Wildlife Bonanza!
The weather yesterday was so fantastic during the day that I had decided to spend a significant amount of the evening out on the roads and trails by about 9:30am. Consequently, as soon as I got home, the Noble Steed was checked, tyres pumped up to recommended levels (after an infomative discussion on the subject - thanks to all members of ACF that helped out on that one), loaded up purse and mobile and camera and MP3 player, made a flask of coffee and headed out!
The light was magnificent as the sunset was already well underway, and I happily pedalled off towards the Downs Link via Horsham Road. I fancied messing about on the private road/paved bridleway and see how the extra pressure felt and practice some slow riding and balancing whilst enjoying the sunset. Once I got there however I wanted to go further, so thought I would hop onto the Downs Link for a little while, to a comfy bench by a lake that I know, to drink coffee and relax and then see how my new light copes with complete darkness.
The Link was really muddy and covered in puddles and fallen leaves and was seriously slippery and my wheels were kicking up clods of mud all over the place (fun!!!!!) but even so I got to my destination in good time. I propped my bike up carefully and unpacked snack and coffee flask and proceeded to imbibe whilst watching the fields and woods around me with great enjoyment.
I have always had the ability to sit very still and very quietly for very long periods of time, and that came in handy this evening! As soon as the light started to fade, the wildlife came out, and took as much notice of me as they would had I been a log. It started with deer grazing on the fields wandering up onto and along the trail just yards away, the rabbits and squirrels were out in force, then the foxes started to appear, running in and out of the woods seemingly in search of the rabbits and setting the little birds off with their alarm calls. A pair of owls began calling to each other, a number of herons glided overhead to roost near the lake (they look huge when they're flying that close) and the carp jumping in the lake behind me kept making me jump!
I was in the wrong area to see badgers - think I might try and find a resting-place near to their homes on another trip. Also saw sheep, cows, an enormous flock of canada geese and heard more calling pairs of owls on the way home.
I was rather pleased to have seen so much in one trip. How did my light do? Not bad, I could see where I was going on the Link, not quite as well as I'd like as the trail reflects a lot less light when it's covered in mud and leaves. I was in quite a state when I got home - bike, pannier, shoes and most especially tires coated liberally in mud. Now so is my porch carpet. Clean and lube session tonight I think, unless it's tipping down with rain. I have something completely different in mind if that happens..... How do you think I'll enjoy riding in the pouring rain? I intend to find out tonight!
The light was magnificent as the sunset was already well underway, and I happily pedalled off towards the Downs Link via Horsham Road. I fancied messing about on the private road/paved bridleway and see how the extra pressure felt and practice some slow riding and balancing whilst enjoying the sunset. Once I got there however I wanted to go further, so thought I would hop onto the Downs Link for a little while, to a comfy bench by a lake that I know, to drink coffee and relax and then see how my new light copes with complete darkness.
The Link was really muddy and covered in puddles and fallen leaves and was seriously slippery and my wheels were kicking up clods of mud all over the place (fun!!!!!) but even so I got to my destination in good time. I propped my bike up carefully and unpacked snack and coffee flask and proceeded to imbibe whilst watching the fields and woods around me with great enjoyment.
I have always had the ability to sit very still and very quietly for very long periods of time, and that came in handy this evening! As soon as the light started to fade, the wildlife came out, and took as much notice of me as they would had I been a log. It started with deer grazing on the fields wandering up onto and along the trail just yards away, the rabbits and squirrels were out in force, then the foxes started to appear, running in and out of the woods seemingly in search of the rabbits and setting the little birds off with their alarm calls. A pair of owls began calling to each other, a number of herons glided overhead to roost near the lake (they look huge when they're flying that close) and the carp jumping in the lake behind me kept making me jump!
I was in the wrong area to see badgers - think I might try and find a resting-place near to their homes on another trip. Also saw sheep, cows, an enormous flock of canada geese and heard more calling pairs of owls on the way home.
I was rather pleased to have seen so much in one trip. How did my light do? Not bad, I could see where I was going on the Link, not quite as well as I'd like as the trail reflects a lot less light when it's covered in mud and leaves. I was in quite a state when I got home - bike, pannier, shoes and most especially tires coated liberally in mud. Now so is my porch carpet. Clean and lube session tonight I think, unless it's tipping down with rain. I have something completely different in mind if that happens..... How do you think I'll enjoy riding in the pouring rain? I intend to find out tonight!
posted by Catherine at 07:39
3 Comments:
Wow! Does ACF stand for "Anoraks Cycling Foundation"!? [}:)]
Gosh, you are brave! ACF (Another Cycling Forum) is populated by as intelligent, vociferous, argumentative, helpful, velo-obsessed individuals that you're likely to find anywhere on the internet. The Anoraks and Trolls can be found on C+, but you didn't hear that from me.....
Tee Hee...
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