It Felt True and Seemed Genuine

Yes, I rode to work today.

But, I didn't ride to work as early as I usually do. I had a dentist appointment first thing and went into work afterwards.

It was much brighter than my usual commute Downtown.

This evening as I was letting Billie, my Symba, warm up and getting myself geared up, one of the judges came by. "Be safe riding home," she said, then added, "It's dark and I doubt people can see you as well as during the day." I thanked her for her concern. With the type of work I do in the Courthouses I don't have much reason to interact with the judges. I have to admit there are judges who even after the years I don't have a face for their name. Funnily, I have had more conversations with judges as they walk by Billie and me as we're fixing to leave than at any other time. I was touched by her concern -- it felt true and seemed genuine. I thanked her. I, also, shared with her how I wasn't at all sure folks saw me any better during the day than in the dark. The ones paying attention will probably see me either time, I told her, and the ones who don't pay attention won't see me either time. She agreed that there are a lot of distracted drivers on the road.

I'm not sure where I heard it first, but I've taken this to heart. I ride as if I'm invisible and as if I'm made of glass. I don't expect other drivers will see me. And, I'm very aware there aren't many fender benders when a motorcycle is involved in a crash with a car.

Just because I ride as if I'm invisible doesn't mean I don't take steps to make myself seen. I took this photo tonight just as I got home. Does the flag say, "Can you see me now?"

I would have preferred to have a more Hi-Vis helmet, but I wanted this particular helmet, it has a double lens visor and breath guard, and it came in black or with some not much more visible graphics. But, I've added a reflective sticker to the back to help it stand out at night.

On my way home tonight I almost hit a cat. Obviously, the cat wasn't paying attention.

• 46F/8C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 44F/7C and dark for the ride home.