On becoming more like an owl

a hoot of a tale

I got back into mountain biking only a few years ago.

When I did, it was expected that I become more like an owl.

The biggest challenge has been that faced by my eyes.

(turning my head in a circle has been easy for at least two decades)

We regularly ride at night.

The people I ride with have been doing this for years.

They can see in the dark.

They don’t need very much light at all to navigate familiar, grey topped trails.

Initially, I was severely impaired.

I could not see in the dark.

I needed a headlamp.

Recently, I’ve been out after dark with someone who rides less than I do.

I only brough one light.

You might think that after the first time, I’d be better prepared?

Naw.

Each time I did, they got to use it. They were less comfortable feeling their way through the twisty, turney path.

Me?

I learned that over these last few years, it’s not just my legs that have grown a bit more fit. My eyes are stronger too. They were desperate to let the light in, Riding off ahead in the dark, the path just appe…