride is fine for leisurely cruises through the suburbs but insufficient for dark trails through the woods. It’s going to be an adventure every night now until the spring time change. For now, however, there is:

…no light at the end of the tunnel.

And for Fritz:

Ride into the night
Daylight Saving Time again
Now, where’s my blinky?

1 comment:

Noah said...

Check THIS out. For bike path use and for REALLY being seen on the road (at least from the front), this light was a great deal. Although Keith was also trying to sell his 160 Lumen DiNotte with Li-Ion battery packs (lasts longer) for something like $125 last I checked. Let me know if you want his e-mail addy.