The Art of Riding in the Dark.

Oh jeez. Third and final workout of the day had to be completed in the dark. And let me tell you, with just a grinning Cheshire cat splice of a moon tonight, visibility on the dark, deserted trail was challenging during those over geared power drills. Thankfully, I did them on the Burke, which I have probably ridden 500 or so times. No joke. But the thing that threw me for a loop? The way rascal eyes glow in the dark and how shining my helmet light directly at them makes them stop dead in their tracks - paralyzed by the sudden illumination ridding them of their stealth cloak of darkness. One cat and I locked eyes as I passed, and I had to remind myself that other obstacles could leap out in the dark as well.... yet I couldn't tear my eyes away. It was hypnotic.

I almost finished my book on tape - "The Art of Racing in the Rain" - a sometimes sad and somber novel, based in Seattle. It's written through the eyes of a dog about the cycles of life, and I found myself cheering and tisking my tongue at its passages as the miles speed beneath my tires. Some of the writing is truly beautiful and larger than life messages are revealed via a four legged friend. It was nice to have someone talk me through my late night jaunt, and after a full belly and shower - I'm ready to saw some logs.

This training is starting to take its toll - as I don't have much time, nor energy, to do much else. Thank goodness I painted a bedroom when I had the motivation! Those projects will just have to wait another season. :) And I'm tempted to measure the quads - the pants feel like they're starting to fit a little tighter.....