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The Gathering Gloom

February 3, 2012 by Scooter in the Sticks 5 Comments

Dying light, the gathering gloom descending on the ride home from work.  Cold enough that my hands chill quickly when I handle the Canon G9 camera without gloves.  I can’t quite get the camera to do what I want it to do with those thick winter Tourmaster gloves.

Stay just a bit late at work and the light disappears quickly, especially on an overcast day.  Riding is bright.  I find unexpected satisfaction in cutting through the grayness on a cold evening.  Riding is an affirmation of living.  It is a reminder of breath and sight and feeling.  It’s so far from being behind the wheel I can’t begin to describe the experience.

One last stop on the way home to scramble up the concrete beneath the overpass.  Standing with the camera I wonder if a passing police car will think “terrorist” as I photograph in my bumblebee riding suit.  More likely “idiot”.

When I think of injuring myself during riding more often those thoughts arise as I am finding places to shoot a picture.

And on down the through the gathering gloom to home and hearth and a cup of tea.  Or two.

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Comments

  1. ToadMama says

    February 3, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    That even looks cold. Enjoy the tea!

    Reply
  2. bobskoot says

    February 4, 2012 at 12:22 am

    Steve:

    a double BRRRR, looks cold. We are half way towards Spring. It is not always dark when we leave work

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

    Reply
  3. bouls says

    February 4, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    I love your enthusiasm, my bike is still parked for another month or two. But with each passing day the prospect of riding gets closer!

    Reply
  4. Steve Williams says

    February 5, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    ToadMama: Cold but not oppressive. And tea always helps.

    bobskoot: Some days when I realize it’s time to go home and I remember I have the Vespa it can be discouraging. It takes some additional effort to ride in the cold. So I have to get myself ready for those evenings…

    Reply
  5. Steve Williams says

    February 5, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    bouls: Each of us gets to decide how and when we’ll ride. There is no right answer. And I bet there is something pretty good about anticipating riding again!

    Reply

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