Still Riding

I was going to do a short non-Covid-19 post today, as I needed a break.

But then I saw a post on the Facebook page of Stay Park City Riding, a riding group I belong to, about riding in these strangest of times, and thought it was worth sharing with our many Senior Ripper cycling enthusiasts.

The post recommended an article called Riding in the time of Covid-19. In short, it says, by all means, ride, but ride alone. When riding, we leave a “Respiratory Signature”, that is a sphere of all we expel when we breathe, laugh, cough, sneeze that spreads out behind us in a spherical trail that enlarges our usual six foot signature to something much bigger. So, if you are riding six feet behind a riding buddy, thinking you are social distancing, think again. Today’s header illustrates the concept (thanks to Potomac Pedalers Touring Club, Inc. (PPTC) for the image). And here is a depiction of how the Respiratory Signature can impact you and your riding group if you don’t follow their advice.

I am as guilty as anyone. I have been riding with friends (one at a time), and riding within the respiratory sphere. I pick my riding buddies carefully, and they are all seemingly healthy and have been practicing social distancing. But you never know, so I’ve decided to toe the line and ride solo (with the exception of Gail, with whom I will be happy to ride once she gives up her snow activities and moves on to cycling; I figure since we share the same bed, we can share the same respiratory sphere).

In the meantime, my daily rides, outdoors when I can, and otherwise indoors, have been needed respites from the constant onslaught of Covid-19 and economic news. We live in a beautiful place, with lots of space, gorgeous views and endless options for rides. And every now and then, I even come across some Covid levity on my rides:

But mostly it’s just great exercise and a peaceful break. I look forward to them every day.