Overcast Saturday

Saturday, March 17, 2018

I don’t set a very good example on overcast days. I know that even though I can’t see the sun, its rays are still penetrating the clouds and I’m exposed. Still, when it’s cloudy like it was this morning, I don’t apply sunscreen before I ride, even though I should. Do as I say, not as I do when it comes to sunscreen.

Do as I say and as I do when it comes to picking a jersey to wear when it’s overcast. The lack of sunlight makes bike riders more vulnerable to the prospect of being hit by a driver that doesn’t see the cyclist. For that reason, I always wear the brightest jersey I own when the sky is flat and sunlight is at a minimum. On sunny days, however, the brightest jersey tends to blend in because everything is bright, so I’ll wear a jersey with a fun graphic or bold colors that aren’t necessarily bright, but will still catch the eye of motorists. I know it’s a small thing but as a cyclist sharing the road with cars and trucks, you need every advantage you can get. High visibility!

Here’s a bonus photo from today’s ride: bluebonnets that are sprouting in the right of way along Highway 183.

Here’s a report on today’s ride.