Since I work from home I didn’t think anyone would be interested in the 30’ of hallway between the breakfast table and my office, so instead I decided to document the trip I make almost as often (or, if you were to believe the spousal unit, at least twice as often) which is the route I ride to the golf course. With the way I’ve been playing lately it really does seem like work sometimes, so I guess it kind of counts anyway.
Here’s a map of the route – 20 kilometres of mostly curvy road.
And my ‘commuting’ video:
Did you notice Charlie in the video? Right near the start, at the 19 second mark, a ruffed grouse flies out in front of the bike as I’m heading down the driveway. That’s Charlie. For some strange reason he has adopted us. I don’t know if he thinks he’s human, or if he thinks we’re birds, but either way Charlie has become a fixture around here this summer. Not only does he chase the bike going down the drive, he’ll also supervise (from about 2 feet away) whenever we’re working in the yard. If I’m barbequing on the deck I’ll often hear a flutter of wings and there he’ll be, perched on the railing, checking out our dinner. Very strange creature, but kind of neat to have around.
That's a really nice ride, Canajun!
ReplyDeleteWith the trees being close in, any significant risk of animal strike during daylight hours? I see you have single and double yellow lines. Is the single yellow continuous line simply a lane divider with overtaking permitted in either direction? Presumably double yellow means no crossing lanes in either direction?
Geoff: No. According to the Ontario Traffic Act, whether single or double, a solid yellow line means no passing in either direction. A single line marking is typically found on two-lane rural roads. Most people will pass on a single solid if the way is clear and they can do so safely (and with all the old farmers around here driving at 20 or 30 kph under the limit, it's the only way to get by on some of these roads).
ReplyDeleteDouble lines are used on regional or provincial roads and also mean no passing in either direction.
As for the trees, in most places there's enough of a verge to see deer or bears (the main large animals one has to worry about here) and give enough time to proceed with caution, at least during the day. At dusk or dawn it's a different story as deer will often be found standing in the middle of the road when one rounds a bend. And they literally freeze in the headlights until you're nearly upon them. So nightime driving is slow driving here.
Maybe it's my strange sense of humor but I would have documented the 30 foot walk from kitchen to office. "That damn ottoman pulled out in front of me which required a quick side step, hence the blurry picture."
ReplyDeleteRobert - I'll have to remember that for the next challenge. LOL.
DeleteSaw you on Martha's blog and thought I'd check in to see how you carry clubs on your motorcycle/scooter.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to ride my day bag 25 miles to my golf course sometime too, but am still working on a safe way to do so.
Unfortunately I can't get the video to download! I'll check back later...
Say "hi" to Charlie!
Hi Deb. I don't carry my clubs on the bike; I store them at the course. Although I did see a bike there with a carrier the other day and I grabbed a photo which I will post.
DeleteHope you manage to overcome the issues with the download.
Cheers.
Canajun, That is a beautiful ride! And again, these northern riders (me included) really appreciate every warm beautiful day! Your area looks very much like northern WI.
ReplyDeleteI saw Charlie! He must be your Security Grouse.
Thanks again for taking the challenge!
Martha, having ridden through Wisconsin and most of south and eastern Ontario there's not much to tell them apart except the colours of the flags waving from porches and fence posts. I'm sure you'd feel right at home here.
DeleteThanks for the comment.
What a lovely ride, and almost no traffic. The turns don't look that difficult to negotiate, hence I wonder why neither the oncoming car nor the pick-up in front of you managed to stay in their lane... drunk drivers?
ReplyDeleteSonja, while it's possible they'd hoisted a few before hitting the road I expect it's more a matter of sloppy "country" driving. Also, a lot of folks here tend to drive in the middle of the road to provide the most response time in the event of a deer or flock of wild turkeys suddenly appearing. You get used to it.
DeleteCanajun:
DeleteI think you're right. I lived in a small town doing summer jobs and you get used to using both sides of the lanes to straighten out the curves, you could drive faster that way. City folk would stick in their lane and not deviate from the speed limit.
that is a nice commute to the golf course. Nice gently curves and very little traffic
bob
Riding the Wet Coast